Christmas Fare

[Colwyn]

I'm getting ideas together for our atheist Christmas. This involves enjoying all the food and drink but avoiding the "belief" stuff. So I'm looking for ideas on must-have Christmas delights.

Ever since my two daughters were teenagers (they are mid/late thirties now) they have demanded that I make Watercress Soup for first course on Christmas Day (light and elegant, not going to fill you up before the heavy stuff cracks in). Yesterday I made Rum & Raisin Ice Cream - last year's favourite that is getting a rerun. First timer this year is going to be Spiced Red Cabbage. I am somewhat handicapped in deciding these "extras" by the fact that one daughter is vegetarian (by choice) and the other is dairy-free (by medical necessity). But don't let that hold you back ... what is your Christmas Special food and/or drink?

[Scunner]

Ours is leek and Stilton tarts that Mrs Scunner fond a recipe for in a magazine - our Christmas Day starter. It doesn't sound particularly nice - especially for those who don't like Stilton (Mrs S + both kids then) but they are sensational - even for the Stilton haters  

It is a flaky pastry base and all I know apart from that is they have leek and Stilton in them. I could scan the recipe if anyone is remotely interested.

[Lotty]

Sounds lovely to me! I love leek and Stilton tarts, a really tasty Xmas starter, the flavours marry so well. Yummy!

A big favourite of ours is a 'pre prandial' taster! I think l mentioned once before that I love making nibbles before the main event to have with (often too many) drinks, and a favourite is Mejool dates stoned and filled with Stilton or Roquefort cheese, mixed to taste with yoghurt or cream cheese till light, (Turkish cheese can also be used) then  topped with chopped caramelised walnuts and drizzled with honey. It sounds complicated but they can be made earlier, are so easy to make and look good, one or two each and they're gone in seconds!

[kevin3]

      They sound delicious.       

[Stopfordian]

 They look delicious too Lotte. Will they keep for two or three days refrigerated with cling film?   
 Or is it better to make the filling fresh?

[Lotty]

To be honest they're usually gone so fast, I've never had to put them in the fridge. I'm sure they'd be fine for I day. I make the fillings the day before and put in a plastic bag, (snip the bottom corner to pipe) chop your caramelised nuts up and save in a jar, these can go in the fridge. Then they honestly take 5 minutes to assemble.   

[Stopfordian]

 Yes, it was the filling I was thinking about, but if you can prepare a day before that sounds great. Many thanks.   

[Lotty]

Sorry, I don't put the caramelised nuts in the fridge, once chopped and in an airtight jar they'll be better in a dry space.  

[kevin3]

  I much prefer my nuts be kept out of the fridge also.       

[Stopfordian]

 
 So,, chopped and in an airtight jar is preferable,,,