Find Your Light Foundation Gala | Jazz at Lincoln Center | Senior Event Director Jill Cole
This past October, we were honored to support the Find Your Light Foundation Gala, hosted by Josh Groban, marking our second year partnering with an organization whose mission so closely reflects our own. Find Your Light’s work has long championed creativity as a pathway to confidence, opportunity, and joy — a belief deeply shared by Great Performances and our partners at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Foundation’s tribute to Sesame Street, a cultural touchstone that has shaped generations through music, curiosity, and compassion. Their performance brought an unmistakable energy to the room — made even more charming by the surprise rubber duckies gifted to every guest, a playful nod that quickly became the unofficial icon of the night.
Beyond the celebration, the gala underscored something essential: when organizations rooted in the arts come together — Find Your Light through arts-education grants, Jazz at Lincoln Center through youth development and fellowships, and Great Performances through our long-standing commitment to nurturing emerging talent and creative communities — the impact multiplies. This shared mission continues to guide our growing collaboration.
Event Gallery
Event Menu
- Mighty Mushroom Maki Roll
- Carrot Tartare Cup
- Butternut & Fig Tartlet
- Lobster Roll
- Rare Seared Tuna with Apple–Celery Root Remoulade
- Grilled Chicken Taco with Chili Crema
- Boneless Lamb Chop with Mint Chimichurri
- Spaghetti & Meatball Bite
New York Steakhouse Station
Strip Steak
Smoked Cedar-Planked Salmon
Truffled Orecchiette
Wild Mushrooms
Twice-Baked Creamed-Spinach Potatoes
Waldorf Salad
Parker House Rolls
Classic Steak Sauces
Dim Sum Station
Vegetable and Chicken Dumplings
Short Rib and Eggplant Bao Buns
Vegetable Fried Rice
Crispy Noodles
Seaweed–Cucumber Salad with Traditional Accompaniments
Desserts
Cheesecake Lollipops
Fruit Tartlets
Key Lime Tartlets
Chocolate–Raspberry Truffles
S’Mores Squares
Carrot–Ginger Cake
About Chefs’ Choir®
A chorus of culinary voices from Great Performances—our chefs step out of the kitchen to share recipes, stories, and inspiration. Learn more →
Chef Omar Hegazi recently joined the Great Performances team as Corporate Chef de Cuisine and shares his recipe for a luscious Braised Lamb Shank.
Although this is not a traditional American holiday dish, it is a traditional recipe from where I am from.
Braised Lamb Shank
by Chef Omar Hegazi
Ingredients
- 4–6 lamb shanks
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.5 cups red wine
- 2 cups beef or chicken stock
- 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4–5 sprigs thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Procedure
Prep the Lamb: Pat lamb shanks dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Sear: Heat olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Brown shanks on all sides (8–10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot: add onion, carrots, celery and cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute to caramelize
Deglaze: Pour in the red wine. Scrape up the browned bits. Simmer 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Liquids & Herbs: Add stock, diced tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Return shanks to the pot, submerging them partially.
Slow Cook Braise:
• Cover and place in preheated oven set at 325°F for 2.5–3 hours, turning shanks halfway.
• They’re done when the meat is very tender and nearly falling off the bone.Reduce the Sauce: Remove shanks and simmer the sauce uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thicker.
More Recipes by Chef Omar Hegazi
About Chefs’ Choir®
A chorus of culinary voices from Great Performances—our chefs step out of the kitchen to share recipes, stories, and inspiration. Learn more →
A sweet add-on to their article, Holiday Cooking with the Deuel Family, Anastassia adds a special recipe for her Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies.
Inspired by Anastassia’s Russian roots, these soft honey cookies bring warmth, spice, and nostalgia to the holiday table. They’re easy to mix, fun to shape, and perfect for little helpers to decorate.
Sweet Highlight: Anastassia’s Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies
by Chef Anastassia Batsoula-Deuel
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp butter
- Spices:
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp clove
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups flour
Procedure
- Melt honey, sugar, and butter together in a small saucepan. Allow to cool slightly.
- Stir in the egg and spices.
- Add baking soda and flour to form a soft dough.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out and cut into festive shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Finish with an optional lemon-sugar glaze.
These make wonderful gifts or the perfect dessert with tea after a family meal.
More Recipes by Chef Anastassia Batsoula-Deuel
About Chefs’ Choir®
A chorus of culinary voices from Great Performances—our chefs step out of the kitchen to share recipes, stories, and inspiration. Learn more →
Chefs Mike and Anastassia (and Little Mila) share a delicious recipe for Slow-Roasted Citrus Herb Chicken, perfect for a festive winter meal and a bonus recipe for Anastassia’s Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies.
As the holiday season approaches, the our kitchen comes alive with warm spices, gentle simmering, and the joyful chaos of cooking with a toddler. For our family, preparing food together is more than a routine—it’s a tradition rooted in our combined culinary backgrounds, shared memories, and the excitement of creating something delicious as a team.
Whether we’re making dinner for just the three of us, baking cookies with Mila’s tiny hands dusted in flour, or preparing a dish to bring to friends, the season gives us a chance to slow down and savor every flavorful moment. This year, we’re sharing two of our favorite festive recipes—one savory, one sweet—that reflect the heart of how we cook together.
Slow-Roasted Citrus Herb Chicken
by Chefs Mike, Anastassia, & Little Mila
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- 3 oranges, halved
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 bulb garlic, halved
- Fresh thyme and rosemary
- 2 onions, quartered
- 3 carrots, thick-cut
- 3 parsnips, thick-cut
- 2 potatoes, chunked
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Place vegetables in a roasting pan; coat evenly with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken with citrus, garlic, and herbs.
- Rub the outside with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Lay the chicken over the vegetables.
- Roast for 3.5–4 hours, basting occasionally.
- Finish at 425°F for 15 minutes to crisp the skin.
- Rest 10 minutes before carving.
Mila’s favorite part? Helping place the citrus inside the chicken—a perfect toddler-safe kitchen task.
Sweet Highlight: Anastassia’s Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies
Inspired by Anastassia’s Russian roots, these soft honey cookies bring warmth, spice, and nostalgia to the holiday table. They’re easy to mix, fun to shape, and perfect for little helpers to decorate.
Get the recipe here: Anastassia’s Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies
Warmest Wishes from the Deuel Family
For us, holiday cooking is all about connection—slowing down, sharing flavors, and making memories together. Whether you’re cooking with your own family or bringing a dish to friends, we hope these recipes add warmth and joy to your season.
More Recipes by Chef's Mike and Anastassia Deuel
Holiday events and cultural experiences happening from December 20 through December 31, 2025
The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve offers a wonderful opportunity to explore New York City with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting guests, reconnecting with loved ones, or visiting from out of town, this festive stretch of days is filled with inspiring exhibitions, joyful musical performances, and special programs across the city’s most celebrated cultural institutions.
We’ve curated a selection of standout events taking place from Saturday, December 20 through Wednesday, December 31, 2025, making it easier to find memorable experiences that capture the magic of the season.
Brooklyn Museum
Gallery Tour: A Few of Our Favorite Things
A curator-led tour featuring highlights across the museum’s collection and current exhibitions.
Pricing: Included with Museum Admission
Available on:
Saturday, December 20,
Sunday, December 21,
Wednesday, December 24,
Friday, December 26,
Saturday, December 27,
Sunday, December 28,
Wednesday, December 31
Pop-Up Talks: Monet and Venice
A short, engaging talk offering new insights into Monet’s Venetian works and the inspiration behind them.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Pricing: Included with Museum Admission
xhibitions On View
Explore a rich lineup of exhibitions, from contemporary photography to historic milestones and bold abstraction.
Pricing: Museum Admission
Learn more: https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions
Everyday Rebellions: Collection Conversations
Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens
Monet and Venice
Oliver Jeffers: Life at Sea
Brooklyn Abstraction: Four Artists, Four Walls
Breaking the Mold: Brooklyn Museum at 200
Christian Marclay: Doors
Caramoor
An Amarcord Christmas
An elegant holiday concert by the acclaimed vocal ensemble Amarcord, filling the season with luminous harmonies and timeless music.
Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Pricing: Ticketed
Holiday Rosen House Tours
Step inside the historic Rosen House and explore its festive seasonal decorations and rich history.
Multiple dates throughout Christmas Week
Pricing: Ticketed
Dates:
Holiday Tea Musicale
A refined holiday tea accompanied by live chamber music inside the enchanting Rosen House.
Select dates
Pricing: Ticketed
Dizzy’s Club
Tammy McCann: Merry Christmas Baby
Vocalist Tammy McCann brings soulful artistry to holiday classics in this intimate jazz club setting overlooking Central Park.
Thursday, December 18 and Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Pricing: Ticketed
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Webop Family Jazz Party: A Holiday Jazz Jam
A festive and interactive introduction to jazz for families, featuring joyful singing, dancing, and live performance.
Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Pricing: Ticketed
Big Band Holidays
A cherished annual tradition with swinging holiday arrangements performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and guest vocalists.
Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21, 2025
Pricing: Ticketed
The New York Historical
Designing Women Market
A curated shopping experience highlighting women-led brands and makers. While the main event peaks earlier in the season, selected artists continue to be featured through December.
Pricing: Free to browse
Exhibitions On View
A robust lineup of exhibitions spanning history, art, culture, and design, offering something for every interest during the holiday week.
Pricing: Museum Admission
Learn more: https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions
The Gay Harlem Renaissance
Declaring the Revolution
Stirring the Melting Pot
New York, New York: The Elie and Sarah Hirschfeld Collection
The New York Sari
Turn Every Page: Inside the Robert A. Caro Archive
Gallery of Tiffany Lamps
Meet the Presidents and the Oval Office
Audubon’s Birds of America
Objects Tell Stories
Fashion Forward: The Bill Cunningham Archive
A Shot in the Arm: New York City Gets Vaccinated
Erie Canal 200th Anniversary
The Guggenheim Fellowship at 100
Creating Kosher Chop Suey
Circulating Control: Women’s Book Battles, 1880–1930
Poster House
The Future Was Then: The Changing Face of Fascist Italy
An evocative look at graphic design and political identity in early 20th-century Italy.
Pricing: Museum Admission
Blazing a Trail: Dorothy Waugh’s National Park Posters
A vibrant celebration of one artist’s iconic poster designs that helped define the visual identity of America’s national parks.
Pricing: Museum Admission
Wave Hill
Winter Solstice Pub Night
Celebrate the winter solstice with seasonal drinks, live music, and views of the Hudson River and Palisades.
Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Pricing: Ticketed
Holiday Tea at Wave Hill House
A festive afternoon tea served in the historic Wave Hill House, offering a restorative holiday experience.
Friday, December 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Pricing: Ticketed
Discover the best cultural events and holiday activities happening across the Bronx this December
December brings a special kind of energy to the Bronx. The borough buzzes with festive lights, family celebrations, art openings, community gatherings, and magical seasonal traditions. Whether you’re planning a winter outing with friends, looking for a family-friendly weekend event, or hoping to explore something new close to home, the Bronx offers a rich lineup of programs across its museums, gardens, cultural centers, and parks.
Below, find our curated guide to some of the most exciting events taking place throughout the Bronx this December.
The Bronx Museum of the Arts
First Friday: Art, Music, Dancing & More
December 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A lively evening at the museum featuring art, music, and dancing. Enjoy free admission and a community-centered celebration to kick off the month. FREE
Family Day: Winter Wonderland 2025
December 6, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM
A festive afternoon for families with hands-on art activities and winter-inspired fun. FREE
Book Club: The Sisterhood (Session 1)
December 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Join the museum’s book club for a thoughtful discussion of The Sisterhood: How a Network of Black Women Writers Changed American Culture.
Bronx River Alliance
Planting at Bronx River Forest
December 2, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Help restore native habitats along the Bronx River with this hands-on volunteer planting session. FREE
Also on December 11 and December 16.
Bronx Zoo
Holiday Lights
November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Select evenings.
The Bronx Zoo glows with immersive light displays, lantern sculptures, seasonal treats, and family-friendly activities. A beloved holiday tradition perfect for all ages.
Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture
Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Salsa Navidad
December 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM
The Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra returns for a high-energy Salsa Navidad performance filled with rhythm, joy, and holiday spirit.
Holiday Parranda with Papo Vázquez
December 21, 2025. Time TBD
A festive celebration blending jazz, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and Puerto Rican holiday traditions led by trombonist and composer Papo Vázquez.
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts
The Nutcracker
December 13–14, 2025. Multiple performances.
The Westchester Ballet Company presents a classic holiday favorite featuring elegant choreography, beautiful costumes, and enchanting storytelling.
The New York Botanical Garden
Holiday Train Show
November 15, 2025 to January 11, 2026
A winter favorite featuring model trains winding through detailed replicas of New York landmarks made from natural materials, all inside the stunning Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
Holiday Train Nights
Select evenings in December
The after-dark version of the Train Show offers illuminated pathways, festive music, and seasonal cocktails for a magical nighttime experience.
Wave Hill
Winter Haven Opening Weekend
November 30 to December 1, 2025. Times vary.
Celebrate the start of Wave Hill’s winter season with special programs, garden displays, and cozy activities overlooking the Hudson River.
Winter Haven
December 1 to 31, 2025. Times vary.
Wave Hill transforms into a serene winter retreat with creative workshops, nature walks, and seasonal programming throughout December.
Winter Haven Artisan Market
December 14–15, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Shop handmade gifts and meet local artisans during this festive annual market.
Game Night Social
December 19, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
A fun and relaxed evening of board games, snacks, and conversation in Wave Hill’s cozy indoor spaces.
Your guide to the best cultural events in NYC this holiday season
December in New York City is one of the most magical times of the year. The city comes alive with holiday lights, festive performances, inspiring exhibitions, and special programs that invite you to explore, learn, and celebrate. Whether you are planning a family outing, looking for a unique date idea, or browsing for holiday activities, our cultural partners offer some of the most exciting things to do across the five boroughs.
These beloved institutions feature exceptional public programming, and many also offer members-only benefits that make a thoughtful and meaningful holiday gift. If you are searching for something special for the culture lover in your life, consider giving the Gift of Culture and treat them to a full year of exploration and inspiration.
Below is your curated list of the top events happening across our partner locations this December.
Apollo Theater Events
Black Genius Talks: I’ll Make Me A World
December 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A dynamic conversation that celebrates Black cultural creativity and innovation. This talk explores how artists and visionaries continue to shape and influence the world.
Apollo Comedy Club
December 11, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Enjoy a night of sharp, energetic stand-up from emerging and established comedians on one of the most iconic stages in New York.
Du’Bois A’Keen
December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Experience the soulful artistry of Du’Bois A’Keen in this intimate performance filled with emotion, storytelling, and powerful musical expression.
Ayana George Jackson
December 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Ayana George Jackson brings her soaring vocals and contemporary gospel sound to the Apollo in a concert filled with heart and inspiration.
Finding North
December 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM
A moving theatrical experience inspired by true stories of the Underground Railroad. This production weaves history and performance into a powerful narrative journey.
BAM Events
Les Arts Florissants
December 10 to 14, 2025. Times vary.
The celebrated Baroque ensemble returns to BAM with an elegant program that brings early music to life through masterful instrumentation and beautifully expressive vocals.
Brooklyn Museum Events
Poetry Workshops: Monet and Venice
December 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Write and reflect in a creative workshop inspired by Monet’s Venetian works. Participants explore themes of perception, light, and place through guided poetry exercises.
A Close Look (Ages 65+): Monet and Venice
December 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM
This relaxed, in-depth gallery experience invites older adults to engage closely with Monet’s paintings and explore their artistic context and techniques.
Beyond Keïta’s Frame: Ernest Cole
December 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A compelling film program that examines the groundbreaking work of photographer Ernest Cole and his documentation of life under apartheid.
Caramoor Events
Rosanne Cash Benefit Concert
December 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Join the legendary Rosanne Cash for an intimate benefit concert that supports Caramoor’s arts and education programs. Her soulful voice and storytelling promise a memorable evening.
Dizzy's Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center Events
Tammy McCain: Merry Christmas Baby
December 18 and 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Tammy McCain brings warmth and holiday spirit to the stage with soulful vocals and classic Christmas favorites in the cozy setting of Dizzy’s Club.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Events
Webop Family Jazz Party: A Holiday Jazz Jam
December 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
A joyful, interactive musical experience designed for young children and their families. Sing, dance, and explore the sounds of jazz together.
Big Band Holidays
December 20 and 21, 2025. Times vary.
A cherished holiday tradition featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and guest vocalists performing festive classics with a swinging twist.
The New York Historical Events
Live at the Museum: Raga Music
December 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of traditional Indian classical music performed live in an intimate museum setting.
Live at the Museum: 1920s Jazz
December 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Enjoy an evening of 1920s jazz standards performed by exceptional musicians who bring the energy and glamour of the Jazz Age to life.
Live at the Museum: 1920s Jazz Encore
December 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM
This encore performance offers another chance to experience the lively rhythms and rich sounds of the roaring twenties.
Poster House Events
First Friday
December 5, 2025. Free admission all day.
Explore Poster House for free during this monthly celebration that includes themed tours, hands-on activities, and extended hours.
Third Sunday Always Free
December 21, 2025. Free admission all day.
Enjoy complimentary access to the museum and experience its rotating exhibitions at your own pace.
Wave Hill Events
Winter Haven Opening Weekend
November 30 to December 1, 2025. Times vary.
Celebrate the start of the winter season with special activities, festive displays, and family-friendly moments throughout the gardens.
Winter Haven
December 1 to 31, 2025. Times vary.
Wave Hill transforms into a winter wonderland with creative workshops, nature programs, and peaceful garden walks all month long.
Winter Haven Artisan Market
December 14 and 15, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Shop a curated selection of handcrafted goods and unique gifts from local artisans in a warm, festive environment.
Game Night Social
December 19, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
A relaxed evening of games, snacks, and community. This social gathering offers a cozy escape during the busy holiday season.
Give the Gift of Culture
Share the joy of discovery with a gift that lasts all year. Explore the Gift of Culture and treat someone to enriching programs, unforgettable performances, and meaningful experiences across New York City.
At Great Performances, we’re honored to partner with the Jacques Pépin Foundation and Skylight at The Refinery to produce a milestone event in New York City’s culinary calendar — Skylight Celebrates Jacques Pépin’s 90/90 campaign. Bringing together more than twenty celebrated chefs, this tasting experience at Brooklyn’s Domino Refinery combines artistry, community, and purpose in true GP style.
Collaborating with Partners to Create Unforgettable Events
We love when foundations and companies (especially our venue partners!) come to us to collaborate on something we excel in doing: tasting events that bring together celebrated chefs to create truly memorable experiences for guests.
This December, we’re proud to partner with the Jacques Pépin Foundation and Skylight at The Refinery to bring their first-ever New York tasting event to life as part of the Foundation’s 90/90 campaign, celebrating Jacques Pépin’s 90th birthday and his lifelong commitment to culinary education.
Crafting a One-of-a-Kind Experience
“Each event, whether it’s a brand-new festival or a yearly favorite, has its own set of intricacies that make it so much fun,” said Senior Event Director Ali Rea-Baum. “From working with each chef to make sure they have everything they need at their station, to mapping out power and ensuring guest flow makes sense — every event and venue is different, which is what makes this work so exciting.”
That passion for precision is at the heart of how we approach every collaboration. Our team thrives on the logistics of creativity — coordinating with dozens of chefs, vendors, and partners to ensure every detail works seamlessly. It’s where our event production expertise and love for hospitality intersect, transforming a blank canvas into an extraordinary experience.
Aligned in Mission and Spirit
What makes this event especially meaningful is how closely it aligns with our own values and partners. The Jacques Pépin Foundation’s focus on providing culinary and life skills training to individuals facing employment barriers resonates deeply with our partnership with The Sylvia Center, which also empowers communities through food education.
That shared sense of purpose makes this collaboration feel less like a production and more like a celebration of everything we stand for: mentorship, opportunity, and community.
A Stunning Setting for a Special Night
And then, there’s the venue. Working at Skylight at The Refinery is a dream — an amazing space perched atop the old Domino Factory in Williamsburg, with breathtaking waterfront views of New York City. The penthouse’s vast, open layout provides the perfect backdrop for more than twenty tasting stations, where chefs from across the city will share dishes inspired by Jacques Pépin’s iconic repertoire.
Leading the charge is Senior Event Director Ali Rea-Baum, who has built an impressive portfolio of high-profile culinary events across New York City. From Food Network’s NYCWFF and Great Performances’ own Latke Festival to Taste of the Lower East Side, The Great Nosh, and Bar Convent Brooklyn, Ali brings unmatched creativity and precision to every project. Her ability to unite chefs, partners, and guests around extraordinary food experiences is what makes these events truly shine.
It’s the kind of event that reminds us why we love what we do: bringing people together through food, creativity, and purpose.
From venue partnerships like Skylight at The Refinery to shared missions with organizations such as the Jacques Pépin Foundation and The Sylvia Center, Great Performances continues to craft events that celebrate food as a force for good. As we help bring Jacques Pépin’s 90/90 celebration to life, we’re reminded that every detail — every dish, every connection — tells a story about the people and passions behind it.
Proceeds from the evening benefit the Jacques Pépin Foundation To learn more about the event, and purchase tickets visit: here.
About Chefs’ Choir®
A chorus of culinary voices from Great Performances—our chefs step out of the kitchen to share recipes, stories, and inspiration. Learn more →
Chefs Anastassia Batsoula and Mike Deuel, with their one-year-old sous-chef Mila, share their low-and-slow Thanksgiving tradition in this month’s Chefs’ Choir(SM). Their slow-roasted turkey with apples, citrus, and root vegetables pairs beautifully with a Russian-inspired beet and walnut salad — a heartfelt celebration of family, flavor, and the joy of cooking together.
As the holiday season approaches, our kitchen fills with the smells of roasting vegetables, citrus, and herbs — and the happy clatter of our one-year-old, Mila, “helping” from her high chair. Thanksgiving looks a little different these days, but the heart of it remains the same: taking time to slow down, share food, and make memories around the table.
Professionally, we’ve always loved the ingredients that mark this season — earthy root vegetables, crisp apples, sweet squash, and tart cranberries. At home, we reach for the same palette but with more simplicity and warmth. The key to both is balance: rich and savory, sweet and bright, rustic and refined.
And when it comes to the centerpiece — the turkey — our best secret is no secret at all: cook it low and slow. Forget the frantic basting and high-heat rush. A gentle roast allows the bird to stay moist, lets the flavors of fruits and vegetables infuse the meat, and fills your home with that comforting Thanksgiving aroma all day long.
Recipe: Slow-Roasted Turkey with Apples, Citrus & Root Vegetables
by Chefs Anastassia Batsoula-Deuel and Mike Deuel
Serves 8-10
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 hours (plus resting)
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), patted dry
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 apples, quartered
- 1 orange, quartered
- 1 bulb fennel, sliced thick
- 3 carrots, cut into large pieces
- 3 parsnips, cut into large pieces
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 6 garlic cloves, smashed
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 1 cup chicken or turkey stock
Procedure
- Preheat your oven to 275°F.
- Season the turkey generously inside and out with salt and pepper. Rub the skin with butter and olive oil.
- Create the bed: In a large roasting pan, layer apples, orange, fennel, carrots, parsnips, onion, garlic, and herbs. Pour in the stock.
- Place the turkey on top of the vegetables, breast side up.
- Roast uncovered for about 20 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F in the breast and 170°F in the thigh.
- Rest the bird for at least 30–45 minutes before carving. The temperature will continue to rise slightly as it rests.
The result: tender, juicy meat with subtle sweetness from the fruit and deep flavor from the caramelized vegetables — plus an effortless pan gravy from the drippings.
Bonus Recipe: Russian-Inspired Beet & Walnut Salad (Свекольный Салат с Орехами)
Every family has a heritage dish that finds its way onto the table, no matter the holiday. For us, a nod to Russian cuisine connects generations — a bright, earthy salad that brings color and contrast to the Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients
- 3 medium beets, roasted or boiled until tender
- ½ cup walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Procedure
- Peel and grate the cooked beets once cooled.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the grated beets and chopped walnuts.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with dill or parsley.
It’s vibrant, slightly sweet, and earthy — a refreshing balance next to the richness of turkey and stuffing. Mila loves the color (and occasionally the mess), and it’s a perfect way to add a touch of Russian comfort to a very American feast.
Our Thanksgiving table is a mix of tradition and invention — a slow-roasted turkey beside a Russian beet salad, a giggling toddler beside two tired but happy chefs. The food tells the story of where we’ve been, who we love, and how we grow together — one slow-cooked bite at a time.
More Recipes by Chefs Anastassia Batsoula-Deuel and Mike Deuel
This past October 18–20, 2025, Great Performances once again joined Open House New York Weekend, the city-wide festival that invites the public to explore New York’s most fascinating spaces. Now in our second year of participating, we were thrilled to open our South Bronx home and offer a behind-the-scenes look at how we unleash joy through genuine hospitality.
Open House New York (OHNY) is an organization close to Liz Neumark’s heart — as a native New Yorker, entrepreneur, and advocate for civic engagement, she deeply values OHNY’s mission to foster openness, accessibility, and pride in our city. For our team, it’s a meaningful opportunity to welcome our community into the kitchens, offices, and creative spaces where so much of the Great Performances magic begins.
Last weekend, Great Performances once again had the great honor of participating in Open House New York. We welcomed 75 lucky guests into our home in the South Bronx, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at where so much of the magic happens.
The tour wound its way through all three floors of our commissary — from our bustling kitchens to our walk-ins and offices — each space offering a glimpse into the heart of what we do every day. Along the way, guests had plenty of questions, and our team was ready with answers! Some were fun (“How much sugar does the pastry kitchen go through?” — over 150 pounds per day!), while others were more reflective (“How many guests have you served since opening?” — more than 10 million and counting).
Before heading off to their next Open House New York stop, visitors were treated to one of our freshly baked chocolate chip cookies — a small taste of Great Performances to take on the road.
Participating in Open House New York is always such a joy. Each year, we’re reminded how meaningful it is to open our doors and share the energy, creativity, and care that fuel our work behind the curtain. It’s not just a tour; it’s a chance to connect with our community, celebrate craftsmanship, and show the dedication that goes into every event we create.
If you’d like to experience Great Performances firsthand, we encourage you to sign up for the Open House New York newsletter and keep an eye out next September for a full list of participating sites. It’s one of the city’s most inspiring weekends — a celebration of openness, accessibility, and civic pride in the place we’re so proud to call home.
Open House New York is more than a weekend of tours — it’s a celebration of the people, places, and ideas that shape the city we love. Through programs like these, OHNY builds bridges between communities and inspires a deeper appreciation for New York’s vibrant cultural and creative landscape.
To learn more or support OHNY’s mission, visit ohny.org — where you can become a member, volunteer, or donate to help keep New York open, accessible, and inspiring for all.