Read on: Sue McMahon's Christmas dinner Q&A
6. Lazy or labour of love - should you make your own gravy?
It's so easy to make gravy, and the flavour is generally so much better than bought that I definitely prefer making my own - but make sure it's piping hot when serving it. Even if the rest of the meal has started to cool a bit as it's being served, if the gravy is really hot then it will warm up the rest of the meal.
7. Everyone loves a roastie. What's the best way to cook them?
In goose fat! It's now easy to buy goose fat in supermarkets, either in jars or canned. Parboil the potatoes for about 5-10 minutes, then drain them well and then tip them into a roasting tin with hot goose fat. Turn them in the goose fat to coat them and then roast them. Sprinkle over a little coarse salt just before serving.
8. We get the mains and desserts, but what's a good Christmas starter?/strong>
Smoked trout pate
9. Veggie guests - what's a good festive dish?
Mushroom risotto - with a selection of wild mushrooms and some Madeira (fortified wine) added to it.
10. Are sprouts the devil's work? What veg will you be eating?
I love sprouts! Either just plain boiled with a knob of butter and a little nutmeg grated over the top, or boiled and then lightly sautéed with some bacon and chestnuts (vacuum packed chestnuts such as the Merchant Gourmet ones which are available from most supermarkets)
11. Half-an-hour to make nibbles for a party. Go!
1) Toast some slices of ciabatta, spread over tapanade and top with some goats' cheese and grill until cheese is golden.
2) Whizz up a tin of chickpeas with some olive oil, garlic and coriander and serve as a dip with some warm pitta bread or with some carrot and celery sticks.
3) Use ready-rolled pastry either shortcrust or puff, sprinkle over some grated cheese and paprika over half of it. Fold in half and roll it out slightly, then cut into fingers, like cheese straws, or use a pizza wheel to cut it into squares. Brush with egg glaze if time, or just milk and bake until golden.
4) Mix together some honey and soy sauce. Use cocktail sausages or cut chipolata sausages into smaller lengths and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, then pour over the honey mixture and stir them to coat them well, sprinkle over some sesame seeds and then return them to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.
12. Mince pies - buy them or make your own?
I'd have to say I'd make my own. But for something a little different try my
mincemeat croissants (main picture)
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