Christmas is a relatively new experience for me.I've only been celebrating it for a few years – ever since Iteamed up with a"good" Catholic boy – but I already have some very clear ideas about how this thing should be done. (How Jewish is that?!)I'm terrible at throwing anything away, no matter how little it gets used, and my loved ones get aroundthis affliction simply bynot indulging my hoarding instinct whenit comes to Christmas presents.So, while everyone else gets to delight ina multitude of novelty knick-knacks andnew toys, I'minvariably left to focuson one sensible, what-I-actually-need gift.The kitchen table, on the other hand, is no place for such restraint, and certainly no place to allow anyone ingredient to dominate, nomatter how impressive. There'salways asense of occasion about having a star of the show, butit's often the chorus of side dishes andsharing plates that is themostfun. Bright green brussels sprouts, roasted and sprinkled withpomegranate seeds andbasil; orange r...
