Meghan Markle Unveils Her 2025 Holiday Menu: From Rosemary Roast Turkey to Chocolate-Lavender Cheesecake
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Meghan Markle’s Culinary Vision for the Holidays: A 2025 Menu, Must‑Have Gadgets, and Sustainable Secrets
When the Duchess of Sussex stepped onto the set of Food & Wine’s latest holiday special, she brought more than just her trademark poise and charisma. For fans who have followed her from the royal court to the kitchen, the show was an exciting glimpse into how she plans to turn a quiet, New‑England‑style cottage into a bustling hub of festive flavor. The segment, filmed in the summer of 2024, promised a detailed look at her 2025 holiday menu, the kitchen tools she can’t live without, and the ingredients that have become her go‑to staples for a season‑long celebration.
A Royal Appetite: Meghan’s Culinary Backstory
Meghan Markle’s journey into cooking began as a way to settle into life in the United Kingdom after her marriage to Prince William. A self‑confessed foodie, she quickly turned to cooking as a creative outlet—especially when she moved to a new home in a rural English village. She has spoken in interviews about how the quiet rhythm of chopping vegetables and kneading dough became her meditation. The Duchess’s new venture with Food & Wine builds on that narrative, showing viewers that cooking is both an intimate act and an art that can bring people together.
The Holiday Special: A Preview of 2025
The show’s centerpiece was a walk‑through of Meghan’s planned holiday feast, broken down into appetizer, main course, sides, and dessert. She explained her philosophy of “simple, seasonal, and sustainable,” a line that echoed throughout the program. The Duchess highlighted the importance of sourcing produce from local farmers and working with artisanal bakers, both to support small businesses and to reduce the carbon footprint of her menu.
Appetizers: Meghan kicked off with a platter of stuffed mushrooms, filled with her own blend of wild herbs, goat cheese, and finely chopped nuts. She noted that mushrooms can be harvested in early autumn, aligning with her sustainable ethos.
Main Course: Her star dish is a rosemary‑infused roast turkey served with a citrus glaze. The recipe features a low‑to‑high heat method that keeps the meat moist while achieving a caramelized crust. Meghan emphasized the need for a good carving board and sharp knives—an element she later connects to her “Finds 2025” list.
Sides: Classic cranberry sauce was given a twist: she combined fresh cranberries with pomegranate molasses and a splash of bourbon for depth. For the greens, she opted for sautéed kale and roasted butternut squash drizzled with a lemon‑horseradish vinaigrette.
Dessert: The pièce de résistance was a chocolate‑lavender cheesecake, topped with edible flowers that echo the cottage’s garden. She suggested pairing it with a glass of aged port for a truly indulgent finish.
“Finds 2025”: The Kitchen Essentials Meghan Can’t Live Without
After showcasing her menu, Meghan turned the spotlight onto the tools that make the process smoother. The “Finds 2025” list is a curated selection of kitchen gadgets and pantry staples that have earned her a permanent spot on her countertop.
Sous‑Vide Precision Cooker – For perfectly cooked proteins, the Duchess praised the sous‑vide’s ability to lock in moisture and flavor.
Cold‑Pressed Olive Oil Press – A nod to sustainability, Meghan revealed she now rolls her own olive oil from her garden’s extra olives.
Digital Food Scale – Accuracy matters when the recipe calls for a pinch of saffron or a precise amount of sugar.
Stainless‑Steel Mortar and Pestle – A classic tool that allows her to extract essential oils from herbs and spices without plastic.
Silicone Baking Mats – These reusable mats help her avoid waste and keep her baking surface spotless.
Herb‑Scissors – A simple but elegant way to harvest fresh herbs, especially useful for last‑minute garnishing.
Charcoal‑Infused Grater – The Duchess uses this for a smoky texture on her roasted vegetables.
Smart Thermometer – To keep track of internal temperatures, especially for meats, a reliable thermometer is a must.
Herb‑Drying Rack – She uses this to dry herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano for longer storage.
Mason Jars with Airtight Lids – For storing marinades, sauces, and homemade spice blends.
Beyond gadgets, Meghan highlighted pantry staples that keep her prepared for any holiday twist: extra‑virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, high‑quality sea salt, and an assortment of dried herbs. She also spoke about the importance of having a well-stocked spice rack, as spices often carry the secret to elevating simple dishes.
Sustainability and Local Sourcing
A recurring theme throughout the special was Meghan’s commitment to sustainable cooking. She spoke about working with local farmers in the Hampshire countryside, ensuring that her ingredients were not only fresh but also ethically sourced. In addition, she highlighted her partnership with a local dairy cooperative that provides free‑range eggs and artisan butter. Meghan’s “Finds 2025” list further illustrates her focus on eco‑friendly equipment: silicone mats, reusable herb racks, and a charcoal grater that cuts down on plastic waste.
She also emphasized the importance of zero‑waste cooking. For instance, she repurposed the bones of her roast turkey to create a homemade bone broth that she uses for soups and sauces throughout the year. This practice, she explained, not only reduces kitchen waste but also adds depth to her dishes.
Beyond the Holiday Table: A Cookbook and Future Projects
While the Food & Wine special is focused on the holiday menu, it’s clear that Meghan is preparing for larger culinary endeavors. Her forthcoming cookbook, slated for release next year, promises a deeper dive into her seasonal cooking principles. In interviews she has hinted at a potential television series that will take her culinary explorations beyond the UK, perhaps featuring travel‑based food stories from around the world.
The Duchess’s culinary brand is quickly expanding. A recent collaboration with a boutique cookware line has seen her design a limited‑edition set of copper pans and stainless‑steel utensils. The collaboration aims to make high‑quality kitchen tools more accessible to everyday home cooks—something Meghan says has always been a priority for her.
Takeaways for Home Cooks
For those of us who love to host but might feel overwhelmed by the holiday menu, Meghan Markle’s approach offers a blueprint:
- Seasonal sourcing: Use ingredients that are in peak harvest season; they’re fresher and less expensive.
- Sustainability: Prioritize eco‑friendly gadgets and reduce waste through cooking practices like bone broths.
- Mindful menu planning: Keep the menu simple but impactful. A well‑executed rosemary roast turkey and a fresh, herb‑drizzled side can outshine a more complicated spread.
- Tools matter: Having the right tools can streamline prep and elevate flavors.
In short, Meghan’s holiday special is more than just a showcase of dishes; it’s a philosophy that blends simplicity, sustainability, and a dash of elegance. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, there’s something to take home: a menu that can be recreated with readily available ingredients, a list of tools that actually improve your cooking experience, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. By embracing these principles, you can bring a bit of the Duchess’s culinary magic to your own holiday table in 2025.
Read the Full Food & Wine Article at:
[ https://www.foodandwine.com/meghan-markle-holiday-special-hosting-finds-2025-11865559 ]