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It’s that time of the year! The time when markets are laced with shades of red, green and white. Those lights all around, winter chill in the air and merry in the vibe, oh how I love this time of the year. With winter vacation, shopping and New Year just around the corner along with Christmas, the world is already in a festive mode. While the pandemic may have put several restrictions on our festive spirit, there's still a lot that we can do to ring in the festival. If you look around, you will see people gearing up for the last festival of the year by adorning their houses with colourful fairy lights, dolling up the Christmas tree with candies and all things cute and dreamy. And no matter if you can’t go out and celebrate with a lot of people, you can always host an intimate dinner with closed ones at home. House parties have always been my personal favourite since it allows you to get-together with your most loved people in an intimate setting and spend meaningful time with them. Add to it a whole lot of delicious food, who will even say no to it?
Christmas marks the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, whose teachings form the foundation of the religion. And over the years the festival has surpassed being just a Catholic celebration as people across culture and religion have embraced it throughout the world. With grand feasts, lights, Christmas trees and so much more planned for the day, it is a celebration we can’t wait to begin. So if you are also planning a Christmas celebration at home with close friends and family, we’ve got a complete menu set for you to start with.
Starters
1. Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
This one spell Christmas like nothing else to kickstart a Christmas feast. Baked sweet potatoes with butter, salt, a dash of brown sugar, cinnamon powder and vanilla extract makes for this mildly sweet and salty dish that’s sure going to get you hooked.
2. Mince Pie
The original mince pie was known as the Christmas Pyre and was made with rabbit, patridge, hare and pheasant, along with dried fruits and spices. It was said to resemble Jesus' cradle. As a tradition, mince pies are baked on each day of the from day 12, leading up to Christmas as a sign of luck. W eave a yummy chicken masala mince pie for your celebrations.
3. Roasted Carrots With Garlic Parsley Butter
Lightly roasted carrot with flavours of garlic, butter and olive oil is all you need to impress your taste buds.
Drinks
1. Mulled Wine
A warm, nourishing beverage that would keep the body healthy through the winter season, mulled wine is a soul-stirring drink that has been a traditional Christmas drink since as early as 2nd century. With spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and clove along with a tinge of lemon and orange, it is just what you need to comfort yourselves amid the festivities.
2. Hot Chocolate
One of my all-time winter favourites, Hot chocolate is the thick, smooth and creamy beverage that screams cosy like nothing else. Topped with marshmallows, this chocolatey drink is sure to melt our heart this winter.
Main Course
1. Brussel Sprouts Salad
All the wholesome goodness and flavour you need, this brussel sprouts salad with feta cheese, tang of lime, mustard, cranberries and apple cider with the healthy veggies is the perfect way to liven up the festivities.
2. Roast Chicken
Move over the traditional Turkey and opt for this easy roast chicken recipe with flavours of garlic, honey, lemon and chili flakes.
3. Shephards Pie
This classic British dish made with meat and packed with a delightful crust of mashed potatoes, is a heavenly one to try this Christmas. You can give it a lovely vegetarian makeover by replacing meat with potatoes too.
Desserts
1. Plum Cake
Do we celebrate Christmas without it ever? No! It would be just incomplete to do so. Plum cake with dried cherries, almonds, raisins and a whole lot of flavour is sure to take you to foodie’s heaven.
