As the holiday season kicks into high gear, it's the time of year when everyone's scrambling to prepare unforgettable meals and welcome special guests with open arms. Lucky for you, the one and only Chef Robert Irvine is spilling his best cooking and entertaining tips to ensure your holidays are smooth sailing. During a recent chat with Closer Weekly, the Food Network sensation shared some golden advice: “Don’t try to reinvent the wheel by attempting something new just to impress. Stick with what you know and trust.”
What’s On Chef Robert Irvine’s Holiday Menu?
Now, let's talk turkey—or in Chef Robert's case, pumpkin! The culinary mastermind revealed his go-to dish for the holidays: a mouthwatering three-cheese pumpkin lasagna. “Pumpkin purée brings that perfect creamy richness without being overly sweet, which makes it a holiday staple in my kitchen,” he explained. At 52 years old, Robert still loves to wow his guests with a variety of delightful hors-d'oeuvres, including cherry tomatoes stuffed with a savory chicken-apple salad. “They're simple, bite-sized treats that leave plenty of room for the main event,” he added with a smile.
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Simple Recipes for the Not-So-Culinary Minded
If you're not exactly Julia Child in the kitchen, Chef Robert has a tip for you: go for fish! “Fish is practically foolproof. Even the most inexperienced cook can pull it off. Just season it with salt and pepper, sear it in a pan, and serve it over a salad of poached asparagus, tomatoes, and artichokes with a drizzle of vinaigrette. Trust me, you’ll be the star of the show,” Robert told Closer. For Robert and his family, though, the holiday meal of choice is a classic. “A Christmas ham has been a cherished tradition since I was a kid, and it’s something we’ve kept alive every year,” the Dinner: Impossible star revealed.
“And let’s not forget the sides! We adore a perfectly grilled piece of salmon or a refreshing bean salad. Of course, dessert is non-negotiable—chocolate mousse is always a crowd-pleaser at our house,” he said, nodding to his wife, Gail Kim, and daughters, Annalise and Talia. Throughout his illustrious career as a celebrity chef, Robert has graced the screens of multiple hit Food Network shows, hosted his own daytime talk show, and authored three cookbooks. So, what’s next for this culinary powerhouse? “I just opened a full-service restaurant, Robert Irvine’s Public House, this summer at the Tropicana in Las Vegas. But keep your eyes peeled—I always have a trick up my sleeve!” he teased. We can’t wait to see what Robert cooks up next!
