Our food and gardening columnist has some recommendations for home cooks who are looking to embrace the true nature of Christmas in Australia.
Planning your meal for the festive season? I can only hope that you have moved away from a European styled feast and are able to acknowledge that, yes, December 25 is nearly always hot and humid – and certainly not befitting a roast…
If you have finally seen the light, here is my list of go-to-guides for the big day, depending what kind of feast you’re in the mood for, and almost entirely from Australian chefs, foodies and restaurateurs.
For a seafood feast…
Now this is a food group I can behind on Christmas day. This cookbook is The Ultimate Guide to Australian produce.
- Australian Fish and Seafood Cookbook by John Susman, Anthony Huckstep, Sarah Swan and Stephen Hodges
For a vegetarian or vegan feast…
We all have at least one in our family or friendship circle. Here are some delicious recommendations.
- The Moroccan Soup Bar by Hana Assafiri
- Neighbourhood by Hetty McKinnon
- Smith & Daughters by Shannon Martinez and Mo Wyse (vegan)
For a liquid lunch…
For many of us, Christmas is a time for drinking as much as eating, and I approve.
- A Spot At The Bar by Michael Madrusan and Zara Young
- The Great Australian Beer Guide by James Smith
- Halliday Wine Companion 2017 by James Halliday
For ‘you’ll never convince me, I simply MUST cook a roast’…
If you must, you must… But let me at least recommend you try one of these two wonderful Australian women’s cookbooks for inspiration.
- Maggie’s Christmas by Maggie Beer
- The 12 Days of Christmas by Margaret Fulton
For ‘seriously, I don’t care and I just want a cheese sandwich’…
I’ll admit – he’s not Australian. But for someone who matches your ‘don’t care’ attitude, there’s no better than this hilarious chef.
- Any cookbook by Anthony Bourdain
