Christmas lunch

[Ally]

If this was me there would be two options.

1. Let it be known that as the hostess you are making a meal and one would expect ones guests to eat up and shut up!

2. Don't invite the bunch of fusspots in the first place!

Pffft.

[JanB]

It was just a passing comment from them both and I wondered if I could make something different.

We're going to Antonia's for Christmas Eve and she's doing something Austrian we have no idea what

But they're all getting turkey on Christmas Day, I really can't be faffed with it all - which is normally why we don't bother

[Ally]

That's the point though Jan.

You have no idea what it is you'll be eating at Antonia's but you'll go along and enjoy it.

Unless it was for a religious or dietary reason I wouldn't dream of declaring what I like or don't like.

I'd eat and enjoy it and if there was something I really didn't like on the plate then I'd politely leave it on the side.

Make 'em a gravy sandwich! That'll sort them out!

[Workingman]

Make 'em a gravy sandwich! That'll sort them out!

Lumpy gravy sarnies,,,, bleurghhh.

Jan, if a big bird is cooked under a foil 'tent' with a splash of water for about 3/4 of its cooking time, breast side down and with the wings and legs well wrapped in foil, it should not be dry.

Take the 'tent' off and turn the bird for the last part of cooking to get a nice crispy skin.

I like to cook them with stuffing in, fore and aft, as I find that also helps. Sage and onion dampened with milk and stock in the cavity, and sausage meat with chopped chestnuts in the small end.

[JanB]

Thanks Frank, that's what I was going to do.

I've never cooked a dry turkey before

[Kaz]

Glad you've decided!

I find an orange in the cavity helps

[JanB]

You have no idea what it is you'll be eating at Antonia's but you'll go along and enjoy it.

We'll find out tonight Ally - all we know is it's something traditional Austrian.

[Workingman]

Thanks Frank, that's what I was going to do.

I thought you might know, it's a 'trick' many of us older hands use.

I was watching Jamie on one of the minor channels and his idea of stuffing was a few sprigs of thyme, bay leaves and an orange. To then keep it moist he had to lard it in a coat of streaky bacon strips - no thanks. Sorry Kaz.

[Kaz]

Not on mine! Butter rubbed in, and it's always very moist We all have our own ways of cooking turkey, it ain't a contest

[miasmum]

I find an orange in the cavity helps

I find an orange in the gob stops them complaining