Holiday Feasts
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The holidays are here, and this week Jay and Brian are talking Holiday Feasts — covering both traditional favorites and unconventional proteins that can shake up your holiday table. Whether you’re planning weeks ahead or need a last-minute idea that still delivers big flavor, this episode is packed with inspiration for the entire holiday season.
Jay kicks 🔥 Highlights off with a look at the rich tradition of Réveillon Dinners in New Orleans and how these celebratory late-night meals capture the spirit of the holidays. We hear updates from the newly launched (and unofficial) Grill Exchange Program!
This week’s ❓ BBQ Question comes from our article Smoked Pork Butt 101: Unleash a BBQ Experience to Remember: “How do you season smoked pork butt with apple juice and apple cider vinegar?” Jay and Brian break down how to layer sweetness, acidity, and seasoning to build flavor without overpowering the smoke.
This week’s 🛠️ Grill Coach Recommends is Butcher’s Twine, an essential tool for holiday cooking. From trussing turkeys and tying crown roasts to holding stuffed proteins together, butcher’s twine keeps your cooks even, clean, and stress-free.
We kick off the main segment with a morning feast featuring a 🥓 Breakfast Fatty, inspired by Ashley Thompson from Episode 26 (don’t forget to check out this bonus breakfast fatty recipe from Dawn). It’s the perfect last-minute holiday idea — easy to prep, flexible, and guaranteed to impress.
We roll through holiday protein inspiration including poultry feasts like spatchcock turkey, citrus-glazed duck, Christmas goose, and Cornish hens; pork favorites such as crown roast with sauerkraut and knödels or glazed smoked ham; beef centerpieces like prime rib with au jus and tomahawk steaks with herbed butter; and a lamb feast built around garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a rich red wine sauce. 🍖
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🌐 Visit TheGrillCoach.com for recipes, guides, gear recommendations, and everything you need to make this holiday season your best one yet. Happy Holidays and happy grilling! And if you enjoy the show, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
Holiday feasts aren’t one-size-fits-all, and this episode proves it. Jay and Brian break down traditional and unconventional holiday proteins, share last-minute feast ideas (including a killer Breakfast Fatty), answer a BxBQ question on seasoning smoked pork butt, and talk holiday traditions, community, and keeping the grill fired up all season long.