Christmas day is always very busy, particularly if you’re hosting the dinner at your house. From serving the traditional turkey to adding a bit of a modern twist, it can be a stressful few hours before you finally dish up and sit down.
To help make life a little easier for mums, Tesco have compiled a number of easy-to-follow recipes, including honey roasted vegetables, nut roast loaf and even chocolate biscuit pudding, to ensure family and friends will be talking about your dinner for years to come – in a good way, of course!
To give you more time to enjoy the day, why not prepare a number of your ingredients and dishes the night before so that all you’ll have to do is reheat.
1. Stuffing
Stuffing freezes well so cook it a few days before Christmas and then simply defrost and reheat in the oven on the 25th.
2. Potatoes
Potatoes can take a long time to cook so why not start the night before. Boil them in a pot of water on Christmas Eve and allow them to cool before storing them in the fridge. The next day, line them up with your turkey in the oven for the perfect roasties!
3. Gravy
It wouldn’t be Christmas dinner without a good dollop of gravy, would it?! While it doesn’t take long to make, it is always a good idea to prepare as much the night before. Homemade gravy freezes well and all you’ll have to do is defrost and reheat it. You can also make this cranberry sauce in advance and store it in the fridge:
4. Broccoli
Broccoli can be chopped ahead of cooking and then used on the day – it will save you a lot of time. To keep them fresh, simply wrap them in a damp paper towel and pop into a plastic bag to stop them drying out. However, if you are going to use them within 12 hours, all you have to do is cover them with a damp paper towel and leave them in the fridge.
5. Turkey
Turkey is prone to drying out if reheating so after roasting, carve it and store the slices in a chicken broth. Then reheat the slices, still in the broth, in the oven for about 15 minutes on Christmas day.
6. Red cabbage
Red cabbage can actually taste better if cooked in advance and can keep in the fridge for a few days. Simply reheat on Christmas day for a tasty side dish.
7. Brussels sprouts
On Christmas Eve, boil your sprouts until they are al dente and then drop them in cold water to stop them cooking. All you’ll have to do the next day is reheat them in a pan or make this delicious gratin:
