A sense of occasion
Photography by Yvonne Duivenvoorden.
For the season in which people like to get together, here's a sophicticated make-ahead menu that bespeaks care, love and celebration. It all starts with an elegant soup, followed by a magnificent roast of beef with two spectacular side-dishes, and ends with a twist on a dessert that's steeped in tradition. You'll have the perfect setting for festivity.
Dinner party timeline
Up to two weeks ahead
• Make herbed gnocchi up to first make-ahead stage amd freeze.
Two days ahead
• Make cranberry puddings and eggnog custard sauce up to first make-ahead stage.
One day ahead
• Make beans and pearl onions up to second make-ahead stage.
• Spread rub all over roast. • Make soup and chive oil up to make-ahead stage.
• Cook herbed gnocchi up to second make-ahead stage.
Day of dinner
• Make parmesan croûtes.
• Cook roast and let stand.
• Make gravy.
• Reheat and serve soup.
• Finish beans and pearl onions, and herbed gnocchi.
• Slice roast and serve.
• Reheat cranberry puddings and eggnog sauce and serve.
Recipes
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Tomato Broth with Parmesan Croûtes and Chive Oil
For the toasted croûte topping of this sophisticated soup, buy real Parmesan cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano or a good-quality Grana Padano. You may want... -
Porcini Rib Eye Roast with Wild Mushroom Gravy
Dried mushrooms that you grind yourself double as a rub for the roast and a flavouring for the gravy. You can find a variety of dried mushrooms in the... -
Herbed Gnocchi
Little herbed potato dumplings make a delicious change from the usual Yorkshire pudding and mashed potatoes or roast potato side dish. -
Sautéed Beans and Pearl Onions
Tender golden onions add a hint of sweetness to these crisp, lemony vegetables. -
Jewelled Cranberry Puddings with Eggnog Custard Sauce
Small cranberry-topped steamed puddings accompanied by a creamy eggnog custard sauce are a stylish twist on classic plum pudding.
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