Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- **Cranberry Brie Bites:**
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Cut puff pastry into small squares.
- 3. Place a piece of brie on each square.
- 4. Top with cranberry sauce and chopped pecans.
- 5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- **Spinach Artichoke Dip:**
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. Combine spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese in a bowl.
- 3. Mix well and transfer to a baking dish.
- 4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- 5. Serve with baguette slices.
- **Mini Quiches:**
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Line muffin tins with pie crust.
- 3. Whisk together eggs, milk, and cheese.
- 4. Add bacon or sausage and chopped vegetables.
- 5. Pour mixture into pie crust-lined muffin tins.
- 6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until set.
- **Honey Glazed Ham:**
- 1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- 2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern.
- 3. In a saucepan, combine honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
- 4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- 5. Brush the glaze over the ham.
- 6. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound, basting with glaze every 30 minutes.
- **Roast Turkey Breast:**
- 1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- 2. Rub turkey breast with olive oil, herbs, and garlic.
- 3. Place in a roasting pan with lemon slices.
- 4. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 5. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- **Vegetarian Wellington:**
- 1. Sauté mushrooms, lentils, walnuts, onions, and garlic in a pan with vegetable broth and herbs.
- 2. Roll out puff pastry.
- 3. Place the mushroom mixture in the center of the puff pastry.
- 4. Wrap the pastry around the mixture, sealing the edges.
- 5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
- **Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze:**
- 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
- 4. In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey.
- 5. Simmer until reduced and thickened.
- 6. Drizzle balsamic glaze over Brussels sprouts before serving.
- **Garlic Mashed Potatoes:**
- 1. Boil potatoes until tender.
- 2. Drain and mash.
- 3. Add butter, milk or cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- **Stuffing:**
- 1. Sauté sausage, celery, and onion in butter.
- 2. Add bread, broth, and herbs.
- 3. Mix well and transfer to a baking dish.
- 4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- **Pecan Pie:**
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. In a bowl, combine pecans, corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract.
- 3. Pour mixture into pie crust.
- 4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until set.
- **Christmas Cookies:**
- 1. Mix flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and baking powder.
- 2. Roll out dough and cut into shapes.
- 3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- 4. Frost and decorate with sprinkles.
- **Chocolate Fudge:**
- 1. Melt chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan.
- 2. Stir in vanilla extract.
- 3. Pour into a lined baking dish.
- 4. Refrigerate until firm.
- 5. Cut into squares.
- **Christmas Margarita:**
- 1. Combine tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and Grand Marnier in a shaker with ice.
- 2. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
- 3. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs.
- **Hot Chocolate:**
- 1. Heat milk in a saucepan.
- 2. Add chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar.
- 3. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth.
- 4. Add vanilla extract.
- 5. Serve with marshmallows and whipped cream.
Notes
Prepare as much as possible in advance to reduce stress on Christmas Day. Many components, like sauces and desserts, can be made 1-2 days ahead. Don't hesitate to ask guests to contribute a dish to lighten the load. Remember to label each dish clearly, especially for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies. Leftovers should be stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
