Get ready to bring the sunshine to your holiday table with an Aussie Christmas Feast! I’m excited to share some of my favorite recipes that are perfect for a warm summer celebration. From delicious prawns and seafood to a spectacular maple glazed ham, this guide will help you create a festive spread that’s easy, fun, and downright delicious! Let’s dive in and get cooking! 🎉🌞
Prawns and Seafood: The Star of an Aussie Christmas Feast
When it comes to an Aussie Christmas, one thing is for sure: prawns and seafood steal the show! It’s hot outside, and nothing beats enjoying fresh seafood right by the beach, paired with a cold drink. Imagine the joy of peeling prawns while laughing with friends and family — it’s what our holidays are all about!
So, let’s dive into the must-have seafood dishes:
- Freshly Cooked Prawns: First up, you can’t go wrong with piles of prawns! Get them freshly cooked from your local seafood market, or you can order a nice batch in advance. A little tip? If you go to the Sydney Fish Markets, try going late at night on Christmas Eve. Sure, it’s a bit chaotic, but the prawns are so worth it! And let’s be honest, getting your hands a little messy while peeling prawns is half the fun!
- Oysters: Next, let’s not forget about oysters. They’re incredibly delicious and, if you ask me, best enjoyed simply dressed with a squeeze of lemon. No fancy sauces needed here! Just pop them open and enjoy a taste of the ocean. Yum!
- Seafood Platters: If you want to impress, a seafood platter is fantastic. Load it up with prawns, oysters, and even some smoked salmon. It’s like a feast in itself! Plus, they look stunning on the table, making your spread picture-perfect.
- Dipping Sauces: Let’s spice things up a bit! I love making a few simple dipping sauces for the prawns. A little cocktail sauce and a spicy mayonnaise can elevate your seafood game. Trust me; everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Seafood brings a festive and laid-back vibe that perfectly suits our sunny Christmas down under! So, grab your friends, crack open a cold one, and let’s prepare a feast that everyone will love! Who’s ready for prawns? 🦐✨
Maple Glazed Ham: A Perfect Make-Ahead Dish
Ah, the maple glazed ham! It’s the showstopper of any Aussie Christmas feast, and I can’t help but get excited just thinking about it! This dish is not just delicious, but it’s super easy to prepare ahead of time, which means more time for fun and less time in the kitchen. Who wouldn’t want that?
Let’s break down how to make this mouthwatering ham:
- Selection: First things first, you’ll want to pick the right ham. A bone-in ham is my favorite because it’s extra juicy and flavorful. Plus, the bone adds a rich taste that makes everything better!
- Prep Your Glaze: Now, the magic happens with the glaze! I love using a combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. It gives that perfect sweet and savory taste. Just mix:
– 1 cup of maple syrup
– 1/2 cup of brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
Brush this glaze all over your ham, and don’t be shy!
- Bake It: Pop your ham in a preheated oven at about 160°C (325°F) and let it cook. A rough rule is about 15-18 minutes per kilo (2-2.5 hours for a regular sized ham). You can baste it with the drippings every 30 minutes for that extra oomph!
- Rest and Serve: Once it’s beautifully caramelized and cooked, let it rest for about 20 minutes before slicing. Trust me, this makes it even juicier!
Serve it at room temperature, or if you prefer, heat it up a bit before serving. The leftover ham also makes fantastic sandwiches the next day — yum!
So, there you have it! A maple glazed ham that’s not just a centerpiece, but a crowd favorite too. It’s sweet, savory, and super easy to whip up, leaving you with plenty of time to relax and enjoy your festive day. Bring on the ham! 🍖✨
Festive Salads: Fresh and Flavorful Side Dishes
When it comes to a fantastic Aussie Christmas feast, salads are like the sprinkles on a cupcake! They add color, crunch, and a burst of freshness to the table. Plus, they pair perfectly with all that delicious seafood and ham. I love making salads that are not only tasty but also super easy to prepare. Let’s check out some of my favorites!
- Wild Rice Salad: This is hands down my go-to! It’s filled with nuts, dried fruits, and fresh herbs. Here’s how to whip it up:
– Cook 1 cup of wild rice according to package instructions.
– Mix in your choice of dried cranberries, almonds, and chopped parsley.
– Add a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice for a zesty finish!
- Mrs. Brodie’s Famous Potato Salad: This potato salad is a game-changer! It’s creamy, tangy, and absolutely delicious. Here’s the secret:
– Boil your potatoes, then while they’re still hot, sprinkle over French dressing. Let them absorb that flavor!
– Once cooled, mix in some mayonnaise, chopped onions, and fresh herbs. So good!
- Corn Salad with Avocado: Sweet corn and creamy avocado are a match made in heaven! Just toss together:
– 1 can of corn, drained
– 1 diced avocado
– A squeeze of lime juice and some chopped cilantro. Refreshing, right?
Salads are perfect for making ahead of time, and they add a healthy touch to your feast. Plus, you can mix and match ingredients to create salads everyone will love. So, let’s pile those salads high and celebrate the flavors of summer! 🥗✨
Traditional Desserts: Sweet Finishes for the Celebration
No Aussie Christmas feast is complete without some traditional desserts to satisfy the sweet tooth! After indulging in flavorful dishes, we want something sweet to wrap up the meal. Here are some of my favorite festive treats that are sure to impress!
- Pavlova: This classic dessert is a must-have! It’s light, fluffy, and topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits. Here’s how I make it:
– Whip up egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar until glossy.
– Spoon the mixture onto a baking tray to form a circle, and bake low and slow until crisp on the outside.
– Once cooled, top it with whipped cream and loads of berries and kiwifruit. Divine!
- Christmas Trifle: This dessert is all about layers! I love making a trifle with:
– Layers of pound cake, custard, and berries.
– It’s topped with a generous dollop of cream, making it look impressive on the table. Everyone loves digging into this beauty!
- Never Ending Meringue Tart: If you want a dessert that wows, this is it! Make meringue shells ahead and fill them with your favorite cream and fruit. It’s delicious and fun to make!
- Chocolate Crackles: Let’s not forget these childhood favorites! Mix rice bubbles, copha, and cocoa to create little chocolatey bites that kids will adore.
These traditional desserts not only taste amazing, but they also create a sweet ending to a wonderful feast. Remember, the best part of dessert is sharing it with friends and family, so let’s dig in and enjoy every bite! 🍰🥳