If you are anything like me, you will have started planning your Christmas dinner(s) by now. Normally cooking is a spontanious thing for me, but for parties and holidays I make a list of what I want to make. After this I plot out my preparations in time, scheduling my shopping, prepping and cooking over the days before Christmas. Ideally, I do as little as possible on Christmas day.

Here are my favorite recipes for Christmas this year:

Starters

• Salmon salad – light and healthy but yet luxurious. A well balanced fish starter.
• Brussel sprout cappucino – seriously indulgent vegetable starter! Think creamy brussel sprout heaven
• Beetroot carpaccio – this vegetarian starter will surprise all your guests. The best of beetroot is accentuated by this recipe. This will convert all beet haters!

Side dishes

• Broccoli feast – easy to make a day before, and so rich and creamy.
• Carrot soda bread – I like offering some bread with a swanky dinner. Even better paired with some home made  garlic butter

• Make oven chips with regular and sweet potatoes for a different twist on roasted potatoes.

Main dishes

• Make whole bird mustard chicken in the oven (1 bird will serve about 4 persons). This mustard marinade will keep your bird moist and form a tasty crust.

• Make vegetarian moussaka for your vegetarian friends. Don’t be surprised when the meat lovers dig in too. The spices in moussaka are the perfect heart warming Christmas flavors.
• Make salmon in puff pastry. Make a large fillet or individual portions, it’s fancy either way.

• Try cheese fondue for a laidback Christmas party.

For more Christmas inspiration look at my Christmas page or my Christmas pinboard.