Christmas lunch prep

JIL

I watched eat well for less at Christmas on the food channel tonight.
They made and froze a lot of the food, red cabbage, parsnips and carrots, roast potatoes. Then they came out of the freezer into the oven Whilst the turkey wasresting.
If only I had room in my freezer!

VfM4meplse

JIL wrote: »

They made and froze a lot of the food, red cabbage, parsnips and carrots, roast potatoes.

Freezing destroys the cellular integrity of the veg (ie turns them mushy). Fine for some recipes (soupls, curries etc) but far from ideal if they are being served plain.

JIL

VfM4meplse wrote: »

Freezing destroys the cellular integrity of the veg (ie turns them mushy). Fine for some recipes (soupls, curries etc) but far from ideal if they are being served plain.

I agree plain frozen veg isn't that good, but this was roast potatoes, roast carrots and parsnips and the red cabbage was braised. Delia does it and that freezer really well. I certainly agree with the plain veg not being frozen.

The way it was done on the programme, was whilst the meat was resting the potatoes and carrots and parsnips went in the oven from the freezer and the red cabbage went into the microwave.
It got favourable comments from the dinner guests.

PollyWollyDoodle

I always make Delia's red cabbage ahead of time and freeze it, been doing this for years and it is just as good as when it's freshly made.

suki1964

I go one better then that, I buy it ready made when reduced and freeze it :rotfl:

Its only me that adores it so Im not bothered about making it

Pollycat

I'm a red cabbage fan - raw or pickled - but I can't seem to find a recipe for cooked red cabbage that doesn't include apples, sultanas, nutmeg or cinnamon.

caronc

Pollycat wrote: »

I'm a red cabbage fan - raw or pickled - but I can't seem to find a recipe for cooked red cabbage that doesn't include apples, sultanas, nutmeg or cinnamon.

This is good https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/8817/sticky-spiced-red-cabbage as is this https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/5052/chinese-braised-red-cabbage

Pollycat

caronc wrote: »

This is good https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/8817/sticky-spiced-red-cabbage as is this https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/5052/chinese-braised-red-cabbage

I like it! Thanks. :j



Do you think I could miss the sugar out?

caronc

Pollycat wrote: »

I like it! Thanks. :j



Do you think I could miss the sugar out?

I think it needs a bit but you could try it without and add some if you want to.

Primrose

I hope you!ve been running your freezer down for the move so you have plenty of space for Christmas stuff you want to freeze. I think you!re very brave. Our last house move took place the day before Christmas Eve so we decided no visitors and just had a quiet Christmas meal for the two of us.

Ask your sister to bring her main course if she,s vegan. Don,t bother with a starter. Just serve few nibbles from bags beforehand. Roast potatoes can be frozen beforehand as can pigs in blankets, and stuffing.

Will you be having to get used to a new different built in oven In your new home ? If so, build in the uncertainty of being unfamiliar with it and keep the meal simple for timing. . Serve plenty of wine and ask for volunteers with the washing up.

Your visitors are getting the easy option so if you start to feel a little harassed dont be frightened to ask for help. Feet up for you after The Queen and washing up. If they,re still there and hungry at teatime, opt for something simple like crackers, a nice selection of cheese, celery and some grapes. Vegan sister might like some hummus dip instead of the cheese.