The key to a stress-free Christmas feast? Keep it simple and plan ahead, says Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett. The renowned British restaurateur recently shared her go-to holiday recipes with The Observer, proving that an impressive spread doesn’t require slaving away in the kitchen all day.
Less Is More
“One of my mantras for successful Christmas entertaining is ‘less is more,'” Hartnett explained. “Don’t serve a dozen different vegetables that nobody wants, or attempt some wildly ambitious culinary experiment on the most pressured cooking day of the year.”
Instead, the chef-patron of Murano and Café Murano restaurants focuses on perfecting a few classic dishes. Her Christmas menu centers around a succulent roast turkey with rosemary, thyme and lemon butter, accompanied by flavorful sides like red cabbage braised with spices and apples.
Prepping Ahead
The secret to a relaxed Christmas Day? Do as much as you can in advance. “The night before, I prep the turkey, blanch the sprouts, peel the potatoes and make the red cabbage,” Hartnett said. This leaves more time to enjoy with friends and family on the big day.
On Christmas morning, it’ll be me and Neil [her partner, also a chef] doing the prep. I tend to organise it all and then nag Neil to do certain things.
Angela Hartnett
Vegetarian Showstopper
For a meat-free main that will impress, Hartnett recommends crespelle – savory stuffed pancakes baked in béchamel. Her version is filled with pumpkin and mushrooms seasoned with shallots, garlic and sage.
“You can make the crespelle the day before and have them all ready in the tray, make the béchamel sauce separately, and then on Christmas Day reheat the béchamel so it’s nice and loose, pour that over, then bake it in the oven,” she advised. “It’s a really lovely alternative for vegetarians.”
Simple & Stunning Starter
To kick off the meal, a parsnip tarte tatin makes for an elegant appetizer that’s deceptively easy. Hartnett caramelizes parsnips with maple syrup, butter, cumin and ginger before topping with puff pastry and baking until golden.
“It’s a great vegetarian option and it looks really impressive when you turn it out with the parsnips beautifully caramelized and lovely spices on top,” she said.
Turkey Tips & Tricks
When it comes to the star of the show, Hartnett keeps it classic. She advises generously slathering the turkey with an aromatic butter mixed with lemon zest, thyme and rosemary, then draping with bacon to keep the meat moist.
Encasing the bird loosely in foil for most of the roasting helps create steam for even more succulence. Uncover towards the end to let the skin crisp up to a deep golden brown.
According to the seasoned pro, the real key is ample resting time. Hartnett lets her turkey sit for at least an hour before carving. “It’s really important to let the juices redistribute,” she noted. “That way, you won’t have a flood on the carving board and dry slices of meat.”
Dessert Minus the Dramatics
Forego the flaming Christmas pudding and try Hartnett’s feather-light zabaglione, a classic Italian custard. Whisked over simmering water until thick and foamy, the marsala-spiked dessert can be made ahead and chilled, then finished with crunchy amaretti biscuits.
“If you’re not into the traditional Christmas pudding or cakes, it’s a really lovely, glamorous alternative,” she said. “Make it the night before, put it in the fridge and it’s all ready to go.”
Fuss-Free Feasting
With these do-ahead recipes in hand, you can spend more time toasting with loved ones rather than toiling over a hot stove. “There are all the ingredients here for a wonderful holiday meal, but you don’t need to go nuts because it’s fairly fuss free,” Hartnett said of her Christmas menu.
You’ve got wonderful turkey, great accompaniments, nice gravy – and a dessert that doesn’t need to be made weeks in advance. There’s plenty for vegetarians too, and enough leftovers for the days after.
Angela Hartnett
So take a page from this top chef’s playbook and streamline your festive feast. With clever prep and confident simplicity, you can serve a Christmas dinner that delights without leaving you depleted. Cheers to a very happy – and quite delicious – holiday.
