Skip to content
Open menu Close menu

Feed your appetite for cooking with Penguin’s expert authors

penguin logo

10 Christmas recipes you’ll love in Mary Berry Cooks Up a Feast

by Jessica Lockyer-Palmer

published on 6 November 2019

Mary Berry Cooks Up a Feast is the ultimate guide to celebratory cooking so it's unsurprising that it is brimming with so many wonderful recipes for the festive season. From tempting titbits to pass around at a party to showstopping meat and vegetarian centrepieces and delicious desserts that make a great alternative to Christmas pudding, here we round up 10 of our favourite recipes from the book that are perfect for joyous festive entertaining.

From the book

Almond Crumble-topped Mince Pies

It wouldn't be a Christmas recipe collection without a mince pie recipe, and baking Mary's gorgeous version, stuffed with aromatic mince meat and topped with almond crumble for added texture, is guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the scent of Christmas and get you in the festive mood.

Find this recipe in Mary Berry Cooks Up a Feast and get your copy here.

Beef Remoulade Rolls

Who wouldn't want to be on the guest list for a party where these tender strips of beef wrapped around celeriac remoulade are the canapé of choice?

Find this recipe in Mary Berry Cooks Up a Feast and get your copy here.

Crispy Bacon and Quail’s Egg Tartlets

Combing soft quail's eggs with crispy bacon and a light pastry base, send these nibbles round on a gilded platter at your Christmas party and you won't fail to impress. For another great festive canapé from the book, why not try Mary's Chestnut, Cranberry and Brie Parcels.

Find this recipe in Mary Berry Cooks Up a Feast and get your copy here.

Celebratory Fish Platter 

A fresh and beautiful feast that's perfect for Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, there's more than a touch of sophistication to this seafood feast that'll truly spoil your guests.

You'll find this recipe in Mary Berry Cooks Up a Feast – get your copy here.

Crab and Avocado Tians

Vibrant and presented with a Christmas-worthy level of finesse, these crab and avocado tians are the perfect Christmas Day starter and make for a refreshing contrast to a richer meat main course. 

You'll find this recipe in Mary Berry Cooks Up a Feast – get your copy here.

Glazed Ham with Cumberland Sauce

Is it even Christmas if there is no glazed ham? Follow Mary's failsafe instructions and you'll get tender and moist cuts coated with a lip-smacking sticky glaze. It'll be a challenge to leave any leftovers, but if you end up with any, remember to pack it into those Boxing Day sandwiches.

You'll find this recipe in Mary Berry Cooks Up a Feast – get your copy here.

21st Century Coronation Chicken

While we're on the subject of leftovers, every Christmas recipe repertoire needs inspiration for turkey leftovers, and Mary's modern-day twist on a classic is just the ticket.

You'll find this recipe in Mary Berry Cooks Up a Feast – get your copy here.

Salmon Salsa Verde en Croûte

If you're looking for a pescatarian-friendly centrepiece, Mary's step-by-step guide to the most successful salmon en croûte you've ever made will not disappoint, and will get you major points with your fish-eating guests. Cooking for a vegetarian? Mary's mushroom version has got you covered.

You'll find this recipe in Mary Berry Cooks Up a Feast – get your copy here.

White Chocolate and Orange Mousses

Mary's white chocolate mousses topped with a citrus kick make for a zingy departure from heavier classics.

You'll find this recipe in Mary Berry Cooks Up a Feast – get your copy here.

Pear and Ginger Pavlova

A billowing pavlova with lashings of whipped cream and an adornment of seasonal fruit might just be our favourite alternative Christmas pudding and is guaranteed to please any crowd. With flavours of pear and ginger, Mary's version is a true winter showstopper. For another great alternative to Christmas pud with a little kick of booze, try Mary's Chocolate and Hazelnut Roulade from the book.

You'll find this recipe in Mary Berry Cooks Up a Feast – get your copy here.

Share

You might also like


View all

Features

Our favourite fakeaways: easy homemade takeaway recipes

Whether you fancy Friday night fish and chips or a weekend curry feast, make it cheaper, healthier and tastier by ditching the takeaway menu and making your own fakeaways at home.

Features

Melissa Hemsley’s tips for healthy working lunches

Soggy salads and unsatisfying sandwiches be gone: 2025 is the year you give yourself the lunches you deserve. Most of us eat five lunches al desko or in the office...

Recipe Collections

Budget-friendly Christmas recipes

Christmas cooking doesn’t have to break the bank. This selection of budget-friendly recipes, from slow-cooked ham to tasty sides and delicious puds, will help you save on much needed cash without compromising on flavour.

newsletter

Subscribe to The Happy Foodie email newsletter

Get our latest recipes, features, book news and ebook deals straight to your inbox every week