The Food Channel team recently watched the Charles Dickens classic ‘A Christmas Carol.’ We were truly inspired by the animated film version starring Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge (and the ghosts of Christmas Past-Present-Future).

Our chefs and photographer could hardly wait to recreate the holiday table of the poor Cratchit family as well as more bountiful feast seen at the merry gathering at the home of Mr. Scrooge’s nephew.

We’re hoping you’ll be similarly tantalized to bring some of that Charles Dickens holiday spirit to life at your dinner table this season. We’ve put together a festive menu that’s faithful to his classic tale written in 1843, and reminiscent of Christmas dinners served in English homes during that time.

Perhaps you’ll want to gather everyone in the family room to watch the movie one of the previous versions—there certainly are many to choose from.

May the holiday spirit be with you all through the season—but hopefully no holiday ghosts.

A Dickens of a Dinner Menu

Christmas Wassail punch (pictured, right) remains a favorite holiday beverage. It’s a sure bet to cure the most stubborn case of Humbug-itis. During Charles Dickens’ day, Wassail was traditionally served from Christmas Eve through Twelth Night.

Roasted Goose stuffed with Old Fashioned Bread Stuffing brought a welcome measure of joy to Bob Cratchit’s humble home on Christmas Eve. Little did he know that his cranky employer, Mr. Scrooge would treat him and his family to a massive turkey on Christmas Day.

After old Ebenezer was shown the error of his ways, he found his way to his nephew Fred’s home, where a veritable Christmas feast was about to be served. And, what do you know, Fred’s family was nice enough to share the recipes with us. Feel free to give them a try at your house this holiday season.

Recipes from Nephew Fred

Duchess Potatoes – Mashed potatoes dressed up for the occasion.
Baked Apples stuffed with dried fruit and pecans – Something sweet-but-wholesome for your holiday table.
New England Sausage, Apple and Dried Cranberry Stuffing – a hearty stuffing; everyone will want seconds.
Glazed Carrots with Walnuts – a delightful holiday side dish.
Plum Pudding with Hard Sauce – a truly Dickensian dessert.
Mincemeat Pie – Rumor has is this was Scrooge’s favorite dessert.

Now for a little mood music

Here’s a montage of our Dickens dinners set to a bit of Beethoven.