Budget Holiday Meals for Two?

[megsoro]

So my boyfriend and I will be doing Christmas by ourselves, most likely in a cabin. I'm used to doing a big fish/seafood dinner on Christmas Eve. But I'm used to cooking for a crowd! We don't want to cart a lot of food back and forth so recipes where portions for two are important. We know we'd like to include shrimp and clans Christmas Eve, along with antipasti. I figure I can just get the antipasti piece meal, but am at a loss of how to make the seafood just for two.

Christmas morning will be a lumberjack breakfast, eggs bacon toast biscuits an maybe pancakes. But I'm at a total loss for Christmas dinner. How can I make it special without too many leftovers?! We don't want to spend and arm and a leg on premade things, as we feel Christmas dinner should be made at home.

Any ideas?

Ps: how do I organize all this to bring to a cabin 5 hours away?!

 

[wiigirl]

Beer can chicken, simple and small enough for two. One of my favorites!

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/beer_can_chicken/

 

[worm761]

What do you normally eat for Christmas dinner? If a turkey then just do a breast and some sides.

 

[Megkel]

For Christmas my in-laws make fried butterfly shrimp. You could get as many or as few as you would eat between the two if you. Usually paired with potatoes and green beans. Just fill a cooler with ice for the shrimp and if you want frozen green beans. Other than that just oil and a wok you plug into the wall, pot for potatoes and green beans and a can opener if you want can green beans. Tempora batter comes in a box at the grocery store, I think maybe saltine crackers.

Hope that helps! Sounds like a nice Christmas in a cabin.

 

[Darcy03231]

We do really good steaks out on the grill for Christmas dinner. Have that with a couple of baked potatoes, and vegetables.

For Christmas Eve you could do baked stuffed shrimp, rice and a vegetable.

 

[clh2]

We think nothing of having shrimp for either an appetizer or a meal - and it is just DH and me. Just adjust the amount. We generally grill our shrimp - unless the weather is frightful outside!

Can't help with the clams - never made any, so just can't go there!

 

[worm761]

I googled and found these:

http://www.ichef.com/news.cfm?itemid=110887
http://cookingfortwo.about.com/od/menuplanning/tp/christmas42.htm
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Publication/Cooking-For-Two-Magazine

 

[crazyme5kids]

Baked clams can be premade and frozen. I love shrimp served over pasta or rice (scampi, orange shrimp, etc...), simple to make and cheap, but very tasty! Bring a bag of fresh or frozen spinach or kale to serve with it, or put it on top of the rice or pasta, bring a loaf of frozen ilatian bread, a bottle of wine, and call it a day !

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

So my boyfriend and I will be doing Christmas by ourselves, most likely in a cabin. I'm used to doing a big fish/seafood dinner on Christmas Eve. But I'm used to cooking for a crowd! We don't want to cart a lot of food back and forth so recipes where portions for two are important. We know we'd like to include shrimp and clans Christmas Eve, along with antipasti. I figure I can just get the antipasti piece meal, but am at a loss of how to make the seafood just for two.

Christmas morning will be a lumberjack breakfast, eggs bacon toast biscuits an maybe pancakes. But I'm at a total loss for Christmas dinner. How can I make it special without too many leftovers?! We don't want to spend and arm and a leg on premade things, as we feel Christmas dinner should be made at home.

Any ideas?

Ps: how do I organize all this to bring to a cabin 5 hours away?!

A cabin, how romantic!

As long as you will have all the cooking facilities at the cabin you should be fine. Just buy the amount of seafood you need for Christmas Eve...don't buy what you would for a crowd. And for Christmas just think of something easy. Grill some steaks or get a turkey breast and some easy sides, or do a chicken instead of a turkey. Make your own traditions! You can buy food close to home and pack in cooler or buy the food at a place near the cabin. Don't stress about it, it is only for you and your boyfriend so let him help plan and have fun.

 

[kymom99]

Last year my little family roasted a whole chicken for Thanksgiving instead of a turkey. We had potatoes, green beans, bread, etc. Easy stuff but very traditional for our area and family.

 

[mrp4352]

My mom and I have found that we love Boston Market's feasts. They're inexpensive (compared to what we would spend to create a similar meal for the two of us) and they reheat a day or two later very well. Plus - it keeps us out of the kitchen!

 

[sksjasams]

Well this will give you a traditional meal, with very little leftovers, no mess, and no list of ingredients to buy:

turkey breast, aluminum disposable pan and cooking bag

jar of turkey gravy

http://www.bobevans.com/Grocery/60/Bob-Evans-Seasoned-Homestyle-Stuffing

http://www.bobevans.com/Grocery/57/Bob-Evans-Original-Green-Bean-Casserole

http://www.bobevans.com/Grocery/51/Bob-Evans-Original-Mashed-Potatoes

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, I would do a Shrimp cocktail for Christmas Eve, Ina Garten has an EXCELLENT recipe that I use,it has you roast the shrimp then chill. These could be made ahead and just taken with you on ice. (I actually use a frozen bag of JUMBO shrimp that are peeled and deviened with tails left on,and I prepare them the day before Christmas Eve) Any leftovers could be used as an appetizer for Christmas Day. Then do a clam sauce (red or white). This can also be made ahead of time and frozen. Take it with you along with the pasta of your choice. Christmas Day I also like the idea of a turkey breast and sides (think how lovely this would make the cabin smell ) or steaks on the grille. Joan

 

[TinkTock]

I think Cornish game hens are something special for a holiday, while being well portioned. Just get one for each of you.

 

[mom2alix]

What about clam chowder for Christmas Eve. Maybe serve it in bread bowls?

Could you do Shrimp Scampi for the two of you? Maybe serve it with pasta or rice?