It’s that time of year again when we take a look at the festive foods that either jingle your bells or bring out the Grinch inside. Whether these are traditions you stick to or this is your first encounter, get ready for a sleigh-ride you’ll never forget. From worst to best:
5. BREAD SAUCE:
Now at home we don’t even try to make this bizarre dish and before coming to Newcastle I didn’t really know what it was. If you are also as clueless as me, bread sauce is a side consisting of breadcrumbs, milk, perhaps a little onion and a variety of spices. In recent years I have had a couple of interesting experiences, and all in all they haven’t been terrible. I just don’t get the point of what is essentially mushed bread paste? I guess it adds to the lovely beige mess that often accumulates when eating your Christmas dinner; however, this so-called tradition really doesn’t sit right with me.
4. ROASTED CHESTNUTS:
I have always thought so fondly of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, though after actually trying this Christmas staple, I can safely say it’s a definite pass. Its one of those things that I heavily associate with Christmas, with countless appearances in festive movies and almost every Christmas Market, though at Newcastle’s I’m not so sure. Cute little stalls tucked away selling these wonderfully tasteless and flourery treats do encapsulate the festive vibe but I still don’t quite understand how people can enjoy them. It’s a definite no from me.
3. GREGGS FESTIVE BAKE:
Since moving to Newcastle and having a wonderland of Greggs bakeries at my feet, I have always been inclined to grab myself a festive bake every holiday season. This personal tradition of mine may be controversial, however the sweet and savoury mix of chicken, sage and cranberry sauce, and a bit of stuffing and bacon thrown in there for extra festive pazzazz, makes my taste-buds tingle in delight. A true winner in the eyes of a pasty lover and if you haven’t tried it yet, get yourself to your nearest Greggs pronto.
2. YULE LOG:
There's something about a beautifully constructed chocolate log that really makes it feel like Christmas. The blizzard of icing sugar dusted on top certainly gives it the winter edge. Though enquiring after the beloved Yule Log often brings a groan from its maker, which traditionally is my sister, the few hours of hardship always pays off. The fluffy chocolate sponge and cleverly etched wood-like details really are the icing on the cake. What’s not to love! Whether you eat it with a cuppa in the afternoon or add a drizzle of cream to make it a scrumptious dessert, why don’t you give it a try this Christmas?
THE BOXING DAY SPREAD:
If there’s one thing that’s perhaps even better than Christmas dinner, it has to be the mouth-watering mishmash that we fill our faces with on the 26th. There may be some variation in typical boxing day blow-outs but our showstopper has to be the giant lattice pork pie that always takes centre stage. Ample jars of homemade pickled eggs, relishes and chutneys are neatly arranged on the table, as the cheese board and vast biscuit selection really gets us going. My mum pulls out all the stops with her delicious mini sausage rolls, and of course the star on top of the tree- her Baileys tiramisu trifle. Gorgeous layers of sponge fingers soaked in a secret boozy mixture are precisely placed, with dark chocolate chunks, toasted almonds and oozing custardy layers truly making all my Christmas wishes come true. Generous amounts of alcohol are of course drunk alongside this carefully brought together meal as we sit down to an evening of Home Alone.