One of the best things about Christmas is the food and drink.
It’s the one time of the year when to over indulge is expected – and no
one bats an eyelid if you’re eating chocolate for breakfast, washed down with a
bucks fizz.
Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without turkey and all the
trimmings (in fact – make sure you stock up on cranberry sauce, stuffing and
gravy – you don’t want to forget those all essential elements!). It was
actually King Henry VIII who first had turkey for Christmas – up until then it
had mainly been boar, goose or even peacock. By 1573 turkey seemed to be a
regular on the British Christmas Dinner menu, along with goose – which was
still the most popular choice until the Victorian era. But our favourite
Christmas bird is certainly a tradition which dates back several centuries.
Pigs in blankets…maybe not so much.
Christmas pudding is another Christmas favourite with a long history.
Although it started out as more of a soup/porridge with meat and dried fruit,
which doesn’t sound like it would go so well with custard. By the 17th
century it was looking more like Christmas pud as we know it, and King George I
made it an essential part of the Christmas meal. The monarchy were definitely
the reality TV stars of their time – whatever they had, everyone else wanted!
Maybe we’ll all be eating what Kate and Wills or Harry and Meghan have for
Christmas dinner in a few years.
Mince Pies were another Christmas delight which started out containing
meat. Originally called Christmas or Shrid Pie, they’re thought to date back to
the Crusaders returning from the Middle East in the 13th Century.
For many, they’re symbolic, with the cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg representing the
gifts given to Jesus by the three Kings. There’s also all kinds of myths and
superstitions around them – from making a wish when you eat your first one of
the year (bit late for that…) and it being illegal to eat them on Christmas
Day. Which it isn’t. Although it might have been during the time of Oliver
Cromwell who banned them.
Thankfully completely suitable for vegetarians, the Christmas Pudding
we’re loving this year is Cole's classic pudding with ale. And for Mince Pies, you need to give Lottie Shaw's Sloe Gin mince pies a try.
One Christmas Dish which we don’t really see any more is the traditional
Yorkshire Pie, dating back to the 18th century. You’d have to like
meat for this one – it’s filled with a whole goose, a turkey, a fowl, a partridge,
a pigeon, a hare, game, and any other meat you had to hand, mixed with mace,
nutmeg, cloves, black pepper, salt and a mountain of butter. Sounds a bit much
to be honest – and the pastry was never meant to be eaten, what a waste! So, if
you love a savoury pie (who doesn’t) we’d recommend instead the pork, apples and black pudding lattice pie.
Whatever your
Christmas traditions and feasts involve, we’re here to
help, and we like to think we cover most bases with everything we have in store
– it’s full to burst with festive treats. Except for a meat-based Christmas
pudding – if that’s your thing, you might have to make your own…
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