Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with christmasdinner

Help keep the contents of my fridge safe on Christmas Eve

543DoublePlay — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:24:16 -0800

Christmas dinner filter: If we prepare our turkey on Christmas Eve (wash it, remove giblets, etc.) and place it in a roasting pan, can we keep it in the fridge overnight before roasting on Christmas day without any cross-contamination problems or worries? Trying to save some time on Christmas morning for the whole present-opening fun, I suggested we prep the dinner bird the night before and then on Christmas morning all we have to do is pull it out of the fridge, shove some onions, herbs and citrus fruits up its bum and pop it in the oven to roast.

My SO was concerned though about the possibility of problems concerned with keeping it in the fridge overnight once we have semi-prepped it. Any comments on whether this is safe to do, or a way to make it safe for the rest of the contents of our fridge?

Where should we have Christmas diner in Kauai?

kamikazegopher — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:09:07 -0800

Recommendations for a Christmas meal in Kauai. We are staying in Kapaa, but the island is pretty small. Doesn't have to be fancy, but a little festive would be nice. I can't find anything online. Thanks!

feed them

cior — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:42:02 -0800

Help the underdog in the kitchen: I need to bring a dish to Christmas dinner with my in-laws. I'm the outsider, somewhat scrappy girl from the west coast. His family is polished and traditional -- to the extent that they can trace their lineage back to dead presidents and prominent clergy. They're nice folks, but I generally feel a light judgemental air wafting through family gatherings. I'm in the mood to overcompensate, so I'm looking for a dish that will help me garner an evening heavy with praise and gastronomic wonderment.

I lack special equipment (electric mixer, special pans, etc.) and I have a somewhat limited budget (no lobster salad). So far my best idea is some sort of chestnut salad and a bûche de noël, inspired by this recent mention of French Reveillon.

If anyone has experience with chestnut salad, chocolate log or something better -- please share. Anecdotes about how you evolved from a scrappy out-law into a beloved part of the family would also be appreciated.

Festive, Non-Premade Christmas Dishes Serving 3-4 for Non-Cook on Limited Budget?

Juicylicious — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 19:58:58 -0800

I need a Christmas dinner menu for 3 - 4 people. I don't cook, so I need easy to prepare, festive dishes. I'm on a limited budget, so the dishes have to be inexpensive to prepare as well. Purchasing a pre-made meal is not an option. [+] I'm cooking for my 90 year old grandparents and a friend. My grandparents don't eat much, but they will really appreciate a nice meal. I'm thinking ham, but I've never bought one, so I don't know what to look for (they're already cooked, right?). We had green bean casarole at Thanksgiving, so I think that's out. I really appreciate any ideas.