Christmas Dinner Popular During The Depression

Here's an economical recipe for a delicious Christmas dinner for four:

Main Course:

- Roasted Chicken: Purchase a whole chicken (around 4-5 pounds) and season it with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Roast it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Side Dishes:

- Mashed Potatoes: Peel and boil 4 large potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.

- Roasted Vegetables: Cut a variety of vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs. Roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden and tender.

- Green Beans: Blanch a pound of fresh green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Sauté the beans in a pan with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender.

Gravy:

- Homemade Gravy: After roasting the chicken, use the drippings from the pan. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, add 2 tablespoons of flour, and cook for a minute. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and the pan drippings. Simmer until thickened, and season with salt and pepper.

Dessert:

- Apple Crumble: Peel and slice 4 apples, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Place the apple mixture in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of oats, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Sprinkle this crumble mixture over the apples. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Beverage:

- Mulled Apple Cider: In a large pot, combine 4 cups of apple cider, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves, and a few slices of orange. Simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm.

To decorate your lounge and Christmas tree, here are some simple tips:

1. Choose a color scheme: Decide on a color scheme that complements your lounge decor and personal preferences. Traditional colors like red, green, and gold are popular, but you can also go for a more modern look with silver, white, and blue, or even a unique theme like pastels or rustic tones.

2. Lounge decorations:

   - Hang garlands: Drape garlands along the staircase railing, fireplace mantel, or around door frames. You can use fresh greenery or artificial garlands with added ornaments or lights.

   - Add throw pillows and blankets: Incorporate festive-themed pillows and cozy blankets in your lounge seating area to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

   - Display candles: Place scented or decorative candles on coffee tables or shelves to add a cozy glow. Ensure they are safely positioned away from flammable objects.

3. Christmas tree decorations:

   - Start with lights: Begin by stringing the lights on the tree, starting from the top and working your way down. Use either white or colored lights, depending on your preference.

   - Hang ornaments: Hang ornaments evenly throughout the tree, mixing different shapes, sizes, and textures. Consider using a variety of colors that match your chosen color scheme.

   - Top it off: Crown your tree with a tree topper, such as a star, angel, or a decorative bow.

4. Additional tips:

   - Use ribbons and bows: Incorporate ribbons or bows in your color scheme to add texture and visual interest. You can wrap them around the tree or use them as accents in your lounge decor.

   - Add a tree skirt: Place a tree skirt around the base of your Christmas tree to hide the stand and add a finishing touch.

   - Consider themed decorations: If you have a specific theme in mind, such as a winter wonderland or a specific movie-inspired theme, incorporate ornaments and decorations that align with that theme.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity shine while decorating your lounge and Christmas tree.