A Feast For A Crowd

You're throwing your annual holiday fête (or maybe the in-laws are coming over with a crowd). But no matter; you've got this. Sate the hungry hordes with a menu of playful bites and, naturally, a big bowl of punch.

First course:

Start with cheese and no one will be disappointed. Fill endive leaves with membrillo (Spanish quince paste), blue cheese and walnut halves. Drizzle it all with saffron honey.

Second course:

Top puréed sweet potatoes with braised kale, celery root and farro and give guests' palates a textural treat.

Main course:

Ham it up and serve a spiced one. Glazed with honey and flavored with cracked pepper, cinnamon and clove, this showy cut is meant to be carved for a crowd.

Cocktail:

Forget the wine bottles and opt instead for a bowl of spiced rum (plus, curaçao and cognac) mixed with pomegranate and blood orange juices. Let 'em ladle it out.

Dessert:

Send party animals on their merry way with sweet raspberry-filled poppy seed cookies.