Holiday feasts and treats are among the best traditions of the year. Massive spreads bursting with your favorite seasonal flavors are sure to satisfy even the hungriest bellies and strongest cravings.
The best part? This is the perfect time to show off your chef skills, whipping up recipes that your family and friends might mistake for coming out of the kitchen of a fancy restaurant.
But what's not so great? The dreaded—and often last minute—trip to a jam-packed grocery store in search of the dozens of ingredients needed for your tasty dishes.
So we decided to make this experience easier and more enjoyable with a simple holiday shopping list featuring versatile ingredients you can use across many holiday recipes. Here's the list:
Spices
- Cinnamon
- Crystalized Ginger
- Cardamom
- Whole Cloves
Produce
- Shallots
- Onions
- Garlic
- Brussels Sprouts
- Baby Kale
- Cauliflower
- Oranges and Grapefruits
- Beets
- Green Beans
Meat/Seafood
- Protein of your choice, we recommend a crown roast of pork, turkey, duck, or a standing beef rib roast
Baking Aisle
- Molasses
Bakery
- loaf of Brioche
These ingredients are the stars of the holiday menu outlined below. The root vegetables supply the savory foundational flavors of traditional soups and side dishes, and also add a seasonal flair to dressings, sauces and even aioli. The spices combine into a festive blend to boost the holiday flavor profile in everything from dressings, to sweet potatoes, stuffing, meat glazes, and of course, desserts.
When you're planning your next holiday feast, use these Vitamix-friendly recipes and the shopping list above to create a delicious, easy and wintery meal.
Starters
Roasted Root Vegetable Soup
Winter’s bounty is here; root vegetables make a delicious soup to keep you warm during these cold months.
Charred Cauliflower Salad with Baby Kale and Citrus Segments with Harissa Vinaigrette
This great alternative salad has a burst of flavor in every bite. The acidity of the citrus and heat of the harissa balance the bitterness of the greens and cauliflower.
Roasted Beet and Green Bean Salad with Winter Spice Vinaigrette
From soft roasted beets and goat cheese to crunchy pepitas, this well-balanced salad is brimming with texture and flavor. Drizzle with Winter Spice Vinaigrette for the perfect first course.
Harissa Vinaigrette
Harissa, the popular hot pepper paste used in North African cuisine, steals the spotlight in this vinaigrette. Serve drizzled over our Charred Cauliflower Salad for a little extra kick.
Entrées with Sides
Crown Roast of Pork with Brioche Bread Crumb Stuffing
This awe-inspiring dish will be the centerpiece of your holiday feast for years to come.
Brioche Bread Crumb Stuffing
Stuffing can make or break a holiday meal. Brioche adds a slight sweetness to this dish that complements your main holiday dish.
Sweet Potato Au Gratin
Try sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a burst of color and a nutritional boost.
Charred Brussel Sprouts with Aged Balsamic Aioli
Brussels sprouts are a great source of fiber and have a rich, sweet flavor when roasted.
Desserts and Cocktails
Chocolate “Figgy” Pudding with Fig Jam and Toasted Pistachios
This decadent dessert will have all the guests asking for the recipes. The ability to make these ahead of time allows you to spend more time with your guests.
Gingersnap Cookies
The holidays are not complete without these ginger-spiced cookies. You might want to make two batches and keep some hidden for yourself.
Warm Spiced Mulled Cider
This apple cider has a flavor boost with the addition of the winter spice blend.
Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned
Maple syrup and winter spice give this classic drink a new twist.