Christmas is getting here really quickly. It's time to go out and do your final shopping, between the presents still missing and the food for the big night. For sure, time is running out to do all that and even prepare those long dishes whose preparation must start the day before. If you're in a hurry, you'd better get some ideas for quick and easy Christmas recipes, so that you can have it done right on time.

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin With Cherries

This will need only 15 minutes in the oven. Get some doses of pork loin and add (covering) whole-grain mustard, parsley, and dried cherries. Wrap the mixture with bacon and take it to the oven. When it's almost ready, sprinkle it with red wine vinegar and some jelly. In the end, you'll get a delicious pork loin, feeling moist, and with all the glory of the fruitiness of the cherry upon it.

Balsamic-Glazed Pork With Lentils

This is a very easy to do alternative with pork. Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar and you'll get a dish exquisite and appropriate for such an occasion, yet so simple you could have it for an everyday meal.

Vegetarian option: Butternut Squash and Kale Lasagna

Take butternut squash and kale, prepare with no-cook lasagna noodles, and include Gruyère cheese. For the best colour, give it a push of heat after cooking. Then, without much time taken, you'll have a good dish for everyone, including vegetarians or simply someone who is not aiming at turkey this year.

Fish Chowder

What about a great, delicious sea dish, ready in just 30 minutes? Take a large pan and fill it with potatoes, canned tomatoes, leeks, water, salt, and pepper. Don't forget the chorizo, which will give the hot, "meaty" flavor to the dish. After some boiling, place in two pounds of whitefish and let it come back to the boil. Serve with parsley and with bread; the broth it is an integral part of the experience.

Pears With Blue Cheese and Prosciutto

If you get some extra minutes with one of these choices, also go for these and don't forget to buy the ingredients. Slice your pears, sprinkling them with some lemon juice to prevent browning; take a piece of blue cheese to each pear slice and then wrap it with prosciutto strips. Go for a creamy cheese, so that it doesn't crack while eating.

Now go to the supermarket and good luck! And Merry Christmas!