CHRISTMAS DAY

FOR 4 GUESTS FOR BREAKFAST; 8 GUESTS FOR DINNER

The merriment of Christmas Day begins in the early morning hours for most of us, and nothing starts the festivities off better than holiday breakfast fare. Gorgeous egg soufflés will get energy flowing, and spiced tea, served with moist cranberry cake, will help keep it going right through the morning as you open presents and anticipate the fun to come.

Christmas dinner is a regal affair, with relatives and friends invited to join you mid- to late afternoon. The star of the meal is a stunning main course that’s surprisingly simple to prepare: a crown roast of pork dressed in all of its finery. Fitting accompaniments include a beautiful dish of braised cabbage, a lovely plate of almond-coated green beans, and a nutritious pilaf made with wild rice. And for dessert, two special offerings—one fruit and one chocolate—add the perfect sweet touch to end this memorable holiday meal.

MENU

WAKE-UP BREAKFAST

Egg, Pepper, and Scallion Soufflés

Whole-Grain Cranberry Spice Cake

Spiced Tea

CHRISTMAS DINNER

Crown Roast of Pork

Apple-Onion Chutney

Braised Red Cabbage

Green Beans Amandine

Wild Rice Pilaf

Mixed Green Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Chocolate, Almond, and Orange Clusters

Holiday Apple Crisp

Holiday Game Plan

Up to 1 month before: Make and freeze spice cake.

Up to 3 days before: Make chocolate clusters; order crown roast; toast almonds.

Up to 2 days before: Make chutney; prepare pilaf (except for parsley).

Up to 1 day before: Prepare ginger mixture for tea; braise cabbage; blanch green beans; make salad dressing; make crisp; thaw spice cake.

Day of: Make egg soufflés and tea; roast pork; finish green beans and pilaf; assemble salad; heat crisp.