The air has turned crisp and cold, the leaves are falling from the trees, and you might be totally stumped on what to cook for Christmas dinner in this oddest of years. Most of us will not be gathering together with our extended families and loved ones for elaborate feasts this year, and it can be, well, a bit depressing! Some of us might even be tempted to skip our own household holiday celebrations and just order pizza for Christmas dinner instead– and hey, there’s no judgment here if you want to go that route! But for those of you who still believe in that holiday magic and want to cook something special for your family, we’ve rounded up some of our very favorite celebratory pasture raised veal dinner recipes to share with you.
You can never go wrong with a hearty braise, like classic Osso Bucco with Saffron Risotto. This is such a staple in our home that we cook it almost weekly! But maybe you’d prefer Stuffed Breast of Veal, which allows you to customize your filling to whatever your heart desires. Perhaps a mix of kale and wild rice, studded with jewel-like dried cherries or cranberries would put a little holiday sparkle on your table?
If you are feeling the pull to something a bit more elaborate or elegant, try substituting pasture raised veal for the grass fed beef you might usually use in classic Christmas dishes. We are very tempted to try our hands at a Pasture Raised Veal Wellington– what else says indulgent celebration quite like richly flavored rare veal, paté, mushroom duxelles, and pastry crust?
Of course, if that proves too ambitious, maybe we can coax you into making Veal Steak Diane? Butter, cognac, and shallots make the perfect marriage of a sauce for our pasture raised rose veal. Round it out with a crisp green salad and a creamy scalloped potato gratin and you’ve got a reason to celebrate right there!
If you have a house full of kids who might not… appreciate the finer things in life quite yet, we suggest a perennial crowd-pleaser: lasagna! This Veal and Toma Lasagna is one of life’s great pleasures, and it is practically guaranteed to delight palates of all ages. Bonus points for getting the kids involved in the cooking– they love helping to create the layers in this festive dish. It might even help get them to ask for seconds!
And just because you might have cancelled your annual Christmas Eve party, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo the fun holiday appetizers! Nothing quite says festive like a platter full of tender Veal Meatballs, rolled small, alongside a tangy chili jam dipping sauce and a scattering of freshly chopped parsley. May we recommend a wedge of our favorite Point Reyes Farmstead Blue Cheese alongside?
You might not be able to be with your loved ones this year, but you can still give the gift of a holiday meal. Check out Grotto Rossotti, our online webshop, to find some truly special veal boxes. All orders are shipped frozen 2-3 day air, so everything will be ready to either prepare for the most delicious dinner right away or store in the freezer until the perfect time. Don’t know exactly what they want? Try our new Holiday Gift Card Boxes! For a limited time, all gift card orders will be shipped with a Rossotti Ranch insulated cooler bag, Ranch Recipe Cookbook, and Rossotti Ranch Baseball Cap! All of our boxes are available to ship straight to your (or your loved one’s) doorstep, or may be picked up at the Sunday Marin County Farmer’s Market. We would love to help you pick out the perfect holiday meal, dish, or gift– stop by and visit us at the market or drop us a line at [email protected]. Happy Holidays!