christmas dinner recipes

Prepping for your holiday meals can take a lot of time, and you probably have started making a list. Christmas season only happens once a year, so much more than the usual party fried chicken, this elegant but affordable menu will dazzle up your holiday meals with new taste, presentation and festive colors without spending too much. If you're growing your own herbs, this is your chance to use them for a touch of greenery in your holiday meals.


christmas dinner recipes

Smoked Fish and lemon Primavera Pasta

Ingredients

  • 600 grams linguine, cooked
  • 1 piece large smoked Bangus, flaked
  • 1 cup red tomatoes, halved
  • 12 spears of asparagus, cut into 1 inch (blanched)
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic
  • ¼ cup black olives, sliced
  • ½ cup cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper

Procedure

In a medium sauté pan, heat oil and sauté the smoked fish for two minutes over low heat; add the garlic and continue to sauté for another minute. Add the tomatoes and continue sautéing for two more minutes. Place the freshly cooked pasta into the sauté pan with the wine and ¼ cup of the pasta water. Toss and allow cooking for 1 minute. Add the pre-blanched asparagus. Season with salt and pepper then toss the cheese. Finish with chopped parsley and olives. To make it look yummier, sprinkle with more grated cheese.


christmas dinner recipes

Chicken Galentina Meat Balls with Spicy Tomato

Ingredients

  • 500 g chicken, ground
  • 3 pieces white bread, cut into small squares and soaked in milk
  • 1 can Vienna sausages
  • ¼ cup chopped pickles
  • ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely-diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup onions, finely-diced
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • Salt and pepper
  • Pinch of paprika

Procedure

Except for the tomato sauce and oregano leaves, place all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken; combine well then form into balls. Steam or pouch the meatballs for 3 minutes, then skewer them alternating with red and green bell peppers, or add some mushrooms. You may grill or pan-fry the meatballs just to give that brown-colored delicious grill marks. In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce with the chopped oregano then serve alongside meatballs.


christmas dinner recipes

Chocolate Mousse with Fresh Berries and Cream

Ingredients

  • 160 g bittersweet chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon coffee powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3/2 cup cream
  • 3 egg whites

Procedure

Put chocolate in a microwave to melt then stir in sugar. Whip egg whites until soft peaks form; do the same with the cream in a different bowl. Add the coffee to the chocolate and slowly fold the cream in. Fold in the whipped egg whites a third at a time. Mix well until no streaks are seen. Transfer to serving bowls and allow setting for at least 2 to 4 hours in the chiller. Serve cold with sliced berries or your favorite fruit and whipped cream.