During the holiday season, creative and inspiring food ideas abound! From websites to cooking shows, everyone is talking about menus, recipes and exciting seasonal ingredients. There is no better time to experiment with new flavour combinations. Let your creativity flow with our unique holiday recipes and eye-popping presentation tips.
Apricot & Sage Pork Roast with Kale
Earthy sage, apricots and salty prosciutto make a perfectly balanced stuffing for moist pork loin. A ginger-infused kale and pear sauté on the side ties the whole dish together.
Presentation Tip: Slice the loin into individual portions and present them on a decorative platter to allow guests to see the swirls of stuffing.
Move over, turkey gravy, there’s a new sauce in town. Made with canned pears, dry white wine and cream, it’ll perfectly complement any meaty main.
Presentation Tip: Make every guest feel special by serving the sauce in individual gravy boats (or creamers), garnished with chives.
Cruciferous favourites like cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are tossed in a piquant lemon-Dijon-Parmesan vinaigrette before being roasted to perfection. Easy to prepare, these veggies are full of crunch, flavour and make a pretty picture as well.
Presentation Tip: Bring a wedge of Parmesan to the table so guests can grate some extra cheese over the veggies.
Pomegranate, Fennel & Orange SaladÂ
This salad is a feast for the eyes! Two varieties of orange and red pomegranate are topped with crisp fennel and mint. Dressed with olive oil and honey, this medley puts a fresh spin on holiday veggies. Watch our pomegranate deseeding video before you start.
Presentation Tip: Instead of individual plates, put the salad’s bright colours on display at the dinner table by serving it in a transparent glass trifle or salad bowl.
Pine Nut Brittle
Mix up your holiday sweets! Infused with fresh rosemary and flaked sea salt, this brittle balances savoury with sweet. A crunchy nibble while lingering over post-dinner tea or coffee, it also makes an ideal hostess gift.
Presentation Tip: Break brittle into triangle-shaped pieces, place in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon. Label each bag with the guest’s name so it serves as a place card and tasty giveaway.
A four-layer holiday extravaganza, this eye-catching cake combines tart seasonal cranberries, whipped cream and rich dark chocolate goodness.
Presentation Tip: It’s a celebration! Layer cakes can be tricky to cut and serve in front of guests. Plate slices of cake on their side (don’t even try standing these slices up) in the kitchen and bring them out to guests.
Coconut milk and rum bring the tropics to this subtly spiced Christmas staple. Even better, it can be made up to two days in advance, saving you time on the big day.
Presentation Tip: Set up an eggnog station where guests can serve themselves and garnish drinks with desiccated coconut flakes, candy canes or whipped coconut cream.
