Vocal Voices

We will probably have 12 people sitting down to lunch on Boxing day. Any ideas? I do want to do something hot, but obviously don't want to be cooking all morning after cooking on Christmas day too...

I've never spent much time in the kitchen Boxing Day loz, we've always had a semi hot option. I do a huge pot, or two, of potatoes, saute the left over veggies (deliberately cook too many Christmas Day) mash the pots and fold the veggies in. Then it goes in a huge buttered dish sprinkled liberally with grated cheese and browns in the oven for 30mins or so - my version of bubble and squeak without all the frying. Serve up with garden peas, cold slices of turkey and ham, pigs in blankets, plus a good assortment of pickles.

After all the rich food on Christmas Day it's a lovely change and has always been really popular with all the family. Even better it's really quick and easy

I used to do a sort of buffet - i was catering for 13, of all ages - so I'd do a chilli with rice for the adults, or a jacket potato and the children would end up having nibbles. Some I made, some I bought in.

I'll have a think......it as a few years ago now

We tend to just all dig in and eat the cold meats, salads, leftovers etc. Oh and I always make a big trifle.......Not to mention the best part of Christmas food for me - the massive crusty bread turkey and mayo sandwich!!!

Yes, I'm like Kaz, cold buffet - you can't beat some nice cold turkey. A selection of buns/rolls and butter. A nice gateau, or lemon drizzle cake and some fruit or trifle. What more could you want.

Twelve is a lot to have leftovers for though, and if they're there later as well that would be the 'cold' meal wouldn't it?
Jen's is a good compromise

How about a big gammon joint (we can get great big ones in the market, good value), either Jen's veg idea or new potatoes, or a big tray of Boulangere potatoes (nowhere near as rich as Dauphinoise).
Plus - red cabbage? Personally I'm not keen on the usual long-cooked with sugar, vinegar, apples, whatever, but that would certainly work and can also be sitting in the oven.
A couple of years ago I discovered you can also cook it a 'normal' amount of time, then toss it with creme fraiche and paprika, and love that
Also they're all things that can be just put on the table - gammon sliced of course.

Shepherds pie would be nice, base can be made ahead and frozen (or indeed the whole thing) and only needs one veg.
Fish pie?
Or a casserole, which could also be made ahead and frozen - venison or beef in red wine? Jacket potatoes for the least effort, or mash.

We used to do a one-pot wonder of some sort, usually chilli, bolognese or mince and veg, but instead of rice, pasta and so on, it was with doosteps of buttered crusty bread. The one-pot was done early then put in a med oven till it was needed - dead easy.

Main was always followed by a trifle with cheese and biscuits to finish.

Anyone who stayed late had to put up with turkey sarnies with pickles and stuff.

Ours is usually the big one pot. Chilli with crusty bread or baked potatoes.

Shop bought cheese cakes to follow (why make yourself more work)

Cold Turkey, reheated veg and put a gammon in the slow cooker early in the morning