If you are truly honest, tucking into traditional hot Christmas fare in December is absolutely daft.
Seriously, roast turkey, bread sauce, baked ham, hot puddings, mince pies served with lashings of brandy butter along with everything else, is definitely not suited to mid-summer.
Nor is it fair for that matter that ‘someone’ (usually mum, grandma or perhaps an obliging aunt) has to slave over the stove overseeing the preparation of the customary hot feast while everyone else spends time staying cool, jumping in and out of the swimming pool.
For many, the custom of enjoying the traditional hot feast at Christmas will never change.
When it comes to Christmas – the occasion of summer solstice in the southern hemisphere, bringing with it long lazy days, many families are moving away from traditional hot fare and opting to serve ‘cool’ cuisine.
In the fruit and veg department, our ‘half’ of the hemisphere is a Garden of Eden in mid-summer.
No matter how tempting it may be when you see what’s available on the shelves of your favourite supermarket, always try to buy home-grown, seasonal local produce. Imported produce comes with a price tag, so give your full support to the ‘local is lekker’ campaign.
‘Cool’ cuisine
A selection of interesting homemade dips, nibbles and pates (all made in advance) and served with different breads or crackers, plus a colourful antipasto platter will whet appetites and guaranteed to get the party started.
Especially if paired with something long and refreshing like sangria, champagne cocktail or a delicious non-alcoholic punch.
Whether it is lunch or dinner, make it long and leisurely, giving friends and family time to enjoy the carefully planned feast you have prepared.
Next course could be soup. If you are opting for the ‘cool’ cuisine made in advance menu, along with the tried and tested, much-loved favourites like vichyssoise and gazpacho there are so many easy, relatively inexpensive recipes to choose from, some even using fruits like watermelon. Just head to your cook books or easier still, consult Mr Google for some great ideas.
If you are hosting a big gathering to celebrate this most joyous day on the Christian calendar, turkey may be a good choice. Depending on the number of family and friends gathering, roasted chicken which many think tastier than turkey, will do the trick. The ‘must have’ though should be glazed baked gammon. All cooked in advance making carving far easier when served cold.
Remember, everything is about presentation.
We eat with our eyes, so creative and thoughtful plating will enhance the taste of the food you are serving.
Homemade potato salad, also made in advance means that all that remains ‘on the day’ is to assemble bowls or platters of salads showcasing the best available locally produced produce.
No one would say no to a special feast of sizzling meat, grilled fish or prawns cooked, out of doors, leaving enough space on the grill to sear a selection of seasonal fruit like mango, peaches or maybe nectarines to add something extra to get the ‘wow’ look when you plate up and maybe ideal to consider sharing with family and friends on New Year’s Day.
There are loads of interesting, easy to make, economical festive desserts – summer puddings, pavlovas, trifles as well as cheesecakes or perhaps a mouth-watering chocolate topped ice-cream pudding.
If in doubt, once again consult Mr Google for some alternative ideas.
Of course, one of the simplest and most delicious way to finish your ‘cool’ feast is by serving a selection of ‘proudly South African’ cheeses accompanied by fresh fruit – watermelon, cherries, grapes, lychees and everyone’s favourite, mango.
Summer gardens are a joy
Look around your own garden and make use of what available and celebrate the festive season just as nature intended. Arums are at their best and of course so are agapanthus (whites and blues). Both are suitable as cut flowers, so fill vases, create low, eye catching table decorations and make your home a true celebration of summer.
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