With Christmas approaching fast, we’ve searched through some of our favourite foodies to find inspiration for the ultimate festive feast. Whether you’re holding a party for friends over the weekend or hosting the main event on Christmas Day, these recipes are guaranteed to go down a treat with your guests. From Lobster & Swan’s Christmas cocktail that pairs gin, rosemary and beetroot to Twigg Studio’s irresistible pork and apple cheeseboard and Our Food Stories’ take on the classic pavlova, each recipe pulls together classic festive flavours with a refreshing, modern twist. With the kitchen the heart of the home, there’s no better time to gather round loved ones and try out new recipes that are destined to become future favourites. Read on to discover the recipes inspiring us this Christmas…
Gin & Beet Fizz from Lobster & Swan
Serves 4
1 Cup of Fresh Beet Juice – available in a carton if you don’t have a juicer.
1/2 Cup of Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
8 Tbsp. Rosemary Simple Syrup*
6 Oz. Gin
Ginger beer to finish – I used Fever Tree – for a less sweet version use soda water
For the full method, head on over to Lobster & Swan
Pork with Apples and a Cheeseboard from Twigg Studios
Pork with Apples & Cider:
2kg British free-range pork shoulder, try and get one that is boned and tied, skin scored for crackling
300ml chicken stock
200ml cider
1 tbsp demerara sugar
Whole garlic bulb, halved across the middle
Small bunch fresh sage leaves
8 eating apples I used some pink ones for this
Cheeseboard
Cheeses
Crackers
Pickles and chutneys
Grapes, figs, pears
Bread
Pate
Olives
Pickled onions
Nuts
Cured meats
Pork pies
Discover the full cooking method at Twigg Studios
Christmas Pavlova with Sugared Cranberries and Orange & Citron Slices from Our Food Stories
Pavlova
3 cold egg whites
150g sugar
½ vanilla bean
½ tsp ceylon cinnamon
Dash of salt
Hazelnut Crème
200g heavy cream
½ tsp gingerbread seasoning (or other Christmas spices)
50g ground almonds
Cranberries
125-200g cranberries
250g sugar
250g water
Candied Orange & Lemon Slices
1-2 oranges and 1 lemon
1-2 star anise
Use remaining sugar syrup from cranberries