First Courses and Snacks

I have given up having a first course to the Christmas dinner since it’s always such a noisy and chaotic meal, with the over-excitment of the children and the table covered with decorations and crackers, not to mention many dishes of food. A first course just over-complicates things and everyone has far too much to eat anyway. However, eating leads to more eating and my family’s appetites seem to double during those few festive days. The following dishes are useful at other meals, for friends dropping in or for a lighter lunch or supper.