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What do you suggest for Christmas dinner that’s not the traditional turkey or ham?

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Q.  Dian Asks: I just found your website; nicely done!   I enjoyed watching a few videos and have printed a few recipes to try.   I’m cooking Christmas dinner for 20 and I don’t want the traditional turkey or ham.  While I’d love to do a beef tenderloin or prime rib, that gets pricey with this many people.

I’d like something that will provide the same special dinner effect, yet be new and different, leaving them with that WOW impression.   And crazy as it sounds, we always do a sit down at an insanely long dinner table.  We love passing all the dishes around the table, it adds to the fun and excitement.  So, with that in mind, what ideas might you have?   Let’s make this crew hungry for more ; )

A. I’m not sure if you’re looking for a traditional Christmas dish, but I love serving paella for a crowd. It’s so festive and fun, and I’ve got a great one in Perfect One-Dish Dinners. I love roast pork loin for the holidays. It has all the pizzaz of a big roast without the big price tag–just make sure you don’t overcook it!

I have two roast pork loin recipes–one stuffed with apricots, dried cranberries and garlic cloves in Perfect Recipes for Having People Over,  the other chorizo sausage-stuffed in Perfect One-Dish Dinners. Good luck with your holiday dinner. It sounds like my kind of party!

About Pam Anderson

Pam Anderson considers herself Every Cook. A New York Times bestselling author, she has been cooking nearly everyday for over 30 years. With seven published books, she brings satisfying recipes and sage advice to both novice and veteran cooks. Whether you’re on a quest for the perfect brownie, wanting to get dinner on the table effortlessly, hoping to entertain more simply, attempting to shed pounds permanently, or looking to eat delicious meatless, Pam can help. AARP’s official food expert, she is a chef contributor at Runner’s World magazine. Pam is former Executive Editor of Cook’s Illustrated magazine. Her food articles have appeared in many food magazines. She teaches cooking classes across the country and appears frequently on TV and radio. She currently is blogging at her new site, Copper House Events.

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