We’d better watch out, we’d better not cry, we’d better just bash out a couple of mega-quick dinners amongst baking gingerbread biscuits and that’s it – Santa’s coming to town!
Those quick dinners could be potsticker tortellini for one, squid with chorizo for another, plus maybe crispy tomato rice or cinnamon noodles. And then we can do some baking – all done ahead so it’s feet up with a pink gin on Christmas Eve. My step-by-step traditional panettone can still be made if you have a sourdough starter on the go – check it out. Otherwise I have the ‘quick’ version – as in, you don’t have to get up at 4 in the morning two nights in a row to feed the starter.
Italy vs. Germany – panettone vs. Stollen and I honestly don’t know which side to support. If you have time on your hands or little hands keen to help there are mini Stollen bites, a new recipe this season. Fiddly? Yes. Worth it? Totally. Another new recipe, cinnamon twist star will be a stunning centrepiece if you’re out to impress. And if you’re not into yeasty dough, my lighter Christmas fruitcake is to die for, as is my baked Christmas pudding.
When planning the big lunch, look at my suggestions of less ordinary side dishes: quick red cabbage, really tasty sprouts or Parmesan turnips. And don’t forget potatoes – roast potatoes are truly the most important dish on the 25th December.
Other suggestions including turkey are in the Christmas Collection. Don’t bust a gut though – only do as much as you’ll enjoy doing! Have a lovely Christmas everyone and happy cooking!