The Second Day of Christmas Party and Menu Ideas

Entertaining Themes and Recipes Based on Turtle Doves

Nov 2, 2009 Elaine Findlay

The second day of Christmas, according to the song, has someone sending a gift of turtle doves. Why not host a dinner or party based on these birds?

The second day of Christmas is Boxing Day, otherwise known as the feast of St Stephen. According to the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas", the gift associated with this day was two turtle doves. The turtle dove is a bit smaller than the collared dove and is darker in colour.

The Dove in Life, Literature and Music

“The Turtle Dove” was the name of a song by Beethoven so a party could be themed on his life and works. Play his music and celebrate the country in which he was born by serving black forest gateau or hamburgers. Another famous German composer, Handel, also wrote an aria involving the turtle dove in his oratorio on the Resurrection so play his music whilst eaten typical German food stuffs.

The dove is also known, historically, as a symbol of peace. It was a dove that, according to the Bible, Noah sent out from the ark to see if the flood waters had subsided. It was when the bird returned with the branch of an olive tree that he knew the flood was abating.

Dove is also the name of a brand of beauty products including soaps, shampoos and antiperspirants so throw a cosmetic or make up party. Invite the girls round for a beauty or pamper party which includes treats such as chocolates, nuts and canapés and wine. Spend the evening indulging in face masks, foot spas, manicures and pedicures.

Recipe for Dove (or Pigeon) Chasseur

The status of the turtle dove is red according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds meaning that it is a globally threatened species because population numbers have been decreasing over the last few years. So, with conservation in mind, it would probably be best to substitute it for collared dove or pigeon in any dinner menu based on this idea. This recipe for a chasseur works equally well with dove or pigeon.

Ingredients (serves 4):

4 pigeons or doves
20 button mushrooms
10 shallots
1 tin chopped tomatoes
1 pint white wine (medium or dry)
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp olive oil
1 oz butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Peel and chop the shallots
Wash and dry and quarter the mushrooms
Melt the butter in the olive oil in a flameproof casserole dish and gently fry the birds until they are nicely browned.
Remove from the dish and put to once side
Sauté the shallots and mushrooms in the dish for a few minutes until they are slightly golden.
Add the tinned tomatoes and cook until heated through
Pour in the wine and herbs and season to taste
Heat until the sauce is just simmering then add the browned pigeons or doves
Put a lid on the casserole and bake in a preheated oven at gas mark 4, 180 C, 350 F for about an hour or so

Readers may also be interested on this article Themed Parties on the Twelve Days of Christmas for further information on the popular Christmas song. If these ideas based on turtle doves don’t appeal, why not consider those offered in the article: The First Day of Christmas Party and Menu Ideas or this article on The Third Day of Christmas Party and Menu Ideas.

Sources:

Musical World 1842

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