So, you're making Christmas dinner or some other special holiday meal. Here are some tips and recipes by Eric Akis from our archives to help you get started.
Happy holidays — and happy cooking!
MEAT
Have you been tasked with cooking a turkey for the big meal? Are you stressed out about it? Here are some basic tips to help you prepare a fine roast turkey.
Or maybe you've opted for duck. This recipe for Roast Duck with Ginger Cranberry Sauce feeds two, with leftovers.
Here's another two-person option: Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apples and Thyme. It would make for a cosy winter meal.
Cranberry Maple Chicken with Balsamic and Pecans can be partially prepared in advance, and has some festive touches in the form of red cranberries and green parsley.
A roasted turkey breast is another option. The article also includes a recipe for Chestnut, Apple and Pancetta Dressing.
SIDES
Classic side dishes get an upgrade in Pomegranate-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Ginger and Walnuts, Cranberry Sauce with Ginger and Sherry, and Festive Baked Yam Rounds with Balsamic Crema.
Want to make your potatoes in advance? Consider this Make-Ahead Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Bake. There's also a recipe for gravy that can be done ahead of time.
APPETIZERS AND STARTERS
Is it even Christmas without a cheese log of some kind? Here's a trio of recipes featuring salmon, fruit and nuts and a classic cheese ball.
If you love shrimp rings but find the sauce uninspiring, try one of these three recipes for dipping sauces. There's a classic cocktail sauce, a creamy lemon-dill one, and a Japanese-style sauce.
This festive and flavourful salad — it features pomegranate seeds for a pop of colour — could be served as a starter or main course.
Make your own low-sodium party snacks with this recipe for Nuts and Bolts.
If you have more time, there's Lamb Kofta with Sweet and Sour Pomegranate Sauce, Mini Pissaladière, and Smoked Salmon and Shrimp on Mini Lemon Dill Pancakes to consider.
