Thyme Do’s and Don’ts of Christmas
With the big day of festivities rolling ever closer, we are looking back on past preparations, the joys and debacles, as we head into the Christmas countdown. Here, our wonderful founding cookery school team, Darryl and Marj, and Giles, shared their do’s and don’ts of Christmas in 2016, which still very much ring true today.
DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF – IT’S JUST A ROAST DINNER. SWEAT THE ONIONS FOR THE STUFFING INSTEAD.
So, things are warming up nicely in the Thyme kitchens. Hampers are groaning with gorgeous goodies. Think ‘Campari Marmalade’ (one of our Festive Treat Series in the Happenings this month)! What a treat for toast, yes please! Beautiful preserves from our kitchen gardens and so much more….
Our matured mincemeat, so deep and mellow it makes Santa look like a youngster, is plump with quince and Calvados and ready to fill crisp, buttery pies. Southrop Manor is decked with glistening leaves and berries from the hedgerows and our beautiful trees are dressed up to the festive nines. There is definitely a jingle in everyone’s bells….
Get Ahead! Get a hat! White, Chef’s or red with a white trim, it matters not, it’s all about the Christmas Spirit. Christmas can be daunting for some, but food at Christmas should be about giving and sharing and most of all enjoying spending time with the people you love. Here is some Thymely advice.
DO
Make a list – check it twice
Only have the turkey/goose debate once
Establish who is washing up early
Rest that bird! At least an hour…
Make more roast potatoes than you think the entire village could eat
Make sure the carving knife is sharp and driver of said knife is reasonably sober
Make lashings of HOT, HOT gravy
Thank the Chef
DON’T
Sweat the small stuff – it’s just a roast dinner. Sweat the onions for the stuffing instead
Sit down for lunch any time before 3. The Queen and the Bridge over the River Kwai will not be an issue then …
Leave the pigs in blankets at the back of the fridge
Serve the cranberry sauce cold
Forget to top up the waters and open the window when the pudding is in her bath
Thank you for the words of wisdom Giles, Darryl and Marj
The kitchen at Thyme is brimming with festive dishes, hearty winter menus and accompanying tipples, so watch out for further inspiration on recipes, table settings and gift giving via our weekly Thoughts. The lights are up, the trees are standing proud, so do come and visit us for a meal in the Ox Barn or a cosy winter stay.
