Christmas without the hassle – 15 recipes you can freeze ahead before the big day
Enjoy all the flavours of a traditional Christmas feast with none of the last-minute hassle with these freezable recipes. Simply defrost, reheat and serve.
Christmas should be a time to be merry and enjoy the company of loved ones, not to be chained to the kitchen in a last-minute panic. We've got you covered. By preparing and freezing a few festive staples in advance, you can take (most of) the stress out of Christmas Day. Our easy, freezable recipes shared below span starters, mains, sides and desserts, meaning you’ll have all the Christmas favourites ready to go — leaving you with more time for presents, games and that all-important glass of fizz. Hosting for the first time? Our tried-and-tested recipes will ensure all your Christmas feasting needs are covered, from Christmas snacks, starters, centrepieces and desserts. We also have a selection of freezable Christmas baking recipes, perfect for last-minute Christmas guests needing a sweet treat. 1. Unbelievably easy mince pies No Christmas is complete without a batch of mince pies. Simply fill melt-in-the-mouth shortcrust pastry with our zesty homemade mincemeat and pop in the freezer up to a month ahead, then bake straight from frozen for a freshly baked treat whenever guests arrive. See our ultimate collection of freezable mince pie recipes for more ways to bake this festive favourite. 2. Golden roast potatoes Did you know you can par-boil and freeze your roasties ahead of time? Instead of spending time peeling potatoes on Christmas morning, simply roast from frozen for crisp, fluffy potatoes without the faff. We have plenty more crispy and fluffy Christmas roast potato recipes to try. 3. Super-simple cranberry sauce Cranberry sauce lovers, you're in luck: homemade sauce can be made well in advance and frozen in portions (plus, this recipe calls for just three ingredients). Simply defrost then serve with your turkey for a sharp, fruity contrast. Find more varieties for this festive trimming in our collection of cranberry sauce recipes. 4. Best ever Yorkshire puddings These Yorkshire puddings taste light and fluffy even after freezing. And using only four ingredients, this recipe couldn't be easier. Just bake a batch ahead and freeze for up to a month. Reheat from frozen at 200C/180C fan/gas 6 for 6-8 mins – just make sure they are hot through to serve. Discover more Yorkshire pudding recipes. 5. Vegan butternut & pecan spiral pies Use shop-bought filo pastry to make this festive meat-free centrepiece. The squash filling is packed with umami notes thanks to miso paste and soy sauce, plus a touch of maple sweetness. Assemble and freeze the pie ahead of time before baking, so all that’s left to do on the day is cook it straight from frozen for a stress-free vegetarian Christmas meal. Take a look at our vegetarian dinner recipes for more inspired veggie dishes. 6. Sausage & Bramley stuffing Combining classic sage and onion with Bramley apples, this stuffing loaf is packed with festive flavours. You can freeze this stuffing for up to two months – just make sure to defrost in the fridge overnight before cooking. See our collection of stuffing recipes and vegetarian stuffing recipes for more ideas. 7. Triple pigs in blankets Assemble your pigs in blankets, cover your tray tightly with kitchen foil or put in a freezable container and freeze for up to two weeks. When you're ready to defrost, bake from frozen in a hot oven for 20-30 minutes for a sizzling, festive favourite. See our pigs in blankets recipes for more twists on this Christmas favourite. 8. Make-ahead gravy Nothing beats a rich, homemade gravy, and the good news is you can make and freeze our recipe weeks in advance. On Christmas Day, simply reheat and add the roasting juices from your turkey for extra flavour. See our collection of gravy recipes for more inspiration, including our vegetarian alternative. 9. Red cabbage with balsamic vinegar & cranberries Red cabbage with balsamic vinegar makes a colourful, sweet side that also happens to freeze beautifully. Simply make ahead and reheat for a vibrant vegan addition to your table. This tastes really festive and includes fresh cranberries, so you won’t need to make a separate cranberry sauce. Find more ideas in our cranberry sauce collection, including this easy cranberry & orange relish. 10. Cheesy sprout gratin Convert even the most dedicated sprout sceptics with this deliciously creamy, cheesy gratin. Prepare, freeze and bake from frozen until golden and bubbling. For the best results, freeze before adding the nutty breadcrumbs and before baking (you can freeze the nutty breadcrumbs in a separate container or bag). Defrost both in the fridge overnight, sprinkle over the nutty breadcrumbs and baker as per the recipe. Try more revamped sprouts dishes, such as our brussels sprout slaw. 11. Nut roast A vegetarian classic, our nut roast can be made, sliced and frozen. Simply reheat slices in the oven for an easy vegetarian main or side. Boasting over 300 star ratings it's also one of our most popular Christmas recipes on the site. Try more of our nut roast recipes, including this easy vegan nut roast and nut roast rolls. 12. Mince pie brownies Combine whole mince pies with brownie batter and what do you get? This epic festive mash-up. These gooey morsels will keep in an airtight container for a week and in the freezer for up to a month, so you can whip out a chocolate treat at a moment's notice. Discover more squidgy bakes in our Christmas chocolate collection. 13. Bread sauce A roast dinner is not complete without the accompaniment of bread sauce. Our easy recipe is sure to be a Christmas favourite – prepare your sauce, cool and freeze in a plastic bag. You may need to add a splash of cream when you defrost. We have plenty more bread sauce recipes for you to try, such as this silky and thick brown butter bread & onion sauce. 14. Quick Christmas pudding Left it too late to make and feed a classic Christmas fruitcake? Opt for this speedy microwave Christmas pudding, which uses shop-bought mincemeat and takes just 35 minutes to make. Simply microwave the pudding, then cool and freeze. When you want to serve, defrost at room temperature then reheat in the microwave for a few minutes, until piping hot. Search our Christmas pudding and Christmas cake recipe collections for more tried-and-tested recipes. 15. Red velvet brownies Brownie lovers, rejoice! These rich, festive brownies can be baked and frozen in advance, perfect for any last-minute Christmas guests. They're beautifully swirled with a tangy cheesecake filling and festively red to brighten your Christmas gatherings – you could even crush candy canes and sprinkle over the brownie batter before baking for an extra festive twist. Discover more delicious festive bakes in our collection of Christmas baking recipes, including our next-level yule log.
15 easy December recipes to add to your weeknight dinner rotation
Embrace December’s seasonal bounty and keep weeknight dinners easy and exciting with these comforting, seasonal recipes.
It’s all too easy to fall into a dinner rut, especially as the nights draw in and the temperatures fall. However, with longer evenings and more time spent indoors, December is a great time to shake things up in the kitchen while making the most of the season’s bounty. With ingredients like leeks, sweet potato and kale at their best, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found. These easy weeknight recipes below are designed to help you try something new, comforting and delicious — each one simple enough for busy evenings, but special enough to become a firm favourite in your winter dinner rotation. Check out what's in season in December for more recipe inspiration, as well as our round-up of the best December recipes, winter dinners and British comfort food recipes. 1. Chicken, kale & mushroom pot pie This satisfying one-pot pie featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms and nutritious kale is easier to make than you think. Using ready-made puff pastry to cut corners, it's ideal for a comforting family supper, and any leftovers can be frozen for another day. We have plenty more chicken pie recipes for you to try, including this curried chicken pie. 2. Turkey pasta bake Use up any leftover turkey (or chicken) to create this super-comforting pasta bake. You can even turn it up a notch by topping with pigs in blankets (if there's any spare). Discover our freezable pasta bakes to help you get ahead with family dinners. 3. Smoky sausage & squash traybake Make the most of seasonal butternut squash in this oven-baked traybake with sausages, red onions and warming spices. An all-in-one meal that’s both simple and satisfying, it will be a hit with everyone at the table. Try more of our easy traybake recipes, such as this vibrant za’atar & lemon chicken traybake. 4. Thai curry noodle soup This speedy and spicy prawn noodle soup is great for using up whatever vegetables you have on hand. It's a warming bowl that's packed with flavour and is ready on the table in just 20 minutes – ideal for busy weeknights. Try more of our noodle soup recipes, including this Vietnamese chicken noodle soup. 5. Root veg lentil bowl with herb pistou Celebrate the season’s root vegetables with this wholesome veggie bowl, featuring roasted carrots or parsnips, hearty lentils and a herby pistou drizzle. It makes for a vibrant and vegan-friendly meal. Take a look at more vegan winter recipes, such as this coconut cashew & butternut squash curry. 6. Cod & prawn pie with saffron potatoes Elevate your fish pie with a touch of saffron. Low in fat and calories, it's also a great way to enjoy seafood during the cold winter months. Check out more of our fish pie recipes as well as our healthy Christmas recipes. 7. Caramelised onion & chicory tart with gorgonzola This tatin-style vegetarian tart combines sweet caramelised onions, chicory and blue cheese, finished with a scattering of crunchy hazelnuts. It’s simple enough to make – using ready-rolled puff pastry for ease – yet its full of moreish winter flavours. Take a look at our tarte tatin recipes for more inspiration, then check out our best blue cheese recipes. 8. Red cabbage, cauliflower & coconut dhal Transform red cabbage and cauliflower into a nourishing vegetarian dhal, flavoured with coconut and warming spices. This warming bowl of goodness is perfect for chilly winter nights. Try our best ever dhal recipes here. 9. Sweet potato & peanut curry Nothing says Friday night like a beautiful homemade curry, and this one will kick a takeaway to the curb. This budget-friendly dish is flavour-packed but mild enough for kids, plus meat-eaters won't even realise it's vegan. With spinach and sweet potato, it boasts two of your five-a-day and it’s also under 400 calories. Try more of our sweet potato curry recipes then take a look at our round-up of the most popular curry recipes. 10. Turkey ramen A creative way to use up any roast turkey leftovers, this nourishing ramen features a rich broth, shiitake mushrooms and a jammy egg. It’s a restorative bowl to curl up with on those dark nights. Find more ways to use up your turkey leftovers. 11. Cavolo nero orecchiette Enjoy winter’s finest greens with this easy pasta dish, ready in just 30 minutes. Iron-rich cavolo nero is tossed with orecchiette and a simple garlicky sauce, making for a nutritious, speedy supper. Take a browse through more cavolo nero recipes, such as this pancetta & white bean stew. 12. Creamy sprout, hazelnut & leek pasta Give your sprouts a new lease of life in this creamy low-calorie pasta, where they’re paired with sweet leeks and crunchy hazelnuts for a festive twist. See our winter pasta recipes for more inspiration, as well as our vegetarian winter recipes. 13. Chorizo & pea risotto This risotto makes brilliant use of storecupboard and freezer staples — smoky chorizo, frozen peas and arborio rice — cooked together for an easy, flavour-packed dinner that's ready in under 40 minutes. Take a look at more comforting risotto dishes or check out our chorizo recipe collection. 14. Warm winter bean salad with chicken A robust salad for cold weather, this dish features soft butter beans, bitter leaves, chicken breast and herbs, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s hearty enough to be a main meal. See more winter salad recipes to add to your repertoire. 15. Vegan ramen A bowlful of comfort, this meat-free ramen is loaded with veg, tofu, dried mushrooms and miso for umami-rich depth. Add whatever winter vegetables you have to hand for a flexible, speedy supper. See our collection of top ramen recipes for more soothing suppers.
Celebrate like an Italian with these traditional Christmas dinner ideas
Want to try something different this Christmas? Discover some of the main Italian dinner traditions and dishes for Christmas Eve (La Vigilia) and the rest of the festive period.
This holiday season, bring new flavours to your table with an Italian Christmas feast. From rich fish and seafood dishes to comforting stuffed pastas, roasts and panettone, these Italian Christmas dinner ideas offer a delicious alternative, or a perfect complement, to your traditional British spread. In Italy, the Christmas holidays start on the 24 December, Christmas Eve. That’s when the celebrations and food gatherings officially begin, with Natale (Christmas Day) as the main event, and Santo Stefano (26 December, Boxing Day) as the closing act. Across Italy every region has its own traditional festive foods and even within a single region recipes often change from town to town. Still, some dishes are similar and many traditions are shared. Here’s a look at Italy’s festive tables, from Christmas Eve’s meatless meals to the long, abundant lunches on Christmas Day and the relaxed, leftover feasts on Santo Stefano. These are some of the traditions kept alive in Italy and by Italian families across the US who continue to celebrate customs brought over by earlier generations of immigrants. Christmas is celebrated in many ways around the world. We’ve got plenty of menu inspiration from classic British Christmas dinners to plenty of alternative dishes. You might want to lay on a buffet from all around the world, incorporating some Polish Christmas dishes as well as being inspired by these Italian Christmas dinner ideas, as well as our collection of Italian-inspired recipes. Christmas Eve – La Vigilia and The Feast of the Seven Fishes (24 December) On Christmas Eve, Catholics celebrate the birth of Jesus by staying up until midnight and attending Mass. Many families mark the occasion with festive gatherings, whether or not they’re religious. Traditionally, Italians abstain from meat on this day, opting instead for fish, vegetables and legumes. Popular dishes include spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), assorted fried fish, seafood salads, vegetable stews or comforting bean soups. In some areas pizza also makes an appearance. Many enjoy these foods for lunch, as at night they go to Mass and keep their dinner short and light. Perhaps because Christmas Eve meals were supposed to be meat-free, Italian immigrants in the US began celebrating with several fish courses, giving rise to the famous Italian-American tradition known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes. It seems this tradition was brought to the US by Sicilian immigrants in the 1900s – Sicily’s strong fish and seafood culture may have influenced it. The number seven is said to have been chosen for its symbolic meaning in the Bible. There is no set list of fish, the selection varies by location and family. Starters might feature fried calamari, stuffed clams, toasted bread topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon, and prawn cocktail. This could be followed by a pasta or soup course such as spaghetti with clams, ravioli or another pasta filled with lobster or crab, and clam chowder. Finally, the main course often includes baked fish like baccalà (salt cod) or salmon, grilled lobster tails and a fresh seafood salad. Try our Italian Christmas Eve inspired recipes Starters: Crispy fried calamari & aïoli Cauliflower fritters with herby dipping sauce Pasta & soup course: Spaghetti alle vongole Clam chowder Quick seafood linguine Crab ravioli Main: Grilled lobster tails with lemon & herb butter Salt cod with root vegetables, cream & bacon Roasted fish Italian style Baked salmon with fennel & tomatoes Christmas Day – Il Giorno Di Natale (25 December) Christmas Day is when families gather for an abundant, multi-course meal that often stretches across the afternoon and even into dinner. While children sleep in or play, mothers, grandmothers and other family members are busy preparing lunch all morning. The meal typically includes an antipasto (starter) of cured meat and cheese, primo (first course) with pasta, rice or soup, secondo (second course) featuring meat, fish and sides, and dolce (dessert) such as pandoro, panettone, cookies and more. And, of course, the meal usually ends with fresh fruit and nuts. Antipasto A typical starter is a charcuterie board featuring a mixture of cured meats and cheeses. Several large trays are laid out across the table, accompanied by bowls filled with olives and salted nuts. Naturally, a drink accompanies the spread: a prosecco or spritz for those who enjoy alcohol, and Sanbittèr, Crodino or Cedrata for an aperitivo analcolico. The food selection varies by region. Platters may include salumi such as salsiccia, capocollo, soppressata, prosciutto crudo, coppa and mortadella, or formaggi like pecorino, caciocavallo, mozzarella and burrata. Other traditional antipasti include: cardi in pastella, battered and fried cardoons; crostini con fonduta e tartufo, toasted bread with melted cheese and truffle; pettole and panzerotti fritti, deep-fried pizza dough and mini calzones; olive all’ascolana, olives that are breaded, stuffed and fried. Try some of our Italian antipasto recipes: Grazing platter Antipasti platter with homemade flatbreads Pear & gorgonzola crostini Deep-fried olives Truffled parsnip & parmesan bruschetta Primo Stuffed pasta features across Italy. It’s often served in broth – think of the iconic tortellini al brodo – though in some regions it’s dressed with rich meat sauces. Shapes and names vary by region: agnolotti in Piedmont, shaped like small semi-circular pockets; ravioli in Liguria, with a classic square shape; casoncelli in Lombardy, shaped like half moons; anolini and tortellini in Emilia-Romagna (the first round, the second folded around the filling); cappelletti in Umbria, Marche and Lazio, which resemble tortellini; and culurgiones in Sardinia, half-moon shaped and sealed in a way that resembles an ear of wheat. These pastas come with a wide variety of fillings — most are made with meat, cheese and herbs, while some consist of just fresh cheese and vegetables. Brodo (broth) is a staple on the Italian Christmas table and it’s not just served with pasta. In northern Puglia, zuppetta is a must – a baked dish made of layers of toasted bread, turkey, caciocavallo cheese and mozzarella, covered with broth. Campania’s minestra maritata combines escarole, chicory and other bitter greens in a meat broth. Basilicata offers another variation – a soup made with escarole, savoy cabbage and cardoons in turkey broth. Zuppa alla Valpellinese from Valle d’Aosta features stale bread and cabbage cooked in beef stock. Abruzzo’s version is a soup made with chickpeas, chestnuts and vegetable broth. While stuffed pasta and soup are among the most common Christmas first courses, other regional specialties include lasagne, risotto, a variety of handmade pastas with meat or fish sauces, and even bread dumplings (canederli). Try some of our Italian first course dishes: Italian vegetable soup Green minestrone with tortellini Acquacotta Hearty pasta soup Porcini, pancetta & spelt soup Italian borlotti bean, pumpkin & farro soup Check out more of our Italian starter recipes. Secondo e contorno Meat: for the second course, chicken is a common choice – specifically cappone, a large bird prized for its tender and flavourful meat. It’s usually roasted and sometimes stuffed: in Lombardia with minced meat, eggs and cheese; in Campania with stale bread and caciocavallo cheese. Roasted lamb and baked sausages are common as well, often cooked with potatoes, sage and rosemary. Beef stew and bollito (boiled meats) are popular choices too. Fish: this also features as a second course. Baccalà can be enjoyed fried, stewed (in umido), or boiled. Fish soup is another favourite – a well-known example is brodetto alla Termolese from Molise, made by cooking fresh fish and seafood in a tomato and pepper sauce. Eel is a traditional choice as well: fried, stewed, grilled or baked, it’s often eaten on New Year’s Eve but it’s also served on Christmas Day. Sides: traditional regional contorni include peperoni in bagna cauda, baked peppers stuffed with anchovies; cardoon flan; insalata di rinforzo, a cauliflower salad enriched with olives and pickled vegetables; pan-fried broccoli; winter caponata made with celery and almonds; orange, herring and onion salad; and vegetable tempura. Try some of our Italian second course dishes: Creamy Tuscan chicken Italian stuffed chicken Roast red wine lamb with Italian beans Seared steak with celery & pepper caponata Fish: Roasted fish Italian style Sea bream in crazy water (Orata all’acqua pazza) Sides: Winter vegetable caponata Roasted peppers with tomatoes & anchovies Baked cauliflower pizzaiola Dolce Desserts are the highlight of the season. Panettone and pandoro are the best known but regional sweets vary widely. Some traditional sweet breads include: panpepato, found in many regions across Italy; pandolce in Liguria; gubana in Friuli-Venezia Giulia; bisciola in Lombardy; panone di Natale in Emilia-Romagna, fristingo in Marche. These dense yet moist Christmas cakes are made with candied fruit, nuts, aromatics such as lemon, orange zest, cinnamon and clove, and often liquor. Trays full of cookies and other bite-size desserts are a must. In Valle d’Aosta, tegole, paper-thin wafers made with almond and hazelnut flour; in Tuscany, ricciarelli, chewy almond cookies; in Abruzzo, ferratelle, thin wafers; in Molise, ostie di Agnone ripiene, white wafers filled with caramelised walnuts and almonds; in Campania, roccocò, spiced almond cookies, and struffoli, tiny fried dough balls coated in honey; in Calabria, petrali, cookies filled with figs and nuts; in Sicily, buccellati, spiced cookies filled with figs, and, of course, cannoli; in Basilicata and Puglia, calzoncelli, fried pastries filled with chocolate, chestnuts or chickpeas. Last but not least is torrone, a nougat made with honey, sugar and nuts found across the country in both soft and crunchy versions. Try some of our Italian desserts and sweets: Panettone Pandoro Panforte Ricciarelli biscuits Fruity biscotti Easy biscotti Italian cookies & ice cream For more inspiration, check out our collection of Italian desserts. Boxing Day – Santo Stefano (26 December) The day of Santo Stefano was established as a national holiday in 1947 to provide a day of rest after Christmas Day. It is traditionally more relaxed – people visit relatives and Christmas markets, or play cards and tombola. There are no fixed rules about what to eat: families gather for a leisurely lunch and often enjoy Christmas leftovers or prepare something simple and comforting. Discover more traditional recipes and some of our Christmas guides here: Italian recipes Italian starter recipes Italian dessert ideas European baking recipes All our Christmas menu ideas
Pancetta, cheddar & cranberry croquettes
Take a little effort to make these delicious croquettes – they store well in the freezer and make a quick starter that takes just minutes to cook
This recipe was updated after retesting on 20/11/25.
Chorizo & purple sprouting broccoli gnocchi traybake
For a fast fix of comfort food, this gnocchi traybake is ideal – buy pre-chopped chorizo and garlic and you won’t even have to chop anything
The best healthy soup recipes to warm you up this winter
Make one of our vibrant, healthy soups for a wholesome lunch or light supper. These warming bowls are low in calories yet packed full of veggies and flavour
Change up your Christmas table with a Polish Christmas dinner, including crimson beetroot soup and pillowy pierogi with potatoes and cheese
If you are looking to branch out from a traditional British Christmas dinner this year, then why not join the one million Poles and people of Polish descent in the UK and make a Polish Christmas dinner, featuring recipes and traditions for a showstopping feast from Poland. Poles tend to celebrate Christmas over three days, but the highlight is the Polish Christmas Eve feast, called Wigilia, or the vigil meal, filled with symbolism and centuries-old customs. Although the dishes served will vary regionally and from family to family, here are some of the most popular festive Polish traditions and menu ideas. Polish Christmas food is a celebration of family, togetherness and joy, and you’ll find dishes such as crimson beetroot soup (barszcz) or borscht, vegan-friendly sauerkraut, mushroom puff pastry rolls and pierogi dumplings filled with potato and cheese. Christmas is celebrated in so many ways around the world, and Christmas tables all over the UK are filled with plenty of alternative dishes. You might want to lay on a buffet from all around the world, incorporating some Italian Christmas dishes, as well as Polish dishes and some British classics. Don’t forget to help younger ones make some traditional Christmas biscuits to hang on the tree. Polish Christmas feasting Polish Christmas feasting begins on Christmas Eve with a meal called Wigilia. During the day you should usually fast, and traditionally, no meat or alcohol is consumed. The evening begins when you see the first star in the sky, as a nod to the star of Bethlehem and to the wise men who found their way to the stable. A small bundle of hay is placed under the tablecloth to represent the manger, and a spare place is left at the table for the unexpected guest. Everyone around the table shares opłatek, which is a thin wafer, along with good wishes for the whole year ahead. This is followed by sharing 12 dishes, representing the 12 apostles. Christmas Eve vigil meal – Wigilia A traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner includes dishes that are made from the land, field, forest and sea. There is beetroot soup, which is a clear soup made with a vegetable stock base, with dumplings called ‘uszka’, or 'little ears', filled with mushrooms. As an alternative, you could serve a forest mushroom soup, with a swirl of soured cream. If you are serving vegan guests, then this vegan mushroom pâté topped with walnuts is a lovely treat. You’ll also see fish dishes, such as salads made with marinated herring, and hot fish dishes, traditionally carp, but more often in modern times, any white fish, such as cod in tomato sauce. The focal point is very often pierogi, which are dumplings filled with either potato and cheese (Ruthenian pierogi) or pierogi filled with mushrooms and sauerkraut. For dessert, try this vanilla & poppy seed swirl cake, or a traditional cheesecake – or try a lighter version, such as this white chocolate & ricotta cheesecake. For extra authenticity, you could use a Polish farmer’s cheese, called twaróg, instead of ricotta. After your Polish Christmas dinner, you could embrace the tradition of early gift-giving, or sing some carols together by the tree before attending midnight mass, or 'Pasterka'. A Polish Christmas Day On Christmas Day, or Boże Narodzenie (literally 'God's birth'), the mood is more celebratory than reverent, and Polish food tends to be less formal than on Christmas Eve. There will almost certainly be a few leftovers to eat, and it is quite traditional to find savoury dishes alongside sweet dishes on the Polish table. Think slow roast duck served with braised red cabbage, honey-glazed spiced roast goose with confit potatoes, or perhaps roast pork with apples, plenty of vegetables and potatoes, alongside a simple honey cake or a more decadent layered Piernik, a Polish gingerbread cake. The second day of Christmas In Poland, Boxing Day is known as 'Drugi Dzień Świąt', which is, somewhat confusingly, the second day of Christmas. The focus is still on food and family, and you can expect to find more pierogi, leftover roast meats and salads, such as a vegetable salad – or try this next-level potato salad for the table. You might find a big pan of bigos on the stove, a Polish hunter’s stew made with sauerkraut and smoked meats, and it can include all of your leftover Christmas meats. For a sweet treat, try your hand at making this traditional Polish apple cake, called szarlotka, and serve it with whipped cream and a shot of ice-cold fruit vodka, such as damson vodka or cherry vodka. Which of these Polish dishes will you try first? Let us know what you’ll be making over the festive period to impress your guests in the comments… Discover more traditional recipes and some of our Christmas guides here: Polish recipes Polish baking recipes Homemade rye bread recipe What can you freeze at Christmas? European baking recipes
Whipping up tasty meals just got easier – and smarter – with the Monsieur Cuisine Smart, available soon from Lidl via Click, Reserve & Collect
Are your kitchen worktops overflowing with gadgets? From air fryers to slow cookers and that mixer you haven’t touched in months, it doesn’t take much for your counters to become cluttered with single-job appliances – and your washing-up pile to grow. That’s why Lidl has partnered with Monsieur Cuisine, so you can save time, space and hassle with the Monsieur Cuisine Smart. This handy kitchen companion does the work of 15 appliances in one, helping make food prep and cooking easier, faster and more enjoyable. Read on to find out how it works, and how you can be one of the first to not only get your hands on it, but also save £100 through Lidl’s Click, Reserve and Collect service between 27th November and 1st December… Reserve now Why Lidl customers love Monsieur Cuisine For more than 30 years, Lidl has been committed to making high-quality products affordable for everyone – and the Monsieur Cuisine Smart is no exception. Developed by Monsieur Cuisine, which has been helping home cooks with its innovative multicookers for over a decade, this latest model is the most advanced yet. With a large touchscreen, built-in voice control, Wi-Fi connection and a library of pre-installed recipes for you to browse and follow, this is a must-have addition to your kitchen – whether you’re a keen cook or just want to make daily meals simpler. What is a multicooker? Multicookers are designed to perform multiple functions, such as steaming, cooking and mixing, reducing the need for juggling single-purpose appliances. With the Monsieur Cuisine Smart, you’ll not only save counter space, but time, too, as it can handle several jobs at once. One appliance, endless possibilities The Monsieur Cuisine Smart does the work of up to 15 kitchen appliances, effortlessly weighing, chopping, mixing, kneading, cooking, whisking, sautéing, stirring and more. So, no matter whether you’re whipping up a quick midweek dinner, batch-cooking for the freezer or experimenting with new recipes, everything you need is right there at your fingertips. Find out more The smart way to cook From homemade bread to hearty stews and midweek curries, the Monsieur Cuisine Smart makes it easy to cook a wide variety of meals. Its guided recipes and precise portioning can also help you plan ahead, reduce food waste and stick to your budget. In other words, it offers you a smarter way to enjoy home-cooked food, including healthier, more cost-effective meals. Lidl’s high-quality, affordable ingredients and weekly specials make it easy to stock your kitchen with everything you need to get the most from your Monsieur Cuisine Smart – helping you create healthy, delicious and flavour-packed meals your family and friends will love. A helping hand The Monsieur Cuisine Smart comes with more than 600 preloaded recipes, with images and step-by-step instructions you can follow on the touchscreen. You’ll be guided from start to finish, making it quick and simple to serve up mouth-watering dishes for you and your loved ones. Better still, recipes can be adjusted for allergies, quantities and personal preferences, so tailoring dishes to suit your household is easier than ever. What’s more, this handy multicooker allows you to create a weekly planner and add recipes to your shopping list, so you can effortlessly integrate your favourite meals into your everyday life. You can even push your cooking abilities with different cuisines and professional recipes from around the world, including some Michelin-starred options. When you’re ready to get started, Lidl’s fresh produce and pantry staples are there to help you bring your recipes to life. Reserve your new kitchen companion Ready to try it for yourself? You can reserve yours with the Lidl Plus app between 27th November and 1st December through its Click, Reserve and Collect service – the best way to secure must-have Middle of Lidl products up to two weeks before they hit the shelves. Yes, that middle aisle everyone always makes a beeline for. And, if you’re a Lidl Plus member, you can buy yours for just £299 – that’s £100 less than the standard retail price! Whatever you’re cooking, the Monsieur Cuisine Smart can help you weigh, chop and wow your way to perfectly timed, precisely cooked meals. So, what will you whip up first? Transform the way you cook with the Monsieur Cuisine Smart... Reserve yours now
Find out about medium-chain triglyceride fats and how they fit into the keto diet
What is MCT oil? Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is a supplement sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, and is found naturally in some other foods, like dairy products. Fats are classified dependent on the number of carbon atoms they contain: Short contain less than six carbon atoms Medium contain between six and 12 carbon atoms Long contain more than 12 carbon atoms As its name suggests, MCT oil is made up of medium-chain triglycerides (fats); these are easier and potentially quicker to digest than the long-chain variety, which is why the oil may be effective at supporting energy levels. There are four main types of MCTs, but MCT oil will predominantly contain caprylic (C8) and capric acid (C10), with smaller amounts of caproic (C6) and lauric acid (C12). The rise in MCT oil’s fame is partly down to its ability to convert into chemical substances called ketones; this makes MCT oil a useful addition to a ketogenic diet. How is MCT oil made? MCT supplements may be naturally derived, whereby the fat is separated or fractionated from the original food source. Sometimes the MCTs may be blended with long-chain triglycerides. It’s also possible to buy MCT oil that is 100% synthetically made. The benefits of MCT oil include: May lower calorie intake May boost energy May promote fat burning May optimise body composition May support a ketogenic diet May be anti-microbial May support gut health May help blood sugar management Discover our full range of health benefit guides, including the benefits of coconut oil, and learn all about bulletproof coffee. 8 potential health benefits of MCT oil 1. May lower calorie intake One of the benefits of MCT oil is its ability to promote fullness and curb cravings. This helps reduce appetite and makes it easier to stay in a calorie deficit, potentially improving weight loss. That said, some research suggests a contradictory effect, reporting MCT oil may actually stimulate hormones associated with hunger, such as grehlin and neuropeptide Y – exactly why this requires more research. 2. May boost energy MCTs are absorbed differently to long-chain fats; they are absorbed intact from the small intestine – without the need for bile or pancreatic enzymes – and, as such, are used directly for energy. For this reason, they are a popular choice for sports people and athletes, and may even be used in infant formulations for premature babies. 3. May promote fat burning Because MCT oil is metabolised differently, it helps promote fat-burning by increasing heat production (thermogenesis), fuelling the body more efficiently and keeping the body in ketosis – a state where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbs. 4. May optimise body composition MCT oil is said to help reduce fat deposition and, in particular, abdominal belly fat. By doing so, it may improve waist to hip circumference, total body fat and subcutaneous and visceral fat. However, more research is needed to determine the amount necessary to achieve these benefits. 5. May support a ketogenic diet A ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet with moderate amounts of protein. It is designed to induce a metabolic state called ketosis. Many of us associate a keto diet with weight loss, but therapeutically, it has a long history of use for drug-resistant epilepsy. MCT fats are more ketogenic than their long-chain equivalents, which in practice means a keto diet that includes them may allow more carbs and protein – likely to improve the diet’s palatability and compliance. 6. May be anti-microbial MCT oil appears to inhibit the growth of some bacteria. The fatty acid known as lauric acid appears to be the most effective, although capric and caprylic acids were also seen to be inhibitory to a lesser extent. 7. May support gut health MCTs are absorbed without the need for bile or pancreatic enzymes, making them a useful dietary inclusion for those with fat malabsorption. Thanks to their anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, the inclusion of MCT oil in the diet may improve the composition of the gut microbiome. However, it should be noted that the majority of research in this area has been conducted using animal models or in vitro (using test tubes). 8. May help blood sugar management MCT oil helps stabilise blood sugar and improves sensitivity to the blood sugar hormone insulin. Improved insulin sensitivity helps support metabolic health and manage blood glucose levels, making weight management more effective. How to use MCT oil for weight loss MCT oil has no taste or smell, so it can be mixed with a variety of foods and drinks, including salad dressings, smoothies and coffee, or taken off the spoon. It can also be used as a cooking oil, although temperatures should be kept below 150C. Alternatively, MCT oil can be taken as a supplement in either capsule or powder form. If you have an underlying health condition such as poorly managed diabetes, speak with your GP – MCT oil taken in excess or for long periods may have side effects. There’s no recommended dosage or upper limit for MCT oil, although some researchers suggest a safe upper limit for adult intake may be 60-100ml daily (4-7 tablespoons). It is always advisable to start on a low dose of 1-2 tsp per day and gradually increase to assess your body’s tolerance. Side effects of MCT oil Excessive intake of MCT oil has been associated with gut disturbances, including cramping, bloating and diarrhoea. While some studies suggest MCT oils may be beneficial for certain liver conditions, there’s evidence suggesting that over time, high intakes may result in the build-up of fatty deposits. Although saturated fats have been associated with the risk of heart disease, studies suggest that, when included in moderate amounts, MCTs do not adversely affect cardiovascular risk factors. Overall, is MCT oil good for you? MCT oil can be a useful source of energy, especially for those with fat malabsorption issues. For the weight conscious, MCT oil can be useful for fat loss, given it promotes ketosis, boosts metabolism and may help manage appetite. If fat loss is your primary goal, you may wish to consider a low-carb or ketogenic diet and include MCT oil to enhance the diet’s fat-burning potential and support your weight loss goals. Enjoyed this? Read more of our health guides: How to get the most out of supplements Is saturated fat bad for you? Weight loss hub What supplements should I take? How much fat should I eat each day Best supplements for energy Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a BANT Registered Nutritionist® with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including Good Food. All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.
We cooked this dish after [my husband] Neil had been out fishing and had caught a fresh-water trout. It's the stuffing that makes this such a delicious dish; just soften onions and garlic in butter and mix it with the breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, almonds and slices of lemon. Trout is quite forgiving so you can use any mix of herbs you fancy. The stuffing would work just as well with a whole salmon or with small sea breams or seabass. I really like cooking fish en papillote, and you could certainly use the sealed paper technique here - just cut a big sheet of baking paper to line the oven tray. Once the fish is in and drizzled with the oil, gently bring the sides together, being careful not to wrap the fish too tightly, then crimp to seal and cook as per the instructions below.