Though known as kitchen adventurer, I even surprised my family when I announced a menu inspired by the Dickens’s classic, A Christmas Carol. Yes… the Cratchits enjoying a humble yet festive Christmas Eve dinner, with a goose at the center. I wanted a challenge.

With a roasted goose as the key, I immediately flocked to Emeril’s recipe for Roast Port Glazed Goose with Tawny Port Gravy because of the stellar reviews.

As I’m entrenched in the Food Network Store, the right equipment is a must, and I made sure I had sufficient roasting pan. With any type of poultry — chicken, turkey, duck, or goose- a rack is critical. The bird is elevated; allowing heat to circulate fully. Without it, your goose will be cooked — and not in a good way. Some of my faves are here.

Another vital tool is the bulb baster. Basting with pan drippings while it cooks will help to keep the meat moist. Once an internal temp of 180F is reached, your goose is good to go. Need a temperature check? These are solid choices.

I finished with a port glaze, followed by a brief broil to crisp up the skin. As the skin quite brown in areas, I worried about overcooking, but it was actually great, if I do say so myself. It was more delicate than duck and more richly flavored than turkey, which I find bland at times.

I accompanied with goose fat-roasted potatoes, tawny port gravy and a side of steamed green beans. For Dickensian desserts, I made mincemeat pie and hot wassail, and my mom made my great-grandmother’s Christmas pudding with traditional hard sauce.

Despite potential for disaster, it ended up as a great experience for my family to share a special meal. Goose sounds daunting, but recommend the experience for any great dinner. Though inspired by a holiday story, this special gathering with family and friends could be enjoyed all year long.

- Emily, Food Network Store guru and kitchen equipment geek

Since we’re all home enjoying the holidays, we wanted to share some holiday memories from your favorite Food Network stars…

Tyler Florence: Best gift — moped as a ten-year old…and then, “…whatever my wife got me last Christmas. Thanks, honey!”

Sandra Lee: Best gift — a love letter from her honey.

Guy Fieri: Best gift — His horse, Rebel was his first thought. However, he changed his answer to his two sons instead.

Alton Brown: A jet from his wife. That’s right, a REAL jet.

Sunny Anderson: Beebee bear from her mom.

Danny Boome: Skiing lessons. Worst gift: Hospital bills after the skiing lessons.

Watch all the holiday memories from your favorite FN stars.

Here’s a toast to all of the FN Dish’ers!
And if your glass needs a great companion…
try Paula‘s Mama’s Eggnog. YUM!

Happy Holidays!
~ The FN Dish Staff

My dreams of a respite from work and a day of baking were both answered on Thursday with an invitation from the FN Kitchens to help them prepare for FN’s holiday cookie party!

Sarah Copeland, the kitchens’ very own recipe developer, led a group of us away from our computer monitors in the interactive department and into a gingerbread and sugar cookie extravaganza in which used our keyboard-weary hands to mix, flour, roll and bake over 1000 cookies.

Along the way we learned some handy tips from the pros, like how the use of a triggered cookie scoop promises even sized cookies along with even baking times, ensuring that all of your cookies will turn out looking professionally made. Sarah also taught us cookie decorating 101, from which the most important takeaway is that with decorating, less is more.

We had a blast, and today the cookies were devoured eagerly by the staff here at FN Chelsea as a holiday gift from the Kitchens. I can’t wait for the next invite upstairs!

Warmest wishes and happy baking!
Allison Dunmire
Interactive Video

Food Network stars tell The FN Dish what’s on their holiday wish lists!

In honor of the 12 Days of Cookies, some Food Network staffers decided to bake each cookie this weekend. We’ll take pictures and put up a gallery on The FN Dish next week.

However, it would be more fun if you got in on the action as well. Send us a photo of YOUR holiday cookie and we’ll post as many as we can. If you need inspiration, try out some 12 Days of Cookies ideas or maybe an exotic, international recipe.

Send your photo to FNDish@foodnetwork.com and feel free to let us know how it went (and if they were tasty). We’re looking to receive all photos by Monday, December 8th so we can get them up.

Have fun!
~ The FN Cookie Monster

The FN Dish’s Bruce Seidel asks your favorite Food Network chefs truth or no dare Thanksgiving questions.