Description
Indulge in the warmth of a traditional French Christmas Dinner, where elegance meets comforting flavors. This feast features a succulent roast, creamy gratin, and classic French holiday dishes that bring the spirit of Christmas to your table. Perfect for celebrating with loved ones.
Ingredients
Main Course: Roast Capon or Turkey
- Whole capon or turkey (about 8-10 lbs)
- Butter, softened (1/2 cup)
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves)
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage (1 tablespoon each, chopped)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- White wine (1 cup)
- Chicken stock (2 cups)
Side Dish: Potato Gratin
- Potatoes, thinly sliced (2 lbs)
- Heavy cream (2 cups)
- Gruyère cheese, grated (1 cup)
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Dessert: Bûche de Noël
- Eggs (4 large)
- Sugar (3/4 cup)
- Flour (1/2 cup)
- Cocoa powder (1/4 cup)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Dark chocolate (8 ounces, melted)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Roast Capon or Turkey
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix softened butter with garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture under the skin and over the bird.
- Place in a roasting pan, add white wine and stock. Roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Potato Gratin
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer sliced potatoes in a buttered baking dish.
- Heat cream with garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Pour over potatoes and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown and tender.
Bûche de Noël
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Fold in sifted flour and cocoa powder.
- Spread batter evenly onto the sheet and bake for 12 minutes.
- Roll the warm sponge cake in a towel and let cool.
- Whip heavy cream, spread over the cake, and roll it back up.
- Cover with melted dark chocolate and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- The capon is a traditional French Christmas choice, but turkey works just as well.
- Let the roast rest before carving to retain its juices.
- For a richer gratin, use a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
- Bûche de Noël can be decorated with chocolate shavings or meringue mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Holiday dinner
- Method: Roasting, Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French Christmas Dinner, Holiday Feast, Roast Capon, Potato Gratin, Bûche de Noël, French Cuisine, Festive Recipes, Christmas Menu, Holiday Cooking, Classic French Recipes