Cooking for a British Christmas
A traditional British Christmas will have its climax on Christmas Day with a roast dinner and the exchange and opening of presents; this is a day exclusively for the family. Celebrations have not finished, Boxing Day calls for more informal entertainment, but it is still festive.
Boxing Day is a British holiday, also introduced in other countries of the Commonwealth, celebrated typically the day after Christmas. There are different theories as to its origins, the most popular says Boxing Day is the day the servants would have free to open their presents –in boxes- and receive gifts –in boxes- from their employers, after having to work for them –double shift probably- on Christmas Day. There are not many servants today and Boxing Day has become an extension of Christmas celebrations to friends and acquaintances, calling for a more informal entertainment, but still festive.
We changed the menu planned initially, including Christmas cake and chocolate Yule log, because we had several requests for a traditional Christmas pudding recipe.
Entertaining
Turkey With All The Trimmings
Roast turkey with all the trimmings is at the center of a British Christmas. Traditional trimmings are stuffing, any of your choice, bacon rolls, roast potatoes, turkey gravy -for sure- and bread sauce –possibly. Seasonal vegetables are served on the side. Christmas pudding and mince pies always make an appearance on the Christmas table. Such a magnificent dinner should have a light starter: consommé or a light creamy soup. Receive your guests with a glass of warm mulled wine.
Food & Cooking tips
Recycling Turkey Leftovers
These turkey tips explain how to choose, prepare and cook a turkey. We repeat that talk about turkey leftovers. A Christmas roast turkey dinner creates the same problems a Thanksgiving traditional roast turkey does. Because we still don’t like to waste anything and we don’t want to eat more of the same either, let's remember about “recycling” turkey leftovers into other delicious dishes.
Seasonal Eating
Kids Christmas Cookies
Christmas is celebrated in innumerable households. Time for exchanging presents and, of course, kids enjoy it enormously. Let them participate in the Christmas baking with these recipes for kids Christmas cookies.
World Food & wine
Shrimp Garlic
Just one Spanish recipe to add to your repertoire: shrimp cooked in hot garlicky olive oil, one of the favorite tapas recipe for the Spaniards.
Your Questions and Suggestions
How do you store lemongrass?
From: Shaun
Follow the general guidelines for dried herbs and spices, we summarize how to store lemongrass for you.
Coming Next
Coming in January 2007
We will follow our statement: gourmet meals using natural herbs, spices, condiments and flavorings. We will concentrate in ginger and chervil, finding the best recipes on where to use them.
New year is the time for resolutions, "slim down," "healthier diet" and "exercise more" are top on 90% of resolution lists. We will try to help by bringing six low fat recipes, balanced in nutrients.
For the eyes of the subscriber only
A sneak preview to 3 of the 14 breakfast menus in "Around the world in 14 breakfasts" the topic Fabulous World Food and Wine newsletter will debut with.
Our World Food and Wine section will split into a newsletter on its own, Fabulous World Food and Wine will open on mid January. It will start with a tour around the world in 18 breakfasts, publishing three world breakfast recipes with each issue. | 
