Christmas Feasts Spectacular

Written by Rosemary Mantini | 21 December 2009

Here we are at the end of another year. Thanks to our busy lives, the days seemed to have just flown by. But now schedules are winding down, deadlines are easing up, and everyone's more relaxed, right? No? Of course not. This festive season brings with it even more stresses (of the good kind, I hope). People to see, places to go, things to do. Go easy on yourself for a change, and let Tidings help you plan a great Christmas Eve and Christmas day menu. Whether you're cooking just for yourself or for a crowd, these recipes will give you lots of opportunity to put your feet up, enjoy your friends and family and feast on great food.

For many Christians, Christmas Eve is a time to savour three to seven fish dishes, sometimes even more. Christmas day menus usually include a fish dish or two as well. So, we offer you an array of recipes from which to choose. All you have to do is add a side dish or two, and check out Sweeten the Holidays for great dessert ideas. If a seafood dinner catches your fancy, we've got recipes galore from which to choose. Or, take the road less traveled this year; host a smörgåsbord or a mix and match party.

Seafood Dinner

• oysters with tomatillo salsa

• shrimp bisque

• belgian endive with tuna

• lobster salad with tarragon and champagne vinaigrette

• fish and fennel

Smôrgåsbord

• spiced herring

• smoked mackerel paté

• jansson's temptation

• spiced rolled veal

• swedish cabbage and apples

Mix and Match

• spiced vegetable and shrimp soup

• potato and avocado salad with ginger and lime dressing

• sage, sausage and spinach pie

christmas eve | gourmet | holiday | recipes