Lavish menu for a tight budget

The holidays are around the corner, which means it's time to start thinking about your holiday menu! While some people really enjoy this process, it can also be a headache for others—especially in these times of economic uncertainty.

With all the great recipes at our fingertips, it can be very tempting to go over budget by adding extra items to our menus at the last minute. And so, here are a few suggestions to help you stick to your goal—and even save a little money to spoil your loved ones:.

Émilie Gaillet, recipe consultant, food stylist and photographer (photo: Emilie Iggiotti)

1. Aim for simplicity and good value.
Make a list of recipes that interest you, look at the ingredient list to see if they'll be affordable or if some ingredients can be easily substituted with what you already have on hand.

2. Determine the number of guests and then set your final menu from appetizer to dessert.
Write your grocery list with the week's specials in mind. For example, ricotta cheese is on sale? It will be perfect to replace cream cheese in the whipped feta spread!

3. Plan ahead.
Take advantage of specials and freeze some foods for the holidays (like meat, for example).

And don't forget that no matter what happens, you and your guests will have a great evening!

APPETIZER

Whipped feta dip

Whether it's for entertaining family and friends, or planning an intimate evening for two, apéritif platters are a staple of any festive gathering. They usually require little preparation and a few simple ingredients.

On a nice board or platter, arrange some fruit (grapes, apples, etc.), raw vegetables, a few olives, crackers, or toasted naan bread—which is a perfect accompaniment to the whipped feta spread. This spread can be prepared in just a few minutes with cream cheese, Greek yogourt or ricotta cheese for a lighter texture.

To maintain the whipped texture of the spread, it is best to prepare just before serving. All that's left to do is uncork a good bottle of rosé or sparkling wine, and voilà! The job is done!

Whipped feta dip 

Preparation time 10 minutes
Cooking time -
Servings 6 to 8

MAIN COURSE

Pork tenderloin stuffed with pear, goat cheese and pecansnes

Skip the turkey this year and opt for a delicious, more affordable, and equally delicious stuffed pork tenderloin. This recipe has it all: perfectly cooked meat, the sweetness of pears, the creaminess of goat cheese, and the crunch of walnuts. Accompany it with root vegetables, green beans or mashed potatoes. 

For wine pairings, we suggest a white wine with the Aromatic and Mellow Taste Tag or, for red wine lovers, one with a Fruity and Medium-bodied Taste Tag.

Pork tenderloin stuffed with pear, goat cheese and pecans

Preparation time 20 minutes
Cooking time 30 minutes
Servings 4 to 6

DESSERT

Raspberry pavlova wreath 

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. 

Making meringue is a breeze! To ensure the best possible results, make sure you have an egg beater, and a very clean glass or metal bowl. It's also important that there are no traces of yolk in the egg whites. Otherwise, the meringue will become runny. You can prepare the meringue the day before. It will stay crisp if you keep it in an airtight container or in a turned-off oven. When the time comes, all you have to do is assemble it with the ingredients of your choice.

No rules here, just have fun with the flavours! You can top it with whipped cream, fresh fruit, chocolate coulis, jam, nuts, or cookie crumbs. Improvise with whatever you have on hand, and it will surely be a hit!

A small glass of Cremaglace—with its sweet vanilla flavour—will go perfectly with the pavlova, but you can also opt for a raspberry flavored cider, whose freshness and aromatic character will complete this rich and creamy dessert.

Raspberry pavlova wreath

Preparation time 30 minutes
Cooking time 50 minutes
Servings 6 to 8