My Ultimate Festive Food and Drink Guide
Some absolute favourite things to eat, drink and share...
My Copas Turkey, with all the trimmings
This time of year is always a time to enjoy some special food and drink. Each year, my family and I gather together some special treats to enjoy over the festive period, and I’m delighted to share my top recommendations here with you all. The overwhelming majority of products I’ve listed below would make excellent presents too, either to take with you to a party or dinner instead of a bottle of wine, perhaps, or as a stocking filler.
This is quite a comprehensive list, so I’ve broken it down into categories to make it easier to read. I have also selected items that can be ordered online so that wherever you are based, you should be able to get hold of the selection I’ve chosen. As always, please do let me know in the comments below if there is anything you try and like.
Panettone
Panettone is one of my favourite festive sweet treats. I absolutely love it. I’ve been diligently tasting quite a range. If cost is a factor, then I think the Lidl and Aldi panettone are perfectly adequate. They are good to use in baked puddings, such as bread and butter pudding, too. I have tried those from M&S, Waitrose and Harvey Nichols and don’t think they are any better, despite costing twice that of the budget options.
If you can though, it really is worth splashing out on a superior panettone. If you haven’t had one before, it is quite simply a complete taste revelation. There are quite a lot of regional variations in panettone, and I like those packed with candied fruit and a sweet, light buttery crumb. You will find many flavour variations in quality Italian panettone, but I like the classic best.
I think the very best are as follows:
Sal de Riso Milanese Classic Panettone from SaclÃ
Tiri Classic Panettone, again from SaclÃ
Flamigni Classic Panettone from Sous Chef (do check stock levels)
And for something rather different, what about this dairy free panettone, filled with a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine jelly. It’s really unusual and very pleasantly fruity and boozy.
Food
Christmas Cake
The very best I’ve tried is by Fortnum & Mason. I find many disappointing and therefore recommend making a cake at home (see my recipe).
Mince Pies
Last Christmas, I joined Xanthe Clay to taste test a wide range of mince pies for The Telegraph. In all honesty, there were a great many more misses than hits and again, I recommend making them from scratch. The best pre-made mince pies I’ve tried are from Dukes Hill. They are an expensive treat however at £13 for half a dozen.
Sweet treats and savoury nibbles
If you like having something to nibble on around or indeed some small gifts to have in store, I recommend these products to try.
These salted Marcona almonds from Brindisa are dangerously addictive
These Hodmedod’s British-grown roasted and salted peas are similarly moreish. Great value, too.
I love plain crisps, and I think Torres are excellent. Ditto Two Farmers, who are using 100% compostable bags.
These Leone Italian fruit jellies are lovely and so beautifully packaged. They make a special present or are just nice to have around to offer guests.
I am partial to a really good gianduidotto, and these from D. Barbero are the very best I’ve tried. Cheaper ones I’ve bought from Italian supermarkets or from Waitrose No. 1 are not a patch on these.
Meat
Turkey and Goose
There are three suppliers whose turkeys I’ve tried and loved:
KellyBronze from Paul Kelly.
Copas Free Range Bronze turkeys (they also sell goose)
Chicken and Duck
Creedy Carver is absolutely delicious
Beef
I think Pipers Farm is exceptional, and it’s what we’re having this year
Lamb
Dolwen Organic from Wales is outstanding, sent directly from the farm
Pork
Redhill Farm pork is sensational. Especially the shoulder.
Ham
Dukes Hill ham is just so good. Either pre-cooked or cook it in their bag which accompanies raw joints.
I love a jamón at Christmas. Cinjo Jotas are truly wonderful.
Salmon (smoked sides and slices)
Woodcock Smokery in West Cork is just sublime
Secret Smokehouse is lovely
Pinney’s of Orford is very nice
Special store cupboard ingredients and gifts
Brindisa Arbequina olive oil is truly wonderful
Blackthorn Sea Salt Flakes from Scotland are lovely. Use my special discount code CHARLOTTELOVES for 10% off
These very special peppercorns from Lakeland will lift any dish you make, or even grind some on to your salmon
Everyone in my family loves chutneys from Mr Vikki. There are so many excellent products in the range, they are sure to surprise and delight.
These Bold Bean Co beans are so delicious and make a great gift. Use my special discount code CHARLOTTELOVES for 10% off
The Sour Cherry and Pomegranate molasses from Belazu are such nice ingredients and make a super gift for any cook
Brighter Gold rapeseed oil is delicious and is so beautifully packaged for giving as a present
Sea Sisters canned fish from Dorset is absolutely delicious and so beautifully packaged.
I am obsessed with the Summer Black Truffle Pesto from Saclà . It makes a great dip to have with their black truffle breadsticks. We are rather addicted and I have bought the 12 pack online to keep us going.
Drinks
Sparkling wine
Peller Estates Ice Cuvée Classic is so good
Waitrose No 1. Cava is very enjoyable and on offer at £8.99 a bottle
La Baume Crémant de Limoux from Ocado
Sherry
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Pedro Ximenez
Hidalgo Manzanilla Pasada Pastrana from Waitrose
Spirits, Cocktails & Liqueurs
Two Stacks Double Irish cream liqueur - if you like Bailey’s you HAVE to try this
Dunville’s 10 Year Single Malt PX Cast Whiskey - just delicious
Echlinville Irish Pot Still Gin - works beautifully in a G&T
Select Aperitivo from Ocado - really special in a Negroni
For easy cocktails, Moth are really worth knowing about. I like the Aperitivo Spritz best
Non-alcoholic
Great suggestions Charlotte - thank you!