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Christmas is a time for so much that is really great in life. Everyone loves the chance to get together and have fun with the people they love. Part of the process of Christmas cheer is having amazing food around to sample. Food is one of the first things that people think about when they think about Christmas. Like carols, wrapped presents and a wonderful fall of beautiful snow, a good meal is essential at Christmas.
If you’re making plans to have a gathering of any kind at this time, you’ll want to take the time to think about what to serve your guests. Iconic Christmas dishes are not only traditional. These types of dishes are also easy to make. You can find lots of marvelous recipes to help you get a holiday feast up and waiting for everyone headed for your door soon. Set up a menu of favorites that you know are going to please everyone. Many holiday dishes can be prepared well in advance. That makes it easy for you to have everything on hand. All you have to do is sit back and wait for your family and friends to celebrate this delightful season with you.
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Appetizers That Taste Great
When people come to your house, you want to have something on hand for them. Good appetizers help break the ice and let people grab a yummy bite right after they arrive.
it’s a great idea to bring out all those favorites you know your guests are going to appreciate. There are lots of choices in holiday appetizers. You can opt for a selection for a crowd. Or, just stick to a few tried and true favs. It’s all there for you to create for your friends and family at this time.
One of the most beloved all Christmas appetizers is the herbed cheese ball. Roll this one out and you’re good to go. Bring out a good collection of crackers so your guest can dig right in. Deviled eggs with festive Christmas toppings are another possibility. You can make your own or opt for the premade variety. Mix the egg yolk with brightly colored herbs like paprika and oregano. Add a touch like chopped onions, olives and other easy to prepare toppings once the eggs are out and waiting for your friends. Serve cold on top of a platter decorated with those fabulous holiday colors.
Vegetable Sides
Side dishes make the main course one to remember. Christmas offers a chance to put up dishes that are all ways to add a touch of something that’s not only pleasing to the eyes. Christmas lets you bring along dishes that everyone can enjoy because they are tasty and have the nutrition people need to get them through the day. A series of vegetables are right for the grownups in your family and the little kids. You can take those delightful root vegetables and bring out the innate flavor that everyone can truly savor.
A basic dish such as this one for roasted carrots adds that much needed touch of color to your dinner table. Roasting brings out the sweetness of the carrots. Make sure everyone at your table can eat them. Cutting them up into smaller chunks lets everyone have a bite. Brussels sprouts are another dish that people tend to think about when they think about Christmas. You can make it your own with this recipe that uses bacon and cranberries for additional color and flavor. This is one that works when you serve it hot or bring to your table at room temperature.
The Main Event
Once you’ve brought out the appetizers, it’s more than time for the main course. Main courses that people think about when think about Christmas are all about the senses. People remember luscious scents from well chosen spices. They also think about hearty roasts with gravy and plenty of time to dig in. If you’re making that Christmas meal, you’ll want to think about serving at least two main courses. Offering two main courses lets your guest have a choice they can appreciate. Mix it up with the dishes they love and a bit of your own twist at the same time.
Turkey is one of those main courses that many people think of when they think of Christmas as well as Thanksgiving. A large turkey can serve a huge crowd. If you’re looking for a turkey recipe you can make as you’re doing other things this time of the year, this Spice Rubbed Roast Turkey from Martha Stewart is the way to go. The spice mix is easy to make. That will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma few can resist. Additions like oranges and white wine amp up the flavor profile to a whole new level.
Another classic dish that many people associate with this time of the year is a good ham. Ham is very easy to make in advance. Making a large ham also ensures lots of leftovers for you and the family to have when the party’s done. For many people, the ham they eat is all about the glaze. This one with a brown sugar mustard glaze, is all you need in a ham for your guests. The coating offers a savory and a sweet touch at the same time. Slice and serve cold for everyone to enjoy.
Those Desserts
When people think about Christmas, they also think about having lots of sweet treats on hand. Sweets are a good way to end any meal. Now is the time to look to the old fashioned recipes your grandmother made when you were a kid. One of the best things about Christmas desserts is they don’t require a lot of time to get in place. Many have the added advantage that you can make them with other people in your home. Teach your kids these fantastic Christmas dessert recipes they can pass on to their own children.
Cookies are one of those things that everyone thinks about when they think about Christmas. You can celebrate with these gingerbread cookies that are soft and bake quickly. The basic recipe is very simple. Get out the cookie cutter and make shapes. Add your own touch with icing for memorable details. Sugar cookies are another delightful option that people love eating. Cut the cookies into shapes that immediately say Christmas like trees and holiday ornaments. You can top them with just about anything you want. Add details like green and red sprinkles on top of a white icing base.
If you really want to wow your guests with a treat, you can go for the Bûche de Noël. The Bûche de Noël or rolled chocolate log is all about the chocolate and luscious cream filling. It’s a classic French tradition that you can make in your own home. You’ll want to set out the ingredients well before you start. It may look like a lot of work at first. The good thing is you can break it down into steps and then get it right. This a great way to have those oohs and ahhs you want at Christmas.
