5 Christmas Meals Prepared By Chuck In Vancouver Wa

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious, home-cooked meal? Chuck, a skilled chef from Vancouver, WA, has shared with us five mouth-watering Christmas meal ideas that are sure to impress your family and friends.

From traditional roasted turkey to delectable seafood options, Chuck's Christmas meals are a testament to the flavors and spirit of the season. So, without further ado, let's dive into Chuck's top 5 Christmas meal picks:

Traditional Roasted Turkey with Herb Gravy

Chuck's classic roasted turkey is a staple of Christmas cuisine, and for good reason. The key to this dish lies in the subtle blend of herbs and spices, which add depth and warmth to the tender turkey meat.

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup herb gravy (see below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and sage.
4. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
7. Roast for about 4-4 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes.

Herb Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups turkey broth
• 1 cup white wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add the turkey broth and white wine (if using), whisking constantly.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.

Seafood Christmas Celebration

If you're looking for a non-traditional Christmas meal, Chuck's seafood celebration is a must-try. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers, featuring a medley of succulent shrimp, scallops, and mussels in a flavorful white wine broth.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound scallops
• 1 pound mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 cup fish broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the shrimp, scallops, and mussels.
4. Pour in the white wine, fish broth, lemon juice, and thyme.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
7. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through.

Baked Ham with Honey-Brown Sugar Glaze

Chuck's baked ham is a sweet and savory delight, featuring a sticky honey-brown sugar glaze that's sure to impress. This dish is perfect for a crowd, as it's easy to serve and feeds a large number of people.

Ingredients:

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, mustard, and olive oil.
3. Place the ham in a baking dish and score the fat in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the honey-brown sugar glaze all over the ham.
5. Sprinkle the cloves and cinnamon over the top.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Prime Rib with Horseradish Sauce

Chuck's prime rib is a show-stopping centerpiece for any Christmas meal. Paired with a creamy horseradish sauce, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients:

• 1 (6-8 pound) prime rib roast
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup horseradish sauce (see below)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, and beef broth.
3. Rub the mixture all over the prime rib.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the prime rib in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
6. Roast for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.

Horseradish Sauce:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, horseradish, and lemon juice.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

For a meatless Christmas option, Chuck's stuffed portobello mushrooms are a flavorful and satisfying choice. Filled with a rich blend of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, these mushrooms are sure to delight.

Ingredients:

• 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and thyme.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.

Gallery of Christmas Dinner Ideas

Gallery of 5 Christmas Meals Prepared By Chuck In Vancouver Wa