Christmas is Coming

Christmas is coming! The geese are as fat as they are going to get, I imagine, and more to the point the turkeys are too. I thought I would round up links to some holiday-appropriate dishes (cooookkkiiieeesss) most of which I am not going to make this year, since we will be going to Windsor in accordance with our new custom. But maybe you could! There's a ton more things that are appropriate for holiday fare that I couldn't squeeze in here, so don't forget to check the side headings. Also, you will find most of my recipes organized as photos at my Pinterest board.

Appetizers and Other Tidbits:

Louise's Emergency Salsa Dip

It may have been born during an "emergency" but it's fast, and it's easy,  and it uses things you may already have, so now it's a regular feature.

Carrot Dip or Spread

An early example of the now ubiquitous vegetable based "hummus" dips, and as such a little healthier than some holiday fare.

Sunflower Vegetable Paté

I've been leaving out the potato for a little chick pea flour and seasoning it with poultry seasoning to make a low-carb stuffing (dressing) substitute. But it's really good in its original form, too!

Soups & Salads:

Curried Roasted Parsnip & Apple Soup

You will need to make the curry powder for this, since it is now next to impossible to buy a decent one, but the link is there and this soup is faaaaabulous!

Cream of Rutabaga Soup

Rutabaga...? you say; and I say, YES! It makes a really good soup! A traditional winter vegetable, and not too heavy to start a big holiday meal.

Spinach, Avocado, & Mango Salad

Not very local or seasonal but once in a while it's good to splash out a bit... and this salad is what I consider to be the platonic ideal of salads.

Strawberry Cucumber Salad

I made this in early summer, but now strawberries, cucumbers, and lettuce are all available in the winter from greenhouses, making this a rare salad that can be made from local produce in December.

Main Events:

Vegan "Turkey" Roast

Turkey for people who don't eat turkey, and maybe even for people who do eat turkey.

Duck Terrine Roasted in the Duck Skin

A little time consuming, but an extremely good way to make a small duck go further, and really tasty too.

Braised Turkey

A better way to cook turkey for best quality light AND dark meat. Most of the carving is done in advance, too, for less stress at serving time. 

Roasting a Stuffed Free-Range Turkey

Which cooks a little differently than the factory farmed ones, something to be aware of if that's what you get.

Side Dishes:

Brussels Sprouts au gratin

A special treatment for a special treat. I have to say, I really love Brussels sprouts cooked this way.

Brussels Sprouts, Leeks & Carrots

If you are looking for a lighter treatment for the sprouts, this one is an excellent choice.

Braised Red Cabbage & Onion with Goat Cheese

Red cabbage is a must if you have duck, and even if you don't this is an amazing way to serve red cabbage. Make more than you think anyone will eat, because they will.

Rum & Raisin Sweet Potatoes

A dish that plays up the sweetness of sweet potatoes, without resorting to *gag* marshmallows.

Wild Rice Pilaf

A slightly luxurious classic; the perfect combination for holidays.

Cakes & Puddings:

Carrot Pudding - An Old Canadian Recipe

Many people have fond memories of this once ubiquitous pudding. It seems to be having something of a revival, and why not? It's good! Don't forget the Hard Sauce!

Christmas Plum Pudding

This is a more classic Plum Pudding, but if you are going to have it you had better get cracking. Don't forget the Hard Sauce!

Light Fruitcake:

Can't have Christmas without fruitcake! This is the traditional family version, i.e. I think it came out of a Better Homes & Gardens cook books from 1960 (wedding present to my parents).

Stollen:

Oh how I love this stuff! I think it's off the table for me now, though. Have some for me.

Cookies & Bars:

Rolled Spice Cookies (Lebkuchen, really)

My favourite cookie of all time? Could be! They get better and better the longer they sit, so make them now! Just the thing if you are sending cookies to someone for a present.

Gingersnaps

These are also realllly good, and they are a particularly good cookie to make with children, because the more the dough is handled the better the outcome. No eggs or dairy makes them vegan, too.

Friesian Thumbs

Another rolled, spiced cookie. I do love them! All of these are good keepers. I have lots more cookies suitable for Christmas so maybe check out my Pinterest board.

Rum Balls Made with Cake Crumbs

The ultimate rum balls, so far as I am concerned. Yes, you have to make the cake first, but a nice cocoa sponge cake is a good thing to have in your repertoire too.

Aunt Alethea's FAMOUS Squares

The ultimate baked square, full of candied ginger and dates. More bars and squares at my Pinterest board.

Posted in: Ontario Food