Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
Are you looking for creative meal ideas to impress your guests at your next festive occasion? Look no further than the kitchen of Stephen Faia – renowned chef with years of culinary experience under his belt!
For your main course, Stephen recommends a glazed ham with sweet potatoes. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Score the ham with a sharp knife and place it in a roasting pan. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar. Brush the mixture onto the ham and bake for about 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes. For the sweet potatoes, peel and slice them into rounds. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
For a delicious and elegant appetizer, Stephen suggests goat cheese and fig crostini. Toast baguette slices in the oven and spread lightly with goat cheese. Top with sliced figs, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves.
Add some sweetness to your side dish with maple glazed carrots. Cook trimmed and peeled carrots in boiling water until just tender. In a skillet, melt butter and brown sugar and add in maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked carrots to the skillet and toss until coated in the glaze.
No festive occasion is complete without a show-stopping dessert, and Stephen’s chocolate yule log fits the bill. Start by baking a chocolate sponge cake in a jelly roll pan. Roll up the cake with a towel while still warm and let cool. Unroll the cake and spread with whipped cream and chopped nuts, if desired. Roll the cake back up and spread with chocolate ganache. Decorate with frosting to resemble a yule log.
With these creative meal ideas from Stephen Faia, your festive occasion is sure to be a hit with your guests. Happy cooking and happy eating!
