Add some Spice to your Christmas dinner

It’s nearly Christmas, so we have to talk about food!  Our branches cover much of North London and if you live or have visited this area you will know that it is also the home to a diverse blend of nationalities.  The flavours of the Mediterranean and Turkey fill our streets on market day with local produce, which is also used in the eclectic mix of restaurants here.  As well as traditional British dishes we are treated to authentic cuisine from around the world and Christmas is no different.  It’s true that Christmas is the season of good will and giving, but it’s also the season for eating until we almost burst!  If you fancy a change from the customary roast we have travelled the world to find you the best dishes to add to your traditional British spread this Christmas.

Greece

Although the Christmas menu differs from region to region in Greece the local delicacies are always celebrated from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day as they gather their friends and family to enjoy recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.  A must at Christmas will be a plate of Melomakarona, served as desserts or just snacks throughout the day baking these treats will instantly fill your home will the aromas of a typical Greek Christmas.  As the hog is considered a winter meat, pork is a natural choice for the traditional meat of the season and is cooked in a variety of wonderful ways.

Turkey

Christmas isn’t traditionally celebrated in Turkey but that doesn’t mean that you can’t create a fantastic festive spread using their classic Turkish recipes.  There are many ancient and classic Turkish dishes that actually compliment your Christmas menu.  To make your dishes truly authentic, you can pop in your local store or market to buy your spices and ingredients and impress your guests with the taste of Turkey.  Try a Turkish-style creamy celeriac soup to accompany your roast turkey, maybe add a side of Romano beans or swap your roast potatoes for Turkey’s take on mashed potato called, “potato puree”.

Caribbean

Add a tropical flair with some Caribbean flavours, we all know that the Caribbean’s love a party and no one celebrates Christmas with more energy and enjoyment than them!  Rejoice with rum and pork as you fill your table with dishes that could feed the whole of London.  Arroz con Gandules (rice and peas) is actually rice and beans and although this is a traditional Jamaican dish throughout the year at Christmas you must add pigeon peas to give it new life.  Christmas is a communal experience when your friends, family and neighbours can all enjoy a hog roast and don’t forget to wash it down with a traditional rum punch or a cold glass of Sorrel.

British

We all know the basics for a typical British Christmas dinner but there are some dishes that have to be served or it just isn’t Christmas.  A large turkey that is almost too big for your oven, pigs in blankets and setting your dessert on fire, looking at it now our traditions may also seem a little strange!  If you haven’t braved your Christmas food shop may be consider shopping locally for some fresh ingredients that might just make this Christmas dinner the best yet.  A salmon breakfast, prawn starter, selection of vegetables and home-made cranberry sauce, all the ingredients can be bought fresh from your local high street.

Feeling inspired or just hungry? Add some flavour from around the world to your Christmas menu by visiting your local stores or swap recipes with a neighbour.  The community spirit in North London should be enjoyed and where better to start than with traditional home cooked meals over the festive period. Merry Christmas from all the team at Anthony Pepe.