Christmas Menu Ideas

 

The one thing we all have in common this holiday season is it is pretty likely we are experiencing some kind of change. We cling to the traditions we can safely keep but maybe we are not gathering in as large numbers as we have in years past. This could also mean menu changes simply due to down sizing.  

Ham seems to really be a popular Christmas main dish and while yes, you can just buy a smaller version and cut back on the number of side dishes - it may be the perfect time to try something a little different. Maybe pork chops with cheery cherry sauce would be a great swap for you and your family or friends.  

Pork Chops

What you need:

· 4 – 6 pork chops (many prefer bone in)
· Olive or vegetable oil
· Salt and Pepper
· Garlic powder
· Onion powder
· Paprika

1. Mix 1 tablespoon each garlic powder, onion powder and paprika in a small bowl.
2. Heat 1 – 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan and let pan warm.
3. Rub seasonings on pork chops and place in heated pan. Let sear and brown for 4 – 5 minutes untouched.
4. Flip and cook an additional 4 minutes (if chops are very thick allow extra cooking time on each side or place chops in a 350-degree oven for a few minutes to finish cooking at the center).
5. Remove chops and set aside.
6. Use the same pan the chops were cooked in for the cherry sauce without cleaning the pan.

Cherry Sauce

What you need:

· 2 cups fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted and stemmed
· 1 cup red wine a bit sweet/fruity (port would also work)
· 3 tablespoons butter
· 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
· Pinch of kosher salt

1. After cooking pork tenderloin, chops, or roast, remove meat to rest and use the same pan to make the cherry sauce.
2. On medium heat, add the cherries, red wine, thyme, and salt while stirring pan juices and scraping up bits of pork to incorporate in the sauce.
3. Let simmer approximately ten minutes until sauce reduces and deepens.
4. Add butter one tablespoon at a time to add depth of flavor and silky mouth feel as well as a beautiful glossiness.

I am looking forward to a small gathering of our closest family for Christmas. I will be lucky to see my grandson who is just starting to be old enough to appreciate that something special is happening but he can't quite put his finger on it. Every time we are able to be together is magic and we make sure everyone is Fed Well.

For more Christmas menu ideas - check out my post on the Zulily blog by clicking here.