Christmas
by Great British Chefs29 November 2021
Christmas
by Great British Chefs29 November 2021
For those of us on kitchen duty over Christmas, the festive period can be a blessing and a curse. Many Christmas recipes are a joy to make and we can experiment and indulge unashamedly in what we eat and drink, but let’s not forget that everyone’s favourite time of year can bring with it everyone’s least favourite things — tricky timings, multi-pan dinners and one too many sherries making everything just that little bit trickier. More than a few of us are kept up at night throughout December, haunted by the ghost of underdone turkeys past and cold roasties, fearful of what this year's festivities may bring.
After last year's lockdown Christmas, we're all eagerly looking forward to something a little less solitary (or most of us are, anyway!). Whether you're cooking for two or twenty, with just a little menu planning you can be ready to take it all in your stride. We have all the necessary recipes for the perfect Christmas dinner, along with all the other festive accoutrements you might need including Christmas biscuits, cranberry sauce, dinner party ideas and wickedly potent Christmas cocktails. You could be after something new and unusual or just looking to hone the traditional Christmas dinner to perfection; either way, read on for everything you need. From icing the cake to keeping stockings stuffed with edible gifts, our guides, recipes and menu ideas will see you through every stage of the Christmas season.
Your Christmas, sorted
Choose-your-own-dinner with our mix-and-match guide to creating the ultimate Christmas dinner. Take your pick from our favourite recipes all broken down into each individual element on the plate and cook a feast to remember.
Make-ahead magic
There are all sorts of tasty treats you can prepare in advance for Christmas. From your own cured salmon for Christmas dinner to jars of mincemeat that can be turned into some incredible mince pies, make the most of December and whip up some magic in the kitchen.
The gift that keeps on giving
Making your own gifts might take a little longer than buying them all online, but they're the perfect way to show someone you care. Take a look at our favourite edible gifts for the season and create something full of love.
Christmas cocktails and snacks
Sharp's Doom Bar is an ale designed for drinking with food – and Christmas time offers up ample opportunity. Try one of these super-simple recipes that either contain or are designed to be paired with Doom Bar and get in the festive spirit.
Bit on the side
You've probably already decided on the centrepiece for your Christmas Day dinner, but the side dishes are where you can let your creativity run wild. We asked some of the top chefs in the UK to share their favourite festive trimmings, ranging from classics with a twist to deliciously leftfield creations. Take a look at them all and make the side dishes the star this Christmas.
A very veggie Christmas
Whether you're a vegetarian or vegan yourself, or simply have one coming round for and aren't sure what to cook – fear not! Our collection of festive meat- and dairy-free recipes will ensure it's a very merry Christmas for everyone around the dinner table.
Desserts with a difference
Don't like figgy pudding? Ditch the dull dessert and take the time to craft one of these knockout festive treats, created by one of the best pastry chefs in the country.
Be prepared
For absolutely all our Christmas recipes in one place, take a look at our recipe collection – if you don't find what you're looking for in there, we don't know what to suggest!
Christmas around the world
We might have some deep-rooted Christmas traditions in the UK, but the vast majority of countries have their own customs and dishes associated with the season. Learn more and inject some international influences into this year's festivities.
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