From the Editor, Leigh O’Connor.
Need we tell you there are only nine days to go? For some of us, the work year has already ended and party mode has begun in the countdown to 2025.
There’s still much to be done before Christmas from baking delicious goodies to deciding what tops the pavlova this year and what to do with all that leftover food that begs to be used in creative dishes that are easy to whip together.
Hosting a holiday feast for guests with diverse dietary needs can feel like making a list, checking it twice and realising that catering to that many requests is not so nice! However, with advice from Melissa Jaeger, RD and Head of Nutrition at MyFitnessPal, you can deck the dining table with inclusive dishes that will keep everyone merry and bright. Marie-Antoinette Issa dishes up the guide to having yourself a merry vegetarian, keto, GF, vegan Christmas plus recipes.
Trying to execute a Massimo Bottura menu on a Woolies Metro budget? Whether you're having a large family dinner or a laid-back beachside barbeque, our simple Christmas supermarket hacks can elevate your trolley basics and transform your traditional holiday feast into something special that puts the X-Factor into Xmas lunch! We tell you how to whip up an easy glaze for the ham, pimp your potato salad and vibe your roast veggies with easy tricks to take Christmas celebrations to a whole new level.
Cross-cultural rivalries aside, pavlova is an Antipodean culinary classic - typically topped with a combination of whipped cream and in-season tropical fruit such as mangoes, kiwi and berries. If you're looking to mix things up this holiday season, why not experiment with five unique and unexpected additions that still let the meringue base shine?
From Middle Eastern-inspired pomegranate seeds and rosewater cream to a frozen green creation with a vibrant brunoise of cucumber, green apple and pear compote – we’re sure these perfect pavs will send your party into overdrive.
Traditional Christmas dishes are delicious - but who says they can’t pull double duty as dazzling decorations too? Marie-Antoinette has six Christmas table decor tips that will help you serve up a feast that’s both food and a festive display - guaranteed to keep everyone feeling merry and bright!
When it comes to traditional table decor, citrus is the perfect fruit for a natural, festive look which can bring vibrant colour and a refreshing scent to the centre of your table. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a conversation-starting Christmas table decor suggestion with a more tropical local touch, a pineapple can easily be transformed into a Christmas tree.
A cheese platter is always a crowd-pleaser, why not take it up a notch by transforming it into a creative and festive shape? With a little imagination, you can turn a regular cheese board into a stunning Christmas tree.
After Christmas has come and gone, there’s no doubt still a mountain of leftovers in your fridge. Struggling for leftover recipes to make the most of the endless supply of ham, turkey, lamb and pork? Let us help turn your leftovers into leftover no more, with 5 recipes – the only limit is your imagination as we reinvent festive favourites into breakfast bakes, pizza and even ice cream to tempt even the most discerning family member.
Finally, don’t miss Part Two of our Christmas memories from the kitchens of Australia’s leading Chefs such as Brian Cole, Paul Farag, Jason Saxby, Gilava Pour and Yichen (Cathy) Yang.
Hold on for deer life…let’s sleigh this Christmas!
