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IT’S OCTOBER AND FOR MOST OF US CHRISTMAS IS THE LAST THING ON OUR MINDS, HOWEVER IF YOU WANT TO BE AHEAD OF THE GAME AND HAVE A STRESS FREE, ENJOYABLE FEW DAYS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, NOW IS THE TIME TO GET ORGANISED
ORDER YOUR MEAT
No Christmas table is complete without the centrepiece which for many of us consists of a huge turkey or favoured joint of meat. To ensure you get the best choice possible, don’t leave it to chance and risk ending up with just a couple of over –cooked sprouts, order ahead now! All good butchers, farm shops and supermarkets will already have an order system in place, so decide what you want and get it ordered and ready to pick up fresh before the big day. You can cook your turkey up to a week beforehand, so no last minute rush to collect it is needed, giving you time to concentrate on the many other seasonal distractions.
BOOKING TABLES
If all this sounds like too much trouble, and you are looking for a completely work free Christmas, why not let someone else cook for you? Many pubs and restaurants open on Christmas day itself offering a traditional dinner with all the trimmings. However, if you want to get the best choice and you have a number of people to consider, you need to book your table now. Many places book up early or are limited with the space they have available so it is a good idea to make plans now to avoid disappointment. This is also the case if you want to make a night of it and sleep off your excesses in a comfy bed. Accommodation is at a premium at this time of year, so keep a look out for deals and book now.
START WITH SOUPS
Soup is a great wholesome starter for winter meals, is easy to make, and best of all can be frozen until required. Some of the best hearty vegetables such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes and parsnips are available in the shops now, so make the most of the harvest and get cooking. For best results, take out of the freezer a day or two in advance, and allow the soup to defrost slowly in the fridge. Then simply heat up on the hob, garnish and enjoy!
HAMPERS – THE PERFECT GIFTS!
It is increasingly difficult to find the perfect gift for loved ones, but if they like their food, why not indulge them with culinary delights. Hampers are a delicious and imaginative alternative to a pair of socks and a box of chocolates! Ready-made hampers are available from a number of farm shops, specialist food shops and delicatessens, but why not make your own? Use some of this seasons veg to make traditional piccalilli, relish and chutneys. If you fancy a day out walking, head to the countryside to pick wild berries to make some delicious homemade jam or hunt down sloes to make sloe gin. Simply make now and store, perfect to accompany locally produced cheese you can buy closer to the time. Savoury biscuits will also work well with this, some of which like Parmesan biscuits can also be made in advance. A personal gift like this is sure to impress and be enjoyed on into the New Year.
DON’T FORGET
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THE TRIMMINGS! When ordering your meat, don’t forget the extras that can make all the difference on the day. Local bacon to top the turkey, wrap around sausages for pigs in blankets or to add to cabbage for a tasty side will go down a treat. A joint of gammon or speciality pork pies are always tasty for cold meats on Boxing Day or for over the New Year. If you prefer offerings from the sea, push the boat out and get in touch with your local fishmonger and order a platter of tiger prawns, scallops or even lobster. Plan your meals ahead and ensure you get the best of local produce.
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46 | THE WESTCOUNTRY FOODLOVER
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