Christmas fruit cake to sugar cookies, and more: Try these chef-curated Christmas recipes

Christmas recipes: Each recipe here has been thoughtfully designed to add a sprinkle of joy to your Christmas celebrations (Images: Blaasé, Ludhiana)

Christmas is the perfect time to come together with loved ones and indulge in delicious food. From classic sweets to hearty mains, the festive table becomes a celebration of warmth, joy, and togetherness. If you are looking for a curated menu,  look no further. Here’s something for everyone; from buttery Christmas sugar cookies to decorate with the family, and a comforting roast chicken paired with black pepper gravy. Side dishes like mashed potatoes with garlic, maple-glazed carrots, and crispy rosemary baby potatoes complement the mains beautifully.

For a sweet finale, try assembling a whimsical gingerbread house or baking a rich Christmas fruit cake. And what’s Christmas without a cup of creamy peppermint hot chocolate to sip by the fire?
Food has a magical way of bringing people together, says Akshay Arora, owner Blaasé, Ludhiana. “Our chef has carefully created these Christmas recipes that are the perfect way to create cherished memories this holiday season,” Arora says, adding, “Each recipe has been thoughtfully designed to add a sprinkle of joy to your Christmas celebrations.”

Opt for a  a grand feast or enjoy an intimate family dinner, these recipes by Chef Saatvvika Handa, promise to make your celebration unforgettable:

• Christmas sugar cookies

Flour, baking soda, baking powder, butter, sugar, egg/flax egg, vanilla extract, optional decorations.

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 180°C; line baking tray.

Whisk dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, then mix in egg and vanilla.

Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Shape dough into balls, flatten with a sugared glass.

Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool before decorating.

• Roast chicken with black pepper gravy

Preheat oven to 190°C. Prepare herb butter (butter, garlic, ginger, coriander, salt, pepper).

Rub butter under skin and over chicken. Stuff cavity with lemon and herbs.

Roast for 1.5-2 hours; baste occasionally. Rest 15-20 minutes.

Option 2: Chicken pieces

Follow similar prep for chicken pieces, roast for 45 minutes.

Black pepper gravy:

Use pan drippings; make a roux with flour, add chicken broth, and season with pepper.

• Mashed potatoes with garlic

Instructions:

Boil potatoes and garlic until tender. Mash with cream and butter.

Season and garnish with parsley.

• Maple-glazed carrots

Instructions:

Boil carrots until slightly tender.

Sauté in butter, syrup, and seasonings until glazed. Garnish with parsley.

• Crispy roasted baby potatoes with rosemary

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 200°C. Toss potatoes with oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper.

Roast cut-side down for 25-30 minutes. Optionally garnish with Parmesan.

• Classic gingerbread house& cookies

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 175°C. Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, then add wet ingredients.

Roll out dough; cut into shapes. Bake 10-12 minutes.

Assemble and decorate with icing and candies.

• Christmas fruit cake

Instructions:

Soak fruits and nuts overnight in rum or juice.

Prepare batter with soaked fruits. Bake at 160°C for 45-60 minutes.

Cool, wrap, and store for flavors to mature.

• Peppermint hot chocolate

Instructions:

Heat milk. Whisk in cocoa and sugar. Add melted chocolate and extracts.

Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and serve hot.