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A Chic Holiday Menu on a Budget

Want to go all out for the holidays? You just have to send out the invites, polish the silverware and plan a menu worthy of a giant feast. The menu featured here is chic yet affordable, showcasing sophisticated recipes that are still budget friendly, with affordable ingredients prepared with love and a refined presentation. Read on for tips and recipes on making an impressive spread without breaking the bank.

Starter

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER CREAM SOUP

The presentation of this soup has been refined thanks to a drizzle of cream, some herb oil, and diced pink radishes. It’s the perfect touch of elegance to kick off the meal.

A few chic tips
  • • Frozen cauliflower: When the price of fresh cauliflower has surged, the frozen variety will become your best ally. Roast the florets in the oven to remove excess water and caramelize them.
  • • Eggs and cream: The rich and creamy texture comes from mixing egg yolks and cream with the vegetable purée.
  • • Herb oil: The herb oil provides a velvety smoothness.
  • • Diced radishes: The tiny diced radish adds a crunchy texture and a pop of colour.

Side dish

BALSAMIC-GLAZED CARROTS

As a side, prepare the versatile root veggie with a butter, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar glaze, which gives it a sweet taste. Save time by using the same pan to blanch and glaze the carrots.

A few chic tips
  • • Rainbow Nantes carrots: These add vibrant colours to the dish, but other carrot varieties can be used, too.
  • • The cut: Slice the root vegetable lengthwise for a fine, elegant look.
  • • Brown sugar: This affordable sugar works wonders in place of maple syrup or honey for the glaze.

Main dish

TURKEY WELLINGTON WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND MUSHROOM SAUCE

Serve your turkey Wellington-style, wrapped in a puff pastry crust, filled with spinach and cranberries, and then topped with a mushroom sauce. Even though it requires several steps, the effort will be worth it, we promise!

A few chic tips
  • • Turkey breast half: The usual filet mignon used in a classic beef Wellington comes with a hefty price tag; use a turkey breast half instead, brined until it’s juicy and moist.
  • • Caramelized onions: The stuffing consists of baby spinach, dried cranberries and caramelized onions for a subtly sweet flavour.
  • • White mushrooms, shallots and cream: The sauce is made with basic white mushrooms. Brown them and then combine with shallots and cream for added depth.

Dessert

CARAMELIZED WHITE CHOCOLATE TART WITH CLEMENTINES

Cap off your meal on a gourmet note with this stunning tart. Creamy caramelized white chocolate is poured over a chocolate crust, which is then studded with buckwheat, meringues and clementine segments. It has a guaranteed “wow” factor!

A few chic tips
  • • Blond chocolate: You can make this at home. Its colour and taste is slightly reminiscent of dulce de leche, resulting from the caramelized milk powder in the white chocolate.
  • • Chocolatey meringues: Garnish the tart with chocolatey meringues for a gorgeous presentation.
  • • Toasted buckwheat: Toasted buckwheat with honey is used instead of more costly nuts, adding sophistication and a crunchy texture.
  • • Clementine segments and zest: They add a distinguished decorative touch.