10 Offbeat Christmas Dinners

on November 23, 2011
Mark Boughton/ styling: Teresa Blackburn

Chicken Fricassee with Peas and Orzo

Creamy peas, carrots and ham dress up chicken for the holidays. Serve over a bed of fluffy rice with braised greens or a crisp salad and bread for a simple, pleasing holiday meal. Recipe: Chicken Fricassee with Peas and Orzo

Mark Boughton/ styling: Teresa Blackburn

Spinach Lasagna

Layers of tomato sauce and spinach lace our vegetarian-friendly lasagna with Christmas colors. We suggest preparing a day before to cut down on holiday hassle. Recipe: Spinach Lasagna

Mark Boughton/ styling: Teresa Blackburn

Rosemary Apricot Pork Tenderloin

Crank up tender pork's sweetness with a seasonal apricot glaze. Serve with creamy polenta and a crisp cranberry walnut salad to balance the flavors. Recipe: Rosemary Apricot Pork Tenderloin

Mark Boughton/ styling: Teresa Blackburn

Easy Chicken Saltimbocca

Wrapped with prosciutto and covered in a crispy cheesy breading, this chicken lives up to its Italian name, which translates as "jumps in the mouth." Recipe: Chicken Saltimbocca

Mark Boughton/ styling: Teresa Blackburn

Tuscan-Rubbed Salmon

If your family celebrates big at brunch, a quick-and easy-dish may be all you want at dinner. Go low maintenance with spicy salmon; it's ready in under 10 minutes. Recipe: Tuscan-Rubbed Salmon

Mark Boughton/ styling: Teresa Blackburn

Crock Pot Posole

Sit back, relax and let your Crock Pot do all the work! Our cozy-up Mexican-style pork stew is flavorful and Christmas-y when topped with red radishes and green parsley. Recipe: Crock Pot Posole

Mark Boughton/ styling: Teresa Blackburn

Roasted Winter Squash with Cornbread Stuffing

Vegetarians rejoice! This Christmas we are stuffing butternut squash rather than turkey. Serve in a bed of spinach to punch up the bright colors. Recipe: Roasted Winter Squash with Cornbread Stuffing

California Olive Committee

Lamb Chops with Black Olive Pesto

Make lamb chops pop with pesto and black olives. Serve with traditional mashed potatoes, buttery gnocchi, orzo or a side of angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil, Parmesan and a bit of basil. Recipe: Lamb Chops with Black Olive Pesto

Mark Boughton/ styling: Teresa Blackburn

Middle Eastern Cornish Hens

A centerpiece of four Cornish hens will floor holiday guests, but the sophisticated presentation is just a little Christmas magic. No one will ever know the spiced rub takes only five minutes to prepare! Recipe: Middle Eastern Cornish Hens

Mark Boughton/ styling: Teresa Blackburn

Italian Fisherman's Stew

Celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes with our colorful stew, thick with shrimp and scallops. Croutons made with chewy rustic bread brushed with olive and vinegar add piquant flavor and sop up the juices. Recipe: Italian Fisherman's Stew