Want the fridge or freezer working at their best?
Defrost the freezer and clean out the fridge by December 20 or 21, removing unnecessary items before the additional Christmas groceries arrive. Make two or three batches of fresh ice, if you have the freezer space to store them.
Run out of fridge space?
The car sitting outside in the pouring rain or snow makes for the perfect extra cool room. Store root vegetables, hard cheeses and citrus fruits in there. This frees up space for the important items to remain in the fridge, such as meats or the bird, Champagne, soft fruits, fish, smoked salmon, cream, crème fraiche and yoghurt.
Is your goose or turkey too big for the oven?
Or are you short of time to cook it on the day? Separate the legs from the body and cut out the backbone to create a crown of breast meat on the bone. Cook the joints laid flat in a roasting tray. The legs will need longer than the breast.
Last-minute vegan request?
Even in winter, there are vegetables and salads to please any dietary request. Make sure you have one or two grains in the store cupboard – such as quinoa, red rice, black barley or spelt. Vegetables roasted with olive oil, herbs and garlic, sliced then tossed into a cooked grain, along with a squeeze of lemon, a scattering of fresh herbs and a bitter-leaf salad on the side, provides the necessary protein.
Forgotten the pudding or not cooked it in time?
Fear not. Who needs vast amounts of sweet things after such a huge meal anyway? Simply serve a lovely selection of clementines, slices of blood orange, dates and a selection of nuts – all perfect for refreshing the palate, too.
