Christmas lunch AGAIN folks...Starter this time?

Question

As you know by previous question we are having Goose for xmas day along with a small turkey crown for my Mum...Can you give me some idea's for a nice light starter. I have already thought of fan melon with a raspberry coulis as the 2nd course is going to be poached prawn stuffed plaice.

We intend to sit down to this meal @ around 1430hrs...we are not what I call big eaters, neither are our guests, thats why I asked for light starter as we are having the plaice too, but it is only going to be a small piece, the main course is the big one, but each person will help themselves to what they want.

Answer 1

Hi

We love good old smoked salmon, but serve it with some king prawns, avocado diced and mango diced. serve with some sauce -
mix 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise with
2 tablespoons tomato ketchup,
1/2 tsp Worcester sauce,
few drops of Tabasco sauce,
a little black pepper and
some lime juice

mix all together and taste, add more of whatever you like from the ingredient to your taste.

Answer 2

I usually try to avoid an actual 'starter' on Christmas Day. There is so much to eat that it is not really needed and can easily spoil the rest of the meal, even if it is light.
My favourite is to invite everyone who is coming around to dinner to indulge in a Champagne 'Breakfast.' You don't say when you intend eating (early afternoon, evening?). If you can, invite your guests to arrive a couple of hours before you intend to serve dinner. Serve them a smoked salmon souffle with a few salad leaves and toast - along with the champagne, of course! Doing it this way will whet their appetite rather than dull it.
Mind you, having a second course of plaice suggests to me that you are big eaters, anyway!
The other thing to do would be to prepare a buffet style starter of olives, salads, garlic bread and that sort of thing. I didn't see your previous question, but if you are having a lot of people around a bit of circulation before they are seated at the table might be a good route to take.

Answer 3

Why not try a simple sherry consommé? You could even cheat a little and use stock cubes. Add a splash of sherry et voilà.
Most people don't eat a four/ five - course meal every day, and chances are they'll be asleep before you put the Christmas pud on the table.
Guess you've got enough to do in the kitchen. It's your day too, so why not pick an easy option?

Answer 4

How about a fig and parma ham salad mmmm.

Dress some rocket leaves with a balsamic and olive oil dressing.

Pan fry the figs lightly to warm through then fry the parma ham until crispy. Add to the dressed salad.
Also add some toasted walnuts and croutons, Season to taste.


YUM!

Answer 5

I am having smoked salmon dressed with fish sauce seasoned with lime juice and chilli. It's light and sharp which will cut the richness of the rest of the meal and isn't so "fishy" as to clash with your fish course. The acid in the dressing "cooks " the salmon and gives it a lovely texture.

Answer 6

I like the sound of the melon and raspberry coulis. How about melon and parma ham?

Answer 7

I think fruit would be nice and healthy, so how about a citrus cocktail with orange, grapefruit, tangerine etc? Easy to prepare, can do it in advance and keep in fridge, light and tangy, full of vitamins, good contrast to rest of meal. Oh, and can I come too?

Answer 8

If you are in the UK it will be cold, don't you want a nice red pepper soup with an array of warm breads. Sounds like you are a good cook though. Me too. You have started me thinking about my christmas lunch menu now.

Answer 9

Salad
French Bread
Cheese Cubes

And a good drink, wine and so on is great. But not beer or strong wine.

Answer 10

Some pate with thinly sliced toast and some rocket lettuce my favourite starter.