When I was a kid, Christmas dinner was never a big deal. Not that Mama Leite did make one hell of a meal–her Portuguese chuck roast is legendary–it just wasn’t that important to me. (I know, right? Food not important to me?)
Christmas morning with all its presents was all I could think about from the minute I cleaned my Thanksgiving plate. And the excitement only built with each day.
I remember one Christmas morning when I finally got the Bell & Howell 35mm camera I had been begging my parents for for almost a year. I was so giddy, I jumped up and ran around the house and right into a door jamb almost knocking myself out.
How could food compete with that?
Fast forward to 1993. From the moment The One and I met, shopping and giving gifts have never been a big part of our holiday tradition. That’s always left more time to plan and cook our meals. (And between us, it probably saved the lives of a few particularly ill-mannered shoppers worthy of TikTok Hall of Shame).
Over the years, our favorite menus have included beef Wellington, a real Christmas Carol roast goose, and prime rib roast.
One dish we’ve had every Christmas for the past 30 years–big bowls of oyster stew for lunch. (Ask him…it’s a Baltimore thing.)
Whatever you serve this year, here’s wishing you and yours a joyous, merry, and injury-free Christmas day!
Dr Pepper Glazed Ham
My family, including my in-laws, love when I make this ham. My mother in law specifically asked me to make this for today, Thanksgiving, which is a “high honor” coming from her.
It’s not sticky sweet but there’s just enough sweetness. People are suprised when I tell them the ingredients, which are minimal. Love this ham!
amy s.
Grilled Beef Tenderloin
Slow Roasted Lamb
Mushroom Wellingtons with Spinach
Roasted Fresh Ham with Maple-Spice Glaze
This roasted fresh ham is great! A real winner!
rita f.
Smoked Prime Rib
Garlic and Herb-Rubbed Pork Crown Roast
Standing Rib Roast with Jus
FAQs
The general rule of thumb is to plan for about 8 ounces of meat per adult and about 4 ounces per child. Keep in mind that if the meat you are cooking contains bones, the weight of the bones should be excluded.
A Frenched rib roast is a sight to behold (and devour), but it will also cost you a hefty sum, and not everyone can or wants to splurge on a costly piece of meat. Fear not. You can still turn out a spectacular holiday meal at a fraction of the cost.
A simple glazed ham, served with easy scalloped potatoes, pan-fried green beans, and candied carrots will earn you ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ without breaking the bank. Or make a big batch of pork tamales, served alongside your favorite Mexican sides. If you’ve got your heart set on beef, a pot roast with potatoes and vegetables is an easy, hands-off meal that will cost you far less than a piece of prime beef.
For a big holiday meal, plan for 3 to 4 side dishes. A starchy side, like mashed potatoes, along with bread or dinner rolls, and one to two vegetable sides works well.
Now that you’ve settled on a stunner of a holiday main course, don’t forget to include a few swanky holiday sides and a couple of Christmas desserts that everyone will be requesting again next year.
