What to cook in December: Holiday showstoppers of course!

'Tis the season to treat yourself and your guests

Image | what to cook in december

Caption: (Photography, left: Betty Binon; middle: Peter Chou)

What would Mariah Carey do? That's what we're asking ourselves this month. After the doldrums of November, we're ready to do everything with a little more pizzazz, especially in the kitchen. As we plan holiday meals big and small, we're excited to make some real showstoppers.
Whatever shape your festive menus take, consider these if you want to add a little extra holiday oomph to the table. From beloved mains, like a wine-braised brisket bejewelled with pomegranate arils, to picture-perfect desserts, like a decadent wreath made of chocolate cream profiteroles, each of these dishes promises to make your meal — and the people you've invited to join you — feel extra special.
We're not, however, suggesting that these recipes are exclusively for hosting guests. Would Mariah Carey not want a fancy Chicken Liver Mousse for herself on a random Wednesday in December? We think she would. Would she want normal applesauce, or an applesauce in the most delightful rose-pink hue? We want the pink one, too. And brioche and sausage in our stuffing, and cookies that look like shooting stars. We hope you find the pièce de resistance for one of your holidays meals below.
Wine-Braised Brisket with Pomegranate Seeds

Image | wine braised brisket

Caption: (Photography by Debi Traub)

CBC Life's 12 Pies of Christmas

Image | 12 Pies of Christmas

Caption: (Photography by David Bagosy)

Rose Pink Applesauce

Image | rose pink applesauce

Caption: (Photography by Debi Traub)

Brioche and Sausage Stuffing Bake

Image | holiday feast Brioche and Sausage Stuffing Bake

(CBC Life)

Gougères

Image | Gougères

(CBC Life)

Delhi Papri Chat

Image | delhi papri chaat

Caption: (Photo credit: Martin Poole)

Chicken Liver Mousse

Image | chicken liver mousse

Caption: (Photography by Peter Chou)

Sabzi Polow — Fragrant Herbed Rice

Image | Sabzi Polow — Fragrant Herbed Rice

Caption: (Photography by Betty Binon)

Kutch Chicken Biryani

Image | kutch chicken biryani

Caption: (Photo credit: Martin Poole)

Mothership Sunday Roast Lamb

Image | Mothership Sunday Roast Lamb

Caption: (Credit: David Loftus)

Beef Wellington

Image | beef wellington

Caption: (Credit: David Loftus)

Mahi — Sea Bass with Cilantro and Walnut Relish

Image | sea bass ft img

Caption: (Photography by Betty Binon)

Fennel and Asian Pear Salad

Image | Felidia Fennel and Asian Pear Salad

Caption: (Photography by Jennifer May)

Vegan Beef Wellington with Cranberry and Orange Sauce

Image | vegetarian beef wellington

Caption: (Photo credit: Simon Smith and Peter O’Sullivan)

Raspberry Chipotle Glazed Ham

Image | Raspberry Chipotle Glazed Ham

Caption: (Photography by Florence Grunfelder; food styling by Sabrina Falone)

Chocolate Cream Profiterole Wreath

Image | profiterole wreath

(CBC Life)

Beautiful Black Forest Gateau

Image | Jamie Oliver's Beautiful Black Forest Gateau

Caption: (Credit: David Loftus)

Shooting Star Sugar Cookie Cake

Image | cookie cake

Caption: (Photo credit: David Bagosy)

Braided Challah with Homemade Butter and Apple Butter

Image | braided challah

(Geoff George)

Half-Made Homemade Sweet Angel Cake

Image | AngelCake

Caption: (Photo credit: Zac Williams)

Half-Made Homemade Penguin Cake

Image | Penguin Cake

Caption: (Photo credit: Zac Williams)

Santa Stocking and Pinecone Hand Pies

Image | Santa Stocking and Pinecone Hand Pies

Caption: (Photo credit: David Bagosy)

Chocolate Cherry Bûche de Noël

Image | GCBS_Ep6_BuchedeNoel

(The Great Canadian Baking Show)