New England boiled dinner??

[HappyMommy2]

How do you make yours? The smoked shoulder and carrots were on sale. I also bought cabbage, potatoes, and a turnip.

I have never made this dish, or a turnip before, and would love to hear your family recipe. I've googled a bit, but want to know some real-life recommendations.

Do you soak it in water for a day beforehand to get the salt out? Are pepper and a bay leaf the only spices?

This is kind of an important one. MIL used to make this growing up, and my DH and FIL are really looking forward to it. (MIL is no longer alive)

Can't wait to hear your advice!!

[alicia622]

probably too late- but I have only made boiled dinner with corned beef. DH makes it better than I do- he soaks the corned beef and we never add turnip. BLECH!!! The turnip makes everything taste like turnip (which IMO- is not pleasant!). I always add onions too.

[Carita]

my mom makes it with smoked shoulder, cabbage, carrots, potato & onion. no spices needed, no presoaking needed.

save the ham stock for pea soup or lentils latetr & use all leftovers to make hash! mmmm!!!

[angelcollector1]

Originally Posted by Carita

my mom makes it with smoked shoulder, cabbage, carrots, potato & onion. no spices needed, no presoaking needed.

save the ham stock for pea soup or lentils latetr & use all leftovers to make hash! mmmm!!!

That's how my mom made it too, but with a head of cabbage as well - no turnip. I don't make it because I don't like it.. never did.