21 alternative Christmas recipes from top British chefs
If you’re sick and tired of turkey and all the trimmings, why not be a little bit adventurous this Christmas?
We’ve asked some top chefs in the UK for a selection of weird and wonderful recipes to ramp up your festivities at home.
From an Iberico pork wellington with Galician chestnuts and serrano ham from Brindisa’s Monika Linton to traditional Swedish delights from the minds behind Ekstedt at The Yard, make this year’s menu one to remember.
Cheddar and brown ale rarebit with cauliflower cheese and cranberry and almond crumble
Recipe by: Andrew Pern and Joshua Brummell, York Minster Refectory
Ingredients:
1 large cauliflower
For the rarebit:
120ml Black Sheep or other brown ale
25g butter
25g plain flour
140g Fountains Gold Cheddar or other mature cheese
1 tsp English mustard
1 tbsp Hendersons relish
For the crumble:
25g flaked almonds
25g Panko breadcrumbs
25g dried cranberries
Method:
1. Melt the butter in a pan and stir in the flour, add the ale and whisk until smooth. On a low heat add the cheese, mustard and Hendersons relish, whisk until smooth.
2. Remove the florets of your cauliflower and blanch in boiling water for 2-3 mins or until tender.
3. Combine the flaked almonds, breadcrumbs and cranberries in a bowl.
4. Put cauliflower in an ovenproof dish and top with the rarebit and the almond and breadcrumb mix.
5. Bake at 180 degrees until golden and piping hot.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Briar Ridge Albariño 2022, £31.95
From the award winning Briar Ridge with its unique terroir to the rest of the Hunter Valley, this lush and rich Albariño showcases ripe apricot and peach aromas with a hint of gingerbread spice. Nicely rounded finish with balanced acidity and a long richly textured aftertaste.
Coronation crab vol-au-vent with flaked almons and sweet’n’sour raisins
Recipe by: Andrew Pern and Joshua Brummell, York Minster Refectory
This is a perfect festive canape and one of our signature dishes that is a nod to our Royal opening. Here is a simplified version for people to make at home and wow their guests this festive period.
Ingredients:
Shop bought vol-au-vent cases
Picked white crab meat
Gold quality mayonnaise
Madras curry paste
Lemon juice
Chopped coriander
Method:
1. Combine the curry paste with mayonnaise, lemon juice and coriander to taste. Use this to bind white crab.
2. Put crab mix into vol-au-vent cases, top with flaked almonds and raisins.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Lauverjat Moulin Des Vrillères Sancerre Blanc 2022, £31.45
This multi award winning Sancerre is a made blend of the best parcels of Sauvignon the Domaine has to offer. On the palate, a fresh, strong, airy style which is seduced by the purity and intensity of the fruit. Beautiful pale clear yellow colour, delicate aromas of white flowers, also developing a citrus tone. This classic Sancerre, made from old vines (over 30 years), is a fabulous seafood accompaniment. A true premium Sancerre.
Kalupol roast chicken
Recipe by: Karan Gokani, Hoppers
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1.2-1.5kg chicken, spatchcocked
For the marinade:
1 tbsp basmati rice
1 tbsp grated fresh coconut
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
¾ tbsp chilli powder
3 tbsp roasted curry powder
1 lemongrass stick
8-10 curry leaves
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp vegetable oil
Method:
1. To make the marinade palace the rice in a wok over a medium-high heat and toast for 4 minutes. Then add the concur and continue toasting for 10 more minutes until both the rice and coconut are deep golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Once cooled, transfer to a pestle and mortar or space grinder and pound to a fine powder. Add the remaining marinade ingredients and pound or grind to a paste. Rub the paste all over the chicken, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/400F. Place the chicken on a large roasting tray lined with foil and roast for 40 minutes, then increase the heat to 220C/200C fan/430F and cook the chicken for a further 15 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked by piercing the thickest part of the thigh with a knife. The juices should run clear, if not, return the chicken to the oven covered with foil for a further 5 minutes and check again. Once cooked, remove from the oven and rest for 10 minutes, before carving and serving with any roasting juices from the tray.
4. For the ideal Sri Lankan roast, serve alongside a sambol or mallung, some curry sauce and pol rotis.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Albert Bichot Coteaux Bourguignons 2021, £19.95
Coteaux Bourguignons is a recent appellation (2011). It allows Burgundy’s red varietals, Pinot Noir and Gamay, to express all of their freshness. Though the soils are all composed of calcareous clay, the diversity of the terroirs that span the region from north to south gives this wine lovely, complex aromas and flavours. Fruity spicy nose with notes of cherry, redcurrant and liquorice with a touch of rose petal. Medium-bodied and delectable on the palate with pleasing tannins and a hint of toast. Great Value for money red wine from Burgundy.
Burani spice mix
Recipe by: Karan Gokhani, Hoppers
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1 tsp fennel seeds
½ tsp cumin seeds
4 cloves
2.5cm cinnamon stick
4 green cardamom pods
1 tbsp coriander seeds
1 whole red chilli, deseeded
1 tsp black peppercorns
Method:
1. Roast all the ingredients in a dry frying pan (skillet) over a medium heat for 4 minutes. Cool completely and grind to a fine powder in a pestle and mortar or spice grinder.
Mutton rolls
Recipe by: Karan Gokhani, Hoppers
Makes: about 500g filling, enough for 10 rolls
Ingredients:
For the filling:
250g mutton shoulder boneless
250g potatoes, peeled and cut into 5 cm chunks
3 tbsp oil
75g onion, finely chopped
3 green cardamom pods
9cm cinnamon stick
1 tbsp minced garlic
½ tbsp minced ginger
½ tbsp chilli powder
½ tbsp roasted curry powder
½ tbsp unroasted curry powder
10-12 curry leaves, chopped
¼ tsp ground turmeric
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp black peppercorns, crushed
Juice of ½ lime
3 tsp salt
Method:
1. Remove any sinew and skin from the mutton and chop it up roughly. Then place in a food processor and pulse for a minute, until you have a coarse mince (ground meat). If you don’t have a food processor, you can just chop it up as finely as possible to resemble mince.
2. Place the potatoes in a saucepan , cover with cold water and add 2 tsp salt. Bring to the boil and cook until tender, then drain and allow to cool slightly. Mash the potatoes roughly or break up with a fork, then set aside. You want the potatoes to be quite dry and lumpy
3. Meanwhile, place a heavy-based pan over a medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the onion along with cardamom pods, cinamon, and a pinch of salt, and cook until slightly softened, 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and continue to cook for a minute.
4. Increase the heat to high and add the mutton. Cook, stirring occasionally until the meat is well browned and the juices have evaporated, about 8-10 minutes. It’s essential to make sure the pan is not overcrowded, as otherwise the meat will begin to stew instead of frying. You want a thin, even layer of meat in the pan, and if your pan isn’t big enough, fry the meat in two batches. If you do so, you may need a little more oil than the recipe calls for.
5. Reduce the heat to a medium-low and add the chilli powder, curry powders, curry leaves and turmeric. Cook for 30 seconds, then add the tomato paste along with 150 ml water and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and mix in the potatoes, black pepper and lime, then season to taste.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Grove Estate Hilltops Shiraz 2020, £28.95
Rated as “Top Value Wine” in Australia by The Real Review, the Grove Estate Hilltops cool climate shiraz has lashings of blue fruits, sour cherry, anise, cola, brambles and all with a sappy, complexing edge. The acidity and the tannins work beautifully with the lively and plush fruit and provide cut, structure and grip.
Nial’s Christmas stuffing
Recipe by: Karan Gokhani, Hoppers
Serves: 4 as a trimming
Ingredients:
200g boiling potatoes (peeled and cut into 1cm dice)
30g unsalted butter
1 tbsp oil
250g brown onions, finely chopped
Pinch of salt
225g chestnut mushrooms
450g plain sausagemeat
225 breadcrumbs
15g parsley, chopped
15g sage leaves, chopped
1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire
1½ tsp sea salt
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp black peppercorns
3 green cardamom pods
2 cloves
Pinch of nutmeg, freshly grated
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 210C/190C fan/320F. Place the potatoes in a separate pan and cover with cold salted water (the water should taste like sea water). Bring to the boil and cook for 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, warm the butter and oil in a heavy-based pan and add the onions. Sprinkle over a pinch of salt, mix well and then cook over a medium heat for 15-20 minutes until beautifully caramelised. Then transfer them to a bowl and add the mushrooms to the pan, with a splash of extra oil if the pan seems dry. Cook until reduced to a third in size and golden in colour, about 10 minutes, then transfer to the bowl with the onions. Finally mix the cooled onions and mushrooms, sausagemeat, potatoes, breadcrumbs, parsely, sage, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and salt.
3. Place the cumin and coriander seeds, black peppercorns, cardamom and cloves in a dry drying pan skillet) over a high heat. Toast for 2 minutes until fragrant, then allow to cool slightly and transfer to a pestle and mortar. Grind to a powder along with the nutmeg and cinnamon and add to the rest of the stuffing ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly, then roll into 5cm (2in-) diameter balls and place onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and fully cooked through.
4. Serve alongside a traditional roast chicken, duck, goose or turkey.
14 carat hummus
Recipe by: Eran Tibi, Bala Baya/Kapara
Serves: 8 hungry people (with generous leftovers for fuelling your Boxing Day adventures)
Ingredients:
For the hummus:
375g chickpeas, cooked and drained
750g peeled carrots, roasted to tender perfection
250g tahini
100g olive oil
Juice of half a lemon
10g (about 1 tsp) salt
For the preserved lemon (a nifty shortcut):
50g water
5 lemons, peeled with zest julienned
25g (about 2 tbsp) Maldon salt
For the carrot jam:
100g sugar
25g (about 2 tbsp) Maldon salt
125g maple syrup
7 small carrots, finely diced
67.5g harissa paste
50g olive oil
250ml orange juice
For the garnish:
Freshly chopped coriander
Method:
For the hummus:
1. Start by roasting your peeled carrots. Toss them with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then pop them in the oven at 200C (392F) for 20 minutes until they’re beautifully tender.
2. Once those vibrant orange gems have cooled, blend them with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Blitz away until your hummus is silky smooth.
3. Season your creation with a touch more lemon and a pinch of salt if needed. This hummus should taste like a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your taste buds.
For the preserved lemon (a nifty shortcut):
1. For a zesty twist, we’ve got a clever shortcut for preserved lemon. Julienne – fancy word for thin strips – the lemon peel and juice all those juicy lemons.
2. In a pan, combine water, a sprinkle of Maldon salt, lemon juice, and zest. Bring this lively concoction to a gentle simmer and let it dance for 20 minutes.
3. Once the lemony magic is done, set it aside. It’s the secret touch that elevates your hummus.
For the carrot jam:
1. Time to craft our unforgettable carrot jam. Dice those little orange heroes into ½cm pieces.
2. In a pan, throw in sugar, a pinch of Maldon salt, maple syrup, diced carrots, harissa, olive oil, and a splash of orange juice.
3. Let the jam come to life by reducing it slowly until it reaches a jammy consistency (about 50% reduction). Drop a bit on a cold surface to check consistency – it should be thick, like a sweet and spicy embrace.
4. Once it’s reached jam-like perfection, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
To assemble:
1. Now comes the fun part! Lay out your “14 carat hummus” on a platter or individual plates making well-like whole in the middle for the rest.
2. Drizzle that fabulous preserved lemon all over, creating a burst of zesty excitement.
3. Spoon on that exquisite carrot jam. It’s like the jewel on the crown of your hummus empire.
4. Sprinkle the whole affair with freshly chopped coriander. It’s the final flourish that takes your hummus to dazzling heights.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Sabresenò Argeste Vermentino Di Gallura Superiore Docg 2021, £22.95
A project started by a small group of friends passionate about wine, Sabresenò, in the Sardinian dialect, sounds like ‘don’t be in a hurry’ and exemplifies their winemaking ethos. Argeste, which inherits its name from the Mistral wind that blows forcefully over the lands of Gallura, is the first bottle of Sabresenò. Sardinia’s only DOCG, the wine is a Vermentino di Gallura Superiore, born from the strong passion of a group of friends for oenology, cultivated with perseverance and dedication over the years, to the detriment of everyone’s finances and the cellars of relatives and friends.
Chocolate and amarena Christmas log
Recipe by: Cyril Lignac, Bar des Pres
Prep time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 7 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the chocolate rolled biscuit:
3 organic whole eggs
4 organic egg whites
2 organic egg yolks
85g + 135g caster sugar
85g flour
50g cocoa powder
Butter for the plate
For the mascarpone whipped cream:
125g mascarpone
25cl of very cold 35% full fat liquid cream
65g caster sugar
1 vanilla pod
For the decor:
3 tbsp cherry jam
2 tbsp tablespoon amarena cherry in syrup
40g dark chocolate shavings
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 210C.
2. In a salad bowl, whisk the egg whites with 85g of sugar so that they form a bird’s beak. Then in a second bowl, beat the yolks with the whole eggs and the 135g of ribbon sugar, add the flour and the cocoa powder with a spatula. Gently mix the two devices together. Pour into a buttered silicone-rimmed baking sheet or onto a silicone sheet placed on a baking sheet. Spread lightly to even out the biscuit using an angled spatula. Bake for 7 minutes.
3. At the end of cooking, gently unmold the biscuit upside down on a damp cloth, trim the edges to obtain a neat rectangle, roll in the cloth and leave to cool.
4. Split the vanilla pod in half and collect the vanilla pulp, place it in a ramekin. Use the pod to make vanilla sugar, for example. In a very cold salad bowl, pour the mascarpone, beat it lightly using a hand mixer, pour the very cold liquid cream, continue to whip and pour the sugar with the vanilla pulp, whipped cream. Set aside one half in a bowl and the other half in a plastic bag fitted with a size 10 plain nozzle. Chill for 1 hour.
5. Coat the biscuit with cherry jam, then with mascarpone whipped cream, add a few amarena cherries. Roll the biscuit without crushing it and place it in the dish.
6. On the log, place the rest of the mascarpone whipped cream using your pocket and make lines on top. Sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings and add 4 amarena cherries. Reserve the log in the fridge.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Bodegas Del Pino Pedro Ximénez Solera 1998, £19.95
The Solera 1998 is remarkable dessert wine with full and complex flavours leading to outstanding sensations for your eyes, nose and palate. Bodegas del Pino is the leading producer of PX sherry in Montilla Moriles.
Iberico wellington
Recipe by: Monika Linton, Brindisa
An alternative Christmas centrepiece dish or just a delicious dinner party recipe. Spain’s famous ibérico acorn-fed pork, with Galician chestnuts and serrano ham.
Prep time: 10 mins | Cooking time: 40 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1 Brindisa Ibérico pork tenderloin (450g)
6 slices Brindisa serrano ham
75g Brindisa Galician cooked chestnuts
100g mushrooms
½ tbsp chopped rosemary
2 tbsp sherry wine
320g ready-rolled puff pastry
1 tbsp Brindisa extra virgin olive oil
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper to season
Method:
1. To make the mushroom and chestnut duxelle: in a food processor, using the pulse function, blitz the mushrooms until they are the size of a grain of rice, then place them into a bowl. Repeat with the chestnuts then mix them with the mushrooms.
2. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan, add the mushrooms and chestnuts, along with the rosemary and the sherry wine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the wine has evaporated and the mixture has softened (10min approx). Reserve and leave the duxelle to cool.
3. Season the tenderloin and sear in a hot frying pan or on a griddle. Leave to cool.
4. When all the ingredients are at room temperature, lay the slices of ham in a sheet of cling film. Add a layer of the duxelle and then place the tenderloin on top. Wrap the tenderloin tightly with the help of the cling film. Let it rest in the fridge for at least a couple of hours.
5. Pre-heat the oven to 200C, 180C fan, gas mark 6. Unroll the pastry onto a baking sheet. Trim a 2cm strip off one long side and reserve.
6. Place the ham-wrapped tenderloin in the centre (having removed the cling film). Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg then fold the pastry to completely encase the tenderloin.
7. Use the reserved pastry to cut shapes to decorate the Wellington, then brush with the remaining egg.
8. Bake for 30 minutes.
9. Leave to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to serve.
Little tip: This recipe lends itself to advance preparation, perfect when entertaining. The whole Wellington can be made the day before, ready to bake for minimum stress!
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Casa La Rad Tinto Rioja Doca 2018, £13.95
Only 2,000 bottles of this highly rated Garnacha (Grenache) have been produced from a tiny 1.98-hectare parcel at 600 metres which was planted 49 years ago. “Mint, pine and wild thyme aromas are the prelude to a palate that’s bright, refreshing and elegant, with notes of cinnamon, redcurrant and wild strawberry.” Harvested by hand in small quantities, after fermentation it was pressed then half of the wine went to new French oak casks for malolactic fermentation and the other half stayed in the inbox tank for malolactic fermentation. After 15 months ageing in barrel they are put the two together and bottled, it is then kept in bottle for a further 12 months before the releasing.
Sobrasada roast potatoes
Recipe by: Brindisa in collaboration with Sophie Rushton-Smith
These flavour packed roast potatoes can be served with a traditional Sunday roast or are delicious paired with a big salad or as a side.
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients:
4-6 large Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and quartered
Brindisa Arbequina Olive Oil
1 sprig of Rosemary
Brindisa Mallorquín Mild Sobrasada
Method:
1. Chop the potatoes into quarters and parboil them in a large pan of salted water for 15-20 minutes.
2. Once the potatoes are softened, drain them and give them a good shake in the colander to ruffle the edges up.
3. Add the potatoes to a large frying pan on a hot heat. Add to the pan olive oil, a big sprig of rosemary and chunks of sobrasada.
4. Cook the potatoes for around 20 minutes, turning them over at regular intervals so that each side is golden and crispy.
Spanish cauliflower cheese
Recipe by: Monika Linton, Brindisa
A Spanish twist on a popular family classic.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4 as a side 2 as a main with salad and crusty bread
Ingredients:
500ml full fat milk
1 small onion
1 clove
Bay leaf
1 large or 2 small heads of cauliflower
2 tbsp Brindisa Arbequina extra virgin olive oil
60g butter
25g plain flour
100g Brindisa Mahón cheese, grated plus extra for topping
50g Brindisa Galmesan cheese, grated plus extra for topping
Nutmeg, grated
Salt and pepper
50g panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp Brindisa Mallorcan unsmoked mild paprika
2 tbsp Brindisa capers
Method:
1. Heat the milk with an onion studded with clove and the bay leaf and then leave to infuse for 15 mins.
2. Slice the cauliflower into 1 inch “steaks”. Lay out on a greaseproof paper covered baking tray. Brush with olive oil and roast at 200C, 180C fan, gas mark 6 for 20 mins, turning halfway and brushing the other side. They should have a nice touch of char.
3. Whilst they cook, melt the butter in a pan over a low to medium heat and then stir in the flour, stirring and cooking for a couple of minutes.
4. Remove the onion and bay leaf from the milk and gradually add to the butter and flour, whisking constantly until you have a smooth sauce. Then leave to simmer on the lowest heat for 5 mins until thickened, stirring from time to time.
5. Add the grated cheeses (reserving the extra for the topping), nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the cauliflower to a roasting dish and pour over the cheese sauce. Top with the remaining grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Put back in the oven for 10 minutes until the cheese has browned/or put under the grill. Finally dust with the paprika and sprinkle over the capers.
Trout rillettes
Recipe by: Skye Gyngell, Spring and Heckfield Place
Ingredients:
350g fresh trout fillet, skin removed
175g butter
Bay leaf
1 leek finely chopped
1 tbsp of Pernod
100ml white wine
150g smoked trout
4 tbsp creme fraiche
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper
½ cup clarified butter
Dill to garnish
Method:
1. Season the trout with salt and pepper. Heat two tablespoons of butter and sweat the leek for 10 mins until very soft, do not let the leek change in colour it must remain on a low heat.
2. Add trout and bay leaf, Pernod and wine. Cover with a lid or piece of parchment and cook for 2-3 mins over super low heat. The trout should be just cooked through.
3. Remove the fish and strain the liquid into a small pot.
4. Reduce liquid to two tbspn. Keep stirring to prevent the liquid from burning on the sides of the pan.
5. Flake the cooked trout with the smoked trout – then add creme fraiche, wine reduction, lemon zest and remaining butter (softened) mix together with a fork. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
6. It will keep well in the fridge for 2 days.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Paternoster Vulcanico Falanghina IGT 2021, £19.95
The name Vulcanico highlights the character of this wine made from the vineyards near the Volcano Vulture. The freshness, balminess and delicacy typical of the Falanghina grape are seamlessly blended with the brightness and generosity, a unique combination reminiscent of Southern Italy. Wet stone, a spritz of lime and crushed yellow apple form an attractive bouquet as the 2021 Falanghina Vulcanico blossoms in the glass.
Marmalade glazed ham
Recipe by: Skye Gyngell, Spring and Heckfield Place
Ingredients:
1 leg of ham
5 carrots
4 leeks
10 juniper berries
15 peppercorns
5 fresh bay leaves
Whole Cloves
5 tbsp marmalade (or any other good-quality jam or strong marmalade)
4 tbsp Dijon mustard (or grainy, if you prefer)
Method:
1. Place the ham in a bucket, cover with cold water and leave to soak for 24 hours. This is done to take the saltiness out of it. Remove the ham and then place it in a deep stockpot.
2. Roughly chop the carrots, celery and leeks and add them to the pot. Then add the juniper berries, peppercorns and bay leaves. Cover with cold water and bring to the boil. This can take up to one and a half hours. Turn down to a gentle simmer and cook for a further two hours.
For the glaze:
2 tbsp marmalade
3 tbsp soft brown sugar, such as muscovado
Finely grated zest and juice of one orange
150ml/5oz white wine
A handful of cloves
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or grainy, if you prefer) – for serving
Method:
1. To make the glaze, simply mix the marmalade, sugar, orange juice and zest and wine together until you have a loose paste.
2. Remove the skin from the cooked ham, leaving as much fat on as possible, score it evenly all over, and stud each diamond shape with a clove. Using a pastry brush, brush half the glaze evenly over the outside of the ham. Place in a baking tray on the middle shelf of the oven. Roast for 10 minutes then brush the rest of the glaze on top. Cook for 20 minutes or until sticky, golden brown and slightly set.
3. Serve with grainy mustard or chutney. Skye likes to serve this with dauphinoise potatoes and pickled red cabbage.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Cagliero Rabel Langhe Bianco DOC 2022, £20.75
A delicious white wine that’s full of personality, Rabel Langhe Bianco is a blend of Arneis, Favorita & Sauvignon Blanc, and comes from the Cagliero family’s vineyards in the north of the Langhe region. These vineyards are planted on steep slopes at a high elevation, contributing to the lively and fresh appeal of this unoaked white wine.
Chicken-liver pâté
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
500g/1lb chicken livers
200ml/7fl oz milk
200g/7oz unsalted butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
A small bunch of thyme, leaves only
2 fresh bay leaves
100ml/3 fl oz Cognac
A generous grinding of black pepper
Top tip: It is important to use the freshest chicken livers. Look for those pale in colour, as their flavour is mellower and sweeter.
Method:
1. Soak the chicken livers in milk for two hours, then discard the milk.
2. Add four tablespoons of butter to a pan and place over a medium heat. Once the butter has melted and just begun to foam, add the onion and cook until soft and transparent – about 5 minutes. Now add the garlic, thyme and bay, and cook for a further 5 minutes. Add the chicken livers and cook for 2-3 minutes: the livers should be brown on the inside and still pink in the middle. Add the Cognac, turn up the heat a little and cook until just slightly reduced. Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaves. Allow to cool slightly then place in a food processor. Add the rest of the butter in small pieces, purée until smooth.
3. Line an eight-inch terrine mould with butter and spoon in the pâté. Allow to cool completely before covering with a thin layer of butter and placing in the fridge to chill and firm – a minimum of 6 hours. We like to drop a whole bay leaf on top of the butter as it cools, so it looks beautiful when you serve it at the table. Eat alongside toast, and a few cornichons if you like.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Domaine de la Chaponne Chiroubles la Forge 2020, £18.95
Chiroubles is the cru with the highest altitudes in Beaujolais producing a lighter wine, famed for their refined, suave, silky, and elegant style. ‘La Forge’ is from a small 1 h/a vineyard on the steep granite hillsides, with delightful aromas of fresh blackberries and blueberries with delicate silky tannins.
Christmas pudding
Recipe by: Skye Gyngell, Spring and Heckfield Place
I unashamedly adore Christmas pudding and I’m perplexed by those who say they don’t. What could possibly be more tempting than a steaming pudding – irresistibly fragrant with a mix of spices, molasses, sugar, candied peel, dried fruit and brandy- arriving at the table? These puddings will happily keep for a year in the fridge, their flavour becoming even more delicious.
Makes: 2 puddings, each serves 6
Ingredients:
360g suet grated
170g plain flour
180g fresh white breadcrumbs
150g candied peel
350g seedless raisins
350g currants
200g sultanas
170g dark muscovado sugar
Grated zest of a lemon
Grated zest of an orange
½ nutmeg grated
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Juice of ½ a lemon
4 organic free-range large eggs, lightly beaten
100ml Armagnac
550ml whole milk
Butter, to grease
To serve:
Small ladleful of brandy
Method:
1. Stir all the pudding ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined; the mixture should feel quite wet. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and leave to stand in a cool place overnight.
2. The following day pack the mixture firmly into two lightly greased 1 litre pudding basins. Cover the surface with a disc of baking parchment, then cover each basin with a double layer of parchment to secure under the rim with string. Place a trivet to each of two large saucepans (or cook the pudding one at a time). Stand the basin(s) on the trivet(s). Pour in enough boiling water to come two-thirds of the way up the side of the basin and put the lid on.
3. Bring to the boil over a high heat, then lower the heat slightly and cook for 6 hours, topping up the pan with boiling water as necessary. Lift out the pudding basin and leave the pudding to cool to room temperature. Re-cover with clean baking parchment and a layer of foil and place in the fridge or store in a cool, dry cupboard until needed.
4. On Christmas morning, boil the pudding (as above) for 1½-2 hours.
5. Warm the brandy just before serving. Turn out the pudding into a warm plate, pour on the warm brandy and set alight. Bring the flaming pudding to the table. Serve brandy butter alongside, and perhaps a jug of thick pouring cream for those who prefer it.
6. Make your own brandy butter using just three ingredients: unsalted butter, icing sugar and Armagnac. The proportions don’t really matter- it’s the quality of the ingredients that counts. Allow 175g of unsalted butter for 6 generous servings. Beat the butter until soft and creamy, then beat in about 150g icing sugar and 2-3 tbsp Armagnac to taste.
7. To seal the Christmas pudding ready for steaming, cover with a generous double layer of baking parchment, placing it in the centre as shown (this allows room for the pudding to expand during steaming). Tie securely in place with kitchen string, positioning it tightly around the basin just below the rim. Leave a length of string to act as a handle for lifting the basin out of the pan.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Domaine Edmond Rentz Riesling Vendanges Tardives 2018, £35.95
‘Vendage Tardive’ or late harvest is a particular wine classification in Alsace where the grapes are left on the vine for as long as possible to dehydrate and concentrate the sugars and aromatics. For this wonderfully opulent riesling, the grapes are harvested manually at the end of October before being pressed in a pneumatic press in order to extract the juice and aromas. Naturally present yeast on the grapes will start the alcoholic fermentation process that will change the grape juice into wine and after two to three months after the fermentation process, the wine is racked in order to start maturing. Before bottling, each vat is filtered in order to guarantee the organic stability and conservation of the wine and then it is kept in cellars for two years during which it undergoes multiple tests and blind tastings to ensure it meets the quality and standards expected to earn the right to be labelled as ‘Vendanges Tardives’. Complex aromas of dried fruits, candied citrus fruits and minerality. On the palate, it is well-balanced, has good length and hints of candied grapefruit and minerality. This can be drunk now, but will only increase in complexity over the years to come.
Meringue with chestnuts and cream
Ingredients:
6 organic free range egg whites
360g caster sugar
¾ tsp vanilla extract
Small jar of sweetened chestnut puree
4-6 tbsp double cream
70 per cent chocolate, for grating
Icing sugar, for dusting
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 150C and line a baking tray. Place egg whites into an electric mixer, add a pinch of salt and whisk slowly. As the whites break down, increase the speed, adding the sugar gradually and the vanilla extract and whisking until stiff peaks form. Shape into 20 meringues on parchment paper, leaving room for them to expand in the oven. Place on the middle shelf, lower temperature to 120C and cook for 30 minutes, then leave to cool. To serve, spoon chestnut puree and a dash of cream on to each meringue. Finish with grated chocolate and icing sugar.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Ziraldo Riseling Icewine 2012, £29.95
The unique climate of the Niagara Peninsula allows for this harmonious combination of luscious fruit, refreshing acidity and complexity, with the end result being a truly hedonistic wine.
Cured salmon with sweet mustard sauce
Recipe by: Niklas Ekstedt and Therese Andersson, Ekstedt at The Yard
This is a dish we have all year round, however, for Christmas we infuse it with some more festive flavours such as juniper, star anise and orange. The salmon would usually be served with fresh new potatoes and sweet mustard sauce.
Ingredients:
500g salmon
For the cure mix:
50g salt
50g sugar
10g blitz juniper berries
10g blitz star anis
Sweet mustard sauce
1 tbsp mustard (half Dijon, half spice brown)
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
¾ cup neutral oil
¼ cup fresh chopped dill
Salt, pepper to taste
Method:
For the cured salmon (takes 2-4 days):
1. Mix the salt, sugar, juniper berries, star anise.
2. Cover the pieces of salmon with the cure mix in a bag or on a deep tray, and leave covered in the fridge for 48 hours.
3. You will know when the salmon is ready when the end of the salmon is slightly hard to the touch and the salmon’s colour is slightly darker.
4. Serve in thin slices.
For the mustard sauce:
5. Whisk mustard, vinegar and sugar, then add oil a tablespoon at a time to emulsify (thicken).
6. Finish with dill.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Roebuck Estate Classic Cuvée 2017, £44
Quintessentially English, only the very best fruit grown at Roebuck’s Sussex vineyards is carefully selected for the Classic Cuvée. Crafted from a harmonious blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, this wine displays wonderful notes of baked apples and stone fruits layered with a biscuity richness. The 2017 growing season started well in the spring with an early budburst, followed by dry, sunny weather in May and June, and a very early flowering – one of the earliest on record. The vines basked in a long, relatively warm ripening period throughout the summer and autumn months.
Pickled herring
Recipe by: Niklas Ekstedt and Therese Andersson, Ekstedt at The Yard
Pickled herring can be be served with many different flavours, it is a type of preserved fish popular in Scandinavian. The herring is first salted, and then they are pickled in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar and spices. We eat this with new potato and vasterbotten cheese served on crispy bread. This is something I always have in my fridge and eat year round, my favourite way to eat it is mustard herring.
Ingredients:
420g plain herring
For the pickled liquor:
50ml white wine vinegar
25g caster sugar
5 white peppercorns
1 red onion, finely chopped
3 cloves
2 bay leaves
1 tsp yellow mustard seed
1 carrot, finely chopped
Small bunch of dill
Method:
1. Bring the vinegar, sugar and 150ml water to a simmer in a small pan. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from the heat.
2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, and pour over the brine and leave to cool completely.
3. Drain the herring and rinse in cold water, then add to the brine and leave in the fridge for at least one day before serving.
To make mustard herring:
1. Mix together 1tbsp wholegrain mustard, 1tsp, Dijon mustard, 2 tsp sugar, 2 tsp white wine vinegar 50ml oil until you have a thick sauce. Add 1 tsp chopped dill.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Michel Genet ‘MG BB Spirit’ Grand Cru Champagne NV, £46.95
From the Grand Cru vineyards of Chouilly comes this stunning Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) Grand Cru Champagne. Complex toasty and citrus notes are well balanced in this fantastic value premium Champagne. Gold yellow colour with aromas of pastries and freshly baked bread. On the palate, citrus dominated flavours of lemon, tangerine & grapefruit with a complex finish of cocoa and linseed oil. Under £40 this is without a doubt, one the best Grand Cru champagnes you will ever taste!
Swedish Christmas ham (julskinka)
Recipe by: Niklas Ekstedt and Therese Andersson, Ekstedt at The Yard
This is one of the dishes that you will find at all the Swedish Christmas tables. Swedish Christmas ham is made special by its mustard crumb topping, which is delicious and adds texture, crunch and a lovely tang from the mustard. This is best served straight out of the oven, when it is still a little bit warm. I like to eat a thin slice on top of a piece of crispy bread with a little bit of mustard on.
Ingredients:
1 egg
3 tbsp wholegrain mustard
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp salt
60g bread crumble
Method:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, mustard, sugar, salt and half of the breadcrumb.
2. Once combined, spread the paste all over the top of the ham. Once you have an even layer on top, add the rest of the breadcrumbs evenly across the topping. Pop the ham in the oven on 185 degrees for 15-20 min.
3. Serve the whole Christmas ham on the table, and sliced as needed. Serve with a good sweet coarse mustard.
Mumma
Recipe by: Niklas Ekstedt and Therese Andersson, Ekstedt at The Yard
Mumma is a Swedish beer cocktail that is traditionally served during the Christmas.
Ingredients:
500ml lager
500ml stout
250ml lemonade
75ml madeira
A splash of gin
A splash of cardamom powder
Method:
1. Pour everything gently into a large jug. Stir to combine. Serve in large wine or7 brandy glasses.
Wine recommendations from Perfect Cellar
Domaine Feuillat-juillot Montagny 1er Cru ‘les Coères’ 2022, £39.95
This lovely 1er Cru Montagny from Domaine Feuillat-Juillot is simply incredible. Arguably one the best value for money premium burgundies, Montagny is often forgotten, yet as good as many white Burgundy wines. The terroir of Les Coères is composed of old vines with an average 60 years of age. Gleaming pale gold in colour, with good aromatic intensity on the nose offering rich aromas of white fruits and vanilla intermingled with marshmallow and patisseries. Impressive volume on the first palate. A must try!
Mulled wine
Recipe by: Niklas Ekstedt and Therese Andersson, Ekstedt at The Yard
We usually start the dinner with mulled wine, served a little bit warm with almonds and raisins.
Ingredients:
2 large orange
1 litre red wine
1¼ cups brandy
½ cups dark brown sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
3 cardamom pod
Method:
1. Using a peeler, remove the peel in strips from 1 orange, then juice the orange. Slice the other orange into rounds and reserve for garnish.
2. In a nonreactive saucepan, combine the orange peel, juice and the rest of the ingredients. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves for about 2 minutes. Increase the heat to high, bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently until the flavours meld for about 30 minutes. Strain the mixture, discarding the solids.
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