Image by Sandra Seitamaa
Reposted from December, 2021
I will be home for Christmas and the New Year without chitterlings, turkey, and ham.
It’s time to fill up the gas tank of the car, SUV, or truck and head out on the interstate. Whether you’re visiting grandma for some sweet apple pie or mom for some delicious sweet potato pie, holiday trips are a cherished tradition.
If you’re staying home, here are some fantastic ways to entertain your guests, especially since the new-age generations aren’t always fond of traditional holiday meals. Forget chitterlings, turkey, and ham – these staples of a typical Black American dinner table might take a backseat.
Many people are now opting for healthier meal options for their families. Whole Foods’ 2024 Holiday menu book is an excellent resource for planning a festive feast. Here are some suggestions to get the party started:
Appetizers
- Shrimp Platter (available in small or large, with large and jumbo shrimp options)
- Smoked Salmon Platter
- Classic Antipasti Platter
- Pâté and Charcuterie Platter
- Vegetable Crudités with Dip
- Hors d’Oeuvres like Crab Bites, Chicken Cordon Bleu Poppers, Lobster Arancini, and Cocktail Meatballs
Main Course: À La Carte Entrées
- Beef Wellington
- Lamb Shank
- Classic Lasagna
- Chef Created Crab Cakes (varies by location)
- Honey Lemon Roasted Salmon
- Prime Rib
Sides
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
- Lemon-Herb Asparagus with Pine Nuts
- Candied Yams
- Green Beans with Roasted Shallots
- Truffled Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Soups
- Lobster Bisque
- Corn & Shrimp Chowder
- Aromatic Butternut Squash
Desserts
- Banana Pudding
- Pumpkin Pie
- Fresh Fruit Platter with Whipped Cream
And for those who enjoy good wine, consider Korbel Brut California or Criterion Cabernet Sauvignon Chalk Hill.
Whole Foods also offers a variety of vegan platters, so be sure to call ahead for options.
Remember to consider your vegan guests when planning the soup and salad options. With these delicious alternatives, you can enjoy the holidays at home without the traditional chitterlings, ham, or turkey. So head to the market and prepare for a wonderful holiday celebration!
More:
Top holiday desserts
Here are some top holiday desserts that are perfect for celebrating the festive season:
- Gingerbread Cookies: A classic favorite, perfect for decorating with festive icing and sprinkles.
- Peppermint Bark: A delightful combination of dark and white chocolate with crushed peppermint candies.
- Pumpkin Pie: A traditional Thanksgiving dessert that’s also great for Christmas.
- Christmas Tree Croquembouche: A stunning tower of cream-filled pastry puffs, held together with caramel.
- Bûche de Noël (Yule Log Cake): A rolled cake decorated to look like a log, often covered in chocolate frosting and meringue mushrooms.
- Fruitcake: A dense cake filled with dried fruits and nuts, often soaked in spirits.
- Eggnog Truffles: Rich, creamy truffles flavored with eggnog and rolled in cocoa powder.
- Cranberry Cheesecake: A tangy and sweet cheesecake with a cranberry topping.
- Peppermint Ice Cream: A refreshing minty ice cream, perfect for hot cocoa pairing.
- Cannoli Icebox Cake: A no-bake dessert with layers of cannoli cream and ladyfinger cookies.
These desserts are sure to bring joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations! Do any of these sound particularly appealing to you?
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Happy Holidays from all of us at The Narrative Matters and the Argus St. Louis!
