Christmas for one - menu ideas

markat

Well this year it a christmas alone - budget is low but determined to enjoy some fine food - any suggestions ? Am a lousy cook and have no oven - broke a few weeks back, just a hob and microwave.
Local shops are Tesco and an Aldi - have signed up to Aldi e mails for news of bargains ! Thanks in advance.

Newgirl_2

My OH is laughing at me cos I just said how I wish I had a big family to host Christmas for and shame we aren't at home this year because, if you lived nearby, you could come here! He's accusing me of rounding up waifs and strays :rotfl:

On a practical note, we occasionally bought turkey legs (from Asda I think but Tesco probably also do them) only £1 each and they are huge and more than enough for 2 meals.

Sausages wrapped in bacon may be doable in a frying pan, not sure. Is you microwave a combo oven or just microwave?

Then always can do boiled/mashed spuds and saute potatoes (so like roasties you wouldn't know thew difference).
Stuffing, of course, plus whatever veg and gravy.

None of this should be too expensive. If you don't like turkey, perhaps replace with chicken breast or other meat that you can braise in the microwave.

Pudding, mince pies or whatever.

Coffee and cake.

If you would like any recipes or guidance, just pm me. You say you're a lousy cook but perhaps you could have a practise run of each thing long before Christmas and make sure you are ok with the timings.

If it's any consolation, I will be catering at MIL's for the first time so desite being a good cook, I will be trying to cook someone else's menu in someone else's kitchen - want to swap :rotfl:

Newgirl

markat

Thanks for reply - not to bothered about traditional xmas food but some good ideas hun. Microwave is basic ... Tesco value one.

rasmus

You could always have a mini buffet, with a nice selection of cheeses etc and just pick at what you want throughout the day?

Newgirl_2

If you aren't too bothered about traditional Christmas, then there are loads of options... let us know what you particularly like and we will see if we can come up with a way to cook it with the facilities you have got.

Newgirl

markat

buffet sounds good - crabsticks, mini sandwiches etc

markat

likes ..... seafood, chilled meat, pate, cheese and nice pickles - like to avoid bread though. Thanks for ideas. Budget very low btw !!

twink

theres plenty of time to buy just one thing a week, check out the likes of lidls or special offers, leave things that dont keep till nearer christmas

sukysue

Aldi's do a super frozen chicken dinner, honestly it is lovely only 1.39 last time I bought it and it's lovely, often used to buy them to do in the micro when I worked shifts.You could add some veg with it and more gravy or if you wanted to be gutsy have two!!!

lamplady

A totally different idea, but just thought I'd throw it in...

When I was a single parent I sometimes was alone for christmas and I used to volunteer at a local homeless shelter for the day. It's a great atmosphere, very friendly and you get a lovely lunch!!. It's really good to feel you are contributing to society too...a lot nicer than sitting at home on your own.

jo03

lamplady I was coming into say the same I too have volunteered -before I had the kids though.Will be going back to it once they are older its great highly recommended.