This Christmas 2016, Whole Foods Market will be open on Christmas Eve from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be closed on Christmas Day. Check with your local store for their Whole Foods Market hours in case there is some variance between stores.
The grocery chain has some ideas for Christmas dinner if you find yourself in the position of needing to plan a meal very quickly.
On their website they offer a number of Christmas menus with recipes, and everything needed to make the recipes can be found in-store. Whole Foods is a wonderful grocery store that carries natural and organic products.
Their online site even has a number of menus for Christmas including the classic menu below. Other Christmas menus include Christmas brunch, a vegan Christmas menu, and a vegetarian Christmas menu.
Their simple Christmas menu is based on traditional foods eaten on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. They have given you the menus, and all you need to do now is plan a simple table setting and you are ready for your guests on very short notice.
Their Classic Christmas dinner menu features a roast beef tenderloin served with creamy scalloped potatoes, green beans, and salad. For dessert, they suggest an almond tart. For all of the recipes, visit their website with the Classic Christmas Dinner Menu. Two recipes are outlined for you below.
Beef Sirloin
- 1 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (3 1/2- to 4-pound) beef tenderloin roast, trimmed and tied
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Combine the salt and pepper in a small bowl and rub this simple mixture all over the tenderloin. Heat the oil in a large skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add the tenderloin and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
Transfer to a roasting pan if using a skillet. Roast until medium-rare, about 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and tent with foil. Allow this to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
While this is cooking, add shallots to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until golden brown and tender. Deglaze the pan with the wine. Scrape up any browned bits, and bring to a simmer. Add the broth and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the mixture reduces by half. Lower heat to low and stir in butter until melted.
Scalloped Potatoes
- Cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into slices
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 7 x 11-inch baking dish with the cooking spray. Place milk, garlic, and thyme in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until hot. Remove from heat promptly.
Arrange a layer of potatoes over the bottom of the prepared dish. Pour a third of the milk mixture over the potatoes then season with salt and pepper. Scatter a third of the cheese over the top. Repeat with the other two layers. Bake until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden brown, about 50 minutes. Set aside to let cool before serving.
Sources:
“CLASSIC CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU,” Whole Foods Market web site; http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/holidays/christmas-party-ideas/classic-christmas-dinner, last accessed December 23, 2016.
