Easy Christmas Dinner Recipes/Ideas

Cokezerofreak

This year I've convinced the FI to have a Christmas party for his airmen/airwomen.  I don't like hearing that some of them are along for Christmas in their dorms and my family has the motto of feeding everyone no matter what since food makes us happy. 

We've reserved the party room at his apartment complex but now I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with all the cooking I have to do.  FI has asked me to make a roast pork (pernil if you're Puertorican) with a turkey, a pot roast.  I'm going to make Spanish rice, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes (coworkers recipe) and mac and cheese.  Besides the meats, I can make the others pretty easily.  Are there any easy recipes you'd like to share that FI can help me with?  Or ideas of finger foods.

We'll be in frozen South Dakota so I was thinking of doing warm apple cyder.  He's asked it to not be an alcoholic event since he's their superior and most of them are underage.

As always, I appreciate your posts!

kaos16

veggies!  maybe roast some broccoli or cauliflower.  green bean casserole is a staple at my family's christmas.  also, anything you can crockpot to make less work for yourself

misssunshine17

I agree you need some sort of vegetable. I would also pick one potato since there is also rice and mac & cheese- plenty of starches to go around. 

I'd also stick with cold drinks, since presumably, like many holiday gatherings, it ends up being pretty warm in the space where everyone is hanging out. Dessert?

Cokezerofreak

Oh, I forgot to put the green bean casserole up there.

A few of his airwomen have said they'll bring dessert.  I was going to at least have a fresh fruit bowl and some brownies.  Also a veggie tray, chips and salsa, those Hormel salami/pepperoni and cheese platters too.

melbelleup

Honestly, I don't think you need more It all sounds good and yummy!

southernbelle0915

I would include a fresh salad and a fresh veggie tray w/ hummus. I think people are exposed to so much junk, cookies, and processed stuff during the holidays that it's always refreshing to have fresh/healthy food at gatherings. 

I'm a big fan of eggnog during the holidays. 

Maggie0829

Rolls! Always great to have if people want to make some sandwiches out of the meats. 

I also second a nice, light salad to balance out the heaviness of everything else.

PolarBearFitz

Cokezerofreak said:

This year I've convinced the FI to have a Christmas party for his airmen/airwomen.  I don't like hearing that some of them are along for Christmas in their dorms and my family has the motto of feeding everyone no matter what since food makes us happy. 

We've reserved the party room at his apartment complex but now I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with all the cooking I have to do.  FI has asked me to make a roast pork (pernil if you're Puertorican) with a turkey, a pot roast.  I'm going to make Spanish rice, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes (coworkers recipe) and mac and cheese.  Besides the meats, I can make the others pretty easily.  Are there any easy recipes you'd like to share that FI can help me with?  Or ideas of finger foods.

We'll be in frozen South Dakota so I was thinking of doing warm apple cyder.  He's asked it to not be an alcoholic event since he's their superior and most of them are underage.

As always, I appreciate your posts!

This is a really nice, awesome, and wonderful thing you are doing! I know you posted for food ideas and not to be commended but you should be. Thanks for supporting our troops and offering up your time, money, and love to them.

*SO MANY FEELS*

afox007

If you want finger foods out while people wait for dinner try these thy are amazing. Bacon wrapped lil smokies. My mom just made them for Thanksgiving and everyone loved them, besides my younger sister who was disgusted with us for being "unhealthy".

selenathegreat

I know you may be short on oven space, but roasted veggies would be great...Brussels sprouts, onions, asparagus, squash, carrots, etc.

Finger food ideas...deviled eggs are easy, and I second the veggie tray idea! Or spinach dip and chips, or even just cheese and crackers! OK, now I'm hungry!

ElcaB

A salad (or salad bar) is easy! 

I have a million recipes I love. As far as finger foods, try "my" jalapeno poppers: Seed jalapenos, cut them in half lengthwise, fill with cream cheese, wrap with bacon, and bake until the bacon is cooked. Easy, delicious, and always a hit! 

Also, my mom makes pinwheels I cannot get enough of. Spread flour or whole wheat tortillas with a combo of cream cheese & goat cheese, sprinkle a few dried cranberries and sliced green onion on it, roll 'em up, and slice. They're amazing and unique! (If you don't like the ingredients, change them to include whatever you like.)

ETA: Crockpot meatballs. Frozen bag of meatballs + BBQ sauce + grape jelly. Not a finger food, but freaking delish. 

JCbride2015

For finger foods, baked brie is impressive but so easy: http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/crescent-wrapped-brie/3bc85655-bba2-44ec-88dd-9f2397a8d42b

I would add a roasted vegetable, salad, or veggie tray as PPs said.  My favorite for crowds is roasted asparagus.  Just trim, sprinkle with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and pop it in the oven at 350 for about 10 minutes.

KeptInStitches

Another crockpot meatball recipe I've seen is frozen meatballs, a jar of gravy, and 16 oz of sour cream. Heat through. I think 2 lb of meatballs?

Cokezerofreak

Thank you all.  I appreciate it.  The fiance is ready to make the bacon wrapped lil smokies.  He likes anything with bacon.

aefitz29  Thank you for saying that.  It just breaks my heart to think of anyone being alone.  Like I said, I've grown up with always feeding people so I am happy and honored that they'll take me up on my invitation.

Cokezerofreak

Thank you all.  I appreciate it.  The fiance is ready to make the bacon wrapped lil smokies.  He likes anything with bacon.

aefitz29  Thank you for saying that.  It just breaks my heart to think of anyone being alone.  Like I said, I've grown up with always feeding people so I am happy and honored that they'll take me up on my invitation.