Four Must-Have Dishes at Your Festive Feast
Christmas lunch, or supper, can be quite tricky. Each person likes specific dishes that they feel HAS to be on the menu. Each country has a dish that would make a meal feel less festive if they weren’t added to the Festive Feast. Whether you follow the English, and have to have Brussel Sprouts or the New Zealanders whose festive meal would be incomplete without a Pavlova, we can all agree that, in South Africa our Festive Feast would be a lot less festive without the following dishes:
Trifle
You all knew that this would be top of the list! Whether you like this colossal dessert or not, a Christmas Table is not complete without a trifle. Traditionally, a trifle consists of layers of sponge cake soaked in sherry, mixed fruits (usually from a can), flavoured jelly and custard, topped with a thick layer of whipped cream and topped with nuts, chocolate shavings and berries. The ultimate all-in-one dessert that can fit into the fullest of stomachs. It has evolved quite a bit since its introduction to festive meals in 18th Century England, with many interpretations, but the basics stay the same: layers and layers of delicious and creamy sweetness all in one helping.
Lamb
You can almost smell the aroma of that leg of lamb slow roasting in the oven already. Marinated at least 24 hours before it gets to cooking and eaten as sandwich meat for a good few days after Christmas. Lamb in any form, whether it be roasted, braaied on the spit or open flame, is one of the dishes that just make a South African Festive Feast feel complete. Paired with mint jelly or a thick gravy, it’s the one dish that everyone looks forward to over the festive season.
Mince Pies
Commonly mistaken for actual minced meat pies by many South African children throughout the generations. These small pies, filled with minced dried fruit like raisins, currants and apricots that have been cooked up in a sticky syrup of sugar and spices have been set on our Christmas tables for generations. Although it may not be the favourite of many, a Festive Feast just doesn’t feel the same without, at least, a half dozen of these treats at your Christmas meal.
Potato Bake
Potato bake is the smart-casual starchy side that fits in well with any type of Festive Feast. It’s casual enough for a festive braai, but classy enough for a classy four-course sit-down Christmas dinner. This creamy dish is an ideal side because you can add your own spin to it by adding a few extra veggies, different flavoured soups and even meats like bacon or biltong.
The great part about living in South Africa is the fact that we can include dishes from all our cultures into one big meal. So, whether we’re spending Christmas at the braai, or along the table, we’re spoilt for choice with dishes that help to make the day feel extra special.
Shop our Kitchen Catalogue to help you prepare the perfect Festive Feast for your family this holiday season.
