The Plan Article published on Tuesday, December 16th 2008		COMMENT	PRINT	E-MAIL

I look forward to Christmas with all its joys and fun and festive spirit. In the run-up to Christmas, I always make, not one, but two plans – a Big Plan and a Little Plan.

The Big Plan is a simple one and consists of a covenant to avoid stress. Do not get stressed as stress will taint every minute of a potentially wonderful time and leave one feeling fatigued, angry and hard done by.

This is where the Little Plan comes in. Preparation and Community. I accept any and everyone’s offer of help and if no offer is freely forthcoming I ‘invite’ family members to participate and make it as much fun as possible. Who says that peeling carrots or preparing brussels sprouts can’t be done while enjoying a mince pie and a nice cup of tea or playing a vegetable Snakes and Ladders? Who says that we are all hurtling exhausted towards one twenty-four period, do or die. No, no, not for me. For me, Christmas is a ‘season’, days, as many days as I can extend it to, of laughter, food, family, friends, and good books. I know my limits and therefore use my kitchen sometimes as a retreat, a place of sanctuary against Uncle Tom still snoring in the big armchair or the drone of artificial television noise or just plain family chatter. I can close the door and create, create something that not only I will enjoy but hopefully the masses will enjoy also. Still knowing my limits, I can evade the kitchen for long periods of rest returning renewed and able to enjoy the company and assistance of loved ones.

I prepare as much as possible beforehand and I usually have family and friends over on Christmas morning. It is a lovely part of the day; smiles and laughter through the house, smells and aromas from the kitchen, peace and goodwill to all men. I serve lemonade cocktails for the children and more potent drinks for the adults, among them Egg Nogg and A Hot Irish. The recipe for the Egg Nogg is simple but there’s a sense of real luxury enjoying it in front of a big open fire in the glow of twinkling Christmas lights. A little finger food and a few mince pies with some good conversation complete the morning.

This month, I am also including several recipes for the Christmas dinner all of which can easily be made the day before. The Red Cabbage with Apple is rich and slightly sweet, a perfect accompaniment to turkey and roast potatoes. As I never stuff the bird, the Hazelnut and Sage Stuffing is great cooked in a buttered casserole dish and, along with a spot of our Citrus Bread Sauce, is just plain delicious.

A Happy Christmas from Ours to Yours!

COMMENTS:

On January 12th, 2009 18:53 Angela and Sean says: Patricia, just to say that your wonderful recipes and sage advice got us, and our family, through a peaceful and joyful Christmas. Many thanks. We look forward to more recipes and articles in the future