Dreading Cooking for so many needs?

Take Heart....

The stress of catering for family and friends with various dietary requirements escalates every year – without the relationship sage even entering the scene.. 

With the increase of illnesses, allergies, food intolerances and conscious food choices, attempting to prepare a special meal, such as the Christmas Meal which will suit and please all, is becoming an insurmountable ordeal.

I began this project as an exploration of food styles. I had close friends who had just announced they were 100% raw and the conversation came up –“what about Christmas?” That seasonal meal - out of all meals - is one I would miss the most if I had taken the vows of salad. I had ghastly visions of munching on a lettuce leaf while others around me tucked into turkey and creamed parsnips. 

The spirit of lack and denial is strong amongst those who discover they are gluten intolerant or diabetic. The horror for many grandparents is to cater for a vegetarian –but what bout a vegan? However what I discovered was that there were so many beautiful delicious and nutritious offerings which were way out of the traditional sphere, I had to knock back recipes. 

Each recipe has been tested at least 3 times by my own hand. The photos are taken in my kitchen or on my deck and have not been touched up or meddled with in anyway. Unlike the normal food photos which are glossed over by hairspray or pinned together with toothpicks; shot in fancy studios with a glaring lights, I prepared mine, took photos and then served to guests – who would give me feedback on whether a dish aught to be kept in my recipe book or not. 

My purpose now is to prove that you can prepare a very special, memorable Christmas meal which will suit the lifestyle or diet you are following. Upon encouragement, I have included a traditional menu as many of my friends have never experienced one. In Australia, we have a myriad of offerings for the hot humid Christmas meal. However, most families prefer a casual approach, with BBQs, cold meats and salads being the norm. The art of a traditional Anglo Saxon Christmas Dinner is also being lost in the UK, where many people simply do not cook trimmings any longer. Enjoy exploring these recipes. 

Don’t wait for Decemeber to roll round before you try some.. make every meal special! 

Hugs Annie