To help create a wonderful Christmas day……
This list is by no means comprehensive and indeed there are vital omissions. However, it is a start and if you have any suggestions to add then please let me know and I will happily expand the list……
1. The morning tipple
Whether it is to relieve imminent stress or tension or just to relax, this is a MUST. I suggest 10.00 – 11.00 am is a good time to start. The choice is endless :
- A lovely chilled dry sherry
- Bloody Mary with plenty of celery salt and horseradish
- Bucks fizz (fresh orange juice of course)
- Bellini
- etc…..
2. The bird
Now the choice is huge and has probably already been made.
- If you are having turkey, I find Delia’s advice invaluable.
- For goose I think Goodman’s give reliable cooking times.
- Cooking times for various types of poultry and methods of cooking.
Once cooked the most important thing is remember to rest your bird. Cover it with foil and as many tea towels as you can spare – anything from 30 – 50 minutes is good!
3. The stuffings
My favourites are:
4. The trimmings
Apart from stuffing balls, pigs in blankets (chipolatas wrapped in streaky bacon) and devils on horseback (prunes wrapped in streaky bacon) are a must….
5. The potatoes
Follow these instructions for perfect roasties
6. The vegetables
- As many different ones as possible….
- Parsnips – roast in the normal way, but add some honey for the last 20 minutes;
- Brussels – only boil for 5 – 8 minutes ( no need to start boiling with the bird);
- Carrots – delicious if you add some orange zest to the water when you boil;
- Savoy cabbage – fantastic coated in butter and grated nutmeg;
- Peas – as they come;
- Braised red cabbage;
- etc…….
7.The gravy
Use the best stock you can get or make your own. Deglaze the pan you roasted your bird in, add flour and then add the stock slowly. If it goes lumpy pass the whole lot through a sieve.
8.The wine
Pop along to Eynsham Cellars and browse their shelves or ask their advice.
9.The coffee
Freshly ground, strong and plentiful…….
10.The late night snack
Honey roast ham, various pickles, left over cold bird and trimmings with cranberry and red onion relish. (recipe for honey roast ham and relish following soon!)