Top cooking tips for Christmas Day

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Top cooking tips for Christmas Day We’re spoiled for choice at this time of year with a whole range of possibilities for celebrating the festive season. But while the quality and variety of five-star options are undeniably impressive, heading out to a hotel for a traditional feast just doesn’t feel like Christmas to me. Instead, I hanker for the smell of the turkey dinner wafting from the kitchen and the organized chaos as it comes together for the big sit down. I love the gathering round the Christmas tree for present opening and the personal touch that a family brings to its festive décor. In short, I prefer Christmas at home. Yes, it may be hard work and certainly takes a lot of preparation, but hosting Christmas – for family or friends – is a real opportunity to stamp your personality on the seasonal fun. Of course there is plenty to consider – and the planning must start now! It doesn’t get any more important than the food and beverages for the big day – whether you’re planning a relaxed Christmas Eve dinner, a raucous Christmas Day lunch or a sophisticated festive evening soiree. RELATED: Weight off your mind: Tips for a healthier festive feast When it comes to Christmas eating, whatever you are planning to cook, it can be a daunting prospect – so many different things to get right for more people than you are probably used to cooking for. So how do you juggle it all? “At the risk of stating the obvious, plan ahead,” stresses chef Emily Shardlow-Price, editor of SpinneysFOOD magazine. “Make a list of all the different dishes you’re planning to cook and then work out which ones you can make in advance, when they’ll go in the oven on the big day and how you’re going to serve them.” And if you plan your menu well, there are plenty of things that can be done ahead of time so you don’t spend the whole day in the kitchen missing out on the fun. “Braised red cabbage, for example, actually tastes better when it’s made a couple of days in advance,” says Emily. “You can prepare your stuffing mix and freeze it for up to a month ahead… and, it might be slightly controversial, but I always make the gravy ahead of time and reheat it.” It’s also important to remember that while you are the host or hostess, Christmas is a social affair and it’s fun for everyone to muck in. Two years ago we had what is quite a typical Christmas gathering here in the UAE. Eighteen people sat down to dinner at a friend’s house and while the host had done the culinary headliners (the turkey and roasties), we had all contributed a dish. It was a fantastic mix of different traditions and favourites and a thoroughly fabulous meal. Emily agrees – Christmas should be a team effort. “Rope everyone in to peeling vegetables on Christmas Eve,” she advises. “And don’t be afraid to delegate. If your friend/brother/mother is famous for their stuffing/ canapés/desserts then put that talent to good use.” And also remember, it’s your party – so cook what you want. If you fancy creating a new tradition and cooking something different for your guests, do it. “A rib of roast beef, cooked rare and served with a tower of Yorkshire puddings, is always a winner in my eyes,” says Emily for those looking for an alternative to turkey. “Duck roasted with clementines, rosemary and five-spice feels lovely and festive and seared venison is full of flavour and great for smaller groups. Salmon coulibiac – salmon, rice and hard-boiled egg wrapped in puff pastry – is a fantastic party centrepiece that can be made ahead and simply cooked on the day.” claire@7days.ae Read the original story at: Top cooking tips for Christmas Day