Christmas party menu - not Italian food

[Anonymous]

Sorry for those who think it’s too early for this, but I’m a planner and I just the extended multigenerational Christmas party the Saturday after thanksgiving.

For the past 4/5 years I’ve catered from a great Italian place. I want to try something new either catering or something I can cook.

It’s about 25-35 people. We do apps (shrimp, stuffed mushrooms and charcuterie) and desserts. It’s a buffet and we have no vegetarians or food allergies to navigate.

I was thinking maybe a German or French theme and would love some main course options that I can make in bulk.

[Anonymous]

Beef tenderloin
Mashed potatoes
Green veg
Plus the body and blood of Christ

[Anonymous]

Chinese food, of course!

[Anonymous]

So if you're going to be running around a lot, I'd maybe say ham. Why? Because you can literally eat it out of the package safely so there's really not a lot of risk involved.

Of course it really depends on your level of comfort cooking, the size of your kitchen, and how much you really want to do. You can also elect to cater portions of the menu.

As far as traditions, my knowledge is limited to my German granddad who of course doesn't speak for all of Germany: goose was traditional in Germany where my granddad was from, but that's a bit of a tricky thing to both find and cook and it's pricey. We usually just did a turkey out of practicality. And some kind of braised cabbage. If you're going to do German Christmas, the place I liked best was the desserts, stollen and such.

[Anonymous]

It's never too early. I'm so ready for the holidays. This forum has been boring lately. Bring it on!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So if you're going to be running around a lot, I'd maybe say ham. Why? Because you can literally eat it out of the package safely so there's really not a lot of risk involved.

Of course it really depends on your level of comfort cooking, the size of your kitchen, and how much you really want to do. You can also elect to cater portions of the menu.

As far as traditions, my knowledge is limited to my German granddad who of course doesn't speak for all of Germany: goose was traditional in Germany where my granddad was from, but that's a bit of a tricky thing to both find and cook and it's pricey. We usually just did a turkey out of practicality. And some kind of braised cabbage. If you're going to do German Christmas, the place I liked best was the desserts, stollen and such.

+1
If you want to try the German theme, have a bunch of easy sides up your sleeve to balance the tricky stuff. Braised cabbage, potato dumplings. Aldi has german products that you can buy and practice with now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Beef tenderloin
Mashed potatoes
Green veg
Plus the body and blood of Christ

This is what we do for Christmas.

[Anonymous]

French - croquembouche
Bouche de Noel
Quiche - potato, artichoke, mushroom
Escargot en croute
Small potatoes with parsley
Haricot verts
Cow au vin
Cassoulet
Tapenade with baguette
Salade Nicoise
Ratatouille

[Anonymous]

Martha has a recipe for mini Beef Wellingtons that you can make ahead and freeze

[Anonymous]

Haha Coq not Cow

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:French - croquembouche
Bouche de Noel
Quiche - potato, artichoke, mushroom
Escargot en croute
Small potatoes with parsley
Haricot verts
Cow au vin
Cassoulet
Tapenade with baguette
Salade Nicoise
Ratatouille

We make these items frequently for get togethers and they are big hits. A German menu would also be fairly easy to prepare in bulk

[Anonymous]

Apple walnut cake from ALDI

[Anonymous]

Good Brats, beer, and Mac and cheese.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Beef tenderloin
Mashed potatoes
Green veg
Plus the body and blood of Christ

lol there’s plenty of wine and bread available, although somehow we have a huge Irish American family and no one chose the priesthood so no one to bless it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So if you're going to be running around a lot, I'd maybe say ham. Why? Because you can literally eat it out of the package safely so there's really not a lot of risk involved.

Of course it really depends on your level of comfort cooking, the size of your kitchen, and how much you really want to do. You can also elect to cater portions of the menu.

As far as traditions, my knowledge is limited to my German granddad who of course doesn't speak for all of Germany: goose was traditional in Germany where my granddad was from, but that's a bit of a tricky thing to both find and cook and it's pricey. We usually just did a turkey out of practicality. And some kind of braised cabbage. If you're going to do German Christmas, the place I liked best was the desserts, stollen and such.

Thank you!! Was eyeballing goose but even with my double ovens, I’m not sure I could pull it off.