Jingle All The Way to a Perfect Christmas Feast

Making Christmas Meals a Healthy Burst of Flavours

Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Traditionally, the Christmas dinner is one of the most important meals of the year. It includes a feast with family and friends. It is a bonding time to share food and reflect on religious and cultural significance.

Planning a Christmas dinner can be stressful. There will be various people with various tastes and dietary preferences - some prefer finger-licking good turkey, while others prefer vegan food. Therefore, preparing a budget-friendly yet healthy, flavourful meal is a task.

The key here is to focus on fresh ingredients, whole grains, herbs and spices to include in the meal. These ingredients add richness to the dish and also make it tasteful. 

A checklist for a Christmas feast spread includes - appetisers, side dishes, main course, desserts and drinks. Here are some traditional, plant-based, vegetarian, pocket-friendly, amazing recipes you must try this Christmas.

Appetisers - Nibbles and Bites

Appetisers set the tone for the rest of the meal. They are small, flavourful dishes which wake up the taste buds and prepare the palate for more food. It allows the host to showcase their culinary skills early on.

Appetiser 1: Cranberry-licious Brie Bites

These sweet, flaky, puffy pastries are filled with the sweetness of cranberry sauce and the creaminess of brie cheese. They are perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Ingredients

• 1 puff pastry sheet (thaw if frozen)
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 1 wheel of brie cheese cut into cubes
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Fresh rosemary leaves (for garnishing)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. 
• Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 12 small squares.
• Place a cube of Brie in the centre of each square and top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
• Fold the corners of the pastry to meet at the centre and pinch to seal. Brush with egg wash.
• Arrange the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
• Garnish with rosemary leaves.
• Cool and store it in a container or serve it hot. 

Appetiser 2: Stuffed Mushroom with Cheese and Herbs

These savoury festive poppers, filled with the richness of creamy cheese and fragrant herbs, are a perfect bite-size treat.

Ingredients:

• Button mushrooms (stems removed)
• 1 pack of cream cheese or vegan cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Pepper (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. 
• Now, place the mushroom caps on a baking sheet and lightly brush them with olive oil.
• Combine the cream cheese (as per preference), garlic, parsley/ cilantro, thyme, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth.
• Stuff each mushroom cap with this mixture. Gently press down to pack them.
• Bake these stuffed mushrooms for 15-20 minutes until they are tender and the filling is slightly golden on top.
• Relish them warm or at room temperature.
• You can prepare this appetiser ahead of time.

Appetiser 3: Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Cocktail Sauce

These are classic, mouth-watering holiday appetisers that are simple yet elegant, with plump shrimp paired with a bash of spicy and tangy homemade cocktail sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1  large bowl of fresh shrimp with tail (peeled and deveined)
• 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning (or to taste)
• 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
• 1 cup of tomato ketchup
• ½ cup chopped horseradish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

• First, boil water in a large pot. Then, add old bay seasoning and lemon wedges. 
• Add shrimp to this mixture and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn into luscious pink colour and opaque.
• Drain the shrimp and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop them from overcooking. 
• Mix ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce in a small bowl to prepare the cocktail sauce.
• Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter and place a bowl of cocktail sauce and lemon wedges in the centre, or fill a cocktail glass with this cocktail sauce up to half and arrange the shrimp on the sides of the glass.

Merry Mains 

The heart of the Christmas feast is the main course, be it the classic holiday roast or a plant-based roast; Christmas meals are incomplete without them on the feast table.

Main Course 1: Classic Turkey Roast with Herb Butter

The all-time favourite is perfectly roasted juicy turkey smeared with fragrant herb butter for a crispy, golden skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey 
• ½ cup unsalted butter 
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 3 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves
• 3 teaspoons of fresh rosemary leaves
• 3 teaspoons of fresh sage leaves
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 lemons (halved)
• 4 cups chicken stock

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with a paper towel. 
• Mix onions and herbs, cut lemons, salt, and pepper, and stuff it into the turkey.
• In a food processor, blend softened butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage and lemon zest. 
• Spread the herb butter on top of the turkey and stuff the remaining herb butter into the turkey’s cavity.
• Season the outside of the turkey with salt and pepper.
• Roast the turkey for about 3 hours until it turns golden brown. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
• Serve it hot with a homemade gravy.

Tips for Perfection: Soaking the turkey with salt-water brine helps keep it moist. Let the turkey rest for a minimum of 20 minutes before carving, allowing the juices to distribute evenly.

Main Course 2: Beef Wellington - The Showstopper

For a more luxurious option, beef Wellington is a festive favourite, featuring a tender beef fillet wrapped in a layer of mushroom duxelles and puff pastry.  

Ingredients:

• ½ kg thick beef tenderloin
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 4 tablespoons virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 250g cremini or shiitake mushrooms
• 1 puff pastry (enough to wrap)
• 2 eggs (for egg wash)
• Flaky salt (to sprinkle on top)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Season the beef with salt and pepper, and sear in a hot pan with olive oil until it turns brown on all sides.
• Brush the beef with Dijon mustard and let it cool.
• In a food processor, grind the mushrooms and saute them with butter in a pan until moisture evaporates, making it into a paste.
• Roll out a puff pastry and spread the mushroom mixture evenly over it.
• Place the beef on it and carefully wrap it in the pastry, sealing the edges.
• Bush with egg wash.
• Bake for 30-45 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.
• Sprinkle the flaky salt on top.

Tips for Perfection: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches medium rare while searing. Once the Wellington is wrapped, place it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to hold a good shape. Let the Wellington cool slightly before cutting it to prevent it from falling apart.

Main Course 3: Vegan Wellington

Do your guests prefer a plant-based diet? Do not worry! A roasted veggie Wellington is the alternative to a traditional meat-based main. It is filled with layers of seasonal vegetables; this dish is not just delicious but also rich in fibre.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted vegetables (carrot, squash, beetroot, sweet potato or as per preference)
• ½ cup roasted quinoa or lentils
• ½ cup sauteed mushrooms 
• ½ tablespoon fresh thyme 
• 150g cooked chestnuts
• 1 sheet puff pastry (vegan)
• Olive oil for brushing 

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Mix roasted veggies, quinoa, lentils, cooked chestnuts, mushrooms and fresh thyme.
• Roll out a puff pastry and spread the vegetable mixture evenly in the centre.
• Carefully fold the pastry over the veggies, seal the edges and brush with olive oil.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes until the pastry turns crispy and golden.

Side Dish Sensations

A Christmas feast requires mouth-watering side dishes that complement the main courses. Whether you are serving a roasted turkey or a plant-based main, the right side dish can elevate the overall dining experience.

Side Dish 1: A Root-tastic Side Dish

A hearty, healthy side dish made of roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and parsnips. The caramelisation of these vegetables brings out their natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 3 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 parsnips (peeled and sliced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh thyme, sage and rosemary leaves
• 1 lemon (halved)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh herbs.
• Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and place them in the oven for 30-40 minutes until it turns golden and tender.

Tips for Perfection: generously season with herbs to add that earthy flavour. Squeeze a lemon to enhance the sweetness of roasted vegetables.

Side Dish 2: Holiday Favourite Garlic Mashed Potato

The rich, velvety texture of mashed potato is a perfect contrast to savoury mains.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Yukon potatoes (peeled and cubed0
• 4 cloves of minced garlic
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions:

• Boil the potatoes in salt water until they become soft, and drain the water.
• To boil potatoes, add butter, garlic and cream.
• Mash until it becomes smooth, season with salt and pepper.

Tips for Perfection: Roast the garlic before adding it to the potato for a mellow flavour.

Side Dish 3: Honey Glazed Carrot

The sweet, caramelised flavour of the carrots pairs beautifully with the savoury mains. They add a pop of colour to your meal.

Ingredients: 

• ½ kg baby carrots (peeled)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons honey 
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder
• ½ teaspoon pepper powder
• Salt to taste 
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, cook the carrots in salt water, until they are tender, and drain the water.
• In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Once the butter melts, add honey, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir it continuously.
• Let the mixture bubble for 2-3 minutes for the flavours to blend.
• Add the cooked carrots to the skillet and coat the carrots with the glaze evenly.
• Season the carrots with salt, pepper and parsley.
• Serve them hot.

Tips for Perfection: For a citrusy note, add lemon zest or orange squash.

A Match Made in Flavour Heaven

Master the art of pairing to elevate your meal. Discover how to choose side dishes that complement your main course.

• For Roast Turkey: Garlic mashed potatoes and honey-glazed carrots offer the perfect balance of flavours to complement the savoury turkey.
• For Beef Wellington and Plant-Based Mains: Roasted root vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes (using plant-based butter and milk) create a satisfying and festive spread for plant-based diners.

Oh, Sugar! It’s the Holidays!

A Christmas feast is incomplete without a delicious dessert to finish it off. They add sweetness and charm to the holiday spread. If you have a sweet tooth, this is what you have been craving for your whole meal.

Dessert 1: Holiday Favourite Fruit Cake

Who doesn’t love a fruitcake? As kids, it was always our favourite. It is a classic Christmas dessert with a dense flavour of dried fruits and nuts. Prepare it ahead and store it.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of chopped dry fruits (raisins, dates, figs, apricots)
• ½ cup of chopped walnuts, cashews and almonds
• 1 cup coconut sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg powder
• ½ teaspoon clove powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup rum or whisky

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line the cake pan with parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk butter and coconut sugar until it turns light and fluffy.
• Beat the eggs. Add orange juice and rum, and mix well. In a large bowl, sift whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. Carefully combine both ingredients and mix well to avoid lumps.
• Add dry fruits and nuts to this mixture and gently combine them.
• Pour this batter into a prepared cake pan and smoothen the top with a spatula.
• Bake for about 45-60 minutes or until the skewer inserted comes clean.
• The cake had to be golden brown on the top.

Tips for Perfection: Soak the dry fruits in rum or water to add richness. Dust the cake with sugar powder and decorate it with candied fruits or nuts.

For more delicious and healthy Christmas cake recipes, Click here.

Dessert 2: Peppermint Chocolate Tart

This chocolate-rich tart is low in sugar. It is a perfect, healthy option to finish a heavy holiday meal. 

Ingredients: 

For crust,

• 1 ½ cup chocolate wafer crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the filling, 

• 1 ½ cup cream
• 250g of chopped semisweet chocolate
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the chocolate wafer crumbs, sugar and melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture into the bottom of a tart pan.
• Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes and cool it.
• Heat the cream in a saucepan and add chopped chocolate; stir until smooth. Add peppermint extract and mix.
• Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.
• Top them with crushed peppermint candies before serving.

Dessert 3: A Gingerbread Delight 

The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air with the spirit of Christmas. They are the most cherished holiday treat with spicy flavour and festive shapes.

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups of whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ½ teaspoon clove powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 egg

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix the flour, spices, salt and baking soda. 
• In another bowl, mix butter and sugar until it turns light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg and mix well.
• Mix the ingredients of both bowls and stir well.
• Divide the dough into two halves, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to make shapes.
• Place the cookie on a baking pan and bake for 8-10 minutes.
• Once it cools, decorate with icing and powdered sugar.

Sip, Savor, Celebrate!

Whether you enjoy a holiday party or a quiet night in, these drinks add a touch of cheer to your holiday season.

Drink 1: Cranberry Spritzer

The effervescence of sparkly water, the sweetness of cranberries and the tangy zest of lemon is a perfect Christmas drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberry juice 
• ½ cup sparkling water or soda
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

• Combine cranberry juice and lemon juice.
• Add sparkling water and stir gently.
• Refrigerate if needed.
• Garnish with mint leaves and serve chilled.

Drink 2: Winter Wonderland Martini 

This enchanting cocktail is perfect for a holiday gathering and transports you to a magical realm.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml vanilla vodka
• 30 ml white chocolate liquor
• 30 ml cream
• Ice 
• Crushed candy canes or rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a shaker.
• Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with crushed candy or rosemary leaves.

Drink 3: Mulled Wine 

It is a timeless drink enjoyed over centuries. It has a rich, flavourful profile and warming properties, making it an ultimate winter warmer.

Ingredients:

• 750ml red wine
• ¼ cup brandy
• ¼ cup honey or sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 2-star anise
• 1 sliced orange

Instructions:

• In a large pan, heat all the ingredients over a mild flame.
• Stir occasionally until the mixture is warm, and do not boil it.
• Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
• Strain and garnish with orange slices.
• Serve warm.

Ayurvedic Tips for a Balanced Christmas Feast

What does Ayurveda say about enjoying a holiday feast while maintaining well-being? Let’s see,

• Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your body. Your body signals of hunger and fullness. Eat slowly and savour every bite.
• Balanced Plate: incorporate foods of all textures and colours. Try to include lean proteins, whole grains and vegetables in good quantities.
• Spice it Up: Use warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to enhance the flavour of the meal and aid digestion.
• Consume Herbal Tea: After a heavy holiday meal, drinking sips of herbal teas like ginger, mint or fennel can aid digestion and reduce bloating.  
• Post-Meal Ritual: After a heavy meal, enjoy a gentle walk or practise some light yoga to aid digestion and promote relaxation.

Create a Memorable Table Setting

Setting a Christmas table is an art. Here are some tips for setting a Christmas table.

• Create a theme, and choose tablecloths, plates, napkins, and glassware based on the theme.
• Place candles and candy cones at the centre of the table. 
• Place candy cane-shaped stirrers or red and white paper straws in the drinks.
• Personalise each place setting with a homemade name card.
• Provide mini gifts to everyone as a token of love.

Wrapping Up

Christmas brings family and friends together. A well-planned Christmas meal creates long-lasting memories. This Christmas, try these recipes and add a personal touch to your liking. 

Share your Christmas feast: Share the pictures of your holiday feast and their recipes on social media this Christmas.