A Storybook Holiday Dinner
Chef Ryan O'Donnell, executive chef at Mercer Hall Kitchen + Beer Hall + Hotel shares the recipes for his family Christmas dinner of storybook classics with a twist. The menu features a spiced brine for the turkey, scrumptious side dishes and perfect wine pairings.
Spiced Brined Roasted Turkey with Savoury Sausage Stuffing
To convince his mother and grandmother, who were always in charge of their large Christmas dinner, that they should give brining a try, Ryan bought two turkeys from a nearby farm and brined only one of them. That won them over.
Brown Butter & Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Fresh Cranberry Relish
Maple Brussels Sprouts With Bacon & Sriracha
Roasted Rutabaga with Winter Herbs
Festive Upside-Down Cake
Chef Ryan loves clean flavours and it is the fresh cranberries that shine through in this cake.
What to Serve
Malivoire Chardonnay VQA VINTAGES
Buttery flavours, creamy texture and light spices will replay in a Chardonnay that boasts excellent fruit and judicious oak notes.
Tawse Sketches of Niagara Rosé VQA VINTAGES
Set up a flavour dialogue between a fruity rosé and the cranberry relish, winter herbs and bacony Brussels sprouts.
Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA VINTAGES
Assertive bacon, sausage and herb flavours crave a red with refined fruit and earthy tones. Choose a Pinot Noir.
Cave Spring Indian Summer Late Harvest Riesling VQA VINTAGES
Ginger and cinnamon baking spices in our dessert have a natural affinity for the honeyed peach tones of a rich late-harvest Riesling.
