Boxing Day

[Lozzles]

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...

[jenniren]

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

[tonicha]

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

[Kaz]

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!!!

[Rodo]

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.

[Kaz]

[Diflower]

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.

[Workingman]

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.

[debih]

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)

[miasmum]

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