An Elegant Holiday Dinner Menu
The highlight of this year's Christmas menu features a dazzling beef tenderloin and new favorites you'll crave year after year. (Serves 8)Cherry-Pecan BrieTossed Greens-and-Grapes SaladPancetta-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin with Whipped Horseradish CreamCrispy Potatoes with FennelLemon-Garlic Green BeansEasy Asiago-Olive RollsChocolate Truffle Cheesecake
Get-Ahead Prep Steps
-- Stir together topping for the Brie the day before, and chill. Toast pecans up to two weeks ahead, and freeze in an airtight container.
-- Allow two days for beef tenderloin to thaw in refrigerator, if frozen.
-- Prepare Whipped Horseradish Cream eight hours before serving; cover and chill.
-- Trim and slice fennel for potatoes. Wrap in a damp paper towel, seal in a zip-top plastic freezer bag, and chill up to one day.
-- Make vinaigrette two days ahead. Cover and chill. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes; whisk and serve.
-- Bake cheesecake one day ahead -- the texture is better when well chilled.