Happy December, Seafoodies!
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me … lasagna filled with shrimp scam-pi! (And the gifts kept coming: six Pollock poaching, seven cod a-simmering, eight shrimp a-sizzling, you get the idea!) Hmmm, how fantastic would it be if we could enjoy a delicious seafood meal each of the 12 days of Christmas? Our December Meal Plan makes it easy to do just that, giving you delectable seafood recipes that will keep you caroling through celebratory breakfasts, lunches, dinners and hors d’oeuvres. So, fa-la-la-la-la yourself straight into the kitchen, and we’ll show you how to whip up some pescatarian holiday dishes!
While we still love the original “12 days” gift list, the seafood alternative is a no-brainer! Instead of calling birds, wouldn’t you prefer this buttery clams casino, baked with a double dose of bacon and panko for added crunch? Forgo the French hens for an enticing tangle of seafood salad with shrimp, calamari and scallops that’s studded with briny olives and laced with an addictive, lemon-garlic dressing. And who needs gold rings—historians think the song refers to ring-necked pheasants rather than jewelry, anyway—when you can have golden lobster mac and cheese, lightened up for an indulgent-tasting but guilt-free treat?
Christmas morning, dig into a mouthwatering shrimp frittata, wrapped up in seasonal colors with fresh tomato and broccoli. Silky smoked salmon pizza, topped with capers, red onions and a schmear is just the thing for an elegant New Year’s brunch. Or, perhaps we could tempt you with oysters stewed in a creamy broth, fresh swordfish grilled with herb compound butter or lemony salmon baked with asparagus?
‘Tis the season to party like a pescatarian! So, without further ado, here are our decidedly UN-traditional recommendations for the 12 days of Christmas. Let the feasting begin!
Breakfast
Shrimp Broccoli Breakfast Frittata
Prep this shrimpsational frittata in just 10 minutes, then pop in the oven for an impressive holiday breakfast or light lunch.
Seafoodie Rule #57: You can’t go wrong with smoked salmon and a schmear! We use store-bought naan bread or pizza crust for a no-fuss gourmet treat.
Lunch
Now, here’s a tangy salad that knows how to make an entrance! Brimming with shrimp, scallops and calamari, it makes a jolly addition to your Feast of the Seven Fishes—or any holiday meal.
Bring some warmth (and good health) to the table! Creamy chowder with cod, sweet corn and potatoes is a hearty soup that’s sure to please your holiday revelers.
Word has it, English settlers first tucked into this Christmas Eve dish in the 1880s. One spoonful of this rich oyster stew, and you may just want to continue this tradition from the days of yore!
Appetizers
If you’re looking to streamline your entertaining menu, check out this buttery, extra-bacony clams recipe. These bodacious bivalves can be prepped a day ahead and only need a few minutes in the oven before serving.
Lightened up and loaded with flavor, this dressed-up classic features sweet lobster, fire-roasted tomatoes and a zesty, cheddar-Parmesan sauce.
Dinner
One-Pan Salmon and Asparagus with Garlic Herb Butter
Pressed for time during the holidays? This sheet-pan meal really delivers! In just 25 minutes, you could be enjoying roasted salmon with asparagus spears in a lively, citrus-herb butter.
Dare we say decadent? When you want to live life on the indulgent side (and it is the holidays, after all), try these individually portioned gratins, filled with chunks of meaty Alaska Pollock and topped with grated cheddar, breadcrumbs and rosemary.
Grilled Swordfish with Lemon-Basil Butter
Who says you can’t grill in the winter? Swordfish has a steak-like texture that really stands up to the heat, making grilling it nearly foolproof. All it needs is a little seasoning and some fresh citrus butter to make an impressive, easy-to-clean-up holiday meal.
Baked Tilapia and Vegetable Casserole
Light, tasty and celebration-ready! Mild tilapia is marinated in soy and buttermilk, sautéed until golden brown, then baked with colorful veggies.
Layered with noodles, veggies and shrimp galore, this incredibly cheesy lasagna is a Christmastime showstopper!
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