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Basic Christmas starter ideas?


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Old 17-11-2008, 14:51
gottago
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My family are so very fussy and will only have the very basic (they refused our parsnip crisps), British (they didn't like our Nando's infused stuffed mushrooms) foods.

So after the mushroom famine of 2007 me and my mum are stuck as to what we could possibly feed them as a starter (we can't axe the course, they'll demand it! ). My grandad has a bizarre obsession with... ugh... prawn cocktail but we really don't want to do that unless we can sex it up a bit! The only alternative we can think of is soup but for some reason my mum is refusing to buy canned soup (it's fine the rest of the year ) and I refuse to make soup from scratch on Xmas day with all the rest to do.

So any suggestions? We're going to see if the family like fishcakes though I have a feeling that will be far too posh for their liking!
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Old 17-11-2008, 14:53
Poppy Seed
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If you go back to the soup idea you can make it now and freeze it?
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Old 17-11-2008, 15:19
NIKKID
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Tesco do some lovely brie and cranberry filo parcels. Not sure if that too fancy for their palate but dead easy for you to make - just pop in the oven and serve with a salad garnish.
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Old 17-11-2008, 15:52
Sallysally
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I do the same starter every year and I would not be allowed to change it even if I wanted to. It is dead easy.

Basically, it is bashed up ripe avocadoes with white crabmeat, lemon juice and thousand island dressing mixed in to taste. It is then piled onto salad leaves and decorated with whole small prawns and chips of tomatoes. Takes about 15 mins to do!
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Old 17-11-2008, 15:54
Gogfumble
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Yeah I would make soup in advance and then freeze it. At least then all you have to do on the day is re-heat it.

I must admit before I read your full post I was going to say prawn cocktail, simple and classic... but you are right it is boring if not sexed up a bit. You could always give your guests a choice between soup and prawn cocktail though at least then everyone s happy. And to make it a bit different you could make a lobster and king prawn cocktail.
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Old 17-11-2008, 17:08
kimindex
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asparagus with garlic butter?
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Old 17-11-2008, 17:52
sy278
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My grandad has a bizarre obsession with... ugh... prawn cocktail
Whats wrong with Prawn Cocktail?


Thats what I have every year and you couldn't pay me to change it!
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Old 17-11-2008, 18:05
indianwells
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I often do chicken liver pate with melba toast. Simple, tasty and not too heavy. Make up the pate a couple of days before so the flavours can develop and then just do the toast on the day. Nothing could be easier really.
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Old 17-11-2008, 19:45
Clunk
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Cheese & Bacon Filled potato skins - or do plain potato skins and a selection of fillings - such prawn, cheese & bacon (again), mushrooms, roasted peppers etc

Then each guest can pick what they want so those who fancy something a little more adventurous can have it and those who want something more plain (even just plain potato skins) can also be accommodated.

Other than that, have a look at the Nigella Express book - loads of stuff in there that looks good but is quick and easy to do.

If people like plain food, you can't really go wrong with either prawn cocktail or egg mayo - and you can sex them up a little (to look special at very least) without going OTT, meaning it is not too much hassle on Christmas day.
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Old 17-11-2008, 20:49
maimou
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I don't do a starter but quite like having a brunch instead on the day with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs along with a mimosa - maybe you coud do a take on that on little pancakes or something?
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Old 17-11-2008, 21:37
creamola foam
 
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I wouldn't do soup as it's too filling.

We have the same thing every year - a seafood platter from out local fish shop. Big prawns, crab, salmon and lobster, I serve it with oatcakes and salad. Yum.

I believe M&S do one as well, so I'm sure Tesco etc also do them.
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Old 17-11-2008, 21:58
JOHNOR
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I wouldn't do soup as it's too filling.

We have the same thing every year - a seafood platter from out local fish shop. Big prawns, crab, salmon and lobster, I serve it with oatcakes and salad. Yum.

I believe M&S do one as well, so I'm sure Tesco etc also do them.
what time shall i arrive? shall i bring a bottle?

marks and spencers do a big seafood platter but it's £75
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Old 17-11-2008, 23:14
linnylou
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I was going to suggest Prawn Cocktail before I finished reading your post! You could always sex it up a bit by adding avocado?

How about some bruschetta, with a small side salad? Or smoked salmon and crudites?
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Old 18-11-2008, 09:41
creamola foam
 
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what time shall i arrive? shall i bring a bottle?

marks and spencers do a big seafood platter but it's £75



Yes that is a bit dear, ok, just smoked salmon and oatcakes then, don't want to be taking up any space meant for my yummy roast potatoes.
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Old 18-11-2008, 10:03
kimindex
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A fewlight canapes and a class of wine, when people arrive and then the meal without a starter?
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Old 18-11-2008, 10:33
fannyadams
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A fewlight canapes and a class of wine, when people arrive and then the meal without a starter?
I think this is a good idea, so thanks, you have just sorted out my dilemma
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Old 18-11-2008, 10:39
kimindex
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I think this is a good idea, so thanks, you have just sorted out my dilemma
Oh, good! I find a starter too much, if there's a big meal to follow (a roast doesn't have to be but it normally is at Christmas).
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Old 18-11-2008, 12:55
sarahcs
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Smoked salmon, brown bread and watercress.
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Old 18-11-2008, 16:50
gottago
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Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'd never thought about freezing soup before though I suppose you're right about it being too filling for a starter. Unfortunately I've had to filter out all the salmon based ideas since non of them like salmon in any form (I, however, LOVE smoked salmon)! I'm quite like NIKKID's filo parcel idea since they won't be able to see what's inside!

Thanks for the help everyone!
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Old 19-11-2008, 18:47
jemima69
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we would always have prawn cocktail for a starter, everyone loved it, how about prawns in filo, or crab or mackeral pate and toast, or you could always freak them out with oysters!
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Old 19-11-2008, 21:26
deadbeat hero
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it's all about the main course - just go straight for the Turkey & Sprouts !
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