5 Christmas suggestions
Not feeling traditional this year and fancy a bit of a change? Then here are five suggestions as to how you can tweak your day to suit you.
Mix it up
Long has turkey been the king of meats at the Christmas table, but we like to have a selection. So why not add in a piece of beef or even lamb and serve alongside a smaller turkey crown. This can please everyone especially those who love / hate turkey as they won’t be disappointed either way. Of course, if you prefer, throw in a vegetarian option like a nut roast or a vegetable terrine.
The Christmas pud imposter
Is it a Christmas pud or isn’t it? If Christmas pudding isn’t your thing but you love the look of it then why not copy it but give it a twist. Find your favourite fridge cake recipe and make it in a pudding basin instead of a biscuit tin. Then, when chilled, top with white chocolate and a sprig of (fake) holly to give the appearance of the traditional dessert. We love this and you can slice a piece and put back in the fridge for later. We like this one from BBC food
Ditch the tradition
Ok, this may be a bit far out, but we’re meeting lots of people who want to change things around a little on Christmas day. So why not pick a theme and go all out. We love the thought of a Christmas Indian feast. Start with pakoras, samosas, bhajis and popadoms and dips. Then move on to the main event – have a selection of meat and vegetable dishes such as Karahi Gosht, Chicken Korma, Bombay Aloo or even a Turkey Balti. And then finish in style Gulab Jamuns, pretty little traditional milky doughnuts that can be made up to a week in advance and keep well in the fridge.
Eat on Christmas eve
If you find cooking on the day takes away all the fun of Christmas, why not have your traditional meal on Christmas Eve and then spend the day itself grazing on lots of cheese and biscuits, cold meats and nibbles. That way you can have all the benefit of a Christmas dinner and can still enjoy the day. You could even go the whole hog and get a catering company to prepare and drop your meal so all you have to do is enjoy it.
Let someone do the hard work for you
If the whole shopping and cooking for Christmas fills you with dread, then why not let someone else do all the hard work for you. There are lots of places still available to book Christmas dinner if you have left it a bit late. And you have a whole host of cuisine available to you, should you not fancy turkey and trimmings. There are many Indian, Chinese, Turkish and Italian restaurants opening their doors on the 25 December for you to sit back and just enjoy this festive day.
We wish you a merry Christmas whatever you decide to do this festive season and hope however you approach your Christmas dinner, you enjoy it!
