Christmas dinner easy sides
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Anonymous
| Every year we have another family over for Xmas dinner of beef tenderloin. I am trying to figure out how to round out the menu without having to fuss in the kitchen that day. I have been behind with everything this Christmas (cards, decorating, cookies, etc) and want to enjoy some stress-free time on Christmas day. The mom (who is vegetarian) brings a substantial vegetarian dish to share (she usually makes South Indian food). So the menu does not have to really be cohesive. I'm thinking we'll have mashed potatoes as a side, but then looking for other veg ideas or something a little lighter, perhaps. My cookies have been a disaster this year, so I will also want a nice (and easy or make ahead) dessert idea since I won't just be able to serve the cookie tray. Thanks! |
Anonymous
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I do prime rib with creamed spinach, popovers, and burgundy mushrooms. The burgundy mushrooms could not possibly be easier (crockpot!), make the whole house smell delicious, and my first grader was upset at Thanksgiving because she forgot what holiday we usually eat them with and was looking forward to them with the turkey.
https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9476/burgundy-mushrooms/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_pw_md_pmx_hybd_mix_us_18891731492&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18891732851&gbraid=0AAAAABxutSpEGPT3_xW9RN0b9Poa2OfKF&gclid=Cj0KCQiAo4TKBhDRARIsAGW29beNkva73LMsogI0ie02RVMubFrYAoAlzo3u_Y0Zvm4OrIDrH66kFU0aAtCYEALw_wcB |
Anonymous
| It sounds like baking and cooking aren't your thing. Just buy everything premade. |
Anonymous
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Roasted Brussel sprouts and bacon.
Just cut them in half, mix with a small amount of oil and some salt, and a few slices of bacon diced small. Roast until everything is crispy. |
Anonymous
| I would do little round roasted potatoes rather than mashed. Mashed seem heavy, for Thanksgiving. The round ball potatoes seem lighter somehow. |
Anonymous
Oh wow, mushrooms are the one "normal" food I don't like, but DH and DD would go nuts for this dish. Do you think they would lose a lot of flavor if I used vegetable bullion (to accommodate our vegetarian guest)? I love popovers but haven't tried them before - I worry they won't rise. |
Anonymous
I don't think the different bouillon would hurt at all! |
Anonymous
| NP Popovers are my family's favorite with prime rib. But I think you do need a popover pan to make them properly rise. |
Anonymous
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Baked onions halved are tasty & a cinch
Ie https://thecookful.com/baked-vidalia-onion/ |
Anonymous
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We’ve made this carrot/arugula dish three or four times now, and everyone has liked it Recipe says that it is meant to ride the line between a cooked veg and a salad, and I would say it does so very well. It’s great at room temperature (because the arugula never gets cooked) and it’s really simple but quite pretty.
https://food52.com/recipes/73730-turmeric-roasted-carrots-with-seeds |
Anonymous
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Roasted veggies are super easy and foolproof. I frequently do it with broccoli and carrots but sometimes I make brussel sprouts.
And a salad is simple. Don’t make it too stressful on yourself. Try to make the mashed potatoes ahead and just reheat them. Or cheat. I’m a from scratch cook 98% of the time but my favorite cheat is refrigerated mashed potatoes. |
Anonymous
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Make Yorkshire pudding instead of popovers and you can use an ordinary pan.
Buy (don't make) a buche de noel. Or serve trifle. Indian + roast beef = colocalism, so very coherent |
Anonymous
No the house will smell terrible all day. I would never do that to my guests. |
Anonymous
| I would honestly do nice rolls/bread (take and bake!!) and a big salad after nice appetizers. You can do caprese skewers and prep a couple things to throw in the oven ahead of time. I think you should let yourself off the hook this year. And agree with buying a beautiful dessert like a cake or a fruit tart. |
Anonymous
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A simple steamed or roasted green vegetable with olive oil and salt. Asparagus or brussel sprouts would be nice.
An easy make-ahead dessert that still feels luxurious is chocolate pot de creme: https://www.seriouseats.com/chocolate-pot-de-cremes-recipe-8788299 I like to serve it topped with a couple of raspberries and whipped cream, but it's also delicious with just the whipped cream. |