Crafting a Multi Ethnic Holiday Menu

With the upcoming holidays come traditions which are wonderful, don't get me wrong. I, however, think that sometimes traditions tend to zap our creativity, and produce boredom. Oh yeah, we NEED to eat Aunt so and so's sweet potato pie AGAIN! And, uncle Fred is bringing his world famous dip, AGAIN. Face it, the holidays are a time for family traditions, but sometimes change is needed, and new traditions need to be made. After all, variety is the spice of life. Crafting a multi ethnic holiday menu is THE way to inject a spark into your upcoming holiday gatherings.

As one of those traditional holidays that can use a change, let's take Christmas! Ham seems to be on the mouths of many (pardon the pun) during this holiday. Don't take me wrong, but HAM? REALLY? It seems rather incongruous to me that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, a Jewish man by birth, by eating HAM! Were they even raising pigs in his town? Not likely! I have mentioned this to some friends who stare at me like I have three heads, until... they get it! Anyhow, going back to my main point: Why do we always have to eat the same thing at holiday meals?

I am here to rock the boat a bit and give you some recipe ideas to make for your next holiday gathering, or any gathering for that matter. You can certainly keep some of your traditional recipes, but be brave and ditch some; life is about variety and having new experiences, right?

Fig, ricotta, prosciutto crostini

Let's start with the appetizers, and these are easy I promise. A tray of baguette with fig jam, ricotta and prosciutto is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It's an assembly line appetizer, so get the whole family involved. Another one of my favorites, especially if you want to add a Latin flair is mango tomatillo salsa.

A party isn't a party without some nice beverages. Try the Puerto Rican coquito, a delicious coconut drink popular at Christmas time. If coconut isn't your thing, perhaps a nice light and refreshing guava lime cocktail will suit your taste buds better.

It looks like we are way on our way to crafting a multi ethnic holiday menu, but there's more. Keep reading!

Salad greens can be one of those dishes that can lack in creativity. How about a spinach salad with a sweet and tangy pomegranate dressing?

Or perhaps something a bit more exotic? Turkish orange and red onion salad? It's not as odd as it sounds.

Skip the potatoes and try a Persian inspired Saffron rice with Dried Cranberries and almonds. The floral overtones of saffron combined with the zing of cranberries creates an outstanding flavor profile. The color and texture contrast is also perfect for adding some pizzazz to your dinner table.

Here's where we really go crazy. DITCH THE HAM, and go for something a bit more exotic. I think you will love my pork loin in tamarind sauce. Or, how about an herbed leg of lamb?

So, are you ready for dessert yet? A delicious french apple tart (tarte aux pommes) hits the spot. If you are looking for something with a bit of a bite (no pun intended), my lemon tart is just what you need.