The Perfect Holiday Dinner Menu for Hosting at Home

This menu is packed with recipes that balance flavor, elegance, and simplicity. Below are detailed recipes for each dish and descriptions of the images to accompany them.

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Appetizers

Brie and Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites
Flaky puff pastry combined with creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce makes for a perfect holiday appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 6 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/3 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 2-inch squares. Place the squares in a greased mini muffin tin.
3. Add a cube of brie to each square and top with a dollop of cranberry sauce.
4. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top (optional).
5. Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

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Classic Shrimp Cocktail
A refreshing and light appetizer that’s simple to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Boil shrimp with a squeeze of lemon and salt in water for 2-3 minutes until pink. Drain and chill.
2. Mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce for the cocktail sauce.
3. Serve shrimp on ice with sauce.

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Main Dishes

Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
This dish is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef tenderloin
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix garlic, mustard, oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper into a paste.
3. Rub the mixture over the tenderloin.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (medium-rare).
5. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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Stuffed Acorn Squash
A hearty and festive vegetarian option.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rub squash halves with olive oil and roast cut-side down for 20 minutes.
3. Mix wild rice, cranberries, pecans, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
4. Fill squash halves with the mixture and roast for another 15 minutes.

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Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Rich, smooth, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 garlic cloves, roasted and mashed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain.
2. Mash potatoes with butter, cream cheese, and roasted garlic.
3. Add heavy cream until smooth and season with salt and pepper.

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Desserts

Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes
Festive, individual-sized treats that are as delicious as they are cute.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gingerbread cookie crumbs
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of muffin liners.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth. Pour over crusts.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Cool and refrigerate for 2 hours.

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Drinks

Mulled Wine
A warm, spiced drink to complete your meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 cloves
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brandy (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine wine, orange slices, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar in a pot. Heat gently without boiling.
2. Add brandy if desired and serve warm.

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This menu balances flavors and textures for a complete, satisfying holiday dinner. Let me know if you’d like direct product recommendations or additional details!