A Formal Christmas Menu

1/7Shrimp Cocktail
Losing the mashed potatoes would just be insane, but even classics can be tweaked. The tang of sour cream gives the illusion that this recipe is not as rich as the cream, butter, and milk would imply. The next day? Form leftover potatoes into cakes and fry them up—in butter, of course.
2/7Roasted Domino Potatoes
A top coat of melted butter and salt makes these dinner rolls irresistible.
3/7Creamed Peas and Onions
Peas and onions are a classic holiday duo. Relying on frozen ones, along with a quick béchamel, is a smart move on a busy day of cooking.
4/7Potato Rolls with Caraway Salt
Serve these pillowy rolls along with our Holiday Ham with Riesling and Mustard (click for recipe) and set out bowls of your favorite mustards. Double the recipe for a large crowd–or, if you want to forgo baking your own, brush store-bought rolls with the egg wash, sprinkle with caraway salt, and warm them in the oven.
5/7Winter Squash with Spiced Butter
Traditional Thanksgiving flavors (squash, cinnamon, butter) are given a beautiful Persian accent. The exotic spiced butter is also a treat mixed into couscous.
Gentl & Hyers6/7Standing Rib Roast with Aioli
If you like, after carving this standing rib roast, separate the bones into individual ribs and pop them back in the oven to crisp up. Serve it with Aioli, then fight over them with your guests.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Mieko Takahashi7/7Mulled Wine
This heady mulled wine recipe is perfect for the holiday season—or any time you’re looking for something fragrant and cozy.