The more thinking and planning ahead you can do, before you even begin to cook, the better :
the plan
Decide on your menu
Check your store cupboard for basics
Make your shopping list
You'll probably think I'm ridiculous but I always set the table ahead for Christmas Dinner – preferably in the morning or even the night before. It is also serves as a useful prompt – you can see what you've forgotten! There's nothing more irritating than bobbing up and down like a yo-yo for serving spoons or whatever else you've missed.
Unless you have a kitchen big enough you're not likely to have a warming drawer. I have a solution. You may not have the warming drawer but you might have two ovens – a small one without a fan which usually houses the grill too. Empty the small oven – it's perfect for your dinner plates, serving dishes and jugs for gravy. There's no need to turn the oven on, the residual heat from the lower oven rises and gently warms. There's nothing worse than hot food served on a cold plate or vegetables from cold dishes.
Decide on your menu
In Hurray for hugs … I mentioned two examples of dessert, one that you can make ahead and freeze and the other your own standout – food for thought - or should it be “dessert for thought”. Here's another one … did you make a Christmas Pudding for last year or bought them and they are still in the pantry? They have a long shelf life and get better with age. Christmas Pudding is like Marmite – the love or hate principle, no half measures. I can't say I know too many kiddies who are fans so you might want to consider a cook and freeze ahead, lighter option, for them.
Up next, my template – we all have our own family favourites, which is why Yorkshire Puddings are part of my menu!
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