Easy Holiday Menus

September 30, 2011
Forget long hours in the kitchen with complicated recipes. Make this Christmas dinner a no-fuss, unforgettable evening with these easy, elegant menus.
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Classic Holiday Menu

Spread the joy with our classic holiday menu, a feast that's sure to dazzle. It's impressive and easy to achieve at the same time. In fact, you can start preparing the meal up to two days ahead.

Main
Brandied Ham

Side
Leek Gratin 
Roasted Winter Vegetables
Spinach and Gruyere Souffle

Dessert

Glazed Chocolate Layer Cake

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Quick Pork Roast Menu

This scrumptious pork roast is the highlight of any meal and is so simple to make, you'll spend more time with your family than in the kitchen.

Main
Bay-Leaf-Crusted Pork Roast

Side 
Green Bean and Fennel Salad with Pecans

Butternut Squash, and Apple Puree

Dessert 

Sticky Toffee Pudding

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Christmas Roast Beef Menu

This easy holiday dinner features a tender, moist roast beef and ends with a peppermint-flavored treat.

Main
Roast Beef with Caramelized Shallots

Salad
Salad with Cranberries and Almonds 

Side
Mashed-Potato Gratin 

Dessert

Chocolate-Peppermint Cake

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Classic Holiday Menu with a Kick

Holidays are a time for tradition -- and a few surprises, too. Here, we take classic french cocktails, popcorn, goose, and stuffing, and add a few flavorful twists.

Appetizer
Rosemary-Caramel Popcorn

Main
Crisp Goose

Side
Dried Cherry-Sourdough Stuffing

Cocktail

Manhattan Kir Royal

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Easy Christmas Extravaganza

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Skip seasonal stress with our step-by-step plan for a fabulously easy Christmas extravaganza. A juicy rib roast and seasoned potatoes cook at the same temperature to help you get this elegant meal on the table faster.

Main
Rib Roast with Rosemary-Garlic Potatoes

Side
Sauteed Peas and Red Onion 
Frisee Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette 
No-Knead Dinner Rolls 

Dessert

Chocolate and Nut Yule Log

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Seasonal Holiday Menu

A seasonal meal can be effortlessly festive: Try pork stuffed with fruit, plus tasteful accents. With layers of sweetened cranberries, buttery pound cake, and fluffy whipped cream, an easy trifle makes for a merry ending to a dazzling meal.

Main
Pork Loin with Dried-Fruit and Chestnut Stuffing

Side
Herbed Mushroom Custards
Celery Root and Potato Puree
Lemony Shredded Brussels Sprouts 

Dessert

Cranberry Trifle

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Easy Tenderloin Dinner

A meal featuring a one-hour beef tenderloin is a delicious (and effortless) indulgence for a celebratory occasion. 

Main
Beef Tenderloin 

Side
Potatoes Anna
Sauteed Swiss Chard 

Dessert 

Grand Raspberry Trifle

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French Holiday Menu

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Two French classics -- a beef stew cooked in wine and mini cream puffs -- play starring roles in this scrumptious feast.

Main
Boeuf Bourguignon

Side
Potatoes with Parsley

Salad
Watercress, Frisee, and Pear Salad 

Dessert

Cream Puffs

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Italian Holiday Menu

This Christmas, toast to a flavorful holiday dinner with an Italian accent.

Appetizer
Pancetta-Wrapped Figs

Main
Turkey Breast

Side
Kale-and Sausage Stuffing
Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Cocktail

Campari, Gin, and Orange

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Easygoing, Elegant Holiday Menu

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A seasonal celebration can hit all the appropriate notes and still feel sparkly instead of staid. Here, the classic vodka tonic gets a jolt of herbal intrigue, puff pastries are folded around artichoke hearts and cheese, and slender chops from a rack of lamb are dressed with a vibrant orange-juice sauce and surrounded by a passel of fingerling potatoes.

Appetizer
Artichoke Turnovers

Main
Oregano and Orange Rack of Lamb with Caramelized Fingerling Potatoes

Cocktail

Rosemary Vodka Tonics

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