A Classic Christmas Eve Dinner Menu

Cocktail hour

Start the evening by mixing up some moonshine cocktails. Yes, the term might spark associations with illegal, home-distilled booze (and a blindingly high alcohol content) but moonshine is really just an unaged whiskey made from corn, barley and/or malt. Its clear colour and and neutral flavour make it a perfect addition to cocktails. Tip: In a pinch, you can easily substitute whiskey in these cocktails. Get the recipes: Bittersweet moonshines (left) and Moonshine sours (right).

The appetizers

Broccoli hummus (it’s so good that we’re taking it centre stage) and an oozey, cranberry and almond baked brie will whet your guests’ appetite for the main course. Get the recipes: Broccoli hummus, baked brie.

The soup course

Seafood chowder is a warm and comforting East Coast tradition worth sharing. Filled with tender lobster, spicy chorizo and fragrant dill, it’s a great dish for a crowd. Get the recipe.

The salad course

Simple and elegant, this pear walnut and watercress salad is tossed with a light champagne vinegar dressing to finish. Get the recipe.

The main event

Serve this flaky and aromatic meat pie with a beet relish and pickled mustard seeds. The pairing makes each bite a perfect balance of delicious flavours. Get the recipes: Holiday tourtière, beet relish, pickled mustard seeds. 

The dessert course

Dessert — a sticky toffee pudding with vanilla custard and gingerbread caramel sauce — it will immediatly silence the table so the only sounds are the clacking of plates and spoons, we guarantee it. Get the recipe.

Watch: How to make the appetizer course of cranberry-almond baked brie