Gordon Ramsay on planning your Christmas dinner

Gordon says:
I love the magic of Christmas. We usually have a large gathering and I get everyone to join in with the cooking. The traditional turkey is always popular, but I prefer the other courses to be less predictable.

Well in advance?

• Order your turkey
• Make the cranberry sauce

The day before...

• Prepare the devils on horseback, ready for cooking. Keep refrigerated

4 or 5 hours in advance...

• Bring the turkey to room temp

3 hours ahead...

• Put the turkey in the oven remembering to baste it occasionally
• Prepare all the vegetables. Blanch the sprouts, carrots and parsnips and keep immersed separately in chilled water. Toss the peeled potatoes in oil, ready to roast.
• Make the stock for the gravy

An hour ahead...

• Prepare the ingredients for your starter ready for cooking

About 15mins ahead...

• Cook the devils on horseback
• Put the potatoes in the oven
• Assemble the starter

Just before serving...

• Rest the turkey while eating the starter
• Finish cooking the carrots, parsnips, and sprouts. Finish the gravy.
• Carve the turkey and serve with the accompaniments

Gordon Ramsay, celebrity chef
Adapted from Gordon Ramsay's Sunday Lunch published by Quadrille, £19.99.


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