Uuummm Christmas Dinner in a hurry?

Shortie

I offered to cook Christmas dinner this year and mine and OH's parents took up the offer :j

Thing is we were invited to a wedding Christmas eve in Manchester (we live in London) ans really want to go. Buuut we still want to do Christmas at home so will travel back Christmas eve night.

Any one got bany tips for me for this 'fly by the seat of my pants' dinner? I thought maybe I could cook the turkey over night when we get back...?

Ta muchly

shimmigirl

I would deffo cook turkey overnight, we (read that as SiL / MiL) always cook the bird christmas eve and then warm up what meat is needed before serving.

Can you make stuffing balls up and freeze same with sausages in bacon. alternatively you can buy nice freshly prepared ones from the fridge in supermarket.

When are you leaving for London - can you prepare veg and leave in water - not sure how long it will keep for, or again buy the preprepared packs in the supermarket.

Shortie

Thaks shimmigirl. If I cooked the pigs in balnkets ahead, and the stuffing, could they just be microwaved from frozenquickly then> Otherwise I guess there's not much advantage to cooking them ahead?

We're planning on leaveing the day before Christmas eve (Sunday). OH said we could go on Saturday but I'm not sure about that as I think I'll need to be buying frsh veg on Saturday (unless we go down late Saturday ofcourse.....).

I have someone who can take the turkey out to defrost for me so that's a bonus

Ellidee

What about Aunt Bessie's frozen roasties ? Also maybe buy ready made (pouch ) turkey gravy ? In the past I have used frozen sprouts but I did do fresh carrots.

MRSMCAWBER

Hi there shortie

you could always buy your veggies early, prepare them and blanch them for a couple of minutes.. drop into cold water, then drain and bag up... saves loads of hassel..

The stuffing balls, pigs in blankets etc can be cooked in advance and frozen and then popped in the oven for the last few mins to heat through
And of course you can always make your gravy and freeze that.. defrost in the micro and re-heat...

With a little bit of thought and organisation you will be able to go to that lovely wedding and still serve up a xmas dinner fit for a king.... with little or no stress

jamtart6

My Mum who is like Delia herself said to me "the next time I do Christmas dinner, I'm going to get Aldi's Turkey ready stuffed" its literally the turkey meat, filled with stuffing, and its the nicest turkey Ive ever ever eaten - and her too! She said whats the point in slaving over an enormous turkey when the Aldi one is much nicer not to mention cheaper (i think!) one would for a family or 6 and im sure it was either £5 or £10 cant remember which but cheap!! and moist not dry! Perhaps this could be an option for you?