I love December – I’m sure lots of people do. But it can be a busy old month, so let me help you decide what to eat in December.
It’s a month of celebration, of course. Throughout the northern hemisphere, we battle the darkness with our twinkling lights, cosy fires and celebrations – both Christmas and otherwise.
December can be a month of putting food on the back burner with all of the parties and eating out – but I like to carry on cooking at home. There’s something very kind about nourishing yourself in the winter months.
What to Eat in December – In Season
December in season foods happen to also be those you’ll find plentiful on a Christmas dinner – Brussels sprouts and parsnips are up there!
The These are some of the ingredients that are in season in December:
These are some of the ingredients that are in season in December:
Vegetables in Season (UK December):
Brussels Sprouts – at their sweetest after the first frosts; delicious roasted, pan-fried with bacon, or shaved raw into winter salads.
Parsnips – caramelise beautifully when roasted and make wonderfully creamy purées.
Potatoes – essential for roasties, mashes, and hearty winter stews.
Turnips – lovely in slow-cooked dishes, or roasted for a nutty, mellow flavour.
Cauliflower – great in warming curries, cheese bakes, or simply roasted with spices.
Beetroot – earthy and sweet; perfect for roasting, pickling, or blending into soups.
Celery – adds depth to soups, sauces, and festive stuffings.
Wild Mushrooms – bring a touch of luxury to risottos, pastas, and creamy sauces.
Truffles – a decadent seasonal treat; shave over pasta, risotto, or eggs for instant indulgence.
Fruit:
Apples – ideal for crumbles, pies, compotes, and winter salads.
Clementines – bright and citrusy; wonderful for baking, snacking, or adding freshness to Christmas desserts.
Cranberries – tart and vibrant; use in sauces, chutneys, bakes, or festive cocktails.
Meat & Fish:
Turkey & Duck – centrepieces of Christmas feasts, and excellent for comforting leftovers.
Venison – lean, rich, and perfect for slow roasts, pies, and winter stews.
Oysters & Scallops – beautifully fresh at this time of year; ideal for elegant starters or special-occasion dinners.
Here, I’ve selected some beautiful recipes which are perfect for cooking in December. Simply save the page and use this as your shopping guide for the next 4 weeks!
What to Eat in December – Week 1
A mix of lighter and richer recipes this week, with a soup that’s sure to clear your sinuses. Plus a festive orange and brandy roast duck, and a duck fried rice to use up the leftovers.
Easy Carrot and Ginger Soup
A smooth, sweet and slightly spicy carrot and ginger soup. Quick to make, full of flavour and perfect for cosy lunches or dinners. Freezer-friendly and easy to adapt for vegan diets.
Check out this recipe
One Pan Tomato and Mozzarella Gnocchi
A simple one pan gnocchi dish with tomato, mozzarella and basil.
Check out this recipe
15 Minute Pork and Pineapple Tacos
Quick and easy pork and pineapple tacos with avocado and soured cream
Check out this recipe
Couscous Stuffed Red Peppers
Baked red peppers stuffed with olive and feta couscous.
Check out this recipe
Orange and Brandy Roast Duck
Roast duck stuffed with orange, with a brandy and honey glaze.
Check out this recipe
Duck Fried Rice
Fried rice with leftover roast duck and egg, plus spring onions and red bell peppers.
Check out this recipe
What to Eat in December – Week 2
It’s all about comfort this week, with a divine peanut butter curry and an incredible chilli pie! Round out the week with Texan style slow cooked beef and a cottage pie with the leftovers.
Vegan Peanut Butter Curry
A delicious vegan peanut butter curry with chickpeas and cauliflower.
Check out this recipe
Chilli Pie
A rich beef chilli topped with mashed potato with soured cream and nachos.
Check out this recipe
Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi With Peas
Delicious, creamy chorizo gnocchi with peas and chives. Ready in 15 minutes and perfect for a quick weeknight comfort food option.
Check out this recipe
Pan Fried Salmon with Coconut Noodle Broth
Crispy pan fried salmon fillets on top of a fragrant noodle broth
Check out this recipe
Texan Style Slow Cooked Beef
Topside of beef slow cooked until it falls apart, with a Texan style barbecue rub.
Check out this recipe
Leftover Cottage Pie
A delicious beef pie topped with mashed potatoes, made with leftover roast dinner meat and vegetables.
Check out this recipe
What to Eat in December – Week 3
Start the week with an incredible beef and Guinness stew, and enjoy a midweek Christmas pasta recipe.
Christmas Pasta with Figs, Green Olives and Ricotta
Vegetarian festive pasta with figs, green olives, ricotta and thyme.
Check out this recipe
Pomegranate, Feta and Chickpea Salad
A fresh, bright and zingy salad with chickpeas, pomegranate, feta and rocket and topped with a mint yoghurt.
Check out this recipe
Beetroot Risotto with Goats Cheese
Vibrant beetroot risotto with creamy goats cheese
Check out this recipe
Celery Soup
A delicious, simple vegetarian soup with just a handful of ingredients.
Check out this recipe
Persian Roast Spatchcock Chicken
Roasted spatchcock chicken with potatoes and a spring onion dressing.
Check out this recipe
Leftover Roast Chicken, Leek and Mushroom Filo Pie
Turn your Sunday roast leftovers into something special with this chicken, leek and mushroom filo pie. The creamy filling comes together in one pan, then gets topped with golden, crispy filo pastry for an easy but impressive dinner. It’s a great way to use up leftover roast chicken and tastes even better than the original meal.
Check out this recipe
What to Eat in December – Week 4
It wouldn’t be Christmas without my Christmas mac and cheese! It’s good enough to feature on your Christmas dinner table! Plus that chicken panang curry is PACKED full of flavour.
Chicken Panang Curry
Packed full of flavour, this chicken panang curry with potatoes is perfect served over white rice.
Check out this recipe
Courgette and Coconut Dal
A silky, creamy vegan courgette and coconut dal made with red lentils
Check out this recipe
Christmas Mac and Cheese
This is macaroni cheese for the festive season! With sausage meat, pancetta, sage and cauliflower.
Check out this recipe
Cauliflower, Pancetta and Mushroom Bake
An easy, cheesy, low-carb bake with mushrooms, cauliflower and pancetta. Perfect as a main course or a luxurious side.
Check out this recipe
Rich Vegan Mushroom Soup
This vegan mushroom soup is enriched with Henderson’s Relish to make a deeply flavourful, tasty starter or main.
Check out this recipe
Roast Duck with Chips and Hoisin Sauce
Delicious roasted duck served with chips and an incredible hoisin sauce. This recipe will serve at least 4.
Check out this recipe
Hoisin Duck Stir Fry
A simple and quick hoisin duck stir fry with homemade hoisin sauce
Check out this recipe
More from this series;
What to Eat This Month – January
What to Eat This Month – February
What to Eat This Month – March
What to Eat This Month – April
What to Eat This Month – May
What to Eat This Month – June
What to Eat This Month – July
What to Eat This Month – August
What to Eat This Month – September
What to Eat This Month – October
What to Eat This Month – November
