We can all agree that one of the best things about Christmas is the food. All the food.
But how do you get the volume of food just right?
Under-cater and you miss out on those lovely Boxing Day leftovers to graze on at the beach or on the couch.
Over-cater and you’re risking a whole lot of food waste.
Whether you’re catering solo or for a crowd, we asked our Traders for a few insider suggestions to help make light work of your planning this year.
Cooking for one or for two
A ham nugget would be my tip. There’s no bone and it’s easy to prepare. Perfect for one or two people to enjoy on the day and have some leftovers to enjoy after – Paul, Neil’s Meats.
For lamb lovers, a rack of lamb wrapped in our free range Australian jamon is a lovely non-time consuming dinner for one or two people. It’s definitely special enough for Christmas and goes perfectly with roast potatoes in duck fat and a fresh green bean salad. – Ash, Gary’s Meats.
If you are looking for a seafood dinner for two you can’t go wrong with Crayfish. They really are the perfect Christmas dinner, a little indulgent and so tasty. You can also cook them on the BBQ so if it’s a really hot day it’s a great option – Anna, Prahran Seafoods.
Four to six people
For three to four people I would recommend either the ¼ ham on the bone or our boneless double smoked ham. They are both easy to prepare and the ideal Christmas dinner. If you do happen to have any leftover you don’t need to worry as it will last for a while in the fridge and is so versatile – Charlie, J & L Meats.
Our Porchetta Roast is proving a popular choice this year. It’s a traditional Italian dish using Ottway Pork. So simple to cook so you can enjoy spending time with your family rather than spending hours prepping in the kitchen – Simon, Ian’s Meats.
A Turducken is the ideal Christmas dinner. 1-1.5kg will serve four to six people and they will enjoy the free-range turkey breast fillets, wrapped around layers of duck and chicken fillets with our cranberry and chestnut stuffing – Arthur, Arthur’s Quality Poultry.
For the many
A whole side of salmon is ideal for a large dinner party. Many of our customers have been ordering it to make their own gravlax at home – Peter, Claringbolds Seafoods.
Everyone loves turkey at Christmas and to keep it simple a stuffed turkey roll is a perfect choice. You can order large turkey rolls to serve many people or a few smaller ones so it is very versatile. Choose one of our stuffings, or bring your own for us to use, which makes it easier to cater to people’s tastes and dietary requirements – Martyn, John Cester’s Poultry.
For any number of people!
You can’t go wrong with prawns and oysters for Christmas. They are so flexible as you can just buy as much or as little as you like and they are so good this time of year. They are always popular for Christmas – Ting, Periwinkle Fine Seafoods.
And who says veg can’t be the hero! One look at some of the meat-free recipes below and you’ll have inspiration aplenty from our fruit and veg Traders in Harvest Hall.
To finish, it’s hard to go past a beautiful Pannetone or brioche – make a bee-line for our Deli’s and bakeries and you’ll have no end of choice (grab some cheese while there). Or perhaps some artisan gelato from Fritz Gelato for the ideal low-stress warm-weather treat. Add some seasonal stone fruits and cherries and presto! Instant dessert.
From all of us to all of you #MerryFeastmas and we’ll see you at the Market!
Psst. did you know that you can win one of two $100 Vouchers to spend anywhere in the Market simply by taking a photograph of Prahran Market in the lead up to Christmas and sharing it on Instagram? Full details, terms and conditions over here.
