Non-traditional Christmas dinner

I think this is the sixth or seventh year I've ditched a "traditional" Christmas dinner and opted to go with a non-traditional Christmas dinner instead. I haven't eaten ham in too many years to count. I've never been a big fan of prime rib, no matter how it was prepared, so my options have been pretty limited. I have learned to come up with menu ideas that satisfy not only my lifestyle but appeal to my extended family as well. They are hearty and flavorful - and they work well as main dishes or side dishes. We just go for it. I love mussels so that's always a great way to start, no matter the time of the year.

My favorite is Seafood Paella. I am talking about serious drooling. Filled with wild caught shrimp, mussels, clams and Spanish saffron...it is so good. This recipe found on Epicuriousis great. I simply omit all the meat options (chicken, bacon and chicken stock) and substitute vegetable stock instead. If you like seafood, you will love this easy-to-make recipe for a non-traditional Christmas dinner.

If you would like to go ahead and give yourself a reason to make a New Year's resolution try this cream-based Seafood Pasta, for the win! Like the one above, this is not my recipe, but I always find ways to tweak someone else's recipe to my own personal tastes. The recipe on Simple Seasonal is a GREAT start! I like to kick it up a notch with either a grind of fresh habanero pepper or fresh cayenne. It depends on who is eating it - not everyone has an affinity for "heat" on their food. This is another great base to use with an assortment of seafood like prawns, scallops and mussels out of the shell. Add lots of green veggies, like brussel sprouts, kale salad and green beans on the side to balance out the high protein dish.

How about you all? Do you stick with a traditional dinner? What are your plans? Share with me in the comments. Whatever you do, enjoy the blessings and time with your friends and loved ones.

Thanks for hanging!
Xo
-C