Their First Christmas

If you're newly married, deciding where to spend Christmas dinner can be a challenge. Tim and Elizabeth Griffin solved the matter by starting their own tradition and inviting over a few couples for a laid-back get-together at their home in Little Rock, Arkansas. "These recipes are perfect for folks preparing Christmas dinner for the first time; they look special but are really easy to make," explains Elizabeth. In fact, she recommends preparing the Holiday Roast With Gravy the day before. "Once the roast cools, I cut it into slices and then pour the gravy over the meat," she says. "I cover it with foil and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, I pop it in the oven for about 45 minutes to reheat." The Griffins encourage each couple to bring a bottle or two of wine for an informal predinner tasting. Whether you're new to wine or a true aficionado, there are loads of serving tips and pairing suggestions on the Food and Wine Resource Guide.

• Holiday Roast With Gravy
• Holiday Pork Loin Roast
• Sautéed Brussels Sprouts With Apples
• Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
• White Chocolate-Cranberry Crème Brûlée
• White Chocolate-Banana Crème Brûlée
• Sugared Cranberries and Mint

This mouthwatering plate of holiday favorites may look fancy, but it's easy enough for even the novice cook to pull together with success.

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts With Apples elevates this often overlooked veggie to new and delicious heights. Even the skeptics on our Foods staff agreed that Brussels sprouts never looked or tasted so good.

Whole-berry cranberry sauce adds an unexpected layer of flavor to decadent White Chocolate-Cranberry Crème Brûlée.

Garnish With Style

Create a sensational look with this simple idea.
Sugared Cranberries and Mint
 
 1. Using a clean paintbrush, gently brush ¾ cup corn syrup onto the top side of dried cranberries and mint sprigs.
2. Sprinkle sugar over cranberries and mint. Let stand 5 minutes; sprinkle remaining sugar over cranberries and mint, gently shaking of excess.

"Their First Christmas" is from the November 2007 issue of Southern Living.