Need suggestions for family Christmas eve gathering. I have a small

[japple]

pork loin in the freezer and a couple of large chicken breasts. I was thinking of grilling all of it and serving with bbq sauce. Our hostess said to bring one savory treat and one sweet treat. This has usually been a 4:00 pm appetizer (heavy appetizers) event, but everyone usually treats it as supper. We will also bring a couple homemade pies, probably lime (family favorite) and coconut. What else can I bring to go with the pork loin. I know they don't want a bunch of dirty dishes to wash.

I usually do more of the cooking since I am retired and have much more time than family members with babies and children.

[SheltieLover]

1. Vinegar cole slaw. Love it!

Goes great with pork & chicken, as well as pastas & fish.

1 finely shredded head of cabbage

2 packets Good Seasons or Kroger Zesty Italian dressing

1 small to medium onion & 1 medium to large green pepper, finely shredded.

Follow dresssing instructions (cider vinegar, oil, & a bit of water).

Yummy!

[2naSalit]

7. That sounds yummy...

Last edited Wed Dec 14, 2022, 04:50 PM - Edit history (1)

I would add one thing, toasted caraway seeds, not too many. They brighten up the vinegar slaw like you wouldn't believe. You have to taste it to appreciate. I am no fan of vinegar slaw but a chef I worked with added those to it and that changed everything for me.

[SheltieLover]

10. Sounds great!

Thx for sharing!

[LakeArenal]

2. Baked apples?

Some type of squash dish?

[Nanuke]

3. Small 2-3 item kabobs

Each mini kabob could have 1 piece of pork/chicken between a baby potato or other veggie like zuchini piece. Grill ahead of time. Reheat at event. Serve with bbq sauce on the side or sour cream or some sauce. If I can’t find appetizer sized kabob skewer I cut the sharp end off of cheap bamboo skewers.

[irisblue]

4. Grilled Shrimp kabobs with yellow squash, pearl onions, zuke in the vinegar slaw mix from above

Short wooden skewers, so 1-2 medium shrimp with more veggies

[Runningdawg]

5. You can never go wrong at a communal meal with a potato side or deviled eggs.

Hit up Pinterest for easy/cheap variations. Hot German potato salad is really good with BBQ as are Bloody Mary deviled eggs.
We do Appetizers and desserts for our family holiday party too. For the first time I have a vegan to challenge my skills.

[ratchiweenie]

6. I am the only one who brings garlic bread to our dinners. I use

real butter and garlic and a little season salt. Usually make them ahead. Reheat them for just a few minutes when I get there. I bring several loaves and it is always gone right away.

[2naSalit]

8. Someone mentioned kabobs...

Which got me thinking that short kabobs, using the 6-8" skewers, four pieces of stuff each. You could cube up both meats and do separate and/or combos with some veggies and fruit like pineapple or something.

[japple]

9. Pineapple is what I'm thinking, too. The kids love it!

I could add red pepper and onion for the adults.

[2naSalit]

11. Sounds good...

And the colors of the peppers would be great.