Tree Frog Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I'm looking for Christmas dinner ideas that can be made ahead and easily transported. Background: MIL lives in our city, but doesn't leave her assisted living apartment. She moved here in May, had a stint in the hospital in September, nearly died, was put on hospice, and wasn't expected to make it to Thanksgiving. She is still going (somewhat) strong and we would like to celebrate Christmas dinner with her in one of the social rooms in her assisted living facility. This is likely going to be her last Christmas. We took Thanksgiving dinner to MIL - the turkey, mashed potatoes, salads (2 types due to allergies), veggies, rolls, stuffing (2 types due to allergies), and desserts to her the Friday after Thanksgiving because her other son/wife arrived Thanksgiving day. It took me many days to organize, prepare all the food, including the allergy modifications, and transport it. My 2 daughters, son, and DH helped, as did my SIL after she arrived, but I don't want to spend that much time cooking on Christmas eve/Day to take such a large meal to her. So I'm looking for something, possibly a casserole, that I can make ahead, cook or reheat Christmas morning, and take to her. She has wheat/peanut/soy allergies, so I'm looking for something that doesn't contain those items, especially wheat. I have 3 crockpots (2 large and one smaller) I can use, but would rather have everything contained in one dish. I was thinking of something like a sheperd's pie, made with either beef or chicken instead of lamb. Any other ideas/suggestions for a fancier main dish that transports well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitten18 Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 My first thought was ham and scalloped potatoes. It's two dishes but easy and transports well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjzimmer1 Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I was going to suggest a ham too. I also think homemade Lasagne is a special meal. You could either use a gluten free noodle or use layers of eggplant or zucchini if she likes those. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 ham and asparagus bake? cheesecake travels well and can be made a couple of weeks before because it also freezes well-- you could just make the crust wheat free. and if you add "Christmas spices (cinnamon and nutmeg) it could be "seasonal" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 (edited) Another vote for ham and cheesy or scalloped potatoes, but then That is our standard for Christmas dinner. Any kind of salad that is quick. Vegetables and rolls, plate of cookies and some festive ice cream would be easy. Alternatively, bake the ham and bring rolls and have sandwiches . Edited to add, pre seasoned pork loin with the same sides as mentioned above . You can make mashed potatoes ahead and freeze them if you want to do the, this week. Or just early in the week,of Christmas . Store them in the fridge and bake with the pork,loin or ham. Ham could be baked ahead of time, sliced and reheated in crockpot Christmas morning. Edited December 6, 2015 by KatieinMich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chocolate Rose Posted December 7, 2015 Share Posted December 7, 2015 Is there a meal that is your mil's favorite? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medawyn Posted December 7, 2015 Share Posted December 7, 2015 We always have paella for Christmas Eve, and the leftovers for Christmas dinner (when we're all too tired and full for the Christmas meal we had planned). Paella and a salad would make a complete meal and be relatively easy to transport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
school17777 Posted December 7, 2015 Share Posted December 7, 2015 I second the lasagna that you make in a crockpot. There is a 9x13 crockpot that may work well, for lasagna or any other casserole. I plan to make seafood newburg for Christmas. That would travel well too in your crockpot and rice in the other one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted December 7, 2015 Share Posted December 7, 2015 What about a soup that you could make (even freeze) ahead of time and rewarm in the crockpot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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