The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones, celebrate traditions, and share delicious meals. Whether you’re hosting a grand party or attending a cozy get-together, real food can be the star of the show. Not only will it delight your guests, but it’ll also help everyone feel their best. With a little planning, and a little help from Chef Pete, you can create meals that are as nourishing as they are festive.
Think fresh, whole ingredients prepared with care and creativity. The key is to focus on dishes that are both comforting and exciting — traditional enough to evoke nostalgia, yet innovative enough to impress even the most discerning palates.
Chef Pete’s Tips For A Festive Holiday Gathering
Balance Mindful Indulgences with Real Food Principles
The holidays are a time to enjoy and celebrate, and real food provides the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment. Sticking to real food principles over the holiday meal offers numerous benefits:
· Feel Good After the Meal: Real food emphasizes nutrient-dense ingredients that leave you satisfied without the heavy, sluggish feeling that often follows processed foods.
· Support Digestive Health: Whole foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, and natural enzymes aid digestion and help your body process the holiday feast more effectively.
· Promote Stable Energy Levels: Avoid the blood sugar rollercoaster by focusing on balanced meals with quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates from real sources.
Mindful indulgences mean enjoying the holiday treats that matter most to you while staying connected to how food makes you feel. A few tips to help you navigate this balance include:
· Portion Mindfully: Savor smaller servings of rich dishes to fully appreciate the flavors without overdoing it.
· Choose Desserts Wisely: Create treats made with natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients. A slice of grain-free pie or a handful of spiced nuts can satisfy your sweet tooth.
· Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day supports digestion and can help curb overeating.
Learn more about what’s in season for your Christmas recipes in this post
Create a Festive Atmosphere
Hosting a memorable holiday gathering goes beyond the food. Enhance the experience with thoughtful touches that make your guests feel special:
· Decorate with Nature: Use seasonal greenery, pinecones, and citrus for simple and elegant table decorations.
· Curate a Playlist: Set the mood with music that complements the vibe of your gathering, from classic holiday tunes to modern favorites.
· Personalize Place Settings: Small gestures like handwritten name cards or a sprig of rosemary on each plate add a personal touch.
Smart Drinking
Alcohol often plays a role in holiday celebrations, but it’s worth approaching it with care. Choosing quality beverages and consuming them mindfully can make a big difference:
· Choose Cleaner Options: Organic wines, dry ciders, or spirits mixed with sparkling water and fresh citrus are better choices than sugary cocktails or heavily processed options.
· Pace Yourself: Sip slowly and enjoy your drink as part of the meal. Pairing alcohol with food can help mitigate its impact on your blood sugar.
· Alternate with Water: Staying hydrated helps you enjoy the evening without overindulging.
Read more on choosing your alcoholic beverage in this post
Get some non-alcoholic mocktail ideas here
Christmas Recipes + Ideas to Wow Your Guests
A thoughtfully curated menu is key to a successful holiday gathering. These tips and Christmas recipes will ensure everyone leaves happy and full:
Appetizers
Set the tone with a charcuterie board featuring grass-fed meats, aged cheeses, and accompaniments like fermented vegetables and grain-free crackers.
Try crowd-pleasers like bacon-wrapped dates, bacon-wrapped asparagus, smoked salmon on cucumber rounds roasted spiced nuts, or mini meatballs with a homemade dipping sauce.
Don’t forget to order your bacon here >>>>
The Mains
A roasted turkey or herb-crusted beef tenderloin makes an impressive and delicious centerpiece. For a unique twist, consider a whole roasted fish garnished with lemon and fresh dill.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not try Chef Pete’s Slow Braised Lamb
Braised Lamb
Yield approximately 10 Cups
Cook Time3 Hours
Ingredients
- · Whole Leg Of Lamb(4to5pounds)
- · 2 Teaspoons Salt, Plus Additional For Dusting The Shank
- · 1 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- · 2 Cups Dry White Wine, Such As Sauvignon Blanc
- · 2 Yellow Onions, Thinly Sliced (About 2 Cups)
- · 2 To 3 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
- · 3 Cups Chicken Stock (or our Chicken Bone Broth)
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 ̊F.
2. Heat a dry large braising pan (ceramic-coated cast iron pan, thick-bottomed Dutch oven, or thick-bottomed soup pot with oven-safe lid) over high heat.
3. Dust the lamb shank with salt and pepper.
4. Once the pan is superhot, add the lamb, skin side down. Sear for a total of 6 to 10 minutes; start checking the color at 6 minutes.
5. When it begins to turn a deep golden-brown, add the wine, onions, and thyme.
6. Once the meat has browned, after about 6 more minutes, carefully pull the shank and fond from the bottom of the pan.
7. Reduce for 10 minutes, then add the stock and salt and reduce for 5 more minutes.
8. Cover and place in the oven.
9. Cook for 2 to 2½ hours.
10. Allow to cool for 30 minutes, then pull the meat from the bones.
11. Reserve the bones for stock
Side Dishes
Sides are where you can let your creativity shine. Pair your proteins with simple yet stunning sauces, such as a rosemary-infused pan gravy or a bright chimichurri.
Some delicious sides ideas include mashed sweet potatoes with ghee and cinnamon, roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, or a winter salad topped with pomegranate seeds and toasted nuts. You could also serve roasted root vegetable medley, cauliflower mash with garlic and chives or a kale salad with citrus vinaigrette
Include options for all palates, from comforting casseroles to light and refreshing vegetable dishes.
Grab our Salad Guide here and experiment
Sweet Endings
End the meal with desserts that feel indulgent but stay true to real food principles. Christmas recipes to try include grain-free gingerbread cookies, maple-sweetened pecan pie, spiced poached pears, or dark chocolate avocado mousse.
Chef Pete’s Chocolate Pumpkin Pie is always a decadent treat and the perfect Christmas dessert recipe
Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
Makes 1 Pie
Cook Time 1 Hour 40 Minutes
Ingredients
- · 1 Pound Pumpkin
- · ¼ Cup Raw Cacao Powder
- · ½ Cup Coconut Flour
- · 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- · 1 Teaspoon Salt
- · ¼ Cup Melted Coconut Oil
- · ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- · ½ Cup Raw Honey
- · 6 Eggs
For The Frosting
- · 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream (or Coconut Cream if dairy free)
- · 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- · 2 Tablespoons Honey
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 ̊F.
2. Split the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds.
3. Place each half in a baking pan, fill each pumpkin half way with water, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes.
4. Let cool for about 20 minutes and then pour out the water.
5. Then, using a dish towel to hold the pumpkin, scoop out the flesh and let it come to room temperature.
6. Place the pumpkin flesh in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on low for a few minutes. Add the cacao powder, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt while the mixer is on.
7. Pause and add the coconut oil, vanilla, and honey.
8. Return the mixer to low and add one egg at a time.
9. Continue mixing on low till it’s emulsified, about 1minute. Stop and scrape the sides of the bowl with a spoon, then mix for 10 more seconds.
10. Lightly coat a 9-inch springform pan with coconut oil and pour in the mixture.
11. Bake for 40 to 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
12. Run a butter knife along the inside of the pan to release it and allow to cool for 1 hour.
13. While the cake cools, make the frosting:
14. Place the heavy cream in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, whip on high till you have soft peaks.
15. Add the cinnamon and slowly drizzle in the room-temperature honey while whipping. Don’t overbeat: look for the peaks and then stop.
16. Frost the cake with the whipped cream mixture or serve a dollop on the side.
Keep portion sizes moderate and savor the experience to make every bite special.
For more seasonal recipes, cooking tips and inspiration, order your copy of Chef Pete’s book Paleo By Season here>>>>>
Keep It Real
While food is a big part of holiday celebrations, remember that the true joy comes from connecting with loved ones. Focus on savoring the flavors, enjoying the company, and embracing the spirit of the season. A real food approach not only nourishes your body but also enhances the shared experience around the table. Here’s to a season filled with health, happiness, and delicious real food!