THE CHRISTMAS FOOD CHECKLIST
From foodie treats to fill up the cupboards to the best wines to drink with Christmas dinner, discover deputy food editor Olivia Ferguson’s top picks to make the season extra delicious
TWO WEEKS TO GO: FILL YOUR SHELVES WITH FOODIE TREATS
I want to make this festive season the tastiest yet, so I’m filling my cupboards with gourmet goodies from our Collection range to keep me and my guests going until Boxing Day and beyond. First on my list is our organic Zambian honey with walnuts – rich and complex, it tastes amazing on toast or in porridge, or used in baking. I’m also stocking up on our festive clementine and gin marmalade, which is ideal for a Christmas breakfast. For something extra indulgent, try our Italian chocolate hazelnut crème, created by an artisan chocolatier in northern Italy – spread it on a warm croissant or fold it through whipped cream to make an instant chocolate mousse.
For major flavour with minimal fuss, I’ll be picking up our rosemary and lemon flavoured olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar of Modena – they’re great for giving meats and salads a boost, or serving with warm, crusty bread for dipping. Finally, don’t forget our pears in white port. You could try adding them to your cheeseboard for the perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours, using them in a homemade tart or trifle, or simply serving them with a dollop of extra-thick cream. You’ll find the Collection range in store now.
ONE WEEK TO GO: PICK YOUR PERFECT CHRISTMAS WINE
Choosing a great bottle of wine can sometimes be daunting. Luckily, Fred Sirieix has picked a few of his festive favourites from our Classics range. If you’re looking for a tipple to serve alongside canapés, choose our Classics crémant de bourgogne, with its notes of peach blossom, apricot and redcurrant (honestly, it could rival any champagne). Need a wine to go with your traditional turkey dinner? Try our Classics New Zealand pinot noir, a fruity, fragrant and intense red. The dark cherry, plum and spice flavours of our Classics valpolicella ripasso are the perfect match for beef dishes, while the fresh citrus notes of our Classics albariño taste amazing with seafood.
Discover our Classics wine range in store now. You could even order a six-bottle case of your favourite, or a mixed case, online.
ONE DAY TO GO: COSY UP WITH AN EPIC HOT CHOCOLATE
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that getting ahead with shopping and dinner prep this year means more time for a hot chocolate in front of my favourite festive film on Christmas Eve. This year, I’m spoilt for choice, and I can’t decide whether to go for our Collection salted caramel hot chocolate or clementine hot chocolate – maybe I’ll have both!
I’ll serve the salted caramel version with a dash of salted caramel brownie flavour cream liqueur (it is Christmas, after all), and top it with marshmallows and some golden blond chocolate shavings. As for the clementine hot chocolate, I’ll top it with whipped cream and orange zest. Take hot chocolate to a whole new level by enjoying it alongside our blond chocolate florentines, or some homemade cake pops decorated with festive sprinkles.
Words: Olivia Ferguson
