Yep, one day it will be your turn to make Christmas Dinner. [Can't wait] So take a few tips from me in readiness for Next Year's celebrations :
Always have a spare table - there's often a couple of waifs or strays popularising themsleves just before Christmas with the dropped in comments ... 'Oh I don't mind being on my own' ... 'My parents have gone on a cruise for three weeks' ... 'I've split up with my boyfriend/girlfriend'... obviously these desperados are in great need of company ... joining you for lunch / dinner will be great comfort to them ... well done you ! Just make sure they do their fair share of washing up !
Don't make too many vegetables ~ it gets confusing ~ you'll need lots of large dishes ~ and they just take up too much space.
Always allow extra time for meat to cook.
Make a welcome drink ~ saves time serving an assortment.
Hey ~ and don't forget the napkins ~ so trending atm.
Cranberry Surprise:
save a couple of wine bottles and lids for storing this yummy welcome drink.
Med pack Dried Cranberries
3 Squeezed Oranges
3/4 Box Cranberry Juice
1/4 bottle Cointreau
1 Bottle Champagne or Cava
[Alter quantities if you want more of a kick - or weaken it to pace yourselves]
Pour all ingredients into large bowl [but NOT Champagne/Cava/Bubbly stuff]
and put into sterilised bottles.
[to sterilise - place bottles in med heated oven 20 mins then cool or use straight from dishwasher - also when glass has cooled].
Store bottles of cranberry drink for 3 days in a dark place.
Chill
Shake and serve - drop a few cranberries into the bottom of each glass
Top up with Champagne, Cava or something bubbly.
*The cranberries soften in the juice and alcohol during the dark period in the cupboard and not only look impressive when served, glowing at the bottom of the glass but can be easily drunk in with the champagne, so ~ no ugly poking about in the glass to tease out the odd pieces of fruit lazing below the surface.
You've even got time to make it for New Year ???
Enjoy it !
Jill
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