1. Main Dish: Honey-Glazed Roast Pork with Apples
Ingredients:
4 lbs pork loin
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp whole-grain mustard
3 apples, cored and sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rub the pork loin with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
In a small bowl, mix honey and mustard. Brush half the mixture over the pork.
Place the pork in a roasting pan and surround it with apple slices.
Roast for 1 hour, basting with the remaining honey-mustard mixture halfway through. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Side Dish: Colcannon (Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage or Kale)
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 head of cabbage or 3 cups kale, chopped
1/2 cup milk or cream
4 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Boil the potatoes until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
While potatoes cook, sauté cabbage or kale in 2 tbsp of butter until tender.
Drain the potatoes and mash them with milk, remaining butter, salt, and pepper.
Fold in the sautéed cabbage or kale and serve warm.
3. Vegetable Dish: Honey-Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Ingredients:
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
4 large parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss carrots and parsnips with honey, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until caramelized and tender.
4. Bread: Honey and Herb Oat Bread
This bread is a sweet and savory delight that pairs perfectly with your main course and sides. The oats and herbs give it a rustic Celtic feel, while honey adds a festive sweetness.
Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup honey
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
3 tbsp melted butter
Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and herbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, honey, and melted butter. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in raisins or cranberries, if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with a few extra oats for garnish.
Bake for 40–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter or alongside your pork and sides.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair the meal with a warm cider or a traditional Celtic mead.
Decorate the table with Yule greenery, like holly or pine, to embrace the festive spirit.
Enjoy this wholesome and grounding feast as you celebrate the turning of the seasons and the warmth of Yule!
