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Step 1
Suspend disbelief at what you are about to do; much in the same way you would when you watch a fantasy movie, to allow yourself to believe the unbelievable, and therefore enjoy the movie. Then allow yourself to believe that you, yourself, will have the determination, the sense of adventure and the sheer nerve it may take to serve “that” meal which may be totally different from anything you’ve served before. There may or may not be anything about your list of possible selections that even remotely resemble the Christmas dinner menus that we have come to know and love. However, once you understand that you are about to embark upon great fun by simply permitting yourself to
try something different, you begin to see the light and forge onward with great expectation. -
Step 2
Set aside some time to dream. Get together with your meal preparation partners, or solo (if that is how you do the holidays) and set aside as much time as you need. Also set the mood for your dreaming time.
For example:
A. If you decide to dream at home, choose some of your favorite music (Christmas or non-Christmas)
B. Prepare a favorite snack (fancy or plain - whichever you prefer)
C. Mix in mood lighting such as Christmas lights on a small or large decorated tree or simply arranged on a table, mantel or surface of your choice, but located near you so you can enjoy it.
D. Or...just sit down at the kitchen table, living room or location of your choice and brainstorm! -
Step 3
Get a note pad and pen; again fancy or plain, according to your preference.
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Step 4
Think of places, far and near, that you have either visited or would like to visit. If you have traveled there before, simply jot down the different types of food you enjoyed while you were there. Even add some that you did not try while you were there. If you have not visited there, simply research the most popular foods eaten there. Name as many places as you like, because you will make your selections from this list. Also select several types of food that you eat all the time at home; as well as several breakfast selections. Make sure you include some of the children's favorites as well.
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Step 5
Set your completed list aside for an indefinite amount of time; any where from 30 minutes to a couple of days. Let the possibility of all of your possible selections marinate in your mind as you think it over.
After you have thought it over for a couple of days, prepare for "selection day", which is any day that you choose. -
Step 6
Get together with your cooking partners on "selection day" and choose the top ten selections from the list. Make sure your selections include breakfast and lunch menus too. Mull over and/or discuss your selections before you decide on breakfast, lunch and dinner for Christmas day.
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Step 7
Decide on a meal preparation “practice day” after you have made your selections. On practice day, you and your cooking partners will actually cook a scaled down version of the food that you are going to cook and serve on Christmas Day. You especially want to do this if you are having dinner guests. But make sure your guests won't mind the meal changes. Check with them first.
When the food turns out the way you want it and it tastes really good too, you will be ready for Christmas. If necessary, adjust the seasonings for the recipes to accommodate the number of people you will be serving that day. You want your guests to enjoy your selections as much as you did. The same holds true even if it is just for your immediate family. -
Step 8
Calculate how much time, money and help you will need to get the meals prepared and ready for Christmas day. Prepare along those lines.
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Step 9
Enjoy your Christmas meal on Christmas day! Below is a sample menu of a different kind of Christmas menu.
Sample Christmas Day Menu:
Breakfast -- Fancy French Toast - Baby Link Sausages
Lunch -- Tacos Salad served in a Fancy Edible Shell Bowl
Dinner -- Holiday Greek Dishes with all the Trimmings
Choice of Beverages for each meal
Comments
FrazzledNanny said
on 1/15/2009 Thanks for the article. Very good tips. Well written. 5*s :)
desertdenizen said
on 12/14/2008 Bravo! Very well-written article. Makes me want to start cooking right away. Makes me want to start looking up recipes for food I ate in Mexico.
desertdenizen said
on 12/14/2008 Bravo! Very well-written article. Makes me want to start cooking right away. Makes me want to start looking up recipes for food I ate in Mexico.
sneedc said
on 12/10/2008 Interesting concept, I'll have to whip up a Caribbean extravaganza. Thanks
QueenofMisc said
on 11/28/2008 Sunshine11219,
This is so much fun! We have done this so many times. For your food, you just pick a theme, or a country, or "whatever" and make it what you want it. :-)