This Years Christmas Menu!
Have you planned yours yet?
By the time real Christmas actually rolls around, I have cooked and lived through pretend Christmas at least three times. Pretend Christmas typically takes place at the end of the Summer with a whole food team cooking through Christmas recipes while I present them trying not to sweat on camera. That food team is sadly missing on real Christmas when they are really needed! Thankfully this year we filmed ours in November at my pal Jeni’s wonderful cobblestoned courtyard in Co. Meath, where she has secret mince pie popup every Christmas. I knew it would be ideal for our festive filming.
In the run up to the big day, these last few weeks are manic which means that when it comes down to it all I really want for Christmas is calm, quiet and a stress free time. Which of course, is a pipe dream because with two small children there are carols, plays, pantos and presents to get through. If it all feels too much, this is your friendly reminder that amongst all the madness this season brings, take time for yourself, go on the walk, take those deep breaths and if it all goes belly up on the big day, be safe in the knowledge that it will make for a good story in years to come. The year I turned the Christmas ham into pulled pork still gets a laugh. While in this newsletter, I provide you with this years Christmas recipe offering, it's important to remember to savor the simple moments that make this season magical. Now to the recipes.
Glazed Sticky Spiced Festive Loaves
You can divide the roll of dough here into 4 and make 4 smaller loaves for the perfect festive gift! These will keep for 2-3 days if you warm through before serving or you can freeze them.
Saltimbocca Style Parsnips
This recipe has an Italian twist on your typical roast dinner side dish, with all the flavours of the Italian classic dish, Saltimbocca alla Romana, which translates as “jump in the mouth”. The method works wonderfully with parsnips in little bundles held together with prosciutto and sage leaves.
Sticky Whiskey & Plum Glazed Ham
A classic recipe for a bone in whole leg of ham which uses a jar of plum jam and a good swig of whiskey to make this showstopper all the more memorable. This is the kind of ham that can be enjoyed all through Christmas and you should be left with plenty to make the perfect Christmas sandwich the next day.
Spiced Pear Sticky Toffee Cake with Rum and Maple Drizzle
Your kitchen will fill with irresistible aromas whilst you bake this cake for your festive spread. If you like a darker flavour to your sticky toffee, use dark muscovado sugar for an extra richness.
You can watch this years Christmas episode on Irish screens at 6.30pm on RTE One.
Happy Christmas from our family to yours!
Donal x