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Classic Christmas Menu

December 04, 2016
Photo: Jennifer Causey
Celebrate the feasting season with a menu guests will talk about well into the New Year. Start with a colorful sipper, move on to a show-stopping main, and finish the night with an extra festive holiday dessert or two. If you celebrate Hanukkah, we've got holiday menus for you as well. Get ready to gather, eat well, and be merry!
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Port of Call Punch

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Port of Call Punch

Start the festivities with a ruby-hued holiday punch. This six ingredient Port of Call Punch by New Orleans bartender Abigail Gullo gets floral, bracing, irresistible notes from fresh lemon, warmth from fresh nutmeg, and fruitiness from Grand Marnier and ruby port. Club soda keeps the drink light, fizzy, and fun.

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Glazed Cocktail Meatballs

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Glazed Cocktail Meatballs

We've all had some version of the mini meatball in jammy sauce as a holiday appetizer. Our Glazed Cocktail Meatballs skip the sodium-heavy, sugary ketchup and chile sauce for umami-rich Worcestershire sauce and organic grape jelly. Bulgur replaces breadcrumbs for added texture and whole grains.

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Blood Orange and Radicchio Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Blood Orange and Radicchio Salad

This Blood Orange and Radicchio Salad is a beautiful addition to your holiday spread. Hearty radicchio and fennel won't wilt after being dressed, making this salad great for potlucks or for hanging out on the buffet. If you can't find blood oranges, you can use navel or Cara Cara oranges.

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Cheesy Cauliflower Latkes

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Latkes

Latkes are traditional at Hanukkah gatherings. They're also equally delicious as a holiday side. We've combined the elements of a classic cauliflower gratin with classic crispy potato cakes in these Cheesy Cauliflower Latkes. A dollop of cracked black pepper sour cream is the perfect accompaniment.

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Perfect Beef Tenderloin

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Perfect Beef Tenderloin

Every holiday menu needs a star, and this Perfect Beef Tenderloin is sure to wow. The trick is to let the tenderloin air-dry in the fridge first to create a flavorful crust, then roast at a very low temperature until perfectly cooked. The beef gets smothered in a vibrant, herby board dressing while it's carved. For more main ideas, try our favorite Holiday Entrees.

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Creamed Winter Greens

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Creamed Winter Greens

Two beloved dark leafy greens unite in Creamed Winter Greens, an updated take on classic creamed spinach, a great pairing for beefy mains. Mozzarella, cream cheese, and milk create the super creamy base, and a sprinkle of crunchy baked chickpeas is the perfect finishing touch. Check out more Holiday Sides for rounding out every meal.

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Chocolate Yule Log

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Chocolate Yule Log

No holiday gathering is complete without dessert, and guests will swoon over this Chocolate Yule Log. Our version is spiked with coffee and uses whole-wheat pastry flour—tender enough for a moist, pliable cake yet still whole grain. If you prefer the cookie route, have fun decorating Iced Whole-Wheat Sugar Cookies. If you're in the mood for a showstopper, try these Mini Raspberry Cheesecakes.

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