Food is one of the most eagerly anticipated and celebrated joys of the Christmas period, but for those of us taking on the challenge of cooking, the task can feel more than a little daunting. From the cooking choreography essential to ensuring everything arrives on the table at the right temperature, to the last-minute disaster aversion when you realise you’ve forgotten the Christmas pudding, putting on a festive feast is a military-level operation that often keeps us tied to the kitchen for most of the day.
This Christmas, after months apart from loved ones, many of us will be searching for a new approach to cooking, one that will release us from the cookathon and into the company of our families, but still guarantee us a feast that feels special. This is no small ask but we happen to know just the person for the job. We asked Rukmini Iyer, author of the best-selling The Roasting Tin cookbooks, to create two laid-back Christmas recipes with plenty of festive flourishes and none of the fuss. Exclusive to The Happy Foodie, these clever dishes have got it all, and we dare say after breaking with your usual (more stressful) traditions, you’ll return to these recipes year after year.
The Christmas Two-Tin Traybake Feast: Roast Chicken with Bacon, Parsnips and Carrots, Roast Potatoes, Pigs in Blankets, Stuffing and Crispy Garlic Sprouts
Rukmini’s two-tin Christmas feast features an all-star line-up of favourite festive ingredients, from the pigs in blankets to the stuffing, all made together with ease in two trusty roasting tins. “It’s just a matter of gradually tipping your ingredients into the trays, and letting the oven do the work”, says Rukmini. In other words: it’s a Christmas miracle. Walk don’t run to get the recipe.
Boozy Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding
Take the stress out of dessert with Rukmini’s star-studded and booze-spiked bread and butter pudding, made using that leftover panettone you’re bound to have knocking around somewhere at Christmas and your festive tipple of choice. Better still, if you’re cooking for a smaller crowd this year and end up with any leftovers, turn them into a boozy breakfast. It is Christmas after all.
Iced and Spiced Gingerbread
Ready in less than 45 minutes, Rukmini’s iced and spiced gingerbread recipe is just what you need when catering to last-minute guests.
Marzipan Stollen
Making your own stollen is easier than you might imagine thanks to Rukmini’s clear and straightforward instructions. This classic German bake will fill your home with a very festive aroma as it bakes.
From the book
The Sweet Roasting Tin
75 laid-back bakes from the author of The Roasting Tin series
From traybakes to tarts, cupcakes to cookies
With recipes for every season, occasion and skill level
For more fuss-free one-tin recipes with festive flourishes, why not try these recipes from across Rukmini’s series of The Roasting Tin cookbooks:
Mexican-style Roast Pork with Orange, Cumin, and Cinnamon
If you’re looking for something a little different for your centrepiece this year, why not opt for this succulent Mexican-inspired roast pork. Warming and aromatic cinnamon, orange and bay give this slow-cooked winner a suitably Christmassy flavour.
Roasted Squash, Crispy Lentils, Pomegranate and Dukkah
This vegan-friendly feast is packed with tender roasted squash, crispy lentils and dukkah. A final scattering of seasonal pomegranate adds a fresh festive feel.
Rosemary, Goat’s Cheese and Mushroom Tart with Pink Peppercorns
A vegetarian centerpiece that will go down a treat around the Christmas table, this is simple to make and doesn’t compromise on flavour and boasts flaky puff pastry topped with rosemary, goat’s cheese, crème fraîche and mushrooms.
Rich Potato and Mushroom Gratin with Cream and Reblochon
The definition of a little festive luxury, this rich, creamy gratin is another great option for a veggie centrepiece or works just as well as show-stealing side dish.
Crispy Tamarind Sprouts with Peanuts and Shallots
Spruce up those Brussels sprouts with this Indian street food-inspired dish that pairs crispy chickpeas with sprouts and a tamarind dressing. Serve scattered with chopped salted peanuts and fresh coriander.
Gingerbread Pears
This spiced festive dessert combines three different types of ginger – fresh, ground and stem – with cardamom, dark sugar and flour and tender pears, all thrown into one tin for a laid-back pudding that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Serve with thick double cream or crème fraîche.
