Meal Ideas: Alternative Holiday Dinner

By: Senushi, Allrecipes Community Member

All the taste and elements of a traditional fall/winter feast with a twist--perfect for smaller gatherings.

More About Senushi

Family cooking traditions:

My family is Singhalese, so anything my mum cooks is delicious! One of my favorites is crepes with a caramelized coconut filling ... yum!

Cooking triumphs:

Recently I made really great salmon and a lot of people like my buttermilk-battered calamari. All my baking triumphs can be attributed to this awesome Web site!

Cooking tragedies:

I tried to make empanadas from scratch once and the pastry came out as hard as rock ... I've been afraid of making empanadas ever since!

The Menu

Main Dish

Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary

Side Dishes

Stove Top Turkey flavor Stuffing

Senushi says:
"No, it's not homemade ... but using a few extras like chicken stock and 1/2 cup of chopped mixed dried fruits (apples, dates, raisins, apricots, and prunes) can really "dress up" some store-bought dressing!"

Dessert

Pumpkin Pie

Senushi says:
"Stop by your local bakery and pick up a freshly made pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie (since it's made from pumpkin puree) won't taste all that different from one you'd slave over yourself. While you're at it, pick up some whipped cream. This is a holiday a favorite that's absolutely imperative to a holiday dinner."