We’re 10 days away from Christmas, however solely 7 days away from gathering with household. I’m thrilled that my mother, bro, SIL, and nieces will all be right here for Christmas! In preparation, I’m placing my meal planning expertise to work now so I can have loads of time to make some dishes forward of time early subsequent week. I believed it could possibly be enjoyable to share!
The main points: 5 not-picky adults. One which leans vegetarian. 4 children, none tremendous choosy, however for ease there must be a variety of straightforward, easy child choices like mandarin oranges, purple bell peppers, black olives, rolls.
I’ve checked the climate and it appears to be like like fabulous Christmas climate (IMO)- chilly, cloudy, cozy. Due to this, I’m leaning into soups and different warming meals. I’m additionally ensuring now we have loads of warming drinks like scorching chocolate, scorching tea, espresso, and purple wine (and martini making provides, as a result of that’s how the Stathas aspect rolls).
I’ll even have cookies out, my favourite in fact, but additionally gingerbread males, sugar cookies, and peppermint bark. For the reason that climate will dictate our plans at some point, I plan to make the most of the freezer. That means I can pull out soup and chili if we’re round the home, however nothing will go to waste if we find yourself heading out for the day.
I plan on making all the things I can forward of time early subsequent week. I’ll use disposable tin pans for breakfast casseroles, freeze soup in my souper cubes, and clear a shelf within the pantry to load up with Christmas meals. OK, right here’s the menu I’m planning…
December 22 – Arrival Day
Dinner: Lasagna (meat model* and vegetarian*) with a salad and dinner rolls
December 23 – Household Play Day
This one is a little bit powerful as a result of plans change relying on climate. If good out, we’re pondering of a festive household outing of ice skating and lights. Nevertheless, if it seems extra chilly and wet, as predicted proper now, then we’ll in all probability dangle nearer to residence. Cookie adorning, board video games, and Christmas charades, and subsequently extra meals at residence.
Breakfast: cantaloupe, mandarin oranges, bagels, cream cheese, lox, capers, purple onion, scrambled eggs
Lunch: Child Swiss cheese, summer season sausage, crackers, leftover lasagna, vegetable soup*, chili*
Dinner: Hen enchiladas*, Mexican rice, black beans, guacamole, salsa, cheese dip
December 24 – Christmas Eve
The morning shall be spent round the home, the afternoon at church, and the night again in cozy garments snacking and having a hearth whereas monitoring Santa by way of NORAD.
Breakfast: cantaloupe, mandarin oranges, bagels, cream cheese, lox, capers, purple onion, scrambled eggs
Lunch and afternoon snacks: any leftovers (soup, enchiladas, and so forth), White Hen Chili Corn* Dip, Kris’ layered Mexican dip, Swiss cheese and sausage, Grandma Betty’s cream cheese dip,
2:30 Church Service
Dinner: Seafood Gumbo, a practice! David and Kris take the lead on this one. It’s a little bit completely different yearly, however it’s loosely primarily based on Emeril’s recipe.
December 25 – Christmas
Our household’s custom is to make espresso, see what Santa introduced, pop in some breakfast casseroles, and open household items. It’s a chaotic and joyful morning that tends to lend itself to a simple afternoon of children enjoying with new toys and adults cleansing up wrapping and making ready meals for the night.
Breakfast: Breakfast casserole with sausage and veggies*, Hashbrown and egg casserole* (sub feta), French toast casserole*
Lunch: eat the fridge
Dinner: Garlic rosemary beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce, garlicky inexperienced beans, Stathas household potatoes, broccoli and rice casserole, dinner rolls, pecan pie, vanilla ice cream
December 26 – Boxing Day
Eat the fridge and freezer!
I’ve cut up my grocery record into two. The primary one has all of the gadgets I’ll must make the dishes I plan to make forward and freeze (gadgets indicated with a *). I’ll be a busy bee early subsequent week and am actually going to place my deep freezer to good use, however I do know I’ll really feel extra relaxed having lots of the dishes completed.
Am I lacking something? I’m open to suggestions!
Do you host household or buddies for the vacations? What’s your should have Christmas dish?
