A Culinary Journey: What/Main Meal Will You Savor on Christmas Day?
Doesn't it feel like Christmas is just around the corner? And what better time to indulge in a feast that brings families together? The holidays often challenge us to stick to a traditional menu or explore new and creative options. This year, I was on a mission to break away from the usual suspects and found a delightful way to enjoy my main meal.
#1 Tradition vs. Innovation
It wasn't long ago that a Christmas turkey seemed like the ultimate test for my culinary skills, and let’s just say, it bored me to tears. This year, I decided to switch it up and indulge in a kilo of delicious sausages. It was a revelation; each mouthful packed a vibrant flavors that made every bite a pleasure. I am seriously considering maintaining this tradition until the family draws me back to their beloved Christmas dinner.
Moms’ Potluck: Egyptian Holiday Flavors
The spirit of home cooking runs deep in my mother’s family, who are of Egyptian descent. Every Christmas is a feast of grand proportions, reminiscent of both Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's all about the variety and the love poured into each dish. My favorite meal? It has to be the grape leaves, known as Moshi, though I must admit the spelling isn't 100% accurate. These are just one of the many delicious flavors that make the holiday season magical.
No Money for Food? Let’s Try a DIY Christmas Dinner
Financial constraints made me consider a minimalist Christmas dinner, but think again. Normally, I would prepare a Butterball turkey, stuffed with all the essential sides: cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, homemade mac and cheese, and baked beans. On the dessert front, I would bake a variety of pies such as apple, pumpkin, blueberry, and lemon meringue, alongside homemade cheesecakes and different holiday-shaped cake pans. Cooking for holidays was always a labor of love, and it took 2 to 3 days to prepare the entire meal.
The Grand Feast: Today’s Christmas Dinner
As expected, Christmas dinner was served as a grand feast on the traditional British menu: Turkey, roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, roasted parsnips, roasted carrots, pigs in blankets, sprouts with diced bacon, stuffing balls, and Yorkshire Puddings. The pièce de résistance was the onion gravy drizzled with a flourish, followed by Christmas pudding and a comprehensive cheeseboard. Cigars and a glass of Port completed the meal.
Today’s Offer: A Modern Twist on Tradition
Today, we enjoyed a mid-rare prime rib, complemented by baked potatoes, sour cream, chives, and creamed spinach. For dessert, we had a sampler of cheesecakes, with coffee and brandy to top it off. Let’s bring the focus back to traditional British fare with a small turkey weighing less than my 3-week-old grandson. The stuffing featured parsley, lemon, and thyme on one end, while the other end had a mix of sausagemeat, celery, and walnuts. Roast potatoes, boiled potatoes, carrots, sprouts sautéed in butter, green beans with butter and garlic, and_chipolatas_ completed the first course. For a sweet finale, we prepared a bread sauce. A glass of Merlot paired nicely with this meal.
Following the main course, we served my great-grandmother’s Christmas pudding, aged two years, with cream and custard. While I preferred a Barsac, Sauternes from a local wine merchant, Berry Bros. Robb, serve as a delightful alternative. For those still contemplating the cheeseboard, options include Stilton, Reblochon, Brie, Langres, Roquefort, and Wensleydale, with Port available as required.
What are you having for Christmas dinner today? Share your ideas, and let's continue to celebrate the diversity of holiday feasts from around the world.