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10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays Solo or As a Couple

This year, you might be celebrating the holidays alone or as a couple, but still in the holiday spirit. Inside, the Christmas tree is decorated and the lights outside are twinkling. All that’s left is to plan the menu. And yes, you’ll still eat well even if the number of guests is limited. Here are a few suggestions for a festive dinner in a small group.

1. Roasted Quail with Cherry and Red Wine Sauce

Cooking a whole turkey when there are only two people at the table means anticipating plenty of leftovers. If you still want to serve poultry, we recommend choosing a smaller one. With its delicate meat, quail is a great option, especially since this recipe is quick to prepare and cooks in mere minutes rather than hours!

2. Prosciutto-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is an affordable cut of meat that doesn’t require a lengthy cooking time. This comforting, two-serving dish lends itself well to the holiday celebrations.

3. Meat and Confit Duck Pies

Traditional meat pies are convenient because they can be made ahead of time and frozen. And thanks to this recipe where the pies are cooked in small skillets, you get three of them in the perfect size for two, and it’s quite the treat with the inclusion of ingredients like duck confit and parsnips.

4. Santa’s Little Helper

As festive as they are, holiday punch and sangria are better suited for large groups. Alone or for two, a cocktail like this one is much more preferable, bringing together flavours typical of the holiday season, such as cranberry, orange and cinnamon.

5. Shrimp Cocktail with Mango Sauce

Shrimp makes a great appetizer or starter during the holidays. In addition to being original and full of flavour, this recipe is perfect for two people. Plus, you won’t have that headache of having to adapt the number of servings.

6. Mini Grapefruit and Rosemary Loaves

Gifting a friend or colleague with cake is a holiday tradition. While mini fruitcakes are a popular option, surprise those you love this year with this recipe that combines the invigorating taste of grapefruit with the aromatic scent of rosemary. The yield is four cakes, but don’t hesitate to double the recipe and treat many of your loved ones.

7. Chocolate Raspberry Crémeux for Two

This chocolatey dessert combines raspberry with both white and dark chocolate, and will make a good impression at your holiday meal for two. And although the recipe is quick to prepare, it must be made in advance, as it does require 4 hours of refrigeration.

8. Holiday Dumplings

These dumplings stuffed with a mixture of pork and festive spices are the perfect holiday appetizer. You don’t necessarily need to adjust the recipe, which yields 36 servings, because once cooked, they can be frozen and stored until you need them. Just take out the desired amount, steam heat them, and then top with a cranberry garnish.

9. Sous Vide Flap Steak with Grilled Carrots and Herbed Fresh Cheese

Cooking flank steak with a sous vide precision cooker has a number of advantages. Among other things, it isn’t necessary to marinate the meat for it to be tender and tasty, and there is a more precise degree of cooking. This recipe, served with buttered carrots, is a delight for occasions both small and large. A device to add to your wish list if you don’t already own one!

10. Irish Coffee

How do you cap off a tasty meal on a comforting note while making a good impression at the table? By serving spiked coffee. For this easy recipe, add a scoop of ice cream to the hot coffee, then immediately pour the flambéed alcohol mixture over it. That’s it!

For even more two-person recipe suggestions, whatever the occasion, check out our selection of recipes.