December's Top 5 Story Ideas

1. Create Some Holiday Party Dish Envy
The invitations have arrived and your calendar is beginning to fill up. That means only one thing…it’s the holiday season! And whether you’ve got a date or not, you’ll arrive with the dreamiest “arm candy” of all. Enter the party with one of our simple beef recipes in hand and you’ll be the envy of all the guests.

 Make mouths water with Roasted Beef Crostini with Wasabi Sour Cream, elegantly prepared with a Petite Tender Roast. Keep ‘em wanting more with Mediterranean Beef & Olive Pissaladiere—a delicate puff pastry filled with saucy pot roast, goat cheese and olives.

So let’s talk roasts! Did you know there are two ways to roast beef? You can choose to oven roast, also known as dry roast. This method is perfect for tender roasts like Tenderloin, Tri-Tip, Top Loin and more. Check out our awe-inspiring Classic Tenderloin with Cranberry Drizzle for maximum deliciousness!

If you want a fork-tender, fall apart roast, pot-roasting or braising is your best bet. This method is great for less tender cuts like Chuck Shoulder Roast and Bottom Round Roast. Our comforting, one-pot meal for Yankee Beef Pot Roast will fill the bellies around the dinner table.

And don’t worry; carving a beef roast is easier than you might think. Watch our Roasting and Carving video, and you’ll be serving guests like a pro!

3. Harvest the Flavors of Kwanzaa
The flavors of Kwanzaa, honoring African-American heritage, include ingredients like sweet potatoes in comforting dishes like stews and pot roasts. Our collection of Kwanzaa-inspired recipes will make your celebration one to remember.

Our Beef Pot Roast with Maple Sweet Potatoes and Cider Gravy uses a delicious, lean roast to create an entire meal in one stockpot. Or make a large pot of Autumn Beef and Cider Stew to serve family-style. You can also incorporate more traditional ingredients like black-eyed peas and onion with our Calypso Beef Soup.

4. Beef's Favorite Ingredient of the Month: Cranberries

This month we’re loving cranberries! The tart berry makes a delicious sauce, drizzle or accompaniment for many beef dishes perfect for the holiday.

• The Classic Tenderloin with Cranberry Drizzle uses canned whole berries in a simple sauce—wonderful with the lean Tenderloin roast!
• Our Dijon & Herb Rubbed Beef Roast with Cranberry Sauce uses fresh or frozen berries paired with an impressive Rib Roast.
• Beef Stew with Cranberries and Roasted Root Vegetables features dried cranberries in a crowd-pleasing feast for the whole family.

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5. Keeping the Holiday Healthy

Enjoy your food, but eat less—is that possible during the holiday season? This is a time of joy and cheer, which often means overindulging and tighter fitting pants. Well, we’re here to help you navigate this food-centered time of year with tips for healthy eating with lean beef.

• Go lean with your center of the plate selection: When you chose many of your favorite beef cuts like Tenderloin and Chuck Shoulder Pot Roast, you’ll be making a wise (and healthy) choice. We have a fact sheet that will help you identify lean steaks and roasts, many of which are perfect for holiday meals and contain only about 150 calories, on average!
• Get plenty of fruits and veggies: If you’re choosing healthy and filling foods on the side of your favorite beef choice, you’re more likely to keep the scale in check. We’ve got ‘round the clock ideas for getting more produce in your diet.

 Overall, planning ahead and managing your meals will leave you feeling satisfied and merry this holiday. And as a bonus, those skinny jeans will still fit by New Year’s!

Please contact kmillspaugh@beef.org to obtain high resolution images and full recipes.
For more story ideas please see our Seasonal Story Ideas section.