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December 2025: Food & Wine's Ultimate Festive Recipe Roundup

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/05 .. food-wine-s-ultimate-festive-recipe-roundup.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 17:57 GMT by Food & Wine

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Food & Wine’s December 2025 Recipe Round‑Up – A Festive Foodie’s Guide

Food & Wine’s “December Recipes 2025” roundup is the definitive one‑stop shop for anyone looking to turn the winter holiday season into a culinary adventure. Whether you’re preparing a classic Thanksgiving feast, a cozy New‑Year’s Eve dinner, or simply craving a comforting bowl of soup for a snowy evening, the article gathers more than 30 recipes that span the spectrum from quick week‑night meals to show‑stopping entrees. The pieces are arranged by category (appetizers, mains, sides, desserts, drinks, and even a “last‑minute” section), each accompanied by a short narrative that sets the mood, highlights a standout ingredient, and sometimes offers a quick tip or substitution idea. Below is a detailed summary of the article’s content, the key themes it emphasizes, and a few standout recipes that deserve a spot on your holiday menu.

1. Appetizers & Starters

The article opens with a trio of crowd‑pleasing starters that set the tone for a festive gathering.

• Caramelized Shrimp with Garlic‑Honey Butter – A quick 15‑minute prep that turns simple shrimp into an elegant bite‑size treat. The recipe links to a “how‑to” video that demonstrates the gentle caramelization technique to keep the shrimp tender.

• Warm Cheddar‑Apple Soup – A creamy soup that marries sharp cheddar with sweet apples and a hint of sage. The recipe’s accompanying link offers a “gluten‑free” version (using oat‑based roux) for those with dietary restrictions.

• Mini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze – A fresh, bite‑size version of the classic Caprese salad, featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil. The link to the full recipe explains the use of aged balsamic to deepen the flavor profile.

These appetizers are designed to be made ahead of time (or in less than 20 minutes), making them ideal for last‑minute hosts.

2. Main Courses

The mains are the heart of any holiday spread, and the roundup showcases both traditional and contemporary options.

• Herb‑Crusted Prime Rib – A classic Thanksgiving staple that the article recommends roasting at 400 °F until a beautiful crust forms, then letting rest for 20 minutes. The recipe’s link includes a side‑board for a “blue‑cheese” au jus that adds an extra layer of indulgence.

• Cranberry‑Pecan Stuffing – A vegetarian twist on the classic stuffing, using cornbread crumbs, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh sage. The accompanying link offers a “no‑oven” version for busy kitchens.

• Glazed Roasted Carrots with Orange‑Ginger – A side dish that’s as vibrant as it is nutritious. The recipe link explains the importance of a low‑heat glaze to keep the carrots tender yet caramelized.

• Pumpkin‑Cheese Ravioli – A surprising but delicious dish that mixes sweet pumpkin with creamy ricotta, served in a light sage butter sauce. The recipe’s link provides a quick “gluten‑free” dough alternative.

• Roast Chicken with Pomegranate Molasses – A fall‑in‑love recipe featuring the bright tang of pomegranate molasses on a perfectly roasted chicken. The link to the recipe includes a “slow‑cooker” option for those who prefer a hands‑off approach.

• Lobster New‑Year’s Eve Dinner – For those looking to splurge, the article lists a simple yet elegant lobster tail recipe, finished with a lemon‑butter sauce. The recipe link offers a “budget‑friendly” substitute—shrimp—while preserving the same flavor profile.

3. Sides

The side dishes round out the menu, focusing on seasonal produce and comforting textures.

• Honey‑Balsamic Brussels Sprouts – Brussels sprouts roasted with a honey‑balsamic glaze for a sweet and slightly acidic finish. The recipe link notes that adding bacon or pancetta provides a savory contrast.

• Maple‑Mustard Mashed Potatoes – A decadent mash that balances the sharpness of mustard with the sweetness of maple syrup. The link offers a “low‑fat” version that swaps heavy cream for Greek yogurt.

• Roasted Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping – A nostalgic casserole that the recipe link recommends using whole‑wheat breadcrumbs for added texture.

• Quinoa & Cranberry Pilaf – A protein‑rich side that pairs beautifully with both poultry and fish. The recipe link explains how to toast the quinoa for extra flavor.

4. Desserts

No holiday menu is complete without a sweet finale. The roundup offers both traditional pies and innovative sweet treats.

• Classic Apple Pie with Streusel Topping – A warm, cinnamon‑spiced apple pie that includes a crumbly streusel topping. The recipe link includes a “quick‑prep” version that uses a pre‑baked crust.

• Chocolate Peppermint Bark – A no‑bake treat that layers dark chocolate, white chocolate, and crushed peppermint. The recipe link offers a “vegan” version that swaps regular chocolate for dairy‑free alternatives.

• Pumpkin Cheesecake – A creamy cheesecake infused with pumpkin and warm spices. The recipe link recommends a graham‑cracker crust for a classic texture.

• Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding – A comforting, custard‑filled bread pudding that marries tart cranberries with citrusy orange. The recipe link includes a “coffee” variant that adds a splash of espresso for depth.

• Eggnog Cheesecake – A seasonal twist on cheesecake that uses eggnog to infuse a holiday flavor. The recipe link offers a “gluten‑free” crust.

5. Drinks

The drinks section features holiday‑themed cocktails and non‑alcoholic options that pair beautifully with the meals.

• Spiced Mulled Wine – A classic mulled wine recipe that includes cinnamon, star anise, and orange zest. The recipe link offers a “non‑alcoholic” version made with pomegranate juice and sparkling water.

• Pomegranate Moscow Mule – A sparkling twist on the traditional mule, featuring pomegranate juice, lime, and ginger beer. The link suggests using a “fresh‑mint” garnish for a bright finish.

• Hot Cocoa with Marshmallow & Peppermint – A cozy hot chocolate recipe topped with peppermint‑flavored marshmallows. The recipe link offers a “dark‑chocolate” version for a more robust flavor.

• Sparkling Apple Cider Punch – A non‑alcoholic punch made with sparkling apple cider, orange juice, and a splash of cranberry syrup. The recipe link recommends adding sliced citrus for garnish.

6. “Last‑Minute” Section

For those who find themselves scrambling, the article includes a small “last‑minute” column featuring dishes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes:

• Quick Cranberry Sauce – A homemade sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a touch of honey.

• Stovetop Creamed Spinach – A creamy side that’s ready in 10 minutes.

• Instant Roasted Sweet Potatoes – A microwaved sweet potato option for speed without sacrificing flavor.

Each recipe includes a brief note on how to store leftovers and how to reheat them without losing moisture.

7. Additional Resources & Tips

Throughout the article, Food & Wine provides contextual links to supplemental content that enriches the cooking experience:

• Ingredient Guides – The recipes for prime rib, stuffed bread, and pumpkin cheesecake all link to separate “ingredient deep‑dives.” These pages explain the science behind choosing the right cut of meat or the difference between high‑fat and low‑fat ricotta.

• Technique Tutorials – Many of the more complex recipes (e.g., the lobster dinner, roasted carrots, and the maple‑mustard mash) link to step‑by‑step video tutorials or infographics that illustrate proper roasting temperatures, crust formation, and sauce reduction.

• Dietary Adjustments – Several recipes provide alternative versions for gluten‑free, dairy‑free, or low‑calorie lifestyles. These links are especially useful for hosts who must accommodate guests with specific dietary needs.

• Meal‑Planning Tips – The article ends with a practical “How to Cook for 10” guide that includes a printable grocery list, a suggested timeline for meal prep, and storage tips to keep everything fresh until service time.

Key Takeaways

1. Seasonal Flavor Palette – The roundup emphasizes the use of seasonal produce (pumpkin, cranberries, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, apples) and warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) to evoke holiday comfort.

2. Versatility & Inclusivity – Recipes are tailored to a wide range of skill levels, dietary restrictions, and time constraints. The article’s multiple “quick” and “gluten‑free” variants showcase this flexibility.

3. The Power of Presentation – Many of the featured recipes include a presentation tip—such as garnishing shrimp with micro‑greens or plating ravioli on a bed of sage‑infused butter—to make even simple dishes feel special.

4. A Complete Menu Blueprint – By grouping dishes into coherent categories and including a “last‑minute” list, the article serves as a blueprint for planning a complete holiday meal, from appetizer to dessert to drink.

5. Engagement Beyond the Page – Food & Wine’s inclusion of video tutorials, ingredient guides, and printable meal planners transforms the article from a static list of recipes into an interactive cooking experience.

Final Verdict

Food & Wine’s December 2025 recipe roundup is a treasure trove for anyone looking to elevate their holiday cooking. It blends the comforting familiarity of traditional dishes with a dash of contemporary flair, while always keeping an eye on time constraints and dietary inclusivity. The article’s careful curation of recipes—each paired with contextual links for deeper learning—ensures that even novice cooks can pull together a memorable, palate‑pleasing feast that feels both festive and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a lavish holiday banquet or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this roundup offers the inspiration and practical guidance you need to make the season deliciously unforgettable.