Traditional Christmas meals are delicious, but consider an alternative menu this year.
It's the week before Christmas and time to put last-minute plans into action. First and foremost: Christmas dinner. So when the kids call as you're digging through files for your cornbread stuffing recipe, their news portends changes. Your daughter is bringing home a friend --- oh, and she's a vegan. Your son reminds you that his new girlfriend doesn't eat poultry. Before you consider making reservations in lieu of dinner, keep this in mind: Contemporary holiday meals are as diverse as today's family, so see your challenge as an opportunity to create new traditions for everyone at your table. Does this Spark an idea?
Go Against the Grain
Satisfy allergy sufferers, the lactose intolerant, dieters and picky eaters by making a vegetarian Christmas dinner that's so yummy, the bird isn't missed. Adjust the recipes you always prepare by using top-rated nondairy products in your savory stuffing, green bean casserole and sweet potato specialty. Prepare two desserts -- one for dieters and another for those who wouldn't dream of denying themselves at Christmas. Make smart substitutions when preparing sweets: veggie shortening for crusts and banana in place of eggs.
If you really must include something reminiscent of turkey, introduce the family to tofurky. This faux fowl gets mixed reviews, so be sure you have enough variety on the table to take up the slack.
Follow a Pro's Advice
Take the advice of popular Canadian cookbook authors David Rocco, Jennifer McLagan, Bonnie Stern and Sarah Kramer. Canadian Broadcasting called them together to suggest alternative Christmas dishes. Their picks include savory brisket in place of the bird and crispy potato pancakes instead of mashed potatoes. Whip an equal number of cooked sweet and white potatoes with dairy-free butter, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Bake stuffing in a casserole dish to get around the turkey issue. Serve field greens with pecans and oranges with two dressings: bleu cheese and vinaigrette. Two angel food cakes complete this alternative feast: one sugar-free and one traditional. Turn the angel food cake slices into Christmas banana splits by providing a toppings bar: whipped cream, cinnamon apples, chocolate chunks and other family favorites.
Celebrate Your Heritage
Italians with memories of Christmas in Tuscany will tell you about the 10 to 15 fish dishes served on Christmas Eve, but in the New World, you can cut the number down to seven. Include octopus, an Italian favorite.
Serve your guests a German Christmas meal by heaping plates with beef, potatoes, dumplings and red cabbage.
Opt for a Mexican menu that includes traditional tamales, plus fajitas with multiple fillings, such as shrimp, veggies, ground beef and guacamole so everyone finds a favorite way to stuff his tortilla. End the meal with Christmas flan.
Alternatively, set out an international smorgasbord of buckwheat-cheddar blinis with smoked salmon -- a Norwegian Christmas tradition. Fruity Caribbean crab salad and turmeric-roasted cauliflower look just as festive next to your traditional green bean casserole as that banished turkey.
Tags: angel food, bean casserole, Christmas dinner, green bean, green bean casserole