10 Stylish, Turkey-Free Recipes to Celebrate the End of the Year

For eating as a small group, here are a few meat and poultry suggestions that aren’t turkey. These suggestions are best suited to smaller dinners, keeping you from having to deal with turkey leftovers. On the menu are Cornish hens, duck, beef roast, osso buco and more.

1. Cornish Hens

Their small size is what makes Cornish hens an optimal choice for meals with few people. One hen can average between 700 g and 900 g, making it perfect for two people. Its delicate flavour is in the spotlight in this recipe for four that combines the freshness of clementines with the spicy aroma of juniper berries.

2. Guinea Hen

This poultry is known for its mild taste and the refined touch it brings to holiday dinners. By rubbing the surface under the skin with a fragrant tarragon butter and basting it regularly during the cooking process, as recommended in this recipe, you’ll be left with tender and juicy meat and crispy skin. It’s a delicious dish served with pears.

3. Duck

Whether you prefer thighs, breasts or whole, duck has been associated with holiday feasts for a long time. This savoury meat with a pronounced flavour can be served roasted, confit or in a sauce.

- Whole Duck

For groups of 4 to 6 people, a whole duck is a great choice. The secret to its success is to take the poultry out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure it cooks evenly. Don’t overcook it and let it rest before serving.

- Duck Thighs

Compared to duck breasts, the thighs are fattier, which means they have a richer and more pronounced flavour. This tender and juicy meat is especially popular when served confit.

- Duck Breasts

The red colour of its meat is what separates duck from other meats. The breasts, often pan-fried or roasted, are best served with a lightly pink flesh; they’re more tender and tastier.

4. Beef

Many festive and comforting dishes beloved over the holidays are made of beef. Braised, stewed or roasted, this delicious and strongly flavoured meat is perfect and enjoyed by the majority of guests.

- Roast Beef

A French roast is always a hit during the holidays. This lean cut that stems from the beef round is even more tender and juicy when cooked low and slow. Be sure to let it rest before cutting and serving, allowing the cooking juices to redistribute throughout.

- Beef Shoulder

Beef bourguignon is a classic of French cuisine that’s also the perfect comfort dish during cold weather. Prepare this hearty dish with a piece of marbled beef like chuck, which comes from the shoulder. This cut is very tender and the base of many of the best braised and stewed meat dishes.

5. Pork

To everyone’s delight, serve this tender and juicy meat with spices reminiscent of the holidays and a slightly sweet sauce.

- Pork Shank

Osso buco is a Milanese specialty usually consisting of braised veal shanks and vegetables. This pork version is more affordable, but just as delicious.

- Rack of Pork

With its ribs sticking out at the ends, a rack of pork will surely impress everyone around the table. Heighten the experience by choosing Nagano pork, a meat of superior quality known for its tenderness and refined taste.

- Pork Loin Roast

Considered one of the most tender and leanest of cuts, a pork loin roast is versatile and benefits from being cooked slowly. Serve it pink for maximum flavour.