Showing posts with label turkey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label turkey. Show all posts

Sunday 24 December 2023

Your Ultimate Christmas Day Checklist: Creating Memories and Magic

The Christmas season is here, and with it comes the joy and excitement of Christmas Day. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy day with loved ones, planning is key to ensure a perfect Christmas celebration. 

To help you navigate the yuletide festivities, we've compiled the ultimate Christmas Day checklist. Follow these steps to create a memorable and magical day for everyone involved.

Decorate with Care:

Start the day by immersing yourself in the Christmas spirit. Deck the halls with festive decorations, hang stockings by the chimney, and don't forget the twinkling lights. A well-decorated space sets the stage for a joyful Christmas celebration.

Festive Feast Planning:

Plan your Christmas menu well in advance. Whether you're cooking a traditional turkey dinner or opting for a unique culinary experience, make a detailed shopping list. Check for any dietary restrictions or preferences among your guests, and ensure you have all the ingredients you need for a delicious feast. (And make sure your turkey is properly defrosted if you have a frozen bird.)

Perfect Presents:

Double-check your gift list and make sure you have thoughtful presents for everyone. Consider adding a personal touch, such as handwritten cards or customized gifts. Don't forget to have a designated area for unwrapping presents, it adds an extra layer of excitement to the day.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere:

Ensure your home feels warm and inviting. Set up a cozy corner with blankets and cushions, and if you're lucky enough to have a fireplace, light it up for added ambiance. Create a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes to play in the background.

Plan Engaging Activities:

Have a plan for entertainment that suits all ages. Whether it's board games, a Christmas movie marathon, or a sing-along session, having a list of activities ensures that everyone stays engaged and entertained throughout the day.

Capture the Moments:

Assign someone the role of family photographer or set up a camera on a tripod to capture candid moments. These pictures will serve as cherished memories for years to come. Encourage everyone to put down their phones and be present in the moment.

Schedule Downtime:

Christmas can be a whirlwind of activity, so schedule some downtime for relaxation and reflection. Whether it's a quiet moment with a cup of cocoa or a stroll around the neighborhood to admire the lights, taking a break will help everyone appreciate the magic of the season.

Spread Holiday Cheer:

Encourage guests to bring a little something for charity, whether it's a canned good, a toy, or a small donation. It's a simple way to spread the holiday spirit and make a positive impact in your community.

Stay Flexible:

While planning is essential, be prepared to adapt. Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, so if things don't go exactly as planned, embrace the spontaneity and enjoy the day for what it is.

Express Gratitude:

Before the day comes to an end, take a moment to express gratitude. Whether it's through a heartfelt toast or a round-the-table sharing session, acknowledging the love and joy in the room adds a meaningful touch to your Christmas celebration.

By following this comprehensive Christmas Day checklist, you'll be well-prepared to create a festive atmosphere filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. From decorations to delicious food, thoughtful gifts to engaging activities, each element contributes to the magic of the season. Embrace the spirit of Christmas and enjoy the company of your nearest and dearest as you celebrate this special day together.

And That's Christmas would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry and Happy Christmas and a joyous New Year.

Also, thank you to all the PR firms and companies who have helped us to make That's Christmas such a joy to publish.

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 4 November 2023

Embark on a Mythical Journey: Cappadocia's Call to the World

One Nation Travel, a pioneer in curated travel experiences, has just rolled out its latest line-up of competitive Cappadocia tours from Istanbul, inviting adventurers to delve into the heart of Anatolia. This launch highlights Cappadocia as a pivotal centre of attraction, contributing significantly to Turkey's tourism income and bolstering the local economy. 

That's Christmas believes this will make an excellent Chirstmas gift for the travel-loving special person in your life.

Cappadocia is a landscape that seems conjured from fairy tales, with its towering fairy chimneys and vast, undulating valleys. Recognised worldwide for its unique geological formations, rich historical tapestry, and enchanting underground cities, the region beckons tourists from all corners of the globe. One Nation Travel capitalises on this allure by offering meticulously planned tours, ushering travellers into the surreal pleasures of Cappadocia's warm embrace.

Early Booking: Your Ticket to Wonder

With the rising allure of this mystical region, One Nation Travel encourages early booking. The demand for Cappadocia tours from Istanbul is soaring, mirroring the high-flying hot air balloons dotting the region's sunrise-streaked skies. Securing a spot on these tours not only guarantees a seat on a journey of a lifetime but also ensures participation in the burgeoning tourism that supports the local communities.

The Top 5 Cappadocia Tours: A Tapestry of Experiences

One Nation Travel has designed an array of tours to match every traveller's time constraints and desires:

Cappadocia Day Trip from Istanbul: Ideal for those short on time, this whirlwind adventure packs in the best of Cappadocia's magic in a single day.

1 Day and 1 Night Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul: Extend the enchantment with an overnight stay, allowing for a sunset spectacle and a dawn awakening amid the otherworldly terrain.

2-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul: A deeper dive into the region's marvels, this tour balances sightseeing with serene nights in a traditional cave hotel.

3-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul: Explore further the tapestry of Cappadocia's ancient civilization, with ample time to wander through its historic wonders.

4-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul: The ultimate Cappadocia experience, this expedition grants time to fully immerse oneself in the natural and cultural treasures.

Authentic Accommodations and Cultural Extravaganzas. 

Each journey is designed to be more than a tour; it's a step into the pages of history. One Nation Travel recommends staying at a traditional cave hotel, where modern luxury meets ancient living spaces carved into stone. To elevate the experience, they advise joining the iconic hot air balloon rides at dawn for panoramic views of the valleys below.

Culminating the experience, travellers can attend a mesmerizing dervish sema show, a spiritual journey through the whirling dances or indulge in a Turkish night show, an explosion of colour, music, and dance. Each night can end with a taste of Turkey's culinary legacy at a local restaurant, providing a feast for the senses.

One Nation Travel's Cappadocia tours from Istanbul present an unmatched opportunity to uncover the secrets of this historic region. With a high demand for these tours, early booking is recommended to ensure a place in these limited-capacity experiences that promise to be both life-affirming and transformative. 

Book your trip and secure the best online deals at https://www.onenationtravel.com.

Thursday 2 November 2023

Asda customers can pick up Christmas dinner for a family of six, for just £4.17 per head

This year, Asda customers can purchase a frozen Christmas dinner for six for just £25, working out at only £4.17 per head.

Including a turkey crown and seven sides, the same products are cheaper this year, than they were in 2022.

This offering will support families looking to cut the cost of Christmas this year, after Asda’s Income Tracker reveals disposable income continues to fall for 60% of UK households.

As Christmas gets ever nearer and households look for ways to start spreading the cost, Asda customers can stock up on frozen Christmas dinner essentials in advance, packing the freezer to feed a family of six for a mere £4.17 per head.

Now available to purchase in-store and online, the same products would have cost a total of £27.29 last Christmas in 2022, meaning this year, Asda customers can pick up a Christmas dinner for even cheaper, saving £2.29.

Plus, customers don’t have to buy all of the products to get the best value, as every product has reduced in price since Christmas 2022.

The list of frozen Christmas dinner products, that will feed a family of six for just £25 are:

Asda Frozen Medium British Turkey Crown (2.2kg) – now £16, was £16.50 in 2022  

Asda Frozen Maple Pigs in Blankets (232g) – now £2.25, was £2.50 in 2022 

Asda Frozen Yorkshire Puddings (220g) – now 98p, was 99p in 2022 

Asda Frozen Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls (400g) – now £1.80, was £2.25 in 2022 

Asda Frozen Parsnips (680g) – now £1.25, was £1.80 in 2022 

Asda Frozen Brussels Sprouts (1kg) – now £1, was £1.25 in 2022 

Asda Frozen Crispy Roast Potatoes (800g) – now 75p, was 80p in 2022 

Asda Frozen Sliced Carrots (1kg) – now 97p, was £1.09 in 2022 

This announcement follows Asda’s latest round of price cuts on 232 branded and own-label products, as part of its continued support for families impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. Insight from Asda’s latest income tracker also reveals that despite improvements in inflation figures, disposable income continues to fall for 60% of UK households, compared to the same time last year, with the lowest earning households having a deficit of £72 in disposable income per week.

According to research commissioned by the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), 38% of people are buying more frozen food than last year, further showing the impact inflation is having on consumer spending.

Smart Asda customers are already saving up for Christmas using the Christmas Saver Cashpot in the Asda Rewards app, after its launch in August. The feature enables customers to transfer savings from their Cashpot into their Christmas Saver Cashpot as many times as they’d like, up to a maximum amount of £300 in total.

For customers planning ahead, Christmas grocery delivery and click and collect slots are already available to book online at Asda.com or via the Asda app. With over one million slots available in Christmas week, shoppers can get ahead of the festive season by adding their frozen dinner to their baskets early.

Wednesday 25 October 2023

Impress Your Christmas Guests: Dinner Designed for you by Masterchef Winner Steven Wallis

With the Christmas countdown well underway, why not impress your friends and family with a Christmas dinner designed by Masterchef winner Steven Wallis in partnership with recipe box company Chefs For Foodies. 

With all the ingredients you will need to create a standout centrepiece with all the trimmings, the Ultimate Turkey Christmas Dinner recipe kit is £139 for six people, which works out at only £23.16 per head.

With zero waste and an easy-to-follow and fun cook-a-long video presented by Steven, the kit includes quality ingredients sourced from British suppliers and family-run butchers including a turkey breast joint with rosemary and Parma ham and pigs in blankets. 

The delicious side dishes feature roast potatoes, sage and onion stuffing, maple roasted carrots with smoked salt, Brussel sprouts with lemon pangritata and, of course, delicious turkey gravy.

Masterchef winner and judge Steven Wallis commented: “There can be a lot of pressure on preparing the perfect Christmas dinner, but just imagine how easy and impressive it would be to have everything measured out and pre-prepared?

"With the recipe box I've created with Chefs For Foodies you're guaranteed to have a less stressful experience cooking the meal of the year, so you can spend more time entertaining your guests whilst wowing them with your skills at the same time.”

To ensure quality, fresh ingredients, the food boxes are delivered a few days before Christmas. Chefs For Foodies ensures minimum waste by supplying pre-portioned ingredients and recyclable packaging.

If turkey isn't your thing, don't despair, because Chefs For Foodies has some great alternative recipe boxes available, all of which are also designed by Steven. 

The Ultimate Festive Beef Wellington recipe kit is priced at £130 for four people. It includes a delectable chateaubriand fillet, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, braised red cabbage with cranberries, maple roasted carrots with smoked salt and rich beef gravy.

If you have any vegan guests, they're in for a treat too. The Portobello Mushroom Wellington recipe kit is £55 for two people and features a vegan alternative to the traditional Wellington, roast potatoes, butternut squash with vegan blue cheese and cranberries, Brussel sprouts with roasted grapes and pine nuts, plus, of course, lashings of delectable vegan gravy.

If you're looking for a delicious way to end your festive meal, or some great snacks and starters, Chefs Foodies also has you covered.

Priced at £35 and serving four to six people, the Festive Cheeseboard includes British Farmhouse Cheddar, Burts Blue Cheese, Brie de Meaux with salt and virgin olive oil crackers, as well as Tracklements caramelised onion chutney. You can also upgrade this box to include a beautiful bottle of 2019 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo.

Perfect for a pre or post Christmas soiree, the Indian Feast platter created by celebrity chef and James Martin show regular, Dipna Anand, is £68 and serves six. It features turkey malai tikka with cranberry sauce, lamb tikki pittas, onion, spinach and potato bhajis and prawn pakoras, all served with mint and mango chutney.

All of these recipe boxes are available to pre-order now and if ordering for Christmas Day, they will be delivered on December 22. You can also use the discount code Autumn10 to get 10% off for a limited time.

To place your order and to obtain your 10% discount please visit Chefs for Foodies at https://chefsforfoodies.com/pages/christmas

Thursday 14 September 2023

Wow! Co-op unveils Absolutely Stunning Christmas food and drink range for 2023

The UKs leading convenience retailer Co-op has exclusively unveiled its 2023 Christmas food and drink ranges, highlighting a line-up of exciting new products landing across its 2,400 stores throughout the festive period.

This year, the Co-op’s Christmas ranges and products have been specially created with the convenience shopper in mind, based on a firm belief that convenience shopping shouldn’t mean compromising on quality, value or values.

From easy-to-cook party foods to a ready-prepared stuffed turkey joint for two that’s ready to pop into the oven. Each product within the Christmas range has been carefully selected for its great taste,  shoppers can enjoy Co-op's delicious Irresistible party food range, made only with the finest of ingredients. 

The range also firmly stays true to the Co-op’s ethical and sustainable values as it's extended its offering to include more outdoor-bred British pork and responsibly sourced Scottish salmon, too.

Also, there will be exclusive member pricing across a range of lines this year and shoppers can take advantage of a ‘2 for £5.50’ multi-buy offer across the standard party food range.

Taking note of emerging food trends, changing shopping habits and listening to members and customers, the Co-op is bringing the party with an all-new premium Irresistible party food offering which takes centre stage, extending the party season to allow more time for celebrations.

Key products include Irresistible Vol-au-Vents (170g, £5.00) topped with delicious cheese, onion and chive, and cheese and ham hock, plus the crunchy Irresistible Orange Bubble Tempura Prawns (206g, £5.00) with a crispy tempura batter and a sweet chilli dip. 

Another party food must-have at Co-op HQ this year is the delicious Pizza Puff Dippers (190g, £3.25) – tasty tomato, mozzarella and basil empanadas that will leave party guests wanting even more.

Nicole Tallant, Head of Co-op Delicious Food (EDITOR: Wow! What a fantastic job!) said: “As a convenience retailer, we’re committed to making our members and customers lives that little bit easier, which is even more important during the busy Christmas period. 

"We’re proud to be revealing our premium party food offering – elevating a range which is easy and convenient to cook for our busy hosts! Whilst our shoppers can be rest assured that we’ll also be fully stocked on the Christmas essentials for those last-minute trips to the shop.”

Along with investing time into perfecting much-loved Christmas classics, Co-op is introducing a twist on the traditional mince pie, with the arrival of its Irresistible Black Forest Mince Pies (4 pack, £2.65), bursting with a cherry flavour, found in the fruity compote and sweet kirsch frosting.

Turkey curry fans (novelty jumper and Bridget Jones on the TV not essential!) can rejoice at Co-op’s take on a Boxing Day classic with new Irresistible Turkey Tikka Masala Crisps (150g, £1.50) made with British potatoes and a blend of cooked turkey and punchy spice flavours. It’s a turkey curry in a crisp!

And not forgetting Co-op’s Christmas sandwich range, this year, Co-op is partnering with Barnardo’s with an aim to raise £5m to support 750,000 young people access basic needs like food, manage their mental wellbeing and access opportunities for their futures. £50,000 from the sales of the Christmas sandwich range will be donated to Barnardo’s as part of this important partnership.

Consisting of customer favourites, this year, there’s a premium sandwich offering too, with the launch of the 'Irresistible Christmas Market Sandwich’ (255g, £3.85) Currywurst style pork sausage sandwich with Cheddar cheese, sauerkraut, tangy mustard mayo and gherkins on a dark rye bread.

Tallant went on to say: “Our dedicated team of developers have worked passionately on our Christmas range by looking into what our customers really like and observing the latest food trends, even sampling Christmas Market favourites up and down the country to create the delicious Christmas Market Sandwich which transports you straight to the wooden stalls that light up our cities in December!”

https://www.coop.co.uk

Monday 14 August 2023

Guide to Christmas BBQ - Flame-Kissed Festive Feasts with Kamado Joe

World famous ceramic charcoal grill leaders, Kamado Joe, reveals how to master a memorable Christmas dinner outside on yuor barbecue.

The 'Great British BBQ' survey of 2,000 people revealed a stunning 71% of their audience have cooked a Christmas turkey on a barbecue and over 80% would consider barbecuing their dinner on Christmas day.

Barbecued turkeys tend to be much more succulent and flavoursome compared with their roasted counterparts. Also, cooking outside frees up valuable oven space for other items. 

Here's Kamado Joe's tips and tricks for grilling the perfect dinner.

TV BBQ chef, and Kamado Joe global marketing manager, Ben Forte reveals his top tips to BBQing the turkey this Christmas. Passionate about BBQs, Ben is no stranger to cooking over charcoal flames whether it's for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 

“My passion for BBQ started from a young age,” he admits “I use my Kamado Joe for cooking pretty much anything and have done so for years. The thick ceramic walls retain so much heat and actually they seal in moisture, so your food is juicier and more tender. They're designed to last a lifetime of year round cooking, and in my household winter barbecues are definitely a major thing.”

What better way to please the crowd this Christmas then with a showstopping barbecued turkey taking centre stage? Ben Forte shares his quick-fire tips:

CHRISTMAS TURKEY

Cook to temperature, not time. 75C is perfect.

Add a bacon weave. This helps the turkey breast meat to stay moist and you get a bonus bit of crispy bacon, too!

Get your turkey out of the fridge half an hour before you start the cooking process. This helps prevent shrinkage.

Cook your veg below the turkey on the BBQ so it catches all those juices as it cooks.

If you like a bit of smoke, then you should consider adding a chunk of fruit wood like apple or cherry.

CHRISTMAS BEEF

For a very special celebratory Christmas lunch, nothing wows everyone more than a large cut of beef like a rib. To make it even more succulent and to enhance the delicious beefy flavours, coat the beef in a layer of salt and marmite or miso and leave overnight in the fridge. This gives the most savoury, umami taste to impress your guests.

Smoked gravy tastes incredible, so ensure you catch all the flavours and juices from the meat as it slowly renders down.

Plan ahead – remember, you're cooking to temperature, not time. Ensure you've got at least an hour to rest a large joint of beef.

FOR THE TRIMMINGS

Veg can be par-boiled the day prior, this helps speed things up a little. Nothing tastes better than root veg once it has been licked by flame to transform their natural sugars. (EDITOR: True!)

To serve your chargrilled veg, take a large platter and cover in aioli. Lay the vegetables on top, perhaps with dollops of harissa to make the flavours sing?

When it comes to sauces and sides, don't think Sunday roast, think celebration. So go for a punchy chimichurri, tahini and yoghurt, salsa verde, a vivid romesco sauce – all these things transform it from a carvery to a truly memorable Festive Feast.

Gifts for BBQ Lovers

Kamado Joe BBQ Range

Kamado Joes - These world-renowned ceramic grills pack the latest technology and meticulous craftsmanship inside each iconic red barbecue. The thick-walled, heat-resistant shell locks in smoke and moisture at any temperature. There's nothing you can't cook in them, from low-and-slow dishes to grilling and searing at scorching temperatures. Prices start at £499 for Joe Jr.

NEW The Konnected Joe -  A global first, this digitally connected ceramic grill combines all the benefits of traditional ceramic cooking with modern technology, offering a solution for easy fire-lighting and effortless temperature control.  £1,999. 

Must have accessories every grill-master needs

Karbon Steel surfaces - Paella pan, griddle, half moon pan set and wok. Karbon steel combines the best qualities from stainless steel and cast iron. The lightweight yet strong material heats up quickly with exceptional heat retention. The new range is naturally non-stick, easy to clean and offers long-lasting endurance. From £109

The JoeTisserie fits inside your firebox and slowly rotates your skewered meat, veg or fish above the charcoal. It's been cleverly designed so the kamado lid will still close, keeping all the heat right where you want it. If you're going for a low and slow spit-roast, Kamado Joe's thick ceramic walls helps retain moisture, so you get a juicy, tender result. Best of all, you can bung the whole lot in the dishwasher when you've finished. RRP: £279

Kamado DoJoe The durable cast-aluminium transforms your Kamado Joe into a best-in-class pizza oven. You're guaranteed a crispy crust on the bottom, while the altered airflow traps heat in the dome above the pizza for perfect toppings. This combination of convection airflow above and conduction heat below creates a uniform, even cooking environment surrounding the pizza as it bakes for masterful results.

Here are some special recipes:-

Orange, Whisky and Cranberry Glazed Joetisserie Gammon

Ingredients

2kg Gammon, fat scored

2tbsp Whole cloves

200g Cranberry Sauce

1 Orange, zest

3 tbsp whisky

1 tbsp honey

Method

Set your JoeTisserie up on the Kamado Joe and set the grill to approx 170c.

Score the gammon fat in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves. In a small bowl mix together the cranberry sauce, orange zest, whisky and honey.

Secure the prepared gammon on your JoeTisserie and cook until it reaches approx 50c. At this point, brush your ham periodically using two thirds of the glaze mixture, reserving the remaining glaze.

Once gammon reaches a core temperature of 70 degrees, remove from the heat. Brush on the remaining glaze and set aside to rest.


The Jingle Burger

Complete with Turkey & Smokey Bacon Burger, Brussel Sprout Slaw, Oak Smoked Cheddar, Pancetta Weave, Cranberry Sauce and topped with a pickle and pigs in blankets this is one burger that has to be tried this festive season.

Burger Ingredients

500g Turkey Thigh Mince

4 rashers of Smoked Bacon (finely diced)

1 Egg

Bacon flavour crisps (I used popcorn crisps as they are gluten free) (crushed) 

Brussel Slaw

250g Brussel Sprouts

2 Carrots

1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

 4 tbsp South Carolina BBQ Sauce

Other Bits

Oak Smoked Cheddar

16 rashers of pancetta/streaky bacon

Cranberry Sauce

Pigs in blankets

Pickles

Seeded Brioche Buns

4 Wooden Skewers 

Method

 Make your burgers by combining all the burger ingredients together then shape them into burgers using your hands or a burger press.

Finely grate the sprouts and carrots then combine in a bowl and add the vinegar and South Carolina BBQ Sauce.

Now you need to create some bacon weaves. For mine I use 4 rashers of pancetta cut in half and stretched out for each weave. This makes them the perfect size for the burger.

Now smoke your burgers in your BBQ at around 225F until they reach an internal temp of 165F.

Put your bacon weaves onto some foil and put them in the BBQ until they are nice and crispy and cook your pigs in blankets.

Then bring off the burgers and put them onto a hot skillet and cook for a few minutes each side, then add your cheese to the top and cover with a closh for about 1 minute to melt the cheese.

Time to build the burger.

Layout the base of the bun.

Put on the Sprout Slaw

Next add the Burger

Then the bacon weave

Now the cranberry sauce.

Finally push a wooden skewer through the pig in blanket and through a pickle and then straight through the burger.

https://international.kamadojoe.com.

Monday 28 November 2011

Donald Russell meats

Royal Warrant holder and mail order butcher, Donald Russell (www.donaldrussell.com), is passionate about supplying its customers with only the best and its range of delicious food products are perfect for Christmas.

Browse from the huge selection of products online, for starters opt for Ultimate Gravadlax Salmon which has been lightly smoked over Oakwood chips, for your Christmas dinner choose between Free-Range Loué Geese, Free-Range Turkey, Easy Carving Roasts or a 5-Bone Rib of Beef, grass-fed and traditionally matured on the bone.

And for the perfect ending to your Christmas meal enjoy a Mosimann's Christmas Pudding created by legendary chef Anton Mosimann (prices on request).