Recipes

[Mom2Dogs]

Usually I make a  meal when the we host Chritmas with the grandkids....this year I am not preparing a meal, to much work and generally not a lot is eaten...I plan on having cheese spread, dip and crackers, with veggies, but would like to make something a little more substantial...any ideas, thank you.

[coconut1818]

Do you think your guests would like either the baked ham & cheese sliders on hawaiian rolls or maybe some kind of crescent roll wreath filled with meat and cheese or taco filling?  

[Glitter51]

lil smokies in the crockpot with grape jelly and chili sauce, meatballs, ham and cheese sliders, chicken salad on croissants, potatoe soup, chicken bacon ranch roll ups- these are some things that I’ve fixed for Christmas Eve. 

[ScrapHappy]

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@Mom2Dogs wrote:

Usually I make a  meal when the we host Chritmas with the grandkids....this year I am not preparing a meal, to much work and generally not a lot is eaten...I plan on having cheese spread, dip and crackers, with veggies, but would like to make something a little more substantial...any ideas, thank you.

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I used to do a big meal Christmas Eve (lasagna) and Christmas Day (turkey).  Too much work and too much food.  So, we now have appetizers for Christmas Eve.  I was watching the Food Network the other day and Ree Drummond had some interesting recipes I may try...Ree's holiday roll-ups, potluck meatballs, and Christmas queso. 

[Lucky Charm]

Appetizers are as much work as a meal almost.  Plus, if they are little grandchildren, they may not go for the spicy, unusual tastes of appetizers.  Plus, they're a lot messier to eat.

What I do is bake a ham and a large turkey breast. You don't have to hover over the oven, just pop them in and walk away. 

Get a large tray of mac and cheese.  Slice some tomatoes and cucumbers (don't bother with lettuce, etc) have some mustard and mayo out and some nice soft rolls.  People can eat it as a meat or as a sandwich.

[Mom2Dogs]

@coconut1818...I have made the ham and cheese sliders (recipe was from a poster on these boards) and is something I can do ahead. thanks

[software]

Watching this thread.

I made a big meal for Thanksgiving, my DD ended up in the hospital all week & not all the food was eaten.   Not doing that again for Christmas.

I was thinking individual quiche.    Can be eaten hot or cold. Make ahead and keep in the refrigerator.

I've made the Hawaiian roll sliders, big hit.

But I wanted things that are good cold, I can make everything ahead of time & keep it in the refrigerator.  The sliders are best warm.   I am trying to avoid cooking anything the day of.

I may just make a cold meat & cheese tray, with some added items like deviled eggs and cut up veggies with Ranch dip.  Maybe even potato salad.    I love pasta salad but I've never found a dressing that I like to go with it.   The other ingredients are easy.

[software]

You need a protein, or everyone will be hungry too soon.

See my most #7 above.

I was also thinking about ham  pinwheels.   

Buy the flavored cream cheese, spread it thinly on a slice of thin deli ham, roll, then slice.

Also crock pot meatballs or little weinies.

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@Mom2Dogs wrote:

Usually I make a  meal when the we host Chritmas with the grandkids....this year I am not preparing a meal, to much work and generally not a lot is eaten...I plan on having cheese spread, dip and crackers, with veggies, but would like to make something a little more substantial...any ideas, thank you.

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[sunshine45]

shrimp cocktail is ALWAYS a huge hit......it is the first item people head to in our house......either shrimp cocktail or steamed shrimp.

crab balls (if you have access to good crabmeat) are good to make a day ahead and serve them at room temperature with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and cajun mustard sauce.

fruit display or fruit salad

hidden valley ranch oyster crackers, chex party mix, assorted nuts.....all good to put out.

shaved brussel sprout salad or a field green salad with raspberries, candied walnuts or pecans, feta or goat or blue cheese, and a raspberry vinaigrette. this looks particularly festive during the holidays.

plain yogurt with grated cucumber, dill, dried mint, possibly grated onion or a little bit of garlic powder......tastes great with pita chips or cut up pita bread or the small indian snack breads.

smoked salmon platter......capers, cream cheeses, red onion, mini bagels or flatbreads

[Mom2Dogs]

I usually purchase hot, sweet pepper jelly/jam,  it is served with cream cheese and crackers....the store I usually purchase from does not have it this year, grrr...I am not a fan of trying a new brand but might have to....it's the only time of year that I buy it and it is really good.