TURKEY-FREE CHRISTMAS DINNERS

STOCK PHOTO: JO COOKS 

This year, many households are opting to forgo turkey, mostly because of the limited size of gatherings ...

67's won't be one of them.  Turkey wherever the Blogger is, is traditional and much-loved.  And while the Christmas table may not hold a full-sized turkey, some kind of turkey joint - leg or wing - will be served in all its glory.

The usual alternative to the Big Bird is Chicken but guinea fowl and capon are also served.  Or offer the usual pork, beef, lamb and fish dishes as well as vegetarian or vegan delights.

If the household still has a hankering for turkey but the budget is tight, keep your eye out for frozen turkeys.  They can be good value but do need time - a lot of time, sometimes a couple of days - to defrost.  Try soaking it overnight in water to help along the process.  Place the bird in a sealed waterproof bag and the bag in a preferably new clean bin filled with water; store in a cool place (garage - watch out for thieves! - utility or storage room).  

Some market stalls sell turkey wings and legs but they go very fast.

Whatever you choose for your festive meal/s, buy the best you can afford.  If organic is out of the question, some higher welfare meats are a good third cheaper than organic.  Even common-all-garden supermarket meat is good value, and presented in a non-traditional way, provides an attractive crowd-pleaser for the table.  

Some ideas below:

 

CHICKEN

Corn-fed birds are a great alternative to organic and cost about half the price.  

This week's post - Easy Christmas Dinner - offers a choice of two rubs, one rich with paprika and orange, the other with orange, 5-spice  and hoisin.  Either steeps any chicken with rich flavour.

Also try: 

       Chilli Con Turkey: low-cholesterol, low-salt, frugal

          Roast Oriental Chicken: wallet-friendly, exotic, for the adventurous 

Special Occasion Chicken: unbelievable flavour & crispiness

Armagnac Partridges with Apple: boozy, fruity and fanciable

       Peking Duck for Pancakes: lower-fat, guilt-free, easy, wallet-friendly 

Duck & Pineapple Exotic Salad: tantalisingly gorgeous, made easier with a take-away duck (Chinese restaurants are often open during the entire festive season)

Mongolian Hotpot: absolutely not for heavy drinkers 

BEEF

Brisket, Melt-in-the-Mouth with rich tomato sauce: budget friendly, low-fat, slow cooker

Slow Cooker Beef & Guinness Stew: Easy-peasy Skinnier indulgence, frugal 

Korean-style Spicy Seared Beef: spicy, sweet & tender; works with frugal & expensive cuts of beef

Peruvian marinaded Beef Steak: knock-out wallet-friendly; guys' favourite

Steak, Potato & Onion Pie: luxury guys' food, wholly indulgent, alcohol

LAMB

Irish Stew: ambrosial peasant food, frugal cuts

Luscious Lamb & Red Wine Stew: slow cooker option, wallet friendly

Lamb Shoulder with Savoury Gravy & Mint Sauce: gorgeous lower-fat roast for small households

Lamb Mongolian Style: fabulously low-fat; 2-ways; Slow Cooker  

PORK

         Exquisite Barbecued Pork: nearly fat free and lower-sugar & salt, easy-peasy

Spiced Spare Ribs: almost no sugar, low-fat

Asian Pork Bao: low-sugar, salt & fat; budget-friendly; Chicken/vegetarian options

FISH

Oriental Salmon: sugar-free, sassily simple, prepare-ahead, healthy

Salmon Nicoise Salad, as beautiful as it is tasty

Scallop & White Bean Potage: unusual pairing, wallet friendly, soothes after over-indulgence 

 

Sweet Chilli & Ginger Salmon: lower sugar, Healthy, budget-friendly

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

Avocado Pilaff (Hot): sublime vegan main, low salt/cholesterol

Can't Believe it's Not Beef Lasagne: says it all

Coulibiac Pie, Vegetarian: one of the most popular dishes, make ahead

Moussaka, Marvellously Meatless: sensational low-fat casserole; takes a bit of time but much is prepped ahead.  And it's so worth it!

Sensational Spinach Roulade: special occasion; lower-fat pillowy green roulade layered with cream cheese and taramasalata; vegan opt.

Also go to: Welcome to the Blog (on the Nav Bar - above, directly below title) for all recipes from previous 67goingon50 Christmases 

DISCLAIMER: The author accepts no liability for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  Any information not sourced to a second party is the copyright of the blogger.