last minute meal plan
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Anonymous
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For weeks, I'd been offering to go see an elderly relative on Christmas afternoon but she said over and over again that she was too tired for big holidays and would rather see us next week. So I decided to just do Christmas breakfast and then relax all day tomorrow while my kids go to their dad's house. Now, heartbreakingly she seems to think I'm coming and doesn't remember telling me not to come. And she has invited over another elderly neighbor of hers. Neither woman should be living alone but that's beside the point today.
So, people who like to think about food: what can I make/bring that is simple but "Christmas-y." Unfortunately, she doesn't like red sauce so something super easy to make and transport like a lasagne, isn't an option. I'm a great baker and a mediocre cook and this isn't fun for me, so I'd prefer something that doesn't have me chopping and washing dishes all day. Thank you! |
Anonymous
| Baked chicken and salad, with some cookies. Keep it simple and light. |
Anonymous
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You are kind to do this. I would want to cry if I had planned a relaxing Christmas Day and then had to rally to cook for others.
Some ideas: Sheet pan chicken and stuffing https://damndelicious.net/2022/11/18/sheet-pan-chicken-and-stuffing/ Chicken rice with buttered onions https://smittenkitchen.com/2023/09/chicken-rice-with-buttered-onions/ Butternut squash lasagna https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/butternut-squash-lasagna-recipe-1943375 |
Anonymous
| Catering from Wegmans. |
Anonymous
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Ham, mashed potatoes and carrots, maybe?
Not sure what the lines are like at Honeybaked Ham today, but that might be an option. |
Anonymous
| Make a simple beef tenderloin and green beans. |
Anonymous
To save you more time, most stores sell 2-3 slices of ham already cooked and individually wrapped so buy that, thr already-madr mashed potatos and fresh of frozen green beans in microwaveavle bag (só don’t have to peel). Your only prep then is going to grocery and heating up, which you can do at your or get house depending how far away. Store bought cookies for dessert. It’s about the visit though so you also probably could bring little cucumber sanduíches and tea. |
Anonymous
Thank you. These are helpful. And thanks to everyone. Good reminder of ways to keep it simple. |
Anonymous
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I would run out and get a small spiral sliced ham at the grocery store, along with some take home containers so you can box up some of the extra for the elderly neighbor too.
Pre-made sides are easy… heat up mashed potatoes, veggies that steam in the bag. Don’t forget a dessert! You will make a wonderful Christmas for them…I know it wasn’t your original plan but what joy you are bringing to them! |
Anonymous
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I love the sheet pan chicken and stuffing idea, but a pre-baked ham sounds even easier!
Here’s a super easy (I use rotisserie chicken!) chicken baked ziti with no red sauce, and you can make a tomato and arugula salad (Christmas colors) and buy frozen garlic bread. Also buy some Pepperidge Farm Christmas cookies 
https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/chicken-alfredo-baked-ziti-recipe/ - NP |
Anonymous
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It's disappointing for your plan, but it's kind of you to go. The ideas above sound good.
You are making two other people happier tomorrow by giving them a Christmas with company. I hope it brings you some pleasure too. You are a good person, OP. Merry Christmas 🌲 |
Anonymous
| Fresh Market has lovely chicken pot pies and sides |