A Cozy, Comforting Christmas Dinner

Whether or not the weather outside is frightful, your guests will appreciate this hearty, warming wintry menu for the holiday.

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... But the Food is So Delightful

If you're fortunate enough to have a working fireplace, use it: This meal is best enjoyed in warm-and-cozy fashion. Whether guests are huddled by the fire or hunkered around a dining room table, they'll enjoy the classic, comforting flavors and ingredients in these recipes.

Arugula and Roasted Fruit Salad with Panettone Croutons

This unique Italian salad strikes just the right balance of sweet and savory with peppery arugula, creamy lemon dressing and tender butter-glazed roasted fruit.

Get the Recipe: Arugula and Roasted Fruit Salad with Panettone Croutons

Cauliflower Soup with Anchovy Breadcrumb Topping

While this cozy, thick soup is comforting all on its own, the salty, savory anchovy breadcrumbs really take it over the top. This entire dish can be made in advance, so it's a no-brainer for holiday tables.

Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Soup with Anchovy Breadcrumb Topping

Grape Focaccia

Dotted with grapes and piping a rosemary aroma as it emerges from the oven, this savory-sweet bread will make a big impact on your holiday table. All you'll need are a stand mixer and a bit of courage. Don't worry about dimpling the dough –– your fingerprints will create just the right amount of room for the grapes.

Get the Recipe: Grape Focaccia

Salt-Roasted Prime Rib of Beef

The salt crust in this recipe acts as a shield, preventing air from entering and drying out the meat, ensuring that perfectly pink, juicy inside. Make sure to brush away any excess salt before serving.

Get the Recipe: Salt Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef

Whole Roasted Chicken with Homemade Tapenade

Alex roasts her chicken whole and then rests it breast-side down to allow the juices to flow back through the drier white meat. She also removes the bird from the oven when it is between 155 and 160 degrees F –– the temperature will go up a few degrees higher as it rests, making it safe to eat but not overcooked.

Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Chicken with Homemade Tapenade

Shrimp Scampi with Linguini

Shrimp scampi is an Italian classic and a frequent holiday table staple. Tyler sautes the crustaceans with shallots, then deglazes with lemon and white wine.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi with Linguini

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranates and Vanilla-Pecan Butter

When roasted in a super-hot oven, Brussels sprouts lose their funk and transform into tender bites. Pomegranates and a sweet butter complement the vegetable's nutty flavor.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranates and Vanilla-Pecan Butter

Curried Couscous salad with Dried Sweet Cranberries

Instant couscous is so easy; the only "cooking" involved is boiling some water. When you spike it with curry powder, fresh herbs, and a splash of orange and lemon juice, it gains both color and a mix of bright, spiced flavors.

Get the Recipe: Curried Couscous Salad with Dried Sweet Cranberries

Pickled Root Vegetable Salad

A mandoline is the optimal tool for slicing this colorful collection of beets, parsnips and sweet potatoes into super-thin rounds. Kelsey pickles the vegetables in cider vinegar with mustard and celery seeds before serving them with goat cheese for a doubly tangy side dish.

Get the Recipe: Pickled Root Vegetable Salad

Sweet-and-Sour Pearl Onions

The initial blanching of the onions in this recipe ensures that they'll be tender when cooked through. If the raisins are hard, pour boiling water over them and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain and proceed with the recipe.

Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pearl Onions