Showing posts with label meal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meal. Show all posts

Saturday 25 November 2023

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas... Kebab? Yes! With I am Doner!

Oh! You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout we’re telling you why! The Christmas Dinner Doner is coming to town. That’s right, a Christmas dinner... but in a kebab!

Better kebab brand, I am Doner, are encouraging everyone to don your ugly Christmas jumpers and brave the cold for a visit to one of their stores as they bring back this legendary Christmas special.

Packed full of honey and sage roast turkey doner with roast potatoes, shredded sprout, crispy parsnips, red cabbage, root vegetable and cranberries, smothered in turkey gravy, all in a wrap or in a bowl. And those who don't eat meat needn't feel left out, because a vegan option is also available.

The special will run right through to the end of December in all its UK stores.

Founder, Paul Baron said: "After the incredible success of the Christmas Kebab in recent years we’ve brought back and expect it to be bigger than ever before as we introduce it to our new customers at our London, Liverpool and Datchet stores! With each kebab featuring at least ten items of veg we are providing 2 of the five a day, making it much more than a guilty pleasure, or you could even say ‘elfy!”

https://www.iamdoner.co.uk.

Saturday 14 October 2023

A Delicious Twist: Vegan Alternatives to the Traditional Christmas Dinner

Christmas is a time of joy, love, and feasting with our loved ones. For many, this often includes a traditional Christmas dinner, complete with succulent roast meats and rich, creamy sides. But what if you or your guests follow a vegan lifestyle, or you simply want to try something new this Christmas season? 

Fear not! There's a world of scrumptious vegan alternatives waiting to delight your taste buds. In this blog post, we'll explore some delectable options for a plant-based Christmas feast that can easily rival, if not surpass, the traditional spread.

Roasted Stuffed Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is the perfect candidate for a vegan main course. Roast it to perfection, then fill it with a flavourful stuffing made from quinoa, nuts, cranberries, and herbs. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze and watch your guests' eyes light up at this hearty, visually stunning dish.

Portobello Mushroom Wellington

Mushrooms are a vegan's best friend when it comes to crafting a rich, meaty flavour. Try a Portobello mushroom Wellington as the centrepiece of your holiday meal. Wrap the savoury mushrooms in puff pastry, along with spinach, caramelized onions, and a touch of garlic. Bake until golden brown, and voila – you have an impressive, satisfying entrée.

Lentil and Nut Roast

A lentil and nut roast is a classic vegan choice for Christmas dinner. Packed with protein, this dish combines lentils, nuts, breadcrumbs, and an array of seasonings. The result is a mouth-watering roast that can easily replace meat. Serve it with a generous helping of vegan gravy and all the traditional trimmings.

Vegan Nut Roast

Alternatively, consider a vegan nut roast. This delightful dish features a mixture of chopped nuts, seeds, and vegetables, held together with flax or chia seeds. The nut roast can be personalised with various herbs and spices, creating a festive, flavourful centrepiece for your Christmas dinner table.

Stuffed Peppers

For a light yet satisfying main course, stuffed peppers are an excellent option. Fill colourful bell peppers with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices. Roast until tender, and serve with a zesty tomato sauce. The vibrant presentation adds a splash of Christmas cheer to your meal.

Vegan Gravy

No Christmas dinner is complete without a tasty and hearty gravy. Swap the traditional meat-based gravy for a rich, flavoursome vegan version. You can make a delicious gravy using ingredients like vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, mushrooms, and various seasonings. Pour it generously over your vegan roast for a burst of flavour.

Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a Christmas dinner essential. To create a vegan-friendly version, simply replace butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and almond or soy milk. Add roasted garlic for a flavourful twist, and you'll have creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes that will please everyone at the table.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a perfect side dish for any holiday meal. Toss them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of maple syrup, then roast until crispy and caramelised. Their unique, robust flavour is a delightful addition to your vegan Christmas feast. (As a fan of Brussel sprouts, I approve of this idea!)

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a Christmas dinner classic that's already vegan! Homemade cranberry sauce, sweetened with sugar or maple syrup, is a vibrant, tangy condiment that pairs wonderfully with your main dishes.

Vegan Desserts

For a sweet ending to your vegan Christmas dinner, indulge in vegan desserts like pumpkin pie with coconut whipped cream, vegan chocolate yule log, or gingerbread cookies. These treats are just as decadent and delicious as their non-vegan counterparts.

This Christmas, embrace the spirit of inclusivity and try something new by exploring these delectable vegan alternatives to the traditional Christmas dinner. From savoury main courses to mouth-watering sides and scrumptious desserts, there are plenty of options to satisfy the palate and share a compassionate, eco-friendly meal with your loved ones. Make this Christmas season one to remember with a vegan feast that celebrates delicious food and the spirit of togetherness.

Supermarkets such as Asda, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose, the Co-Op, etc are offering an increasing range of vegetarian and vegan food so are well worth checking out.

(Image courtesy of Jana from Pixabay)

Thursday 12 October 2023

A Taste of Down Under: Exploring the Typical Australian Christmas Meal

When you think of Christmas, you'll probably envision snow, warm, cosy open fires, and hot mulled wine. 

But in the Land Down Under in Australia, where December is the peak of their summer, the Christmas season unfolds quite differently. Australians have adapted their Christmas traditions to the scorching sun and clear blue skies, including their Christmas meals. In this blog post, we'll explore the typical Australian Christmas meal and the unique culinary traditions that make it a memorable and mouth-watering experience.

Fresh Seafood

Christmas in Australia often begins with some fresh seafood. With the country's vast coastline and abundant marine life, it's no wonder prawns, oysters, and crayfish make their way onto the holiday table. Prawns, especially, are an iconic Christmas dish, often served cold with cocktail sauce or simply grilled with a touch of lemon. These delicious crustaceans symbolise the Australian love for outdoor barbecues and beachside gatherings during the festive season.

Roast Meats

While roast turkey or ham is a traditional Christmas centrepiece in many countries, Australians often opt for roast meats that are more suited to their warmer climate. Lamb, beef, or pork roasts are popular choices, often cooked on the barbecue to keep the heat out of the kitchen. These succulent roasts are typically seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and native herbs, giving them a distinctive Australian flavour.

Barbecue Bonanza 

Australians are known for their love of barbecues, and Christmas Day is no exception to this rule. Barbecues are often fired up to grill various meats, sausages, and even seafoods. Also in addition to the roast meats, you might find kangaroo steaks or emu sausages, which add a unique and exotic twist to the festive feasting.

Salads and Sides

Given the heat, a variety of salads and refreshing side dishes really are a must on the Australian Christmas table. Classic salads such as potato salad, coleslaw, and Greek salad are often featured alongside more innovative options such as mango and avocado salads, all designed to cool the palate and complement the grilled and roasted main dishes.

Australia also produces a range of interesting and tasty cheeses which find their way onto Australian Christmas cheeseboards. 

Christmas Pudding and Pavlova

Despite the heat, some Australian Christmas traditions align with those of the Northern Hemisphere. Christmas pudding, a rich, fruity, and spiced dessert, is still very much enjoyed, although it may be served with a dollop of ice cream to combat the warmth. But the true star of the Australian Christmas dessert table is the pavlova. This meringue-based dessert is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and traditionally topped with fresh fruits like passionfruit, kiwi, and strawberries.

Tropical Fruits

Australians take full advantage of the seasonal fruits that thrive in their warmer climate. Mangoes, cherries, watermelons, and lychees are commonly served during Christmastime, either as a refreshing snack or incorporated into desserts and fruit salads. These juicy, tropical fruits add a burst of colour and flavour to the festive feasting. 

Drinks

To beat the summer heat, Australians enjoy a variety of beverages during their Christmas celebrations. Iced tea, lemonade, and sparkling wines are some popular choices. Some may even indulge in a classic Aussie beer or a glass of chilled rosé. A non-alcoholic favourite is the "Aussie Punch," which is a fruity concoction made with fruit juices, soda, and a hint of mint.

The typical Australian Christmas meal is a reflection of the country's unique climate, culture, and culinary traditions. From fresh seafood and barbecued meats to tropical fruits and pavlova, the Australian Christmas feast is a true celebration of the nation's diversity and love for the outdoors. So, if you ever find yourself celebrating Christmas Down Under, be prepared for a mouth-watering and memorable culinary adventure that is sure to leave you feeling full and festive.

(Image courtesy of Uwe Jelting from Pixabay)

Thursday 9 February 2012

British Airways launch auction to win a Valentine’s dinner on Concorde

British Airways have announced a charity auction that will allow a pair of high-flying romantics to enjoy the ultimate Valentines dinner date.

The airline is inviting couples to bid in the auction for the chance to be wined and dined on board the world’s most iconic aircraft – without even leaving the ground. The highest bidder will win a romantic dinner for two on board the British Airways flagship Concorde G-BOAC at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park on February 14.

The lucky couple will receive red carpet treatment from the steps of Concorde to their exclusive table for two in the main cabin, where they will be served a three-course dinner, created by a top chef, with a bottle of champagne to celebrate Valentine's Day.

All proceeds from the auction will go to Flying Start, British Airways’ global charity partnership with Comic Relief whose aim is to raise money to help children living incredibly tough lives in the UK and around the world.

The auction was launched this week by famed Cheshire toastmaster Ian Parrott, who actually flew to New York on Concorde twice during a previous career.

He said: "Concorde has always offered the ultimate in romance, you don’t have to fly anywhere to appreciate the very intimate and luxurious surroundings of this beautiful aircraft. To have it all to yourself for one evening is possibly the most romantic gesture you can make."

Anyone is welcome to bid for the ultimate Valentine dinner on Concorde in the company's e-mail auction, all they have to do is send an e-mail to valentines.concorde@ba.com stating how much they would be prepared to pay for the prize and give their name and contact details. The prize will be awarded to the highest bidder and there is a reserve price of £500. The auction closes on Sunday, February 12 at midnight and the winner will be notified on Monday, February 13.

FACTFILE:
British Airways plc offers a wide range of worldwide destinations - including holidays in New York, flights to Dubai and a whole host of other all inclusive holidays as well as plenty of valentines breaks 2012.

Customers can save time and money with www.ba.com when booking ATOL protected holiday packages, ATOL number is 5985. Passengers are offered added peace of mind to their holiday plans and the security of travelling with British Airways. British Airways plc constantly seeks to exceed customers' expectations, both in terms of the value for money and quality of the service provided.