Christmas Dinner Recipe Ideas

Over the years I have experimented with an inordinate number of Christmas dinner recipe ideas. Past favorites have included Turkey with all the trimmings and Roast Beef with Yorkshire pudding, but the all-time winner in our house is my Herb and Honey Marinated Filet of Beef.

After the economy crashed in September of ’08, which turned out to be the impetus for this little budget entertaining blog, filet mignon became far too expensive for our Christmas banquet, and so I created a cheaper version, swapping out filet for more affordable sirloin steak. Mariel swears she cannot taste the difference and so we never again have to break the bank on beef tenderloin.

For your elaborate Yuletide meal, we decided to offer some of our favorite starters, entrees, sides, and desserts along with several new recipes as you craft and prepare your own family feast. From our house to your house, we wish you the merriest of Christmases!

Appetizers
Prosciutto Palmiers
Hot Crab Dip with Old Bay Seasoning
Spiced Cheddar Cheese Twists
Caramelized Onion Tartlets
Valerie’s Fig and Olive Tapenade

Soups:
“Creamy” Wild Mushroom Soup
Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Entrees:
Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream
Honey and Herb Marinated Sirloin Steak
Red-Wine-Braised Brisket with Dried Fruit
Chicken Cassoulet with Sausages and White Beans
Shredded Chicken with Figs, Marcona Almonds and Fresh Thyme over Tagliatelle
Classic Lump Crab Cakes with Jalapeno Aioli
Osso Bucco: Braised Veal Shanks

Side Dishes:
Char-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Pancetta
Wild Rice Salad with Montrachet, Scallions & Currants
Haricots Verts with Roasted Shallots
Creamy Corn Pudding
Mixed Greens with Cranberries and Walnuts
Popovers, aka Yorkshire Pudding

Breads and Desserts:
Cranberry Nut Bread
Nana’s Date Nut Bread
Cheesecake Brownies with Glazed Berries
Thin & Chewy Gingersnap Cookies
Nana’s Chocolate Gateau
Lemon Olive Oil Cake with a Lemon/Rosemary Glaze
Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse Cake
Gingersnap Cheesecake