Cooking for a British Christmas

A traditional British Christmas will have its climax on Christmas Day with a roast dinner and the exchange and opening of presents; this is a day exclusively for the family. Celebrations have not finished, Boxing Day calls for more informal entertainment, but it is still festive.

Boxing Day is a British holiday, also introduced in other countries of the Commonwealth, celebrated typically the day after Christmas. There are different theories as to its origins, the most popular says Boxing Day is the day the servants would have free to open their presents – in boxes - and receive gifts – in boxes - from their employers, after having to work for them – double shift probably - on Christmas Day. There are not many servants today and Boxing Day has become an extension of Christmas celebrations to friends and acquaintances, calling for a more informal entertainment, but still festive.

Entertaining

Roast turkey with all the trimmings is at the center of a British Christmas. Traditional trimmings are stuffing, any of your choice, bacon rolls, roast potatoes, turkey gravy -for sure- and bread sauce –possibly. Seasonal vegetables are served on the side. Christmas pudding and mince pies always make an appearance on the Christmas table. Such a magnificent dinner should have a light starter: consommé or a light creamy soup. Receive your guests with a glass of warm mulled wine.