I always have a lot to do Christmas Eve, making ahead and prepping for Christmas dinner. So I’ve instituted a new dining tradition that frees me up – more or less – to do those chores while others relax and watch TV. We do ‘Snacks’ all day long!
Wings: The perfect Suppertime centrepiece for Christmas Eve…
Sounds reckless, dietarily, I know. But It’s easy and fun, and it doesn’t hurt to throw caution to the winds one day a year. Maybe two. It’s a good way to go on New Year’s Eve, too, whether you’re throwing or going to a party.
Anyway…
There’s a host of munchables you can make yourself or stock in from the store. And your family and friends, no matter how choosy, will all find something there to love.
Breakfast…
If I have time and can dredge up the energy, I make home-made Breakfast Sandwiches Christmas Eve day. I make extra large Sausage Patties that will fit a Hamburger Bun after cooking shrinkage, cook the Eggs in a ring mould so they’re perfectly round, and add a slice of real Cheddar Cheese (not Processed, ‘American’). Or, you can get ready-made ones from almost any of the Fast Food Joints, theses days. (I don’t mind revealing that my family prefers A&W’s Sausage & Eggers. It’s largely about their exceptional size and the perfectly balanced flavour of their Sausage.)
Lunch…
This is a good time for make-your-own Sandwiches. Keep the non-cooks out of the kitchen by setting up a quick buffet on the dining room table with two or three kinds of Bread or Buns, two or three varieties of Cold Cuts and a tray of Cheese and Tomato slices, and Lettuce. I do Shredded Lettuce so diners can have as much or as little as they want. I also put out Butter, Mustard and Mayo, along with plates, knives and lots of napkins. Get your diners to clean up the leftovers and load the Dishwasher.
Afternoon Snacking…
Sister Erin says she intends to binge-watch the Die Hard movies this afternoon. It’s a Christmas tradition. For her snacking pleasure, we will serve Corn Chips, Spicy and Sweet Dips, and a selection of Chocolates. At her whim, she may heat up Breaded Onion Rings, Fries, Potato Nuggets or other goodies she bought early from the store, before they sold out. I’ll be working.
Supper time…
We’ll pre-heat the oven to 375 F around 4 p.m. and make up a couple of trays of classier munchies, including Mini Quiches, Sausage Rolls, Deep Fried Mozzarella and Pickle Sticks, Popcorn Chicken and Shrimp, and more Fries and Rings. Make sure you also have a plate of Crudités (Raw Veggies) on hand with a bowl of Ranch Dressing.
If your mob are Wing fans, set up a Wing Buffet. There are literally dozens of styles and flavours available in the freezer section if you don’t have time to make your own. And don’t forget Chicken Strips/Tenders.
In fact, there’s an impressive list of goodies you can make yourself or bring home from the store that you can choose, in addition to the aforementioned, including:
- Swedish or Italian Meatballs
- Mini Pizzas
- Pigs in Blankets
- Pizza Rolls (poss. Veggie Option)
- Spanikopita (poss. Veggie Option)
- Jalapeño Poppers (poss. Veggie Option)
- Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
- Cheese-Stuffed Mushroom Caps (poss. Veggie Option)
Evening Grazing…
After Supper, its time to put out the Shrimp Ring with Seafood Sauce. Pop any leftover Supper time treats back in the oven for 5 or 10 minutes and set them out when ready. And after a couple of hours, you can unwrap the Dessert Tray: Cookies, Cupcakes, Squares and Bars, Shortbread and Mince Tarts. Your fave selection.
Beverages…
Eggnog is traditional. I try to have a pot of Hot Cocoa warming on a back burner all day. Likewise, there’s Milk and Filtered Water in the fridge as desired. Morning is Coffee time and I also make Orange Juice available. Coffee (and or Tea) are also on for Lunch. Dry White Wine and Soft Drinks (Sodas) come out at Supper and dribble on through the evening. If your crowd is so inclined, this is when to uncap the Beer.
And that’s a full day of sinful snacking….
…To put your family in the right mood for Christmas! Not to mention that it’s a pretty heavy menu and the kids, young and old, will sleep soundly. You should be able to sleep in until at least 6:00 Christmas Morning!
~ Maggie J.