Combine gin, lime juice, cranberry juice and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until well chilled, then strain into a martini glass. Finish with a few cranberries, a dash of bitters & a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Serves: 12 - 15
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
INGREDIENTS
1 leg of ham (7 - 9kg)
2 oranges, zested & juiced
200g brown sugar
100mL honey
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Cloves
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.
Gently run your fingers along the outer edge of the skin on the ham & carefully remove the skin, leaving the layer of fat intact. Cut around the hock, leaving the skin attached for the last 10-12cm. Wrap the removed skin & refrigerate to use for covering any leftover ham.
Score the fat in a diamond pattern, approximately 2.5cm apart, taking care not to cut too deeply into the fat. Press a clove into the centre of each diamond.
Place the ham in a large roasting tray lined with foil & baking paper.
Combine the orange zest, orange juice, honey, brown sugar & Dijon mustard in a bowl & mix until well combined.
Brush the ham generously with the glaze & pour 1 cup of water into the base of the roasting tray.
Bake for approximately 1 hour, brushing with additional glaze every 10-15 minutes, until the ham is golden, glazed & caramelised.
Carefully remove from the oven & decorate with fresh herbs & festive ribbon, if desired.
Pour any remaining glaze into a small saucepan, bring to the boil & serve in a jug alongside the ham.
Serve with roasted vegetables or lightly roasted baby tomatoes & caramelised shallots.
Serves: 6 - 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
250g sliced salami
250g fresh mozzarella, sliced
Fresh strawberries
Fresh blueberries
Fresh rosemary sprigs
METHOD
On a large serving platter, alternate slices of salami & mozzarella, slightly overlapping each piece.
Arrange into a candy cane shape, creating the curved top & straight base.
Garnish each end of the candy cane with halved strawberries & blueberries.
Tuck rosemary sprigs around the candy cane to add colour & a fresh, seasonal touch.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
TIPS
Add olives, grapes or cherry tomatoes for extra colour & flavour.
Swap salami for prosciutto or sopressa for a different charcuterie option.
Pair with crusty bread, crackers & a selection of cheese for a complete grazing platter.
Serves: 12 - 14
Prep time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
200g gingerbread biscuits, roughly chopped
100g candied orange, finely sliced
75g dried cranberries
75g pistachios, roughly chopped
50g dried cherries
300g tinned or frozen cherries, halved
1L vanilla ice cream, softened
METHOD
Place the chopped biscuits, candied orange, cranberries, pistachios, dried cherries & halved cherries into a large mixing bowl.
Add the softened ice cream & gently fold until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Spoon the mixture into a lined 2-litre pudding mould or bowl.
Press the mixture down firmly & smooth the top.
Cover & place in the freezer overnight, or until completely set.
To serve, remove from the freezer & carefully turn out onto a serving platter (or serve in what you froze the pudding in!).
Garnish with fresh or tinned cherries & serve immediately.
TIPS
Allow to pudding to stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before unmoulding for easier serving.
Add drizzle of chocolate sauce or berry coulis for an extra indulgent finish.
Swap pistachios for almonds or hazelnuts if preferred.
TOOLS
Festive Glass Serving Bowl
Mixing Bowl
Silicone Spoon
Ice Cream Scoop
Sauce Boat