Christmas_Feast

Christmas can be a time of stress hanging out with family and trying to make that “perfect” meal in the shortest amount of time. I know I’ve spent hours dreading what to cook and all the activity/planning/prepping that has to go into it. Then, when I finally get into gear, I realize the prepping is not so bad and I can make this amazing feast in no time at all if I’m organized.

In order to make your life SIMPLER this holiday season, I’ve organized a delicious menu for you and your family including a shopping list. In addition, this menu is so streamlined, that when you actually get to cooking it, you can do the whole spread in 2 hours! Talk about perfect time-management.

Here’s the menu:

Sauerkraut_FINAL_1

Roasted Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots
Croatian Sauerkraut (we have this at every family event. Especially during the holidays)
Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Mixed Greens & Artichoke Heart Salad with Dijon Mustard Dressing

6_FINAL_2

Shopping List:

  • 4 ½ pound Chicken
  • 2 Lemons
  • 3 Carrots
  • 3 Russet Potatoes
  • 1 32-oz Jar of Sauerkraut
  • 3 Yellow Onions
  • 4 Garlic Cloves
  • 2 Tbsp loose chicken or vegetable bouillon
  • 4 Tbsp Tomato Sauce
  • ½ pound Bacon
  • 2 pounds Brussels Sprouts
  • 1 Red Onion
  • 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
  • ¼ pound Mixed Greens
  • 1 6-oz jar Marinated Artichoke Hearts
  • 1 Cucumber
  • 1 Green Pepper
  • 1 ½ Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • ½ tsp Herbs De Provence
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Cooking Spray

After you go shopping, here’s the cooking plan:

Chicken_FINAL

#1. Prep the chicken (it will take about 10 minutes)
#2. Get the chicken in the oven
#3. Prep the sauerkraut (it will take about 20 minutes) and start to cook it on the stovetop
#4. Prep the Brussels Sprouts (it will take 10 minutes if using Brussels Sprouts you need to clean and cut)
#5. Put the Brussels Sprouts in the oven
#6. Make the salad dressing
#7. Cut the veggies for the salad (lettuce, artichoke hearts, cucumbers, green pepper)
#8. Remove the Brussels Sprouts from the oven and put in a cute bowl
#9. Take the sauerkraut off the stovetop and put in a nice serving dish
#10. Remove the chicken, potatoes, and carrots from the oven and plate on a fabulous tray
#11. Toss the salad
#12. Buen Provecho! You’re all ready to eat!

Now is the time to sit back and rewind for the holiday feast with a fabulous glass of Barolo and truly enjoy the company of your loved ones. Now you may have thought about dessert….where is it?!?! Well, since you’ve just hosted this exquisite feast, ask your friends/family to supply the dessert and your good to go. Footloose and Fancy Free.

Have a wonderful Holiday season.

Leave a comment below and share your plan for the holidays.

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN