Weekend Entertaining: Fresh from the Market

Relaxing weekends are the perfect times to gather friends and family for home-cooked meals featuring the best produce of the season. During late fall and winter, we see some of the heartier vegetables, like hard squashes, Swiss chard and other greens, plus lots and lots of citrus.

In this menu, butternut squash and apples become a savory stuffing for thick-cut pork chops. Swiss chard makes a wonderful side dish when combined with fresh garlic and shallots. End the meal on a sweet yet tart note with our Lemon Curd Tart; it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and is sure to be a hit.

Create an effortlessly elegant table with simple, natural dinnerware against fresh, brightly colored linens. Family-style dining encourages an intimate and relaxed feel, so choose serving pieces that make it easy to share dishes with friends and family.

Pork Chops with Butternut Squash & Apple Stuffing This hearty dish showcases winter produce at its seasonal best. Double-cut pork chops are filled with a savory stuffing that includes butternut squash, celery and Granny Smith apples. For casual serving, use a wooden charger in a natural color and texture to serve.

Herb-Roasted New Potatoes New potatoes are immature ones, low in starch and perfect for roasting and grilling. These are simply dressed with fresh herbs and olive oil, then roasted to produce a golden, crispy crust. Streamline serving by baking in a simple deep oval roaster that can transition directly from oven to table.

Swiss Chard with Garlic and Shallots Garlic, shallots and red pepper flakes give a flavor boost to this Swiss chard dish, which makes a delicious accompaniment to the rest of the menu. Set on an attractive and durable cutting board, you can bring the saute pan to the table with a pair of tongs.

Lemon Curd Tart Showcase winter citrus at its best with this dessert, which strikes a pleasant balance between acid and sugar. Keep the tone of the evening casual by presenting it on a simple platter or wooden stand, so guests can easily help themselves.