Christmas recipe roundup

Here’s the 2020 edition of my Christmas recipe roundup which might be useful if you’re out of ideas for the festive season.

Appetizer

2 ingredient devilled eggs

Devilled eggs might be out of fashion but they are a fantastic appetizer/finger food for many reasons. They are easy to make, economical, filling and nutritious. They are naturally free of gluten, dairy and other allergens such as nuts, seafood and soy. No, they are not vegan but they low in carbohydrates and high in protein.

Get the recipe here.

Easy guacamole

Guacamole is super easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. Bonus points: it’s gluten-free, vegan, packed with nutrients and not as high in kilojoules as some store-bought dips. Eat it with corn chips and/or vegetable sticks.

Get the recipe here.

Side dishes

Christmas sides

Applesauce and Russian salad are the side dishes I grew up eating every Christmas eve. They are usually served alongside roast turkey, but also pair well with pork and chicken.

Get the recipe here.

Vegan mash

If you are vegan or don’t do dairy but still want to enjoy mashed potatoes with your festive meal, this recipe is for you. It doesn’t take any more time or effort than making regular mash.

Get the recipe here.

Puré de espinaca (spinach mash)

This is a different spin on mash which is popular in my country. It’s a great way of adding extra vegetables to your meal for the holidays or any time of the year.

Get the recipe here.

Swede garlic mash

This mash recipe is for those who can’t or don’t eat potatoes but are ok with other root vegetables.

Get the recipe here.

Main

Peruvian spiced Christmas turkey

Turkey is the meat of choice in Peruvian homes at Christmas time. This is why many companies include a turkey in the Christmas hampers given to employees. Fortunately, most of the times you get a voucher that you can sometimes exchange for other products, although I remember going home with a large frozen bird after work one year. Different families have different ways of preparing and cooking their turkeys but most will do it with a Peruvian twist.

Get the recipe here.

Peruvian spiced chicken

If you’re not cooking for a crowd this year you might want to cook chicken instead of turkey. The Peruvian flavours make it a little more special than a regular weeknight roast chook.

Get the recipe here.

Slow cooked apple BBQ pork with Brussel sprouts and fennel

This is not something I grew up eating but it can make a perfect Christmas meal. Even better, save it for Christmas in July if you don’t want the slow cooker to warm up the entire house in the middle of summer.

Get the recipe here.

Pork chops and Pardo’s style salad

This is another non-traditional Christmas recipe for me but it can work for Christmas day because it’s quick and easy to make. In addition, the pork chops can be cooked in the BBQ, which you might be using on the day anyway.

Get the recipe here.

Dry-brined pork chops with roasted asparagus, fennel and radishes

Final pork recipe for those who prefer this meat to poultry. As a bonus, this recipe is better for summer, which is when we celebrate Christmas here in the Southern Hemisphere.

Get the recipe here.

Dessert

Gingerbread bliss balls

You can enjoy the flavours of gingerbread without having to crank up the oven, not to mention shaping and decorating each cookie. These bliss balls are also great as a homemade gift or to bring to parties and picnics.

Get the recipe here.

No bake low carb cherry cheesecake

This is a great festive dessert to make if you celebrate Christmas in the middle of summer. It’s great when you want to make a dessert served in individual glasses. This dessert is gluten-free but not vegan, has a decent amount of protein and no added sugar.

Get the recipe here.

Strawberry, rosemary and pistachio parfait

This is another summery festive dessert which showcases seasonal fruit, nuts and yoghurt. This is another dessert made for individual portions. This dessert is gluten-free but not vegan, has a decent amount of protein and no added sugar.

Get the recipe here.

Peruvian hot chocolate

Most Peruvians enjoy a cup of rich Peruvian hot chocolate with a slice of buttered panettone as dessert after a large Christmas eve dinner. You can do the same at your Christmas in July party, or be more sensible and have it on its own in a cold winter night.

Get the recipe here.

Supercharged hot chocolate, two ways

If you are after a “superfood”/”biohacker” version of hot chocolate to enjoy during the holidays or at Christmas in July, check out the recipes below.

Get the recipe here.

Enjoy!

---

If you need nutrition advice, click here to check out our range of available services.