Xmas Day Brunch (16)

Dec 3, 2010 2:13 PM CST Xmas Day Brunch
Chrisys
ChrisysChrisysCascais, Lisbon Portugal2 Threads 102 Posts
Hi, as the only single guy living in a small apartment complex of just 36 apartments, the community is always inviting me for meals and parties and whenever the ladies are baking, I am sure to get some goodies.

To repay some of this year round kindness, I have invited everyone for Brunch on Xmas day,an open house from 11am 'till 3pm,( around 20 have confirmed so far) hopefully it will allow some of the Mums to have some time off and not cook.Now we have several nationalities here, Dutch, French, German, American, Latvian, Swedish and me the token Brit.

If possible I would like to cook the night before or have food that can be cooked in the morning prior to 11am, it would be easy to buy the food ready cooked but I think doing it myself shows some effort and respect.

I can cook and on the day will have somebody to help serve and clear, some ideas for attractive food that is easy to cook and serve would be very welcome, especially for the little ones who range in age from 6 months to seven years.
Dec 3, 2010 2:35 PM CST Xmas Day Brunch
Tulefel
TulefelTulefelGöteborg, Vastra Gotaland Sweden24 Threads 1 Polls 2,848 Posts
Food for very small children should be prepared by their parents (amounts of teeth, sensitivity of stomach, allergy and so on…). For older than, say, 2 years, I’d suggest pancakes – served with sweet filling or wisped cream will guarantee a success.

Bon appétit!

wave
Dec 3, 2010 2:52 PM CST Xmas Day Brunch
Phoenix
PhoenixPhoenixSarkoville, Ile-de-France France110 Threads 32 Polls 2,591 Posts
For kids...crisps, coke and loads of cake (let them puke up in their parents)...

As for everyone else..Pizza hut.

Chances are Chris, most people will give you weird and whacky ideas to cook....You wont have time to prepare or something will go pear shaped..

SO take the easy way out...
Dec 3, 2010 3:06 PM CST Xmas Day Brunch
Chrisys
ChrisysChrisysCascais, Lisbon Portugal2 Threads 102 Posts
Phoenix: For kids...crisps, coke and loads of cake (let them puke up in their parents)...

As for everyone else..Pizza hut.

Chances are Chris, most people will give you weird and whacky ideas to cook....You wont have time to prepare or something will go pear shaped..

SO take the easy way out...


Probably very good advice but I would like to at least make an effort, I will leave the under two's to their Mothers and do the crisps and coke and cakes idea, unless mums might not like all that sweet stuff?.
Dec 4, 2010 2:52 AM CST Xmas Day Brunch
mariola
mariolamariolajalon, Valencia Spain25 Threads 1 Polls 1,135 Posts
Chrisys: Probably very good advice but I would like to at least make an effort, I will leave the under two's to their Mothers and do the crisps and coke and cakes idea, unless mums might not like all that sweet stuff?.



Something I always do for these sort of parties is Spanish Tortilla I cut it into bit size pieces and it seems to go down well with all tastes young and old.

Another is small rounds of toasted bread topped with grated tomato and a little Serrano Ham or Anchovy. Grate the tomato add a little salt and some garlic Olive Oil. Get the ingredients together early then make up just before guests arrive.

Bon Profit !
Dec 4, 2010 3:08 AM CST Xmas Day Brunch
Chrisys
ChrisysChrisysCascais, Lisbon Portugal2 Threads 102 Posts
mariola: Something I always do for these sort of parties is Spanish Tortilla I cut it into bit size pieces and it seems to go down well with all tastes young and old.

Another is small rounds of toasted bread topped with grated tomato and a little Serrano Ham or Anchovy. Grate the tomato add a little salt and some garlic Olive Oil. Get the ingredients together early then make up just before guests arrive.

Bon Profit !


Thanks Mariola, good idea,
Dec 7, 2010 12:59 PM CST Xmas Day Brunch
smoky
smokysmokyUnterland, Zurich Switzerland266 Threads 6 Polls 9,412 Posts
Aaahh Chrisy, what a good idea ... you must be a wonderful man!

Ja, I found, when my kids were little, and also these grand-kids of mine ...... they actually enjoy savoury stuff too!

An easy savoury is ...... ordinary beefy sausages, take them out of their skins ..... buy some ready made Puff Pastry ... roll it out, line up long skinny rolls of the sausage meat (maybe crush some garlic into it, the kids I know like itgrin ) ..... cut the pastry in long strips to fold over the meat, then cut into finger sizeable small pieces (mini sausage rolls), and bake at the temp stated on the pastry wrapper.... easy.

You can prepare them the day before, and bake them in the morning... about 15 - 20 mins.

Donta forget the Champagne with Orange Juice for the Mums .. makes them relax while their kids tear your apartment to pieces!
Dec 7, 2010 1:03 PM CST Xmas Day Brunch
smoky
smokysmokyUnterland, Zurich Switzerland266 Threads 6 Polls 9,412 Posts
Re-reading your opening post I see the kids are from 6months to to 7 years old.......

The party I was at where they enjoyed those sausage rolls was all pre-school kiddies .... those who could stand (in their nappies!) hung around the coffee table (sausage rolls were for the Mums) ... and poured their cold drink into the dish and ate the sausage rolls soaked in juice! hahaaaaaa.......

Better remove any carpets you got!devil

Oh, and don`t forget ... a little bit of sliced fresh fruit ... for the Mums on diets.......grin
Dec 7, 2010 1:50 PM CST Xmas Day Brunch
Chrisys
ChrisysChrisysCascais, Lisbon Portugal2 Threads 102 Posts
smoky: Re-reading your opening post I see the kids are from 6months to to 7 years old.......

The party I was at where they enjoyed those sausage rolls was all pre-school kiddies .... those who could stand (in their nappies!) hung around the coffee table (sausage rolls were for the Mums) ... and poured their cold drink into the dish and ate the sausage rolls soaked in juice! hahaaaaaa.......

Better remove any carpets you got!

Oh, and don`t forget ... a little bit of sliced fresh fruit ... for the Mums on diets.......

Smoky ,thank you very much for that, a good idea, definately will have some mini sausage rolls, I am doing Mimosa's ,ie, champagne & Orange juice, nothing posh,I will use local Portuguese "Champagne", very affordable and i wouldn't want anyone to think that we are too Posh!, hence the idea of making things, I was always taught that you do not try and "put on a show", its about thanking the neighbours, not spending more perhaps than a Mum with three kids could afford.Something that I have done before is to peal a selection of fruit cut it into smaller pices and dip into chocolate and then put into the fridge, kids love it.
For me its the children that make Christmas, I have wood floors so thay can make as much mess as they like!. I am hoping to find a Father Christmas outfit, would suit me very well!, again thank you for the ideas.
Dec 7, 2010 6:57 PM CST Xmas Day Brunch
mariola
mariolamariolajalon, Valencia Spain25 Threads 1 Polls 1,135 Posts
Chrisys: Smoky ,thank you very much for that, a good idea, definately will have some mini sausage rolls, I am doing Mimosa's ,ie, champagne & Orange juice, nothing posh,I will use local Portuguese "Champagne", very affordable and i wouldn't want anyone to think that we are too Posh!, hence the idea of making things, I was always taught that you do not try and "put on a show", its about thanking the neighbours, not spending more perhaps than a Mum with three kids could afford.Something that I have done before is to peal a selection of fruit cut it into smaller pices and dip into chocolate and then put into the fridge, kids love it.
For me its the children that make Christmas, I have wood floors so thay can make as much mess as they like!. I am hoping to find a Father Christmas outfit, would suit me very well!, again thank you for the ideas.


Reading Smoky's post reminds me of another easy recipe that I have and it found goes down well at parties.

Buy packet of puff pastry pre-rolled.

Sprinkle Parmasan cheese, dried Parsly and Chilli powder if liked, or Garlic or what ever.

Roll into a long sausage, cut into the roll every half inch or so ! lay on a baking sheet cut side up. Pin Wheels ! bake in hot oven for how ever long it takes...............I don't know exactly. I just do it.

For fancy alternative, with the pastry flat, roll one side to the middle then the other side to the middle. Cut the same and bake, for a Fancy Palmita !

wave
Dec 7, 2010 7:17 PM CST Xmas Day Brunch
BootyliciousGal
BootyliciousGalBootyliciousGalAyia Napa, Famagusta Cyprus60 Threads 1,534 Posts
Hey Chrisyswave

Your Christmas Day brunch idea is, I think, a lovely way to catch up with your neighbours in a chilled, relaxed, homey atmosphere. Here are a few suggestions which I hope will be helpful for you.... no, I cannot claim credit, they are all suggestions taken from the internet.... I have to own up that my skills are definitely not kitchen related... but hey,why re-invent the wheellaugh

Cold meat appetizers are easy to make ahead of time, allowing you free time for other activities, such as attending to your guests or preparing other courses. In addition, cold meat appetizers can be quite simple to prepare, as many cold meat appetizer recipes require only slicing some cold cured meats and arranging them attractively on a platter with various garnishes. Although you can prepare cold meat appetizers with little effort, the results will appear sophisticated and will taste delicious.

Charcuterie plates can be assembled with little trouble, often using ingredients already present in your kitchen. A charcuterie plate should feature an assortment of sliced, cured meats. Salami, prosciutto, smoked chicken or turkey, sausage, pate, ham and other cured meats. You can also add sliced or crumbled cheeses, such as blue cheese, parmesan, aged cheddar, and others. Olives, sliced fruits or vegetables, cornichon pickles, almonds, artichoke hearts, pickled beans and other garnishes can also enhance the plate. Sometimes condiments such as mustard, honey, olive oil or balsamic vinegar are also added.

To serve, arrange meats on a large wooden board or ceramic platter. Place condiments in small finger bowls and position strategically around the meat. Cheese, fruits, vegetables, olives, pickles and other garnishes can be sprinkled around the periphery of the meat, or place in a large bowl at the center. For a heartier appetizer, serve your charcuterie plates with sliced bread or crackers

Sandwiches and Wraps…A cold meat sandwich or wrap will appeal to almost anybody, even picky children. In addition, tiny sandwiches look charming when arranged on platters. Try serving miniature roast beef sandwiches with blue cheese and arugula, or ham sandwiches with tomatoes and provolone. Cold chicken pairs well with pesto, while miniature cold lamb and feta wraps taste casually elegant. In general, almost any flavor combinations that you enjoy with larger sandwiches will work for miniature sandwich appetizers, as long as they are not difficult or messy to eat.

Pate… While pates and aspics may strike many as being old-fashioned, these cold meat appetizers have never really gone out of fashion. Pates may be served either hot or cold, and are usually accompanied by bread or crackers onto which they may be spread. They may be molded into interesting shapes or simply mounded into a bowl. Pates may be made from almost any meat, from chicken livers to oxtails

Prosciutto and fruit appetizers Many cooks favor prosciutto for cold meat appetizers, as it pairs well with many ingredients while still maintaining its own unique character. Prosciutto can taste especially delicious when combined with well-ripened fruit, as its saltiness highlights and complements the sweetness of the fruit. Some of the best prosciutto and fruit combinations include prosciutto wrapped around grilled Mission figs (this is especially delicious when the figs have been stuffed with goat cheese); prosciutto wrapped around ripe cantaloupe balls; prosciutto stuffed with nuts, cheese and currants; prosciutto served with balsamic-marinated plums and a peppery salad; prosciutto tossed with fresh peaches and parmesan; and prosciutto wrapped around white wine-marinated pears. As long as the fruit you use is ripe, high-quality and in season, you should have little difficulty concocting delicious prosciutto and fruit appetizers of your own. Set them off with fresh herbs, such as mint and rosemary.
Dec 7, 2010 7:20 PM CST Xmas Day Brunch
BootyliciousGal
BootyliciousGalBootyliciousGalAyia Napa, Famagusta Cyprus60 Threads 1,534 Posts
.... And there is more... bet you wish you never asked ...rolling on the floor laughing



Overnight Sausage Egg Bake We picked up this delectable recipe about 15 years ago when we stayed at a fabulous B&B in Hyannisport, Cape Cod, MA.
1/2 pound hot sausage, cooked (not links - it should be loose)
1/2 loaf of french bread, cubed (the more stale the better)

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the following dry ingredients:
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/16 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt

In another bowl, mix together the wet ingredients:
7 slightly beaten eggs
2 cups of milk
1 cup grated cheddar cheese + some extra to sprinkle on top

Grease a 7" x 11" (best choice) or a 9" x 13" pan. Place the bread evenly in the bottom of the pan and then evenly sprinkle the crumbled sausage over the bread. Evenly sprinkle the bowl of dry ingredients on top of the bread and sausage. Then carefully pour the bowl of wet ingredients over the top of the entire thing. You'll need to press down on any bread that floats to the top to make sure that it is all evenly distributed and coated with wet mixture. Sprinkle a layer of grated cheddar cheese on top. Cover entire pan with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake covered at 350 degF for 1 hour or until top is golden. The combination of sausage and cheese make this one of our favorite brunch dishes.

Overnight Baked Apple French Toast When I lived in Virginia, I think I found this recipe in Southern Living magazine.
1/2 loaf of French bread
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced thin

Cut the bread into about 3/4 inch thick slices and place in a single layer in a lightly greased 9" x 13" baking pan.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla. Pour the mixture over the bread. Cover the pan and place in the refrigerator to chill overnight (8 hours) so that the bread absorbs the egg mixture.

Remove the bread from the baking dish placing it on a clean surface. Wipe the baking dish clean and spray with cooking spray (e.g. Pam).

In a small saucepan, melt the brown sugar, butter and corn syrup together over low heat stirring often until smooth. Pour hot mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Evenly arrange the apples over the brown sugar mixture. Place the slices of bread back in the baking dish in a single layer on top of the apples.

Bake at 350 degF for 40 minutes. Loosen with a knife and invert the entire pan onto a platter so that the caramel apple mixture is then on top. Yields about 8 servings

Cold Appetizers• Chilled boiled shrimp, cubes of ham and cheese, exotic olives and mini sandwiches filled with lobster pate, cucumbers and cream cheese or peanut butter and honey are a few ideas for cold appetizers. Wrap spears of asparagus with prosciutto or fill mushroom caps with deviled ham or chicken salad. Fill puff-pastry tarts with lobster mousse, seafood salad or ham salad. Keep cold foods chilled by setting bowls and plates on trays of crushed ice


Sweet Choices• Round out your appetizer selection with some sweeter offerings such as chocolate-dipped strawberries or fresh grapes and cubes of melon. Fill puff pastry tarts with chocolate and lemon filling. Small cookies, petit fours and miniature pecan tarts are other easy-to-handle dessert offerings.


Yummy..grin
Dec 7, 2010 8:07 PM CST Xmas Day Brunch
julia113
julia113julia113ottawa, Ontario Canada495 Posts
some amazing suggestions... i will try some for Christmas potlucks that i will be attending.

Only one caution....there are nitrates in most deli meats and these are harmful to all, but especially for children.

have a great time
Dec 8, 2010 4:48 AM CST Xmas Day Brunch
mariola
mariolamariolajalon, Valencia Spain25 Threads 1 Polls 1,135 Posts
You're welcome Chrisys.

Have a great day. I know your guests will, because you have asked for help and are thinking of it well in time to make it a perfect day.

Best wishes for Christmas

dancingsanta
Dec 9, 2010 7:48 AM CST Xmas Day Brunch
smoky
smokysmokyUnterland, Zurich Switzerland266 Threads 6 Polls 9,412 Posts
Chrisys......... I hope you remember to take some photos ..... Before the Big Eat, of the food you prepared .... and then some "action" shots of the day ..huh?

Looking forward to seeing how your day went!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!party reindeer santa waving
Dec 9, 2010 7:54 AM CST Xmas Day Brunch
Chrisys
ChrisysChrisysCascais, Lisbon Portugal2 Threads 102 Posts
smoky: Chrisys......... I hope you remember to take some photos ..... Before the Big Eat, of the food you prepared .... and then some "action" shots of the day ..huh?

Looking forward to seeing how your day went!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!


Hi, Smoky, of course, i will take some pictures, both of food and guests. Guest numbers are creeping up!, might be more like a Restaurant!.
Kind Regards,
Chris.
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