Persian Christmas Menu Traditions

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Looking to start some fun new winter holiday traditions? The Beats share several Persian inspired cross-cultural menu ideas to bring Persian flavors to your table this Christmas.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Breakfast/brunch</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Jeweled Cinnamon Rolls - using a dried fruit and nut spread along with Persian spices, this is a unique delicious twist to easy cinnamon rolls.  Use Ajeel, a Persian trail mix that can also be used for Yalda.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">French toast casserole versions - try with challah bread, Persian barbari bread, vanilla, cardamom, persimmon or quince, top with whipped cream and/or powdered sugar and fresh fruit, pomegranate arils or berries</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Appetizer and snack ideas</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Baked brie bites</span></li> <li style="list-style: none; display: inline"> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Use puff pastry or crescent rolls, brie, jam (a peppered jam is great here!), nuts (pecans or walnuts, and fresh herbs (rosemary looks festive) - serve warm</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Cheese board or platter</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Main meal/dinner</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Standing prime rib roast served with a pomegranate horseradish sauce</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Roast beef with mixed roast vegetables</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Roast lamb with garlic cloves and dijon mustard</span></li> <li style="f