Bristol’s Better Food has some suggestions …
Do you think of yourself as a Traditional cook, the creator of the classic roast? Or maybe you’re an Experimentalist, looking for a centrepiece with a twist. If you’re a Veganista you’ll love to impress in a plant-based fashion, while a Short-Cut cook may be looking for a fail-safe simple-but-perfect route to success (more time to socialise, right?)? Have a look and see what kind of cook you think you are, and what Better Food recommends to suit your style.
The Traditional Cook
The lover of hearty, home-cooked favourites …
It’s all about the traditional family favourites – including those special (closely guarded!) recipes that your guests love to eat every year. Making food from scratch is par for the course, and preparations for the main Christmas feast start days, even weeks, in advance.
Better Food recommend:
Try a local turkey from Bishop Vale (not certified organic, but reared to the same standard) and an organic gammon joint from Adey’s Farm in Berkeley, South Gloucestershire. Add side dishes of red cabbage with fluffy and crunchy roast potatoes.
The Experimentalist
The food adventurer with an eye on the new and unusual …
Never content with the norm, you love to spice things up – with a centrepiece that’s either completely new or uber trad. You’ll be looking to mix up the spread, maybe with a less-meat option but you’ll definitely want something more avant guard than a nut roast.
Better Food recommend:
For you, an RSPCA-Assured whole salmon from Valley Smokehouse or a roast goose from Cracknell’s in Langport, Somerset. Alternatively go off-piste and make a nutty Mushroom Wellington.
The Veganista
The game-changer, loving the new food landscape and the challenges it brings
You’re a pioneer, and being meat-free is as much about discovering a different way to eat as it is about your dietary choices. Food is about sharing and inclusivity. You like to surprise yourself and your friends (especially the cynical ones) with amazing meals made from wonderful alternatives to animal-based products.
Better Food recommend:
Organic Vegan Bakes, made in house at Better Food, are great centrepieces. Make your own nutty Mushroom Wellington (with coconut short crust pastry) followed by a fantastic selection of nut-based vegan cheeses.
The Short Cut Cook
Big on intention, short on time, taking the pragmatic approach
Time is rarely on your side … You want to make the best impression but you’re in need of some inspiration, and, let’s be honest, convenience. Here are some delicious ideas you can rustle up quickly, with minimal fuss and maximum pizazz.
Better Food recommend:
You go straight to their order form! Choose an easy roast, like a large chicken or whole salmon, with trimmings from Adey’s Farm in South Gloucestershire. Simply steam or roast your veg!
Pick up an order form in store or visit www.betterfood.co.uk/christmas-orders, where you’ll find other poultry, as well as fish, pork and own-made plant-based bakes.
Better Food have three stores around Bristol – in Sevier Street, St Werburghs, at 94 Whiteladies Road in Clifton and on Gaol Ferry Steps in Wapping Wharf.