Last week my son, Henry, said to me that the saddest part of the year for him is around 8 pm on Christmas Day. I remember that feeling so well—the moment when all the anticipation, excitement, and merriment seem to settle into the past. You realise that it wasn’t just about the toys and gifts you’d been eagerly waiting for; it was everything else along the way that truly created the magic.
It’s the Christmas songs on the radio, the first mince pie and mulled wine of the season, the carol concerts, and the joy of decorating the tree. That’s a lesson we can carry with us throughout the year—the joy is in the journey, not the destination.
With the big day fast approaching, I thought I’d share a few tips to help make the most of this very special time and ensure you enjoy every moment of the Christmas journey!
1. Finalise Your Menu
There’s still time to get everything sorted! Our order book closes this Sunday (15th December). This gives our farmers, growers, and makers the time they need to prepare and deliver their finest produce to us. It also allows us to pick, pack, and have your orders ready for collection before the big day.
Whether it’s a free-range bronze turkey, a goose, or some of our Hereford beef, you can be sure you’ll have the best ingredients for a truly special meal.
2. Plan the Jobs
A little planning can go a long way. Write out a rough schedule for the day—it doesn’t need to be perfect, but it’ll help keep everything on track. Don’t forget to delegate! If you’ve got kids around, get them involved in prepping the veg.
For me, a schedule ensures I can fit in the important traditions like a quick family walk via the Seven Stars in Winsley for a festive pint with friends before all the eating and sleeping.
3. Treat Your Meat Right
Whether you’re roasting one of our turkeys, a free-range goose, or a Hereford beef joint, take it out of the fridge at least an hour before cooking. This helps it come to room temperature, ensuring it cooks evenly and avoids creating a drastic drop in oven temperature (which can throw off your entire schedule!). Once it has cooked, leave it to rest for a similar amount of time to allow all the juices to permeate back through the meat.
And while the fridge might be bursting at the seams, please make sure your meat stays chilled right up until Christmas Day. Remember—the garden shed isn’t cold enough to keep it fresh!
4. Love Your Leftovers
Make the most of everything! Roast goose provides enough fat for perfect roasties well into the new year. The carcass can be used to make a hearty but light soup—perfect for those moments when you’re feeling a bit overindulged. And who can resist bubble and squeak with leftover veggies, topped with a fried egg for breakfast?
My Top Tips for a Perfect Roast Dinner
Finally, here are a few tricks I swear by to guarantee a flawless roast, whether it’s for Christmas or any Sunday of the year:
Wishing you a wonderful festive season filled with joy, great food, and plenty of magical moments along the way. Have a great weekend!