CHRISTMAS MENU IDEAS

Posted ByPrecious

Published Dec 20, 2016

Updated Sep 26, 2018

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Christmas is in 5 days! Years ago, this is that season when I get new clothes aka “krismos close”. And if I’m lucky, I get some new shoes too. AND it is that time when I cook and eat a lot. I love Christmas menus! I remember the flavour of well-spiced chicken oozing out of my mother’s pot. Ahh! And earth-shattering jollof rice! Cakes! All sorts of foodie goodies! Christmas has always been a time when many try to cook their best meals.

However, thinking and planning about what to cook is not quite the easiest thing in the world. That’s where I come in! I have put together a list of ideas to help you cook the most delicious meals, avoid slaving in the kitchen on Christmas day (very important) and basically just how to make the best out of that day.

My menu plan includes a suggestion of breakfast ideas. Because, Christmas breakfast in my opinion, has to be special. My list also includes mouth-watering appetisers and main dishes. It includes ideas for salads and of course, desserts! All you need to do is click on the ones that appeal to you so you can see the full recipes and print them out if you like. As the age-old adage says, failing to plan is planning to fail. I’ll urge you not to leave anything to chance. Make a solid plan. It could change but know exactly what you will want to cook for your own sanity.

Some things you should do before Christmas day

–Three days before, make all marinades. I like making my spice blends which I will use for my meat, fish, chicken or complete meals well ahead of time, about three days before which means you should go make some now. My typical spice blend will include garlic, ginger, celery, parsley, basil and onions. Other things I could throw in include, rosemary, thyme, green onions, white pepper and leeks. It really depends on what I have at home and what I will be cooking. You could store your marinade in a fridge or if that’s not possible for you, pour vegetable oil on top and store in an airtight container, the day before instead of three days before.

–Four days before, make all snacks and cookies. In typical Cameroonian tradition Chin Chin, (a crunchy snack that tastes like cake) is usually made days before Christmas.

–The day before, marinade all the meat and fish you will use, cover them and store in a fridge. This makes them extra tasty because they get a chance to soak in and absorb all those flavours!

–The day before, make every pastry dough for snacks such as meat or fish pie and store in the fridge. I love making the pies fresh on the day they are eaten so making the dough before really makes things go faster. However, if you do not care for freshly made pies, make them the day before. That’s if you’ll be making any savoury pies (which I think you should!)

–The day before, thaw any frozen meat or fish you want to use. If you are using anything big like a massive turkey, you will need to start thawing it at least three days before.

Now let’s look at a wide range of dishes you could make for Christmas. Remember, all you have to do is click on the ones that appeal to you most and tadaaa you will find the recipes.

Special Christmas Breakfast

• Chocolate bread
• Coconut Rolls
• Crepe Cake
• Breakfast Frittata

Make-Ahead Snacks

• Chin Chin
• Shortbread Cookies
• Drop Doughnuts
• Peanut Butter Cookies

Christmas Appetisers

• Fish Rolls
• Fish Pie
• Chicken Suya/Soya
• Beef Suya/Soya

Main Dishes

• Coconut Fried Rice
• Poulet DG (Fried Plantains and Chicken)
• Eru
• Ndole
• Jollof Rice
• Grilled Fish
• Roasted Whole Chicken
• Fried Rice
• Pepper Soup
• Khati Khati (Smoky Spicy Chicken) and Corn Fufu

Desserts

• Carrot Cake
• Plain Cake
• Yogurt Cake
• Ice Cream

Salads

• Fruit Salad
• Coleslaw
• Vegetable Salad

Drinks

• Folere – Zobo
• Orange Julius

What I will make

• Chocolate Bread
• Chin Chin
• Grilled Fish
• Eru
• Fruit Salad

I have included my own menu for you so you can have an idea about how to build yours. I plan on waking up very early on the day to finish with cooking so I can spend lots of quality time with my family. I do not want to be caught up with so much cooking that I miss the essence of Christmas. It’s all about Jesus! I urge you to keep it simple. Do not overwork yourself. If you have company coming over, start doing the work now. Also, avoid choosing meals that will take a long time to accomplish.

I hope this list makes the whole Christmas cooking thing easier for you. If you have any questions, ask below and I will gladly answer.

Merry Christmas!