Christmas.....at Home

It's less than 10 days to Christmas Eve...and now is probably the time to think if you'd be celebrating (and cooking) at home or making the necessary reservations to dine out at a fancy restaurant, I guess.  [#Tip: If you're thinking of dining out, Angus Steakhouse, The Pressroom or Jake's is a probable choice (though prices are on the higher end, at least to me) or Victoria Station, The Ship, Coliseum or Castell (which is still pretty popular for many because of its affordability) though I would suggest that you stick with their 'a la carte' menu rather than their 'set meals' (if you want better quality food as I had a disastrous one once).]

It's certainly not cheap for those on a budget looking forward to a nice holiday season meal with their families and loved ones.  With the price of most festive meals costing in the region of RM100 (or more) per person, a home cooked meal nowadays doesn't seem that bad.

The few recipes that I've posted in my blog (recently) may come in handy for those thinking of eating in (as opposed to eating out at an expensive restaurant) this year.  I have done this for family and friends before (in the past) and it never failed to get good feedbacks.  Maybe you can give this a try....and (hopefully) get the same positive reviews too *fingers crossed*!  And this is one Xmas dinner that won't cost you 'an arm and a leg' :D

So, let's recap (and revisit) some of the choices (and recipes) available to you in the cooking posts I've put up so far (just some from my archives).  They're not that difficult for amateur cooks (like me) and some are simple enough (for just about anyone) to follow.

First, you'll need to start off with an appetiser.  Choose between...

....a Shrimp & Mango Cocktail

....or a Salad Veronique

 

....or a Borsch Soup

 

....or a Fresh Fruit Salad
 

For your main course, you can go with either.....

...Roasted Chicken with Thyme

...or Roasted Chicken with Rosemary

 

...or Grilled Prawns with Garlic & Butter

 

...or Spaghetti & Meatballs
 

...or even Pan-fried Salmon Fillet (this will be the costliest option, of course)

.......and serve that with your best.....

 

.....Thyme Roasted Potatoes

.....or Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

 

.....and a side of vegetables of your choice
 

For dessert, stick with fruits...which is the easiest to do.  I like to use fresh mango (but with a twist).
Grate some lime zest (make sure you don't get the white parts which will be bitter) and mix (pound) them with a little sugar.  Sprinkle on top your sliced mangoes.
This gives a fragrant and refreshing lift to your (otherwise) mundane mangoes.

 

...Fresh Mango (with a lime zest & sugar mix)

...or Fresh (Hawaiian) Papaya (with a wedge of lime)

...or a scoop of your favourite (Haagen Dazs) ice cream, perhaps?

(since I didn't have any ice cream with me, I had to borrow this pic *wink*)

...or even some (or more like 2 pcs)....keke...of Godiva chocolates for a bit of that festive spirit ;)
(I just received this a few days earlier from a neighbour...thanks)

Get a few inexpensive bottles of Sparkling Juice

(and serve that chilled as your drinks for the night)

Finally, end with a good cup of hot coffee

(add a cookie by the side to make it look more like one served at a fancy cafe)! :D

 

Damage: Probably in the region of RM25 - RM45 per pax

(depending on your choice of mains but minus the ice cream and chocolates...hehe)

Now, that's a complete Xmas dinner if I do say so myself.  A meal that's palate.....as well as.....wallet friendly!!  Who says you can't have a lovely Christmas dinner......at home!!  

 

Hope you have a wonderful and enjoyable meal this holiday season with family and friends.....whether at home or in a fancy restaurant!!!

Have the merriest Christmas possible!