The best items in a British Christmas Dinner, according to AI - so, do you agree with the ranking?

[CharlieH]

 

• It claims Roast Turkey is the top element, while Pigs in Blankets are in fifth place 

 

It's a meal that many of us look forward to all year. 

But what exactly are the best items in a British Christmas Dinner?

While many of us see the Roast Turkey, Goose or Ham as the main event, others prefer the trimmings, whether it's pigs in blankets, stuffing, or even Brussels Sprouts. 

 

With just 10 days to go before we get to devour our Christmas Dinner, MailOnline asked ChatGPT to rank the elements on the meal. 

So, do you agree with the AI chatbot's ranking? 

 

The best items in a British Christmas Dinner, according to AI 

1. Roast Turkey 
2. Stuffing 
3. Roast Potatoes
4. Gravy 
5. Pigs in Blankets 
6. Brussels Sprouts 
7. Carrots and Parsnips 
8. Mashed Swede and Mashed Potatoes
9. Cranberry Sauce 
10. Christmas Pudding or Mince Pies

 

To get to the bottom of the Christmas Dinner ranking, MailOnline simply asked ChatGPT: 'How do you rank the elements of a British Christmas dinner?'

Within seconds, the AI bot began to reply, diplomatically stating that 'the ranking of elements can vary based on personal preferences and regional traditions.'

However, it eventually landed on 10 key items. 

Roast Turkey was named the best element, although ChatGPT said that Roast Beef, Goose, or Ham would also suffice. 

'The roast main course takes the top spot and is often the centerpiece of a British Christmas dinner,' ChatGPT said. 

Stuffing took the second spot, described by the AI bot as a 'popular and flavorful accompaniment to the roast.'

The 'beloved side dish' of roast potatoes came in third place, with ChatGPT stipulating that they must be 'crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside,' 

Meanwhile, 'rich and flavorful' gravy was deemed the fourth most important element on Christmas Dinner. 

 

SOURCE

 

[Woof999]

Sprouts are what almost ruined Christmas for several years in my childhood.

 

Move forward more than a decade, when my mother moved out of the house and was helping remove the dining room table, she found what she thought were dozens of ball bearings hidden on a ledge under the table.

 

They were in fact near fossilised sprouts courtesy of my Christmas dinner plate.

[GinBoy2]

I'm American, but a total Anglophile spent several Christmas' in the UK.

 

I'll list the No's;

 

Turkey, can't stand it. I hate it for US Thanksgiving, dry and tasteless

Lack of turkey rules out the cranberry sauce

Christmas pudding, needs lots of alcohol poured over it to make it worthwhile

Mince pies, I'm on the cusp. I have an English friends wife who has made some fantastic ones, then I've bought some online which were terrible

 

On the Yes side;

 

Roast potatoes

English stuffing, that paxo stuff, which I don't think is anything really like real stuffing but I like it

Brussel sprouts are a given

Rutabaga, your swede. It's considered a bit of a poverty food in the US, but I love it

Pigs in Blanket. Is that a UK thing? I always thought of it as American.

Gravy, well is the Pope Catholic!

[Crossy]

Asking Bard AI achieved similar results: -

 

Ranking the elements of a British Christmas dinner is a tricky task, as it's all about personal preference and family traditions! However, based on popularity and general consensus, here's a possible ranking:

Top Tier:

1. Roast Turkey (or Goose, Beef, or Ham): The undisputed king of the table, a perfectly roasted bird (or alternative) is the centerpiece of the meal. Juicy, flavorful, and draped in gravy, it's the ultimate comfort food.

   Opens in a new window
   realfood.tesco.com

   Roast turkey for Christmas dinner

2. Roast Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and generously drizzled with gravy, roast potatoes are an essential element. Some prefer them golden and crunchy, while others like them soft and pillowy.

   Opens in a new windowrealfood.tesco.com

   Roast potatoes for Christmas dinner

3. Stuffing: Savory and aromatic, stuffing adds moisture and flavor to the roast. Sage and onion is a classic, but there are endless variations, from sausage and apple to apricot and pistachio.

   Opens in a new windowwww.delish.com

   Stuffing for Christmas dinner

4. Gravy: Rich, golden, and packed with meaty goodness, gravy is the magic sauce that brings everything together. Made from pan drippings and seasoned to perfection, it's not just for potatoes!

   Opens in a new windowwww.kitchensanctuary.com

   Gravy for Christmas dinner

Middle Tier:

5. Pigs in Blankets: Tiny sausages wrapped in bacon and roasted until crispy, these little bites are pure indulgence. They're often devoured before the main course even arrives!

   Opens in a new windowwww.which.co.uk

   Pigs in blankets for Christmas dinner

6. Brussels Sprouts: Love them or hate them, Brussels sprouts are a traditional Christmas side dish. Roasted with bacon or chestnuts, they can be surprisingly delicious, especially for sprout enthusiasts.

   Opens in a new windowwww.bbcgoodfood.com

   Brussels sprouts for Christmas dinner

7. Cranberry Sauce: Tart and tangy, cranberry sauce provides a welcome contrast to the richness of the other dishes. It's also beautiful on the plate, adding a splash of festive color.

   Opens in a new windowwww.deliciousmagazine.co.uk

   Cranberry sauce for Christmas dinner

8. Bread Sauce: Creamy and smooth, bread sauce is a classic accompaniment to roast turkey. Made with breadcrumbs, milk, and spices, it adds a touch of decadence to the meal.

   Opens in a new windowwww.easycheesyvegetarian.com

   Bread sauce for Christmas dinner

Dessert:

9. Christmas Pudding: Rich, boozy, and packed with dried fruit and nuts, Christmas pudding is a tradition dating back centuries. Flambéed with brandy and served with creamy custard, it's a showstopping finale.

   Opens in a new windowwww.which.co.uk

   Christmas pudding for Christmas dinner

10. Mince Pies: Sweet, festive pastries filled with mincemeat (a mixture of dried fruit, spices, and suet), mince pies are perfect for enjoying before Christmas Day or as an after-dinner treat.

    Opens in a new windowculinaryginger.com

    Mince pies for Christmas dinner

Remember, this is just a suggested ranking. Feel free to move things around based on your own preferences! And don't forget to leave room for cheese and crackers, chutneys, and other festive delights.

Ultimately, the best Christmas dinner is the one that brings you and your loved ones together to share a delicious meal and create lasting memories.

I hope this helps you plan your own Christmas feast!

 

[Callmeishmael]

The last time I checked AIs didn't have taste buds or stomachs.  How on Earth does an AI know how to rank food???

[Crossy]

34 minutes ago, GinBoy2 said:

Pigs in Blanket. Is that a UK thing? I always thought of it as American.

 

US style pigs in blankets are more akin to what we Brits would call a sausage-roll (sausage wrapped in pastry).

 

 

For reference, UK sausage rolls.

 

 

UK pigs in blankets are sausages wrapped in bacon and cooked with the turkey.

 

[Crossy]

1 hour ago, Woof999 said:

Sprouts are what almost ruined Christmas for several years in my childhood.

 

Move forward more than a decade, when my mother moved out of the house and was helping remove the dining room table, she found what she thought were dozens of ball bearings hidden on a ledge under the table.

 

They were in fact near fossilised sprouts courtesy of my Christmas dinner plate.

 

I too hated sprouts as a kid, boiled for months and horribly bitter 

 

Then, much later in life, I had roasted sprouts which were sweet and delicious 

[GinBoy2]

14 minutes ago, Crossy said:

 

US style pigs in blankets are more akin to what we Brits would call a sausage-roll (sausage wrapped in pastry).

 

 

For reference, UK sausage rolls.

 

 

UK pigs in blankets are sausages wrapped in bacon and cooked with the turkey.

 

That explains my colonial confusion with the name

 

[brewsterbudgen]

6 hours ago, CharlieH said:

 

• It claims Roast Turkey is the top element, while Pigs in Blankets are in fifth place 

 

It's a meal that many of us look forward to all year. 

But what exactly are the best items in a British Christmas Dinner?

While many of us see the Roast Turkey, Goose or Ham as the main event, others prefer the trimmings, whether it's pigs in blankets, stuffing, or even Brussels Sprouts. 

 

With just 10 days to go before we get to devour our Christmas Dinner, MailOnline asked ChatGPT to rank the elements on the meal. 

So, do you agree with the AI chatbot's ranking? 

 

The best items in a British Christmas Dinner, according to AI 

1. Roast Turkey 
2. Stuffing 
3. Roast Potatoes
4. Gravy 
5. Pigs in Blankets 
6. Brussels Sprouts 
7. Carrots and Parsnips 
8. Mashed Swede and Mashed Potatoes
9. Cranberry Sauce 
10. Christmas Pudding or Mince Pies

 

To get to the bottom of the Christmas Dinner ranking, MailOnline simply asked ChatGPT: 'How do you rank the elements of a British Christmas dinner?'

Within seconds, the AI bot began to reply, diplomatically stating that 'the ranking of elements can vary based on personal preferences and regional traditions.'

However, it eventually landed on 10 key items. 

Roast Turkey was named the best element, although ChatGPT said that Roast Beef, Goose, or Ham would also suffice. 

'The roast main course takes the top spot and is often the centerpiece of a British Christmas dinner,' ChatGPT said. 

Stuffing took the second spot, described by the AI bot as a 'popular and flavorful accompaniment to the roast.'

The 'beloved side dish' of roast potatoes came in third place, with ChatGPT stipulating that they must be 'crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside,' 

Meanwhile, 'rich and flavorful' gravy was deemed the fourth most important element on Christmas Dinner. 

 

SOURCE

 

 

Where is the bread sauce? 

[Crossy]

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Where is the bread sauce? 

 

Bard AI included it at No.8

 

[VocalNeal]

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

 

Where is the bread sauce? 

 

The AI is probably 'merkin.🤔

[Prubangboy]

The English are def people of the parsnip. Never seen it much anywhere else. 'Waitrose Ginger Parsnip Soup, had it at least weekly.

 

Americans will tolerate a bit of parsnip in a 4 to 1 carrot/parsnip ratio.

[GinBoy2]

5 hours ago, Prubangboy said:

The English are def people of the parsnip. Never seen it much anywhere else. 'Waitrose Ginger Parsnip Soup, had it at least weekly.

 

Americans will tolerate a bit of parsnip in a 4 to 1 carrot/parsnip ratio.

Parsnips are odd in the US, really depends on ethnic family background.

 

I'm hispanic, I'd never eaten a parsnip in my life, maybe seen them in a grocery store, but my ex wife, full bloodied white family were probably stowaways on the Mayflower, she cooked them.

 

Can't say I'm a total fan, and probably wouldn't cook them for myself, and my Thai wife most certainly wouldn't eat them.

 

But not bad as part of some roast meat dinner

 

 

[lockyv7]

When I was home in Australia last Christmas it was a tub of potato salad a tub of coleslaw some fresh bread roll’s and a pile of local prawns.🦐 

with a fridge full of beer. 
yum 

[hkt83100]

For me, Sprouts would destroy even the best dinner, I hate that stuff from deep within my heart. All my life. Disgusting. Luckily, in almost 30 years in Thailand I never confronted that pest. But I don't mind if someone likes it. Up to you.

[Ralf001]

Had to google "swede", never heard of em.

 

I'll pass, mashed or not.

 

[Thingamabob]

As a vegetarian I woukd put roast potatoes, stuffing and sprouts at the top of my list.

[Gsxrnz]

Yorkshire puddings are essential.

[newbee2022]

I prefer Haggis and a good pint of Jameson to wash it down 😂🧑‍🎄

[alex8912]

Since booze wasn't listed anywhere I skipped the list and blocked AI. 

[Scott Tracy]

Where did cranberry sauce come from for an English Christmas dinner?

[brewsterbudgen]

5 hours ago, Scott Tracy said:

Where did cranberry sauce come from for an English Christmas dinner?

 

America.

[GinBoy2]

5 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

 

America.

Good point, you don't find a lot of cranberry bogs outside of North America

[Crossy]

8 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

I prefer Haggis and a good pint of Jameson to wash it down 😂🧑‍🎄

 

Ethically sourced haggis I hope. The wild-caught ones are tastier but becoming rare now due to over fishing.

 

Spoiler

Long ago I introduced madam to scotch-eggs which she liked; I told her they were layed by a bird called a "haggis" that lived only in Scotland and the shells really were just like sausage. When she realised she'd been had there was no nookie for "a while", rectified by 1Baht of gold (funny how gold cures all).

 

 

[mrfill]

7 hours ago, Scott Tracy said:

Where did cranberry sauce come from for an English Christmas dinner?

The US, same for turkeys which are also immigrants.

The roast potatoes come from South America.

 

My favourite christmas meal is the one you get on the plane while flying somewhere warm on Dec25.

 

[scottiejohn]

49 minutes ago, Crossy said:

 

Ethically sourced haggis I hope. The wild-caught ones are tastier but becoming rare now due to over fishing.

 

  Hide contents

Long ago I introduced madam to scotch-eggs which she liked; I told her they were layed by a bird called a "haggis" that lived only in Scotland and the shells really were just like sausage. When she realised she'd been had there was no nookie for "a while", rectified by 1Baht of gold (funny how gold cures all).

 

 

I am sorry @Crossy but I think you  were wrong about over fishing and omitted the following interesting info!

 Wild haggis "Haggis Scoticus"  the wild haggis's left and right legs are of different lengths, allowing it to run quickly around the steep mountains and hillsides which make up its natural habitat, but only in one direction.

 

There are two varieties of haggis, one with longer left legs and the other with longer right legs. The former variety can run clockwise around a mountain while the latter can run anticlockwise.

 

The two varieties coexist peacefully but from either the Western Isles and west coast (Clockies) or from the dour East Coast (Antis) are unable to interbreed in the wild because in order for the male of one variety to mate with a female of the other, he must turn to face in the same direction as his intended mate, causing him to lose his balance before he can mount her. 

 

It also makes one right/left leg tougher than the other depending on whether you are Clockie or an Anti! 

Edited December 22, 2023 by scottiejohn

[Lacessit]

The OP list of goodies is no doubt ideal for the British climate.

 

My favorite Christmas dinner was cold King Island crayfish and salad, consumed with a Vasse Felix classic dry white.

Dessert is fruit salad, made from strawberries, blueberries, seedless grapes, pineapple and rock melon. Topped with thickened cream.

IMO much more sensible for an Australian summer, I don't care what AI says.

[Kalasin Jo]

On 12/21/2023 at 3:11 PM, brewsterbudgen said:

 

Where is the bread sauce? 

Yes I agree. An essential not just with the Christmas turkey but with roast chicken too. My paternal grandmother used to do excellent Sunday lunch with roast chicken. Always bread sauce. Fell in love with it then, probably aged about 4. She also did lovely teas with the star being a wonderful Victoria sandwich cake filled with strawberry jam and whipped cream, the proper stuff not the aerosol kind. I don't think that was even available back then.

Crossy's competing post here with another AI list does have bread sauce at no.8

[novacova]

Sincerely hope y’all have a great wonderful gut filling Christmas, though I foresee I’ll be chomping on some sort of Thai dish on that day.

[GinBoy2]

45 minutes ago, novacova said:

Sincerely hope y’all have a great wonderful gut filling Christmas, though I foresee I’ll be chomping on some sort of Thai dish on that day.

Well we're with you on that.

We're both working on Christmas day, but we talked about this and Mrs G is gonna cook my favorite Kai Po Lo (aka sweet eggs) and I'm going to make a Sopapilla (Mexican Cheesecake) for dessert