I’ve still not got used to Christmas in Australia. Even after 13 years. And tonight, it being Halloween, it is just a little, well fascinating seeing kids wondering the streets. In broad day light and summer on it’s way. It makes you think Christmas is just around the corner and then what to eat this Christmas. And let’s face it, having been in lockdown in Melbourne, for what feels like forever. One’s mind does drift towards an extravaganza Christmas feast.
UK Christmas Recipes in An Australian Summer
I have to be honest, Christmas Day in Australia. Is, well, just not Christmas Day. But at the same time. Boxing Day is absolutely fantastic, as you don’t have that heavy thought of four months of winter ahead of you, but instead a glorious four months of summer. It is all a contradiction in terms.
But here is the weird bit. How do you squeeze in the food that you love so much at Christmas into an Aussie Christmas. Well, with careful planning. So, this year we have just started to go through all the Christmas recipe books, from the UK (and some Aussie ones) and tried to adapt them to a hot Australian Christmas. And of course we have to have a Delia Smith recipe in the mix. Since we arrived in Oz, we have had her Cranberry Jellies. A taste of a northern hemisphere Christmas, ideal for a hot Christmas.
Planning For Christmas Food
Whether it is because this year (2021) has been unbelievably tough in Victoria. Christmas seems to be a beacon on the horizon or the light at the end of the tunnel. We have had the Christmas recipes open early this month and making a note of some old favourite’s like Jamie Oliver’s get ahead gravy and some new recipes we fancy having a crack at like, Maggie Beer’s Espresso and Amaretto Jellies and Donna Hay’s, Saffron Risotto Cakes. Will see how it goes.
No Australian Christmas Is Complete Without A Christmas Ham
Other than a Pavlova (and to be honest we cheat each year and buy one from Aldi) an Australian Christmas is not complete without a ham. As much as we like a Jamie or Delia Christmas Ham recipe. The one we are going to go for this year is Courtney Roulston’s, Spiced Apple and Maple Ham recipe. We had it last year and it was a hit all round. And is a shoe in for this Christmas. So, what to eat this Christmas. Something different and something trusted. Looking forward to it.