# The Christmas Dinner Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 14, 2014, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168 "2014-12-14T01:30:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/21 "2014-12-14T19:48:27Z")
> [@HeyHomie](#): > > I married into a family of people who don’t think the meat is done until you can snap it in half. This year, as in every year, we’ll be having Christmas dinner at my wife’s grandparents. The menu will look like this: > > Overcooked, dry turkey. Offer to bring the turkey. Cook it in a roasting bag. See if they like tender, juicy turkey. Or offer to cook the one they have when you’re there. Or let them cook their turkey, and you bring another one. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/22 "2014-12-14T20:19:36Z")
Going to in-laws, but she’s a very good cook. Turkey and traditional things. I’m providing a Virginia salt-cured country ham(my roots), and making biscuits to go with the thinly sliced ham. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/23 "2014-12-14T20:32:11Z")
It’s just me, my sister, and bro-in-law. This our third year of pigs in a blanket, so I guess that’s our holiday meal. I wanted to buy a prime rib but BIL wants PIAB. Hey, these are gourmet PIAB, beef hot dogs, Velveeta slices and jumbo PILLSBURY rolls, not that store brand. We’ll have Aunt Vera’s Tangy Onion Jell-O, and corn souffle. Dessert will be lumberjack cake which I’ve never made but sounds like a cross between sticky toffee pudding (the best dessert in the whole world) and a fruitcake. How could that not be delicious? ---
**Author:** ![jimbuff314](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@jimbuff314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimbuff314)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/24 "2014-12-14T20:34:09Z")
For “occasions” (not necessarily “special”) I like cutting Brussel sprouts in half lengthwise and roasting them in the oven after tossing with oil and a little salt, pepper and garlic powder. You gotta get a little char on them! ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/25 "2014-12-14T20:35:00Z")
> [@peedin](#): > > Hey, these are gourmet PIAB, beef hot dogs, Velveeta slices and jumbo PILLSBURY rolls, not that store brand. You forgot the rolleyes smilie. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![araminty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5e925/32.png) [@araminty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/araminty)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/26 "2014-12-14T20:44:57Z")
Zuni style roast chicken, super crispy skin, served over a weird but amazing salad/stuffing of crunchy croutons, pine nuts, currants, champagne vinegar and rocket. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/27 "2014-12-14T20:45:12Z")
> [@peedin](#): > > Hey, these are gourmet PIAB, beef hot dogs, Velveeta slices and jumbo PILLSBURY rolls, not that store brand. ‘You might be a redneck if…’ ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/28 "2014-12-14T21:19:14Z")
> [@peedin](#): > > Aunt Vera’s Tangy Onion Jell-O I’m sorry, what? ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/29 "2014-12-14T21:21:12Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Offer to bring the turkey. Cook it in a roasting bag. See if they like tender, juicy turkey. Or offer to cook the one they have when you’re there. Or let them cook their turkey, and you bring another one. 😃 I appreciate the advice, but to to suggest that anybody besides MeeMaw do the cooking would make me a pariah. The Horror, **Johnny L.A.**. The Horror. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/30 "2014-12-14T21:23:52Z")
It would turn you into a ravenous fish that can strip the flesh off of a man’s bones in minutes? 😕 😃 😛 😉 . ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/31 "2014-12-14T21:35:15Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > It would turn you into a ravenous fish that can strip the flesh off of a man’s bones in minutes? 😕 > > 😃 😛 😉 > > . Listened to an NPR(I think) story about how they only eat dead things. The guy swam with the fishes and they don’t eat live flesh. ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/32 "2014-12-14T21:41:12Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > Listened to an NPR(I think) story about how they only eat dead things. The guy swam with the fishes and they don’t eat live flesh. I think I heard that same story on NPR (about piranhas.) Meanwhile, I’m still waiting for the deets on: > [@](#): > > Aunt Vera’s Tangy Onion Jell-O :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/33 "2014-12-14T21:41:44Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > Listened to an NPR(I think) story about how they only eat dead things. The guy swam with the fishes and they don’t eat live flesh. [That was a joke, son.](http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140115010119/tmnt/images/1/10/Foghorn-Leghorn-Thats-a-joke-son-You-missed-it-Flew-right-by-ya.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![stui\_magpie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stui_magpie/32/11010_2.png) [@stui\_magpie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stui_magpie)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2014, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/34 "2014-12-14T22:45:33Z")
I’m having what is basically our traditional Christmas lunch at Mums place. There’s Mum, me, her brother, his son, my son and his GF and my daughter and her BF. Never mind the fact that it’s the middle of summer, we’ve always had the Roast Lunch. Roast Turkey Roast Pork (with crackle) Ham Baked Potatoes Baked Pumpkin Steamed Broccoli, Cauliflower, Zucchini, Carrots, Peas Tomato and Onion Pie. Cauliflower is served with white sauce, the carrot, Zucchini and peas are garnished with some butter and honey. Serve with apple sauce and gravy. Desert, Plum Pudding, Ice Cream and custard. ---
**Author:** ![urban1a](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e47c2d/32.png) [@urban1a](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/urban1a)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2014, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/35 "2014-12-15T03:16:37Z")
There are only 3 of us this year so I’m having rib eye steaks (pan fried), baked potatoes, corn (on the cob I think), cranberry sauce (the canned, jelly, stuff) and rolls of some kind and pumpkin pie. Bob ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2014, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/36 "2014-12-15T06:48:46Z")
Roommate will be in a nursing home recovering from surgery over Exmas. I may have to smuggle in some food to him. I’m planning on the Traditional Exmas Meal of Our People. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2014, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/37 "2014-12-15T07:17:05Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > I may try deep frying a turkey for Christmas. It depends on if I do all the prep necessary to ensure a tasty bird and an unsinged house. So far I have learned that neither of the two 16 quart stock pots I own will not hold the relatively tiny 11 pound turkey I have. I will be going to my local discount store for a 30 quart pot with metal handles. Also, we’re gonna need at least 5 quarts of oil. > > There’s going to be a bit of crossed fingers as I cannot test of the grill will heat the oil to the desired 300 to 350 degrees needed. This enterprise has finally got me to order the candy/oil thermometer I’ve been thinking of getting but could not think of enough reasons to justify the purchase. _Protip_: have someone standing by with a cell phone. Ask them to dial nine, and one … And to wait. Please be careful. > [@peedin](#): > > It’s just me, my sister, and bro-in-law. This our third year of pigs in a blanket, so I guess that’s our holiday meal. I wanted to buy a prime rib but BIL wants PIAB. Hey, these are gourmet PIAB, beef hot dogs, Velveeta slices and jumbo PILLSBURY rolls, not that store brand. We’ll have Aunt Vera’s Tangy Onion Jell-O, and corn souffle. Dessert will be lumberjack cake which I’ve never made but sounds like a cross between sticky toffee pudding (the best dessert in the whole world) and a fruitcake. How could that not be delicious? I am intrigued by both your holiday gourmet pigs in a blanket, and by this onion Jell-O of which you speak. I must know more about the latter. I must. > [@jimbuff314](#): > > For “occasions” (not necessarily “special”) I like cutting Brussel sprouts in half lengthwise and roasting them in the oven after tossing with oil and a little salt, pepper and garlic powder. You gotta get a little char on them! You forgot the bacon, and the onions, and to use real garlic. Render bacon down until it is shatteringly crisp and has left behind lots of lovely grease, use that, add onions somewhere between quartered and coarsely chopped depending in preference, seriously for the love of all that’s sacred it’s a damn holiday use real garlic … and give consideration towards a shake of red pepper flakes while it’s all coming together in your pan. > [@araminty](#): > > Zuni style roast chicken, super crispy skin, served over a weird but amazing salad/stuffing of crunchy croutons, pine nuts, currants, champagne vinegar and rocket. Details if not the entire recipe would be greatly appreciated, please and thank you. > [@Ranger\_Jeff](#): > > … I’m planning on the Traditional Exmas Meal of Our People. Which is … ? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Soul\_Brother\_Number\_Two](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/soul_brother_number_two/32/3515_2.png) [@Soul\_Brother\_Number\_Two](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soul_Brother_Number_Two)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2014, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/38 "2014-12-16T00:04:45Z")
> [@araminty](#): > > Zuni style roast chicken, super crispy skin, served over a weird but amazing salad/stuffing of crunchy croutons, pine nuts, currants, champagne vinegar and rocket. I made that last year! This year I will make, as always, Paul Bertolli’s Dungeness crab salad with roasted artichokes and tomalley dressing to start. Main will be either Zuni again, or… I have been longing for shrimp and grits my way. Grits will be done Edna Lewis-style, with shrimp butter stirred in, and topped with a saute of shrimp and country ham, sauced with tomato-tarragon buerre fondue. Cheese for dessert. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2014, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/39 "2014-12-16T00:38:14Z")
> [@Ranger\_Jeff](#): > > I’m planning on the Traditional Exmas Meal of Our People. > [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > Which is … ? 😕 We’re Jewish, and the Traditional Exmas Meal of Our People is Chinese food. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![slowlearner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@slowlearner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slowlearner)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2014, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168/40 "2014-12-16T01:25:26Z")
Me, the s.o., and her 86 year old Mom. Mom lives in a complex reserved for single women 70’s plus who can still take care of themselves, what a bunch! They’ll all be cooking all week sharing their favorites, then the 3 of us we’ll go out to a little bar downtown for our Xmas eve meal of fried Missouri catfish and onion rings with sufficient beers and hopefully a flirty waitress, then Xmas dinner is roast chicken, yeasty yeast rolls and gravy,sweet tater fries, herb dressed salad, and home made mac and cheese. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christmas-dinner-thread/707168.md?page=3)