Christmas dinner for two

When people think about Christmas, thoughts usually turn to gathering with families and friends and tables groaning with the excesses of the season; a large Christmas goose or turkey, loaded bowls of mashed potatoes and vegetables and a selection of desserts that will send you into the recliner for a long winter’s nap.

How can you translate that image of family, crowds and excessive amounts of food into a Christmas dinner for two? You need to rethink your portions and think of foods that make you feel as if you are having a Christmas feast.

Start by preparing a small pitcher of eggnog. If you don’t want to make your own you can buy a single quart. If eggnog isn’t your favorite you can make spiced apple cider served warm in a glass mug with a cinnamon stick.

Part of the Christmas celebration is the lusciousness of the items that you are serving. You can make up a small tray of tapas. Pick out your favorite cheeses and cube up a few pieces. Any leftovers will keep until New Year’s Eve and whether you will be entertaining or enjoying it again with just the two of you, it will allow you to enjoy two separate occasions out of one shopping trip. Place your cheese on one of your favorite trays along with a selection of crackers, olives and hummus or salsa. This will give you something to snack on while you get the main course prepared.

If turkey or goose is your usual Christmas meal consider doing a turkey breast or a roasted chicken. These can be prepared the same way with the delicious stuffing of your choice. You can serve this with your usual mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, and turnip or green beans. If you want to try something different why not make a small pot roast or a prime rib. 

These will give you some nice leftovers that will guarantee that you won’t have to cook the day after Christmas which will leave you more time to go out and look for some after Christmas bargains.

If you are a cookie baker, you can do a small batch so that you won’t be denied just because this year it is just the two of you. A trifle is a typically British dessert but it is one that can be made in as many portions as you want. If nothing will do for you but pie you can make small tart sizes pies in whatever flavor the two of you love. Plan to have some ice cream or whipped cream to top it off.

One thing that you must do is to set a Christmas table with your best china and crystal. Take out your Christmas linens and dress up the table. Polish the silver and get a nice bottle of wine. Light the candles and bring out your serving dishes. You are now prepared to have a lovely Christmas dinner for just the two of you.