Cheap Christmas Dinner?!
Cheap Christmas Dinner?
My parents are coming for Christmas and I need to do a nice meal on a budget. Don't want to do the traditional ham and turkey, and HoneyBaked is out of the question this year. I've always been looked at as the one that always goes above and beyond - so I don't know what to do this year to make it nice, but at the same time not cost a small fortune. Any ideas would be appreciated...
Answers:
This is delicious and you can tailor it to suit:
Buy a pork tenderloin, two if they are small. They are usually just a couple of dollars. Using a sharp knife, cut into the tenderloin. If you are good with a knife, try a spiral cut so that you get one large rectangle after it is unrolled. If you're not so confident, just cut it in half, but not all the way to the edge. The goal is to end up with a fairly flat piece of pork - but still one piece. Place this rectangle between two pieces of parchment paper (or wax paper, plastic wrap, whatever) and pound at it with something to flatten it even more. Create a filling. I like a traditional-style bread stuffing, but add in cranberries, pears or apples. (You could also use nuts, do a really meaty dish by using sausage meat, use only fruit, or veggies etc.) Put this on the pork and roll it up. Use either cooking twine to tie it into a log, or just wrap it tight in the parchment paper. Cook in the oven at around 375 for about an hour or until it looks done. ;) If you are using parchment paper, unwrap it about 20 minutes before you remove it from the oven. It will keep its log form, but have a chance to brown beautifully. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for 3-5 minutes, then slice it into circles about an inch thick. You can serve it sliced on a plate with whatever side dishes you want (veggies, fresh rolls, etc.) .
Good luck!
How about pasta with meatballs, garlic bread and a nice big salad?
fish
I nice meal is always a baked lasagna, a big ceasar or side salad and a dessert. Lasagnas can be around 10 dollars so thats not a big deal. You can add many sides to make you meal almost 5 courses, vegetables (corn, asparagus, green beans) and garlic bread or crissoants. For dessert you can buy a cake or bake one yourself. I think drinks make a meal, so you can buy a 10 dollar bottle of wine and light some tall candles or get fresh flowers for your centerpiece. Either way you have only spent 30 dollars for a great holiday meal. Good luck!
Maybe a pasta "bar" Make spagetti & bowtie pasta.
Have a choice of red sauce, alfredo sauce or just oilive oil.
Then have a crock pot of meat balls
Warm vegges (broccoli, califlower & carrot mix) Good wth either the alfredo or the oil.
Grated cheese.
Shreeded cheeses.
Make a big green salad.
Have a small pickel & olive tray.
The key to keepoing this inexpensive is making the sauces your self.
Make a laof of garlic bread.
Then have Hot Cocoa, fruit & cheese for dessert.
How about you make a whole chicken roast. You could also make some veggies such as carrots and brocolli and some tasty mashed potatos and stuffing. This is a nice dinner on a budget.
Cornish hens, broccoli with cheese sauce, seasoned potato wedges, and apple pie.