Flipping the holiday meal on its head
From salmon and roast beef to crepes and quiche, plenty of alternatives to turkey
The big holiday dinner: been there, done that, got the ugly Christmas sweater, right? This year, shake up your snoozy annual ritual.
Maybe it’s time to change your main dish. According to the Turkey Farmers of Canada, 4.6 million Canadian households (33 per cent of us) serve turkey for Christmas. But this bird isn’t the only celebratory option.
For a large group, glazed ham, roast goose or duck and beef standing rib roast are spectacular — and surprisingly straightforward to cook. For a smaller group, swapping a single monster turkey for two golden roasted chickens means more dark meat to share.
For something totally different, try a roasted or barbecued side of salmon or racks of lamb.
Statistics Canada reports that more than 75 per cent of Canadians live in households of fewer than four people. That means your holiday dinner may be an intimate two-person affair.
If so, splurge on tender venison chops or dainty Cornish hens. Or enjoy a pocket-size version of turkey and stuffing: butterfly a boneless turkey breast, top with stuffing, roll and tie. Roast and serve slices with the usual holiday sides — and don’t forget the gravy.
A holiday brunch is a way-lessstressful alternative to dinner. Start with a mimosa or Bloody Mary and serve dishes buffet-style. Focus on mains that can be partially or fully made ahead, such as stratas and quiches. Crepes also hold well until you’re ready to garnish them with savoury and/or sweet toppings. Bake a batch of scones or serve fresh croissants from the bakery and you’re party-ready in way less time than it takes to prep a formal sit-down dinner.
For friends, a tree-trimming cock- tail party is a laid-back way to get everyone together before family commitments get underway. Again, focus on make-ahead bites or simple dips and spreads. A cheese-and-charcuterie tray is always a hit, plus leftovers make a terrific ploughman’s lunch the next day.
A casual open house is another fun way to gather friends. The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without sugar, so ask everyone to bring their favourite bite-size sweets, from gingerbread cookies to Nanaimo bars. Serve a splashy dessert, such the as Ginger Stout Cake with Orange Meringue & Coffee Caramel created by Lora Kirk, chef at Ruby WatchCo on Queen St. E. and part of the cookbook Goodness: Recipes & Stories by Peter & Chris Neal (Blakeman Books, 2015).
It’s decadent, plus 50 per cent of the book’s sale proceeds go to Community Food Centres Canada, helping low-income Canadians grow, cook and serve healthy food.
For some, embracing the spirit of giving is far more important than any holiday meal. Volunteering to serve a holiday meal at a shelter is a rewarding way to give to others. The Daily Bread Food Bank also hosts holiday food sorts on Dec. 24, 28 and 29. That’s a new holiday tradition worth sharing.