Breathe a sigh of relief, there's no need for weeks of planning with these Christmas menus. The only do-ahead chore is shopping on the 24th. If you want a cake you could bake it then too, using our recipe for last-minute pineapple Christmas cake. Everything else can be made on the day — hopefully with a little help from your friends.
MENU 1
While everyone sips champagne you slice a baguette and top it with pecorino, salami, thyme and runny honey for a quickly grilled starter. Then it’s a nod to tradition for your main, individual bacon-wrapped turkey drumsticks and roasted spuds, served with char-grilled asparagus with almonds and olive. And lastly, a yummy cheat’s dessert which can be made on the spot: Annabel Langbein’s raspberry ripple ambrosia with crumbled meringue, marshamallows, nougat, cream, yoghurt and raspberries.
Main: Wrap turkey drumsticks in bacon and roast them (the cooking time will depend upon size). Serve with crispy roast potatoes and charred asparagus and olives with almonds and olives
Dessert: Raspberry ripple ambrosia
MENU 2
Two speedy treats to serve on a platter to start - Angela Casley’s barbecued butterflied prawns and Annabel Langbein’s retro devils on horseback. Then on to Ray McVinnie’s impressive, hot-smoked salmon, leek and potato pie that’s made with bought butter puff pastry. Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed beans and finish with elegant but oh-so-simple panettone tiramisu.
Starter: Butterflied prawns; Devils on horseback
Main: Hot-smoked salmon, leek and potato pie
