It’s Christmas! The season of giving, sharing, and merrymaking is upon us. There’s so much to do and plan for this festive season. You have to prepare the house with all the Christmas décor; you have to think about guests coming over for dinner or drinks; you should also consider what snacks and drinks you’ll be serving your guests.
And amidst all that, you also need to find time to plan out your meals. After all, you know how taxing the festive season can be on your metabolism. It’s a time when most of us tend to put on that extra weight because we eat fattening foods almost every day!
We know exactly how it feels. But don’t panic! Here are five simple recipes that will wow your guests and leave them wanting more this Christmas:
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Christmas Morning Pancakes
A Christmas morning breakfast is something that most of us have grown up with. So why not make it a little healthier? Here’s a super fluffy pancake recipe perfect for any holiday morning or any other morning when you feel like treating yourself to something special.
It’s a great recipe to try when hosting a small get-together. You can make a lot of pancakes and keep the guests happy.
Here’s what you’ll need: For the pancake batter, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Tofu
Most people think that tofu is strictly reserved for vegetarians. But tofu is great for meat lovers, too, and is currently the most consumed soy product according to sustainable protein news. Check out this amazing tofu recipe suitable for even the pickiest eater. It’s a tasty recipe whose flavor comes from soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil.
Here’s what you’ll need: Slice a block of tofu into 1-inch slices for the tofu. Place the tofu between two paper towels and place a heavy object (like a pan or a book) on top. This will help press out excess water from the tofu, which will help it get a crispier texture.
Coat the tofu in cornstarch, salt, pepper, and any other spices you’d like. For the vegetables – Place thinly sliced vegetables in a large bowl and toss with oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you desire. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, chili flakes, and a little water for the sauce.
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Chicken curry and rice
This classic dish will make any family member feel extra loved. The fragrant aroma of this dish will fill the room and put everyone in a good mood. Here’s what you’ll need:
Heat oil in a large pan for the curry and add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Once the vegetables have softened, add the spices: turmeric, coriander, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Add the cans of chopped tomatoes, coconut milk, and chicken.
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Let the mixture boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for around 40-50 minutes. For the rice – While the curry is simmering, cook the rice following the instructions on the packaging. Add chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for the garnishes, and serve with warm naan bread or plain rice. Add chopped peanuts to the rice for some extra crunch and protein.
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Baked salmon and broccoli bowls
This is a straightforward meal that’s perfect for when you’re hosting a smaller group. It’s super easy to make and will give everyone the feeling of eating in a fancy restaurant. Here’s what you’ll need:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for the salmon. Place salmon fillets in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the salmon in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. To ensure it’s cooked, use a fork to pierce the salmon, and it should flake easily.
For the broccoli – Toss broccoli florets in oil and salt, and place them on a baking sheet. Place the broccoli in the oven next to the salmon, and bake for 15 minutes.
For the sauce – Place almonds in a blender and blend until they’re coarse and powdery. Warm the sesame oil in a small pan, add the soy sauce, and then pour in the roasted almonds and a little water. Let the sauce warm up, and drizzle it over the salmon and broccoli.
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Grilled meat
This is an excellent dish to serve to a crowd. It’s super easy to make, and everyone can customize their meal. You can either buy a pre-made marinade or make your own. Here’s what you’ll need:
Mix oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, lime juice, and a little water for the marinade. Place meat in the marinade and let it sit in the fridge for as long as possible (ideally overnight).
Depending on the size of your meat, it will take between 30 and 60 minutes to marinate. You can either grill it in the backyard or bake it in the oven. Be sure to baste your meat with your marinade in the oven, so it soaks up all the flavors. Once cooked, you can serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy once cooked.
Conclusion
Are you ready for this Christmas? Well, there’s no better time than now to start planning and preparing. We hope that these five recipes have inspired you to bring joy to this holiday and make it an extraordinary time for yourself and the people around you. Remember, the best gifts we can give to the people around us are kindness, love, and great food!