Instead of a full on Christmas post I thought I would build up to the frenzy with a smattering of red. Plans for Christmas are just about complete here, gifts have been stashed away throughout the year and there is little more to do other than open the door to the postman and delivery van drivers; I tend to avoid the shops in the run up to the big day. Even though I have precision planned Christmas, and Father Christmas will not be visiting me, I can feel the excitement building in the pit of my stomach so I will probably be the first to get all hot and overwrought; somewhat like a child when it all gets too much. I must confess, this week, I also purchased my M&S Christmas gravy, I know, I know, scandalous isn't it but even though I love experimenting with different recipes the type of cooking required for a Christmas meal doesn't fill me with joy. I like to enjoy my Christmas day and this pot of gravy, ridiculous though it may sound, is the fine line between a rabid, crazed women and a serene rational member of the household, well just about!
So dear reader, what little short-cuts do you confess to, in order to keep the peace in your household?
Have a joyful week xxx
I'm so pleased to have found someone else who uses M&S gravy at Christmas. It's delicious so why spend more time than you have to slaving over that hot stove!
ReplyDeleteSue
Agree wholeheartedly, and if I can press-gang someone else into doing it I will.
DeleteLove the flashes of red!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the gravy when the time comes
I hope that you have a great week and that the floods we have been reading about are not near you.
Fiona
Thank you. We are pretty lucky with the weather here, we tend to be on the edge of the worse and it would take a tsunami from the Channel to experience a flood where we are situated.
Deletewhat a good idea! I like to buy my gravy too but haven't actually found one I like. Time to try M & S I reckon! Heather x
ReplyDeleteIt was the only thing that kept me sane last year, oh and the champagne of course!
DeleteAs I am on a very low fat diet at the moment, I shall be having Aunt Bessies Roast potatoes and mixed veg - much lower in fat that our home made versions.
ReplyDeleteOh and gravy comes from granules doesn't it???
Very funny. You will be more saintly than me over the Christmas period, I have no willpower.
DeleteFrozen yorkshire puds. 3 out of 4 of us are huge lovers of these most fab of foods and so a roast dinner is not complete without a mound of them.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
They are my guiltly pleasure also, even though I rant on about how easy and cheaper it is to make them myself.
DeleteFlashes of red are good, I have much to do, you've just given me a bit of motivation! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, glad to be of service.
DeleteNot sure if it's a short cut, but I'm all about the planning! Keepable (not sure that's a word!) food bought in November and also presents. Most of the wrapping and cards etc done in the first week of December - I really don't like the last minute rush.
ReplyDeleteClaire
The wrapping is also on my list for next week. In the past, I have been known to do it all Christmas Eve which makes me very fractious indeed.
DeleteNearly done all my shopping. There is only 3 of us for Christmas dinner but a whole bunch of us for Boxing day, so I will start cooking some dishes soon and freeze them so that I don't have to spend all day cooking.
ReplyDeleteCarolx
That's a good idea, I think the same way but my actions tend to go in the opposite direction...
DeleteLoving the RED :-) And I'm with you on the M&S gravy too.. if fact I have to confess I'm also a big fan of their ready-to-roast turkey/gammon/parsnips etc etc. Sshhh... don't let on to my house guests ;-)
ReplyDeletexx
Don't worry your secret is safe with me and the world wide web! Lots of laughter.
DeleteYou're a woman after my own heart ... well apart from the stockpiling presents in advance bit! I too like to avoid the high street and the gravy making, in fact my ideal Christmas day wouldn't involve a roast at all!
ReplyDeleteI shall get the man of the house on board with the roast this year, much more organised than me, then tell him I have eased his burden by buying the gravy!
DeleteI will buy ready prepared carrots and parsnips... possibly ready to cook sprouts too. I am ashamed to admit it. It is a luxury I am entitled to as it is Christmas and I try to be frugal all year round. :)
ReplyDeleteWell if you can't let rip at Christmas and take it a little easy when can you?
DeleteBeing Summer here on the other side of the world, we don' t really bother with a hot roast. Members of my family all share in the food prep and we have a buffet style lunch with salads, seafood and cold cuts of meat with no gravy. I'd love to have a Winter Christmas one year.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what it must be like to have a warm Christmas, but I like the idea of sharing the food prep.
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