Bûche de Noël is French for Christmas log. This dessert with the fancy name is found in every pastry-shop window in France during the month of December. It’s simply a yellow sponge cake rolled around a white chocolate and cherry filling. You can start this the day ahead and let it sit overnight. Preparation time: 45 minutes; 8 hour cooling time Cooking time: 20 minutes Yield: 10 servings Yellow Sponge Cake for Bûche de Noël 1/4 cup whole milk 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup cake flour 1 teaspoon baking powder Pinch salt 3 large eggs 3 large egg yolks 1 cup sugar Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

An Italian Christmas Eve tradition involves a multi-course seafood dinner where you might enjoy a delicious seafood stew. This holiday dish is sure to impress. just round it off with some crusty bread and perhaps a salad and cheese course.Although this is a low-fat recipe, it doesn't skimp on flavor. Low-Fat Seafood Stew Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesYield: 8 servings 1/4 cup olive oil 2 large yellow onions, diced 1 fennel bulb, chopped and diced, fennel tops reserved 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon thyme 2 teaspoons crushed rosemary 1 bay leaf 4 cups bottled clam juice 2 cups dry white wine 28-ounce can plum tomatoes, drained and chopped 2 dozen small clams, scrubbed 2 dozen mussels, scrubbed 2 pounds sea bass fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 dozen large shrimp (20 to 25 shrimp per pound size) Three 4-ounce frozen lobster tails, defrosted, cut into thirds Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Cassoulet is a festive, budget-friendly main dish that's just right for a family Christmas dinner. This version of the classic French casserole makes a rich bean stew full of five types of meat. You can make it a month ahead and freeze, so it's a perfect dish for holiday entertaining. ©iStockphotos.com/ALLEKOThis cassoulet benefits from an overnight rest in the refrigerator.

Most people have a mountain of leftover turkey the day after the big Thanksgiving meal. This soup is a creative and easy way to make use of those tasty leftovers, even if they are just scraps. Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 35 minutesYield: 10 servings 5 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 3 celery stalks, diced 3 carrots, peeled and diced 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon sage 3 large all-purpose potatoes, peeled and diced 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels 1/2 cup frozen lima beans 6 cups turkey or chicken broth 1 1/2 pounds (about 3 cups) cooked leftover turkey, diced or shredded 1/2 cup frozen peas 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup whole milk Salt and pepper to taste Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat.

Mouth-watering prime rib is for special occasions, so why not serve it for Christmas dinner? You might think that a big hunk of mouthwatering roast beef is reserved for ordering in a restaurant. Not so! Prime rib is very easy to make and oh so impressive, not to mention incredibly tasty. Roast Prime Rib This is the roast beef of your dreams; juicy, rare pieces in the middle and well-done pieces on the ends to give everyone what they want.

Christmas is a great time to get kids involved in holiday craft projects. Help them make these inexpensive glass votives decorated as gifts for their teachers. The cinnamon sticks used to decorate the candles fill the home with Christmas cheer. To make four cinnamon stick votives, gather these supplies: Glue gun and glue sticks (optional) 4 plain glass, straight-sided votive holders (1-3/4 inches across the bottom x 2-1/2 inches high) Glue gun with glue sticks Ninety-six 3-inch cinnamon sticks 2 yards thin ribbon (optional) 4 votive candles (cinnamon scented, if you like) Then follow these steps: Wash the votive holders inside and out and remove any labels.

Snowdrop cookies are a must in your Christmas cookie repertoire. These snowdrops are a buttery cookie enriched with ground pecans. Many cookies out there are similar to these, and all the variations are popular during the holidays. Snowdrop Cookies Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Yield: 36 cookies 2/3 cup pecan halves 1 cup confectioners' sugar Pinch salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/4 cup confectioners' sugar (approximately) for the coating Place the pecans, confectioners' sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor that’s been fitted with a metal blade.

Make wreath-shaped meringue cookies if you're looking for a fat-free selection for the Christmas cookie plate. These meringue cookies are crisp, sweet, and satisfying. The pretty wreath shape is perfect for the holidays, and you can make them way ahead. Meringue Wreath Cookies Preparation time: 12 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Yield: 3 dozen wreaths 4 large egg whites 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 cup sugar Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

Making and decorating gingerbread cookies is a Christmas tradition with many families. It's holiday fun for the children, and cookies make inexpensive gifts. Crisp gingerbread is best for ornaments; roll these out a bit thinner than called for in this recipe, and bake an extra minute. For a thick, chewy gingerbread cookie, follow the instructions and make sure not to overcook.