Festive Feast 2021

As the holiday season draws near, the anticipation of a festive meal fills the air. For many, a succulent baked ham stands as the undisputed centerpiece of Christmas dinner, embodying both tradition and delicious simplicity. The planning, however, can sometimes feel daunting. Just recently, a friend reached out with a touch of holiday panic, wondering if ordering her ham for a delivery window just days before Christmas Eve was too risky. My immediate reply? “Risk it!” – quickly followed by placing my own forgotten ham order. Such is the delightful chaos and camaraderie of holiday preparations, often sparked by a friendly reminder from a neighbor.

For those still looking to secure their holiday centerpiece, there’s good news! Many reputable suppliers, like Dakin Farms, offer convenient delivery options right up until Christmas. Their hams, in particular, are renowned for their exceptional quality, guaranteeing a delightful culinary experience with minimal effort. The beauty of a pre-cooked ham, especially compared to the often-intimidating turkey, is its remarkable ease. Forget the complex brining rituals, the constant basting, or the nagging worry: “Will it be perfect this year?” With a high-quality, pre-cooked ham, perfection is practically a given. All that’s truly needed is a gentle warming and perhaps a beautiful glaze.

And what elevates a perfectly baked ham from merely good to absolutely unforgettable? For me, it’s my grandmother’s signature mustard sauce. This family recipe transforms a simple dish into a gourmet delight, adding a tangy, savory dimension that complements the ham flawlessly. It’s the secret ingredient that truly completes the festive feast.

This year, to help you craft an unforgettable and stress-free Christmas celebration, I’ve compiled a comprehensive menu featuring all my cherished holiday recipes. This updated guide builds upon the successes of previous years, incorporating new favorites that have quickly become staples. These include a delightfully simple baked ham recipe with a brown sugar glaze, creamy (yet miraculously cream-free) buttermilk mashed potatoes, a comforting classic sweet potato casserole, and the effortlessly elegant tangerine spritz – arguably the easiest and most festive cocktail one could ever whip up. Whether you’re hosting a grand dinner or enjoying a cozy family gathering, this curated selection of recipes is designed to inspire joy and ease. Below, you’ll find these culinary gems thoughtfully organized to guide you through Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, and the grand Christmas dinner itself:

P.S. If you’re hosting and seeking ideas for delectable appetizers and delightful nibbles to kick off your celebration, this collection of New Year’s Eve recipes offers a fantastic starting point with a variety of drinks, crostini, dips, and finger foods. For those with a sweet tooth looking to expand their holiday baking repertoire, explore this post featuring 25 festive Christmas cookie ideas that are sure to spread cheer.

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Christmas Eve Delights

To me, few dishes capture the spirit of Christmas Eve quite like Moules Marinière (mussels). This elegant yet simple dish was a cherished tradition in my mother’s home, and for good reason. Mussels are incredibly quick to prepare, cooking in mere minutes, yet they present beautifully, offering a touch of sophisticated festivity to your holiday table. The briny flavor of the mussels, bathed in a delicate white wine broth, pairs exquisitely with a crusty loaf of bread. For an excellent choice, consider my mother’s famously easy peasant bread or a rustic simple sourdough boule to soak up every last drop of the flavorful sauce. To complete this delightful meal, add a side of these crispy oven fries, a family favorite that pairs wonderfully with mussels, creating a hearty and satisfying combination.

A fresh, simple salad dressed with a bright citrus-shallot vinaigrette provides the perfect counterpoint, adding a refreshing note to this delightful supper. However, if mussels aren’t quite what you had in mind for your Christmas Eve feast, allow me to sing the praises of this sensational butternut squash lasagna, a dish that has frequently graced my dinner table in recent weeks and is always met with rave reviews.

Butternut Squash Lasagna: A Crowd-Pleasing Alternative

I distinctly remember a snowy Thanksgiving in Vermont where this exquisite butternut squash lasagna, lovingly prepared by a vegetarian friend of my aunt’s, completely stole the spotlight. The recipe, originally from Gourmet magazine, is a testament to how truly comforting and impressive vegetarian fare can be. Its rich, savory flavors and creamy texture are guaranteed to delight both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, making it a perfect, inclusive choice for your Christmas Eve celebration. Just like with the mussels, a crisp, simple salad, brightened with a zesty citrus-shallot vinaigrette, serves as the ideal accompaniment, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing balance.

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Festive Holiday Drinks: Glogg

For my family, especially when I’m celebrating with my parents, Christmas simply isn’t complete without the heartwarming presence of Glogg. This traditional Scandinavian mulled wine is my stepfather’s specialty, a highly anticipated libation that signals the true start of the holiday season for our entire family. The very name “Glogg” is derived from a Scandinavian word meaning “to glow” or “to warm,” and it perfectly encapsulates the purpose of this beloved hot beverage: to infuse you with warmth and bring a radiant glow to your cheeks. Hailing from regions where long, dark winters prevail, glogg is crafted to deliver an immediate, profound warmth, and it certainly lives up to that promise.

Glogg achieves its potent effect through a delightful two-pronged approach. As the fragrant vapors of the hot liquid, infused with an array of aromatic spices, swirl upwards, they stimulate the senses and awaken the mind. Simultaneously, the rich liquid itself – a masterful blend of red wine, port, and brandy – swiftly courses through the bloodstream. This is no ordinary drink; it’s a powerful elixir designed to warm you to the bone, impart a rosy flush, and kickstart any festive gathering. With a steaming glass of glogg in hand, resisting the urge to burst into joyous Christmas carols becomes an impossible feat. It truly sets the mood for merriment.

We absolutely adore serving glogg as a pre-dinner aperitif. It’s best enjoyed by a crackling fire, accompanied by a selection of simple, savory snacks like fine cheeses, artisanal crackers, and a mix of nuts. This ritual creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that perfectly ushers in the holiday feasting.

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Tangerine Spritz: A Bright & Bubbly Aperitif

For a lighter, yet equally festive, cocktail option, look no further than this delightful tangerine spritz recipe, inspired by David Lebovitz’s “Drinking French.” This effervescent beverage requires just three simple ingredients: fresh tangerines (or easy-to-peel clementines), your favorite sparkling wine, and a splash of Campari for a hint of bittersweet complexity. It strikes a perfect balance, reminiscent of a sophisticated spritz meeting a bright mimosa – an ideal winter holiday cocktail that is as beautiful to behold as it is refreshing to drink. Its vibrant color, zesty citrus notes, and festive fizz make it an absolute triumph for holiday celebrations. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests and the festive atmosphere. Cheers to simplicity and elegance!

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Sweet Christmas Breakfasts

Overnight Brioche Cinnamon Buns: The Ultimate Indulgence

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon buns, without having to lift a finger at dawn. That’s the magic of these overnight brioche cinnamon buns. Prepare them on Christmas Eve, allow them to proof slowly in the refrigerator, and simply pop them into the oven come morning. The reward? Pillowy-soft brioche, generously swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. This recipe guarantees not just a sublime breakfast, but also truly happy humans around your holiday table, making Christmas morning effortlessly sweet and memorable.

Two Cranberry-Studded Favorites: Make-Ahead Magic

For those who adore the tart sweetness of cranberries during the holidays, these two recipes are absolute must-tries. Both offer the invaluable advantage of being prepped ahead, freeing up precious Christmas morning time. The unbaked scones can be conveniently stashed in the fridge (or even the freezer) the night before, ready to be baked to golden perfection when you awake. Similarly, the batter for the cranberry buttermilk breakfast cake can be prepared and refrigerated, ensuring a fresh-baked treat with minimal fuss. These options provide both deliciousness and unparalleled convenience for your holiday breakfast spread.

Overnight French Toast: Custardy Perfection

For a truly indulgent yet incredibly simple Christmas morning treat, look no further than this baked French toast recipe. I confidently believe it’s not only the easiest French toast you’ll ever prepare, but also one of the absolute best. This ingenious method yields French toast that is beautifully crisp on the exterior, giving way to a wonderfully custardy and tender interior. It emerges from the oven piping hot, ready to be adorned with your favorite toppings – a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a medley of fresh seasonal fruits, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even all three for ultimate decadence. It’s an ideal choice for feeding a crowd with minimal last-minute effort.

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Savory Morning Options

While sweet treats are often synonymous with Christmas morning, savory options are equally delightful and often provide a welcome balance. For a fuss-free breakfast that can feed a crowd, my Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Casserole with Spinach is an absolute winner. It’s wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize ingredients to suit your family’s preferences, and it can be prepared largely in advance. This makes it perfect for a leisurely holiday morning without the last-minute scramble.

Another beloved family recipe, featured in the New York Times Magazine in 1985, is Herb and Gruyère-Topped Baked (Shirred) Eggs. My mother has been making these for us for decades. These elegant baked eggs, topped with a melty Gruyère and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, are a comforting and luxurious way to start the day. They’re surprisingly simple to achieve, yielding perfectly soft-cooked eggs that feel incredibly special.

For those craving a decadent and hearty breakfast, learning How to Make Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame is a worthwhile endeavor. These classic French ham and cheese sandwiches, elevated with béchamel sauce and sometimes topped with a fried egg (for the Madame), are the epitome of breakfast luxury. They’re surprisingly approachable to make at home and are guaranteed to impress. Lastly, for a wholesome and customizable option, consider Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal. It can be assembled the night before, bakes beautifully, and offers a warm, nourishing start to any holiday morning, with endless possibilities for toppings like fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey.

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The Grand Christmas Dinner

While the holiday menu offers a variety of delectable options, the star of our Christmas dinner undoubtedly remains the ham. I am 95% convinced that my profound love for ham stems directly from the incredible sauce that accompanies it: my grandmother’s mustard sauce. Friends, I cannot emphasize enough how truly exceptional this sauce is. Its perfect balance of tang and spice elevates every bite of ham, turning a classic dish into an extraordinary culinary experience. It’s a generational recipe that consistently earns rave reviews and is an absolute must-have on our holiday table. Pair it with a simple baked ham, and you have a match made in culinary heaven.

While ham might be our preferred centerpiece, a Christmas feast offers an opportunity to explore other equally impressive main courses. For those who appreciate elegant alternatives, consider the **Easiest Rack of Lamb**. This dish, despite its gourmet appearance, is remarkably simple to prepare, making it a sophisticated yet stress-free choice. Similarly, **Broiled Lamb Chops with Nigella’s Mint Sauce & Roasted Asparagus** offers a vibrant and flavorful option, with a refreshing mint sauce that truly shines.

If poultry is more to your liking, a perfectly roasted chicken can be just as grand as a turkey. My recipes for **Spatchcocked Roast Chicken with Dates & Artichoke Hearts** and **Spatchcock Chicken Recipe with Za’atar & Lemon** provide succulent and flavorful options that are designed for ease and maximum impact. Spatchcocking ensures even cooking and wonderfully crispy skin.

For something truly special and a touch more adventurous, duck makes a magnificent holiday main. The **Perfect Pan-Seared Duck Breasts with Port Wine Sauce** is a showstopper, offering tender meat and a rich, fruity sauce that’s surprisingly accessible to make at home. Alternatively, for a deeply savory and melt-in-your-mouth experience, try the **Duck Leg Confit: 3 Hours, 3 Ingredients**. This simplified version of a French classic brings bistro-quality dining to your festive table with minimal fuss.

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Fresh & Vibrant Salads

During this festive time of year, I find myself continually drawn to the refreshing flavors of my favorite citrus-shallot vinaigrette. This particular variation of my beloved shallot dressing incorporates both vinegar and freshly squeezed orange juice, which imbues the dressing with a lighter, brighter, and wonderfully fresh zest. It’s the perfect dressing to cut through the richness of holiday meals, offering a burst of vibrant flavor. I love using it to dress very simple salads, perhaps a mix of tender Boston lettuce with crisp endive, peppery arugula, or whatever beautiful greens I can find at the local market. The beauty lies in its versatility and its ability to elevate even the most basic salad ingredients.

However, if you’re seeking a more substantial and visually striking salad to grace your holiday table, here are a few more inspiring ideas that celebrate the bounty of winter produce:

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Warming & Comforting Soups

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to welcome guests or to serve as a lighter meal during the bustling holiday season. These recipes offer a delightful array of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion leading up to, or during, Christmas. For a classic that never disappoints, try my Simple Homemade Potato Leek Soup. It’s a vegetarian dream, highlighting the harmonious pairing of earthy potatoes and tender leeks in a creamy, satisfying broth. Another hearty option is the Split Pea and Ham (or not!) Soup, a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to be vegetarian by simply omitting the ham, making it ideal for utilizing leftover ham bones or catering to different dietary needs.

For something a bit more refined, the Cream of Celery Soup with Walnut-Currant Salsa offers an unexpected depth of flavor and a delightful textural contrast from the salsa. This elegant soup is surprisingly simple to make and always impresses. If you’re a fan of fall flavors, the Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Soup is a hands-off wonder, allowing the slow cooker to develop rich, sweet, and savory notes with minimal effort. A similar, equally delicious option is the Butternut Squash and Apple Cider Soup, which pairs beautifully with herbed flatbread. Finally, for a truly decadent and comforting experience, the Vermont Cheddar Cheese Soup & Beer Bread is an indulgence that’s perfect for a chilly winter evening, offering rich cheesy goodness with a hearty, homemade bread accompaniment.

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Hearty Potato Creations

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole: A Timeless Favorite

No holiday meal is complete without a selection of hearty and satisfying potato dishes. They provide the perfect comforting accompaniment to any festive main course. First, consider Alice Waters’s Potato Gratin, a timeless classic that brings an elegant touch to the table. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce create an incredibly decadent side that is always a crowd-pleaser. For a lighter yet equally flavorful option, my Creamy (No-Cream) Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes are a revelation. Despite the absence of heavy cream, these mashed potatoes are incredibly rich and full of flavor, making them a healthier indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. You can easily customize them with fresh herbs or roasted garlic for an added dimension of flavor, ensuring they perfectly complement your main dish.

And of course, a holiday table often calls for the beloved sweet potato. This classic sweet potato casserole is an old family recipe that I happily revived for this past Thanksgiving, where it was met with overwhelming enthusiasm and adoration. Its sweet, comforting flavors and delightful topping make it an irresistible addition to any festive spread. These potato recipes are sure to round out your holiday meal, providing warmth, flavor, and satisfaction for all your guests.

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Irresistible Holiday Desserts

No grand holiday meal is truly complete without a show-stopping dessert that leaves a lasting sweet impression. This collection features a variety of beloved recipes, perfect for concluding your Christmas feast with a flourish. For pie enthusiasts, mastering How to Parbake Pie Crust + Foolproof Flaky Pie Dough is essential for achieving a perfectly crisp base. Once you have that down, indulge in a rich and flavorful Homemade Bourbon Pecan Pie (No Corn Syrup), a decadent twist on a classic that will impress with its deep flavors and perfect texture.

If you’re leaning towards something creamy and bright, the Lemon-Ricotta Cheesecake offers a delightful balance of tang and sweetness, with a velvety smooth texture that’s incredibly satisfying. For a sophisticated Italian touch, Tiramisu is always a hit, layering coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a rich mascarpone cream for an irresistible dessert that can be prepared in advance.

For those who prefer a cake, the One-Bowl, Orange-Ricotta Pound Cake is a wonderfully moist and fragrant option that’s incredibly easy to make, embodying the festive spirit of citrus. The elegant Chez Panisse Almond Torte is a timeless choice, offering a delicate nuttiness and light texture that’s simply exquisite. If a rich chocolate dessert is on your mind, the Flourless Chocolate-Almond Cake (Torta Caprese) is a decadent and naturally gluten-free option that’s both intense and wonderfully moist. Finally, for a truly aromatic and tender treat, the Orange and Olive Oil Cake provides a unique flavor profile that is both rustic and refined. Each of these desserts promises to be a memorable conclusion to your holiday feast, ensuring your guests leave with sweet memories.

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Artisan Breads & Rolls

Freshly baked bread is the unsung hero of any holiday spread, offering warmth, comfort, and the perfect vehicle for soaking up delicious sauces or creating delightful leftover sandwiches. Our selection of artisan breads and rolls is designed to bring that homemade touch to your table with surprising ease. First, there’s My Mother’s Peasant Bread: The Best Easiest Bread You Will Ever Make. This no-knead wonder truly lives up to its name, requiring minimal effort for maximum reward – a crusty exterior and a soft, airy interior perfect for any meal.

For something truly impressive, consider the Overnight, Refrigerator Focaccia. This recipe yields the best focaccia bread, with a light, chewy texture and irresistible olive oil-infused flavor, all made easy by its overnight preparation. When it comes to dinner rolls, both the No-Knead Buttermilk Pull-Apart Rolls and the Easy, No-Knead Dinner Rolls offer tender, fluffy goodness without the fuss of extensive kneading, making them perfect for busy holiday cooks.

And for those who love a flaky, buttery biscuit, we have two excellent choices. The Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits are a staple, offering layers of delicate texture, while the Cheddar Biscuits add a savory, cheesy dimension that’s utterly addictive. Finally, these brioche dinner rolls, inspired by our easy no-knead brioche hamburger buns, are made in a convenient pull-apart form. Once baked, they are lovingly brushed with an aromatic herby, garlicky butter. If you portion the dough into 12 balls, as shown in the picture, these buns will be quite generously sized, making them absolutely perfect for crafting delicious leftover ham sandwiches the next day. The choice is yours: serve them warm with dinner or save them for an incredible post-holiday feast. Enjoy the delightful journey of baking these wonderful additions to your festive table!