My Stovetop Christmas Dinner Menu, for One

When my friend asked me what was on our Christmas dinner menu this week, I said nothing. I had no plan to cook. For the first time in my 30+ years, I plan to spend Christmas day alone. As with many other things, I wondered if it would lift my spirits or make me feel worse on Christmas day. Plus, (and I asked my friend this), what kind of Christmas dinner am I making on a two-burner stovetop? I can’t bake anything, so what would I make?

Usually, my family and I would split dinner items and bring them together to complete the meal, so I have never cooked a full Christmas dinner by myself… I don’t think. Anyway, it got me thinking. In my family group, they are planning the dinner menu and outfit coordination without me.

It made me sad (in my Sio voice) so I thought, what if I coordinated, too? I mean, I can prop em up on my computer right? While it won’t be the same, it’s worth a shot. So, I got to thinking, I might as well cook. Experiment. I pondered a bit trying to figure out what I can make myself for a stove-top Christmas dinner?

I still haven’t figured out the area I live in yet, but from what other Jamaicans around have told me, the one store here is not it. Maybe I will have to head into the city to find one (or not) so maybe, I’ll make my menu and see what I can do. I do t know that it’ll work out, but I’m going to try.

My Stovetop Christmas Dinner Menu

I’ll likely be eating this for a few days since it’s just me, so I figure if I do end up with too much food, it’ll last me a few days. That’s actually a win. So here is my proposal for a stovetop Christmas dinner menu for one.

Drinks

I want sorrel. I crave that dark, rich, spicy, strong Jamaican sorrel drink with red label wine, not rum. Ideally, it would be made weeks in advance. That means I would want to brew it myself. So I am on the hunt for sorrel.

Otherwise, it’ll be lemonade and ice tea. And a bottle of wine. Maybe.

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Meat

Meat-wise I thought basic was best. So this is what I’m going with.

Pork Chops (Still debating the how)
Fried Chicken
Pan seared fish fillet

Sides

I feel like I could have a little more fun with sides. Sure am can’t bake Mac and cheese or sweet potato bake,

Kidney beans/Gungo Peas and rice
Garlic Mashed potatoes
Yam salad

Vegetables

Shredded vegetables
Green (string) beans

So that’s what I’m thinking I’ll have for dinner. Maybe I’ll change my mind and order junk food. Or have tea and crackers. Who knows? I guess we’ll see.