I hear a slight jingle of sleigh bells ringing through New York City’s crisp winter air and I know that Christmas is soon to arrive. While I enjoy a good stocking-stuffer or paper- and bow-wrapped surprise, Christmas Eve dinner is what I truly look forward to. This year I will serve friends and family an exquisite, tasty, and memorable meal featuring my Christmas holiday favorites.
My Christmas Eve menu begins with a few festive h’ordeuvres including Foie Gras with Date Purée and Pomegranate. These perfectly-proportioned bites combine flavors of tart pomegranate, sweet date, and smooth foie gras. A silver tray of Pecan and Goat-Cheese Marbles replaces a tired cheese plate and nut assortment for a new twist on older snack traditions.
Guests then rush to the dining room with obvious anticipation as bowls of lush Olive-Oil Mashed Potatoes and steaming Swiss Chard with Raisins and Almonds grace the table. As the sides are dished out, a Spice Roast Goose with Dried-Fruit Pan Sauce with crisp skin and sweet aroma swoops in. At the Christmas Eve table, stories are shared and a hearty chuckle travels across the room as we all catch my grandfather characteristically licking his dinner plate. When no one has the belly room to reach for another bite, little bowls of Warm Sweet-Potato Pudding with Apples and Chestnuts line guest’s place-settings to finish the meal.
