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Heartwarming Christmas Day Feast

A delightful collection of seven festive dishes including turkey, honey-glazed ham, sides, and gingerbread cookies to create a memorable Christmas celebration.
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Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 850
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 2 medium carrots, cut into chunks
  • 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
  • to taste Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
  • 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • to taste Whole cloves, for studding
Side Dishes
  • 4 lbs russet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 lb green beans, trimmed
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 large sweet potatoes
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
Dessert
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg

Method
 

Roast Turkey
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Rub the turkey with softened butter and season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Stuff the cavity with onion, carrot, celery, and fresh herbs.
  4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for about 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Baste occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
Honey Glazed Ham
  1. While the turkey roasts, preheat another oven to 325°F (165°C) for the ham.
  2. Score the surface of the ham and stud it with whole cloves.
  3. In a bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, then brush this mixture generously over the ham.
  4. Bake for 1.5-2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
  1. Boil peeled and chopped russet potatoes in salted water until tender.
  2. Drain them and return to the pot, then mash the potatoes.
  3. Mix in heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Green Bean Casserole
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Blanch the trimmed green beans in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain.
  3. In a baking dish, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and the blanched green beans.
  4. Top with crispy fried onions and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Sweet Potato Casserole
  1. Boil the sweet potatoes until they're tender, then mash them.
  2. Combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla in a mixing bowl.
  3. Pour this mixture into a greased baking dish.
  4. Top with mini marshmallows if desired, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until the topping is golden and melted.
Cranberry Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and water.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
  3. Stir in the orange zest before letting it cool to room temperature.
Christmas Gingerbread Cookies
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In one bowl, combine flour, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In another bowl, mix unsulfured molasses and sugar until combined.
  4. Stir in the egg, then combine both mixtures.
  5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, cut with cookie cutters, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
  6. Allow them to cool before decorating.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and can be frozen for longer storage. Reheat to at least 165°F (74°C) before serving. Allow turkey to rest for 30 minutes after roasting for best results.