# Mexican Christmas Dinner! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 2, 2008, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299 "2008-12-02T04:17:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/1 "2008-12-02T04:17:19Z")
I can’t believe it! I’ve actually talked my “won’t budge from the traditional Christmas menu which is really the same as the Thanksgiving meal we just had” sisters-in-law into having a Mexican-themed Christmas dinner. My stepdaughter pointed out that I caught them at a good time (i.e. they were completely stuffed from eating for breakfast what they had stuffed themselves with the night before!) Anyway, I couldn’t be more excited! I’m making my famous Vegetarian tortilla soup and my husband is making both chicken and vegetarian enchiladas. I’m going to buy a pinata (and other festive decs and dinnerware) from the local party store. Give me your best suggestions for a festive Feliz Navidad! (Let’s not turn this into a hey-that’s-not-authentic-but-this-is debate. Just looking for some fun and tasty treats!) Gracias! ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/2 "2008-12-02T04:23:34Z")
I think it is a great idea. We used to have chili on Christmas Eve (when we open presents) because I got tired of hearing my mom complain that no one cared about the food, they just wanted to open presents. Well, duh! Now the kids are grown and an in-law is a butt who doesn’t like chili, so it is back to traditional food for us. I envy you, though. And you gotta have some kind of queso. ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/3 "2008-12-02T04:33:15Z")
Definitely. Also, my husband is making his famous guacamole with a twist (add blue cheese, sour cream and scallions!) We’ll probably have make-your-own taco and quesedilla bars. I think we’ve got the basics down, just looking for some unique or small touches that will really make it spark! ---
**Author:** ![seodoa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@seodoa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seodoa)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/4 "2008-12-02T04:42:17Z")
> [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](#): > > I can’t believe it! I’ve actually talked my “won’t budge from the traditional Christmas menu which is really the same as the Thanksgiving meal we just had” sisters-in-law into having a Mexican-themed Christmas dinner. My stepdaughter pointed out that I caught them at a good time (i.e. they were completely stuffed from eating for breakfast what they had stuffed themselves with the night before!) Anyway, I couldn’t be more excited! > > I’m making my famous Vegetarian tortilla soup and my husband is making both chicken and vegetarian enchiladas. I’m going to buy a pinata (and other festive decs and dinnerware) from the local party store. Give me your best suggestions for a festive Feliz Navidad! (Let’s not turn this into a hey-that’s-not-authentic-but-this-is debate. Just looking for some fun and tasty treats!) > > Gracias! My family has always done this and we all love it. We do it for the same reason that, basically, Christmas dinner is the same as every other celebratory dinner in the US. Turkey/ham/roast beef. Boring! We always have tamales and they are the biggest hit with everybody. If you want to make an entire evening out of it, tapas are great before and after dinner. Even something as simple as nachos. Oh, and margaritas are another necessity. It is not Christmas until we’ve rolled grandmother out of the house and back into the van to go back home (less than a mile down the road). ---
**Author:** ![Marlitharn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/779978/32.png) [@Marlitharn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marlitharn)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/5 "2008-12-02T05:14:48Z")
Sounds fun. I’m trying to talk my mother out of having a traditional repeat of Thanksgiving and just setting up a redneck appetizer bar - summer sausage, Ritz crackers, various cheeses, Rotel dip, chips, veggies and ranch dip, various and sundry Jell-o based concoctions, and pie. I’m meeting resistance because to her this is Superbowl food. Maybe we can compromise on a sandwich bar. ---
**Author:** ![Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maggie_the_Ocelot)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/6 "2008-12-02T05:31:07Z")
Tamales are totally traditional Mexican Christmas-Eve dinner (stretchable to Xmas-day). And tasty too. ---
**Author:** ![Kaio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c68b51/32.png) [@Kaio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaio)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/7 "2008-12-02T05:35:56Z")
Chiles rellenos? I’ve had them both battered and fried, and grilled, and stuffed just with cheese, and with cheese and salsa mixed. I preferred the cheese-and-salsa ones, better flavor, and they were grilled so fairly easy to cook. I have no idea how you could deep fry the buggers without creating a giant mess/hassle. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/8 "2008-12-02T14:08:31Z")
I admire you immensely. Having Turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas every freaking year is akin to always having sex in the missionary position. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/9 "2008-12-02T14:14:11Z")
> [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](#): > > Definitely. > > Also, my husband is making his famous guacamole with a twist (add blue cheese, sour cream and scallions!) > > We’ll probably have make-your-own taco and quesedilla bars. > > I think we’ve got the basics down, just looking for some unique or small touches that will really make it spark! I really like Near East brand Spanish Rice. Yes, it’s a package thing, but it’s very tasty and you can doll it up with peas and corn or what have you. It comes with rice and a spice packet. Really good stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/10 "2008-12-02T14:34:31Z")
> [@Kaio](#): > > Chiles rellenos? > > I’ve had them both battered and fried, and grilled, and stuffed just with cheese, and with cheese and salsa mixed. I preferred the cheese-and-salsa ones, better flavor, and they were grilled so fairly easy to cook. I have no idea how you could deep fry the buggers without creating a giant mess/hassle. [Chile en Nogada](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Chile_en_nogada.jpg) is a fancy version–quite delicious & very fancy. Or just go with wonderful tamales! They’re definitely a Mexican & Mexican-American Christmas tradition–because they’re too time-consuming for every day. If you don’t have an _abuela_ to oversee a tamale party, find a local source. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/11 "2008-12-02T14:58:07Z")
> [@Shirley\_Ujest](#): > > I admire you immensely. > > Having Turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas every freaking year is akin to always having sex in the missionary position. I hear ya. We broke tradition last year (finally). We had a few whiners, but we’ve come to a compromise this year, and will do a turkey breast AND a pork roast. I’d like to throw an ethnic twist in there, but it’s baby steps for now. ---
**Author:** ![hellpaso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecae2f/32.png) [@hellpaso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hellpaso)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/12 "2008-12-02T18:03:21Z")
Another recommendation for tamales. They are ALWAYS part of xmas. Try both savory and sweet tamales–I would imagine you could find someplace that would have them. Looking at your location, you could find some in St. Louis, bring them home, and freeze them until the holiday. ---
**Author:** ![Nikki\_Tikki\_Tavi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/3da27b/32.png) [@Nikki\_Tikki\_Tavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nikki_Tikki_Tavi)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/13 "2008-12-02T19:37:26Z")
> [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](#): > > I’m making my famous Vegetarian tortilla soup Share the recipe? I have one that I like, but it could be better. My ideal would be the soup from Qdoba, that stuff rocks. I have recipes for fideos (spicy pasta dish) and potato taquitos if you’re still looking for food ideas. Does your family do stockings? You could do mini pinatas instead, that would be fun! ---
**Author:** ![Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e56c9b/32.png) [@Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harriet_the_Spry)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/14 "2008-12-02T19:43:58Z")
I’ve always been curious about capirotada, a bread pudding with cheddar cheese, but have never gotten around to trying it. [http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1940,152191-224196,00.html](http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1940,152191-224196,00.html) ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/15 "2008-12-02T19:44:13Z")
> [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](#): > > Also, my husband is making his famous guacamole with a twist (add blue cheese, sour cream and scallions!) You husband watches too much [Nigella Lawson](http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000135971). Others have already mentioned that tamales are a Christmas tradition but I’ll go ahead and say it again. Just be sure and get enough to last through new years. ---
**Author:** ![Santo\_Rugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@Santo\_Rugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santo_Rugger)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/16 "2008-12-02T20:36:37Z")
> [@seodoa](#): > > We always have tamales and they are the biggest hit with everybody. > > Oh, and margaritas are another necessity. This. > [@Kaio](#): > > Chiles rellenos? And this. Pasole is one of my favorite, too. Don’t forget to have the red _and_ green chile; proof that Christmas time should be Mexican food. I love living in New Mexico, it’s like Christmas all year round. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/17 "2008-12-02T20:40:14Z")
> [@UncleRojelio](#): > > You husband watches too much [Nigella Lawson](http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000135971). > > Others have already mentioned that tamales are a Christmas tradition but I’ll go ahead and say it again. Just be sure and get enough to last through new years. He wouldn’t know Nigella Lawson if she bit him on the ass…but he might like it! 😛 I think he heard the recipe on NPR. ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/18 "2008-12-02T20:45:16Z")
> [@Nikki\_Tikki\_Tavi](#): > > Share the recipe? I have one that I like, but it could be better. My ideal would be the soup from Qdoba, that stuff rocks. > > I have recipes for fideos (spicy pasta dish) and potato taquitos if you’re still looking for food ideas. > > Does your family do stockings? You could do mini pinatas instead, that would be fun! Great ideas! Here’s the recipe. It serves 4 (157 calories per serving) Vegetarian Tortilla Soup (from Bon Apetit) Pair this with a green salad for a light lunch. Ingredients ``` * Nonstick vegetable oil spray * 3/4 cup chopped onion * 2 garlic cloves, minced * 1 tablespoon tomato paste * 1 teaspoon ground cumin * 3/4 teaspoon chili powder * 4 cups canned vegetable broth * 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro * 4 6-inch-diameter corn tortillas, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips * 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes * 2/3 cup canned black beans, rinsed, drained * 2/3 cup chopped zucchini * 1 1/2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeño chili ``` Preparation Spray large nonstick saucepan with vegetable oil spray. Add onion and garlic; cover and cook over medium-low heat until almost tender, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, cumin and chili powder. Add broth and 2 tablespoons cilantro; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until flavors blend, about 15 minutes. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to simmer before continuing.) Add tortillas, tomatoes, beans, zucchini and jalapeñp to soup. Cover; simmer until zucchini is tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/19 "2008-12-02T21:18:32Z")
> [@Kalhoun](#): > > I hear ya. We broke tradition last year (finally). We had a few whiners, but we’ve come to a compromise this year, and will do a turkey breast AND a pork roast. I’d like to throw an ethnic twist in there, but it’s baby steps for now. Baby steps! Fooey on that! It’s the Full Monty or nothing! ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2008, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299/20 "2008-12-02T21:44:46Z")
> [@Shirley\_Ujest](#): > > Baby steps! Fooey on that! It’s the Full Monty or nothing! Listen…I had an uprising on my hands last year! It was touch and go for a while there. Teen-aged girls crying, adults in a snit…vows that as god as their witness, we will never eat standing rib roast again. The situation must be handled with kid gloves. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexican-christmas-dinner/475299.md?page=2)