Roast Chicken with Herb Stuffing: Instead of a large turkey, consider roasting a chicken. You can stuff it with your favourite herbs and aromatics for added flavour. Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and gravy.
Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce: A smaller cut of beef, like a tenderloin, can make an elegant main course. Roast it to perfection and serve with a rich red wine sauce. Pair with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans.
Stuffed Acorn Squash: For a vegetarian option, consider stuffed acorn squash. Fill the squash halves with a mixture of wild rice, cranberries, and pecans. Roast until tender and serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Salmon Wellington: Give a festive twist to the classic Beef Wellington by using salmon fillets. Encase the salmon in puff pastry with a flavourful duxelles (mushroom mixture) and bake until golden brown. Serve with lemon-dill sauce.
Pork Tenderloin with Apple Compote: Pork tenderloin is a smaller cut that cooks quickly and pairs well with fruity flavours. Roast the pork and serve it with a homemade apple compote. Add sweet potato mash and steamed broccoli as side dishes.
Vegetarian Lasagna Rolls: Roll up individual lasagna servings for a cozy and customizable Christmas dinner. Fill lasagna noodles with a ricotta and spinach mixture, top with marinara sauce, and bake until bubbly. Serve with a green salad on the side.
Lemon-Herb Cornish Hens: Cornish hens make for an elegant and individualized Christmas dinner. Marinate them in a lemon-herb mixture and roast until golden brown. Serve with wild rice pilaf and roasted Brussels sprouts. (Pictured)
Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter: Treat yourself to a seafood feast with lobster tails. Brush the lobster tails with garlic butter and broil until they're cooked to perfection. Pair with a light salad and garlic bread for a luxurious yet manageable Christmas dinner.
Pasta Carbonara: Opt for a comforting and easy-to-make pasta dish like carbonara. Toss al dente spaghetti with a creamy egg and cheese sauce, crispy pancetta, and black pepper. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad.
Cranberry Glazed Cornish Game Hens: Glaze Cornish game hens with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce for a festive touch. Roast until golden and serve with quinoa pilaf and honey-glazed carrots for a well-balanced Christmas dinner.
Additional Tips:
- Individual Desserts: Consider serving individual desserts like mini cheesecakes, tarts, or chocolate mousse to add a sweet touch without leftovers.
- Signature Cocktail: Create a signature Christmas cocktail or mocktail to add a festive and personalized touch to the celebration.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Enhance the atmosphere with holiday decorations, candles, and soft lighting to create a warm and intimate setting.
Remember, the key to a successful small-scale Christmas dinner is to keep it simple, focus on quality ingredients, and enjoy the company of your loved ones in a cozy and festive atmosphere.
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