Its my here to host xmas eve dinner with the in-laws. My original plan was to make lasagna but after I thought about it I would have to make 2 batches and thats a little time consuming and someone said that you can't double a lasgna recipe because it doesn't split right. My MIL doesn't like lasgna. Any ways, I decided to go with ham but 3 men won't eat it because it goes against the jewish religion. they aren't jewish. My MIL would be mad if I made lasagna and 3 men would be mad if I made ham so its a lose lose either way around.
I don't know how to make turkey and I don't have time to make turkey because I go shopping with my dad and sisters for my moms gift then out to lunch xmas eve. I don't get to do this every year because of having to work so when its on weekends, I can.
I am taking a poll: Lasagna or Ham? Any other dinner ideas are welcome also.
My MIL doesn't like anything with tomatoes or mexican or anything with flavor. If she hasn't even tried something and it looks bad she'll snicker at it. She is not happy unless she eats at a buffet. All pork is out because of the religion thing. at this point, I guess turkey looks to be the only option but last time I hosted and made turkey, MIL didn't trust me to make potatoes and she sneered at the gravy so she ended up making her own. All the years I've tried to cook something, at least one person, usually MIL gets mad because its not the way she does it. I can't win with them.
Maybe a lunchmeat tray or Little Caesars Pizza would work.
Why don't you just pick up some roasted chickens at the grocery store, bake some potatoes, serve a salad and rolls?
Take out Chinese food is popular.
You don't have to shop and you don't have to cook.
Just serve it up!
There are other things in life besides Ham and Lasagna...Why not stop by Col. Sanders and get a couple buckets of fried chicken?? Then just make the sides of green beans, sweet potatoes, applesauce, and pick up a dessert somewhere. It doesn't have to be labor intensive................Have a good time.......why make anyone mad by serving what they don't like???
Order a few turkey breasts and a small ham from Honeybaked! It's yummy and then everyone will have something to eat without anyone getting angry. AND -best of all -you don't have to fool with fixing the meat!
Why would you make something people won't eat? Are they purposely just being difficult, or would they actually be ok with other options? We usually do a standing rib roast or leg/rack of lamb for Christmas dinner. I personally think it's a lot less work than lasagna and just as easy as ham.
Neither since you know guests won't like/eat it. I like the pasta with meatballs
How about a spiral cut ham and plus a frozen Stouffers lasagna as a side dish that the 3 mad men can eat in place of the ham.
Some of the grocery stores around here, as well as the Boston Market, sell fully cooked turkeys and all the trimmings that you can pick up ready to serve. It's Christmas and you have plans for the afternoon so enjoy your time with your dad and sisters and pick something up for dinner on your way home.
Neither. Fix something everyone would like that is way simpler. You could even do 2 different entrees one vegetarian or Kosher and the other one that more people like. I would do something easy and cook ahead of time and just reheat the entrees.
Does MIL only dislike meat lasagna? My mom didn't like cooked tomatoes so spaghetti and all pastas like that would be out. Otherwise I would make a gallon of spaghetti sauce and then when it came time I would start the water and boil the pasta in several different pans. Once the sauce is made it can be frozen or refrigerated and reheated in the microwave while the water is coming to a boil and the pasta is cooking. The bread can go in the oven at the last minute, the side could just be a lettuce salad.
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This can be made ahead and frozen or just reheated.
I make a wonderful Spinach Lasagna. It is my favorite meal. It is vegetarian.
I layer cooked noodles with a cooked chopped spinach mix with layers of more noodles and mozzarella cheese then a layer of canned spaghetti sauce. I like the chunky garlic and herb. I use a holey spoon so it's not so runny.
Spinach mix
2 Boxes frozen chopped spinach cooked as per instructions on box per 13x9 pan, with the spinach wrung out several times to get all the water out and 1 large Ricotta cheese and 1 tsp. dried parsley, mush it together and set aside, divide into 2 parts for layers.
How it goes in the pan
Aluminium foil sprayed with non stick stuff so the cheese will not stick to it and peel off with the foil.
Layer of either sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese
Layer of cooked lasagna noodles
Spoon on a good layer of canned spaghetti sauce, thicker style is good
Layer of 1/2 spinach mix
Can put a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese either under the noodles or on top of them, it is totally choice as to do it or not
layer of cooked lasagna noodles
Spoon on a good layer of canned spaghetti sauce, thicker style is good
Layer of 1/2 spinach mix
optional layer of cooked lasagna noodles
Olive oil to keep it all from sticking
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What about some sort of casserole that you can make a couple of days ahead and then freeze. It can pop in the oven and be reheated quicker than a ham or other stuff can cook.
I think making at least 1 of your guests leave hungry just to please yourself is sort of...not nice. Why not do something everyone would like.
What about the Rotisserie Chickens from the Deli in Walmart. We love the Lemon and the Traditional Roasted ones. They are so yummy. Fixing sides to go with a main dish is so much easier.
As for Turkey. Stick it in a bag and put it in the over on the recommended temperature. When the little red thingy pops out it's done. It tells you on the package how long that will be. But I HATE TURKEY. I would eat lots of sides in this instance. Fix the stuffing on the side, do not try to cook it inside, it is NOT necessary.
My logical guess on this would be fix what the people will want to eat. That way everyone is happy.
I solved my Thanksgiving dilemma by taking the family out to a Thanksgiving buffet that had especially delicious food and a vast amount of menu. It was way more cost effective and the best thing of all was NO DISHES.
I made my own turkey on Saturday so we'd have leftovers for sandwiches, and to be honest I think I'm going to make the buffet my new tradition. Problem solved.
You can make a turkey breast an a small ham or lasagna.
Salad, veggies, rolls and dessert. Done!
I vote Mexican . . . you could do taco's - easy and quick. Also so enchaladas - I mix a can of cream of chicken soup, a small sour cream, salsa and add shredded chicken or browned beef. Roll up in a flour shell (I add some shredded cheese), put in a 9X13 pan, cover with cheese and bake until cheese melty and edges a little crisp. You could make rice (I add like and cilontro). A hot mexican bean dip - in a 9X13 pan - spread cream cheese, on top of that a can of refried beans, on that salsa, cover with shredded cheese and melt in over until cheese melted - 20 mins maybe - eat with tostitos.
Spaghetti with meatballs. Non-denominational and inexpensive. A full belly is a happy belly!
Maybe a nice couple of bottles of red on the side? Sounds like this crowd could loosen up a bit! (Or maybe for yourself in the kitchen if the crowd gets too picky!)
We are tired of ham and turkey by this time of year. And If you make something you know your mil doesn't like you will never hear the end of it.
For Christmas Eve how about a cocktail party atmoshphere. Lots of nibbles, everybody brings something. Put out a cheese and summer sausage plate, some fruit, crudite, little smokies ina crockpot, queso and chips. a store bought cheesecake and cookies. Just noche food. It's festive and informal and leads to more of a fun party vibe. You can play pictionary or uno and everyone have fun instead of making dinner a big production.
Why can't you make two batches of lasagna ahead of time? It's just like doubling only you use two pans. I don't see why that would be difficult or why it wouldn't work. Also, get a small ham, and then a turkey breast. You can put both in the oven to heat up. Everybody "might" be happy then!
I personally would probably make both the lasagna and the ham. The lasagna can be made in advance and frozen....it cuts so much better after it has been frozen too! The ham can be cooked in the crockpot with some honey, brown sugar, and pineapple.
As far as the MIL, if mine had the nerve to sneer at anything that I made when I invited her into my home, then she could damn well cook the next year....
How about heavy appeteizers and maybe some pulled pork sandwiches,or barbeque meatballs,something you can put in the crockpot. Lots of stuff to nibble on. That way everyone is happy . And don't forget the kids. make them something they will eat too like pasta or mac and cheese(homemade if you can) .have a Merry christmas=)
making a turkey is easy. put it in the oven at 375 and bake. cover with foil. (after removing all the innards of course)..
I've NEVER had a problem making a double batch of lasagna.
Ham because of religious reasons and they aren't Jewish? So are they Muslim? I don't get it.
Make enchiladas. you can make them days in advance, freeze them, take them out the day of and let them defrost and then bake them. Add refried beans or black beans and rice. done deal.
Neither. Butterball makes a bake-in bag turkey that is foolproof. Just put it in a pan and bake according to instructions. You never have to touch raw turkey.
Can be found at most SuperWalmarts. Easy solution. As always, YMMV.
Link is here: http://www.butterball.com/product/ready-to-roast-classic-...
You could do a roast chicken. Or a prime rib. Or Boston market!
There are more things to eat than Lasagna or ham! How about spaghetti, chili with cinnamon rolls or cornbread? Tacos like others have mentioned? If you want to be more traditional look for a grocery store or restaurant that does catering and get a whole turkey dinner meal already prepared for you. Go to Subway and get foot long sandwiches, have a veggie platter a couple of side dishes and dessert. Or go potluck and have your MIL and others bring something along. There are lots of ways to solve this problem. Good luck and I hope it works out for you!
A.
Beef Pot Roast and roasted potatoes... that's what we are having!!
How about Mexican food? That's what we do with in-laws every Christmas Eve. But if it were between, ham and lasagna, I'd say lasagna. Or maybe you can make both. That way you're only making one batch of lasagna and a ham.
What did your MIL serve when it was her turn to host it? You could have a plate of deli meats and cheeses to make sandwiches out of, and lasagna for those who like it. Relish tray, chips and an easy dessert. Could ask MIL for a recipe, and then she could not complain...
Swedish meatballs in the crockpot are great. Make a salad, some fresh bread, fruit/vegetable tray, and buy some desserts--awesome meal!
Neither.
What about:
Grilled chicken
Rotisserie chicken
Pot Roast
Beef stew
Chili
Cheese Raviolli
Chicken alfredo
Ham and chicken or a couple of cornish hens. Personally I don't think you should only cook ham or lasagna knowing someone doesn't like it. You are "hosting".
If you were a TV host, would you host the show in Chinese with American viewers?
Good thing you have 3 weeks to work things out.
I like food to be a bit fancier for Christmas Eve... Leg of Lamb? Prime Rib?
You have lots of ideas, but here is another :)
We make a pot of chili and have lots of appetizers and finger foods with it: shrimp cocktail, meatballs, dips. Include cookies and a dessert and everyone is happy!
We make hamburgers and put them in a roasting pan and pour Heinz brown gravy over them. Serve with mashed taters and a vege. I alwasy keep bread or buns around incase someone wants a sandwich. Don't like the gravy - scrape it off. It is simple, delicious and can be made a day or two in advance and put it in the roasting pan with enough time to warm it up. I have family who requests this menu for the holdiays because it is about family, not so much the food.
In my house, if you don't like the menu, eat before you get there or please bring your own. Even my MIL understands.
Merry Christmas!
Make soup/stew in the crock pot. It can be cooking while you are out shopping. My parents & grandma come to my house on Christmas Eve & I'm doing chili this year since I have a newborn & a 2 yr old to contend with (not to mention my 5 yr old!). I plan on having a side or 2 and dessert as well. Keep it simple :)
Make both! Problem solved.
What about a beef roast?
and don't let her replace what you make in your kitchen. That is like a dog trying to mark its territory. If they don't like it they don't have to eat it-but I suspect they have eaten your cooking just fine previous? It sounds like you have tried to please them and there just is no pleasing them. Serve a big pot of spaghetti with Alfredo sauce lol!
Turkey is easy, and so is roast chicken. Would they eat that? We buy 2 whole chickens, pull the giblets out of the cavity. Then I usually take 6 cloves of garlic and a bunch of fresh rosemary and pulse it in the food processor, stuff it under the skin of the chickens, stick em in a roasting pan, salt and pepper them, and bake according to the directions listed on the chickens. You can use the juices to make gravy. Either way, this recipe is so easy. Buy some rolls, make mashed potatoes, a salad and a dessert and you should be good to go.
You can double a lasagna recipe and I will be honest- I am a decent cook but I think that the frozen Stouffers lasagnas taste like homemade. You could easily buy two of them and save yourself some trouble.
Why not ask your MIL for some suggestions? She might appreciate you trying to find something she likes and she might have some good ideas.
Pot Roast would also be good and I think it is pretty easy. Allrecipes.com is a good site to visit because all the recipes have user ratings.
Good luck! And my vote would probably be neither lasagna nor ham...there are so many other options of things to serve, so why stick with the items that your guests say they won't eat? I know you can't please everyone, but I bet there is something else they might all enjoy...
Try a make-ahead main course. There are entire cookbooks dedicated to it. Go to your local library & look it up. I have the Cooks Illustrated "The Best Make Ahead Recipes", which includes instructions on recipes you can either refrigerate for 1 to 3 days or freeze. Many of the casserole recipes even give instructions on how to alter the recipe for "supersizing" it.
I recently had a party and I made turkey breast and ham. The ham was precooked so both went into the oven at the same time for less than 2 hours, they sliced beautifully. (on separate serving plates for those who for religious reasons do not eat ham). I noticed some people had turkey, some had ham and some chose both. Win win.
Chicken broccoli alfredo, salad and rolls!
Agreed on the pre-cooked / sliced ham or turkey from Honeybaked Ham or Sam's club. If they complain - politely tell them that there are other options to eat (provide sides for those who won't eat this or that) and then say "Then that means you get 2x the dessert!" and walk away with a smile on your face!
Or make Ham and Lasagna...then all will be happy!
I would make Lasagna, and you can double the recipe, it is not an issue.
You know what I would do? Get a turkey breast from a Honey Baked Ham store. It's pre-cooked and yummy.
Or, maybe do a vegetable lasagna with white sauce. That way you get a much more mild flavor and your MIL might like it.
Good luck!
If I had to choose, I would choose lasagna every single time. I don't like ham. And making two pans of lasagna, is not that hard. You can do it the day before & refrigerate.
How about one of the "company chicken" recipes on Allrecipes.com? (There are several variations, with reviews from other cooks). Chicken Stuffing bake is pretty safe (You basically put skinless chic breasts in a casserole dish, cover with cream of chicken/celery/mushroom soup & them top with a good stuffing mix).
Or, how about stuffed chicken breasts? There are lots of variations on this one, too.
Roast Beef with potatoes, carrots, mashed potatoes & gravy?
Plus, whatever, you decide, do a spinach or mixed green salad with nuts and sliced strawberries or raspberries & a raspberry/berry vinigrette (sp), and a make-ahead dessert. If you have a bread maker, make some dough and add some herbs (my fav is bread made with extra olive oil & lots of rosemary, but there are lots of variations), then make rolls or shape long rectangle-ish loaves & bake. (You can do that bread a couple days in advance, or do the dough ahead & freeze till the day of.)
Or, you could do something totally crazy like "brinner" (breakfast for dinner) and do one of those make-ahead french toast things, some bacon, ham, fresh OJ (mimosas?? maybe?), fruit salad.
You can buy a precooked turkey and just heat it up for 2 hours in your oven.
Pot roast in crock pot. Whoever doesn't like it.....oh well!
I'm sorry you have to go through this. Both sound lovely but my thought would be why not a ham and a roast in the crock pot - or go to Honey Baked ham and get turkey and ham - or you can actually contact Kroger or and they will make for you...
Then it is not so stressful for you
Merry Christmas!
You can do turkey... check out this slow cooker turkey breast....
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Breast/De...
All I can say is WOW that was SO EASY to make! I didn't use the onion soup mix but I added my own seasonings.
