We started a new and lovely tradition last year. A few families gathered on Christmas morning in the park, for some mulled wine and bubbles. Dungarvan Bay sparkled in the winter cold. It was great fun, but we all had to go home after an hour or so, as everyone’s dinner was in the oven.
I always prefer Christmas dinner on Stephen’s Day. The second day is more relaxed, and there’s very little to do as it’s already cooked. The hours can ebb and flow. It’s a liberating feeling after the hectic week that came before.
I’m a great man for the leftovers, but I want to see the back of the turkey after two days. In the end, I never know who’s consuming who, but I always feel the turkey wins the battle.
Hopefully these no-fuss dishes might come in handy when you’re in a leftovers quandary. There’s not a turkey curry in sight. There is one common thread here and that is the use of the cooking juices of the turkey and especially the ham with its sticky, powerful glaze. It’s pure gold.
The casserole is a tasty little affair. It’s light, and the saltiness of the ham permeates the butterbeans so they become little hammy bon bons floating in a sweet cidery lake. I used baby spinach, but you can use leftover sprouts, either cooked or uncooked. If raw, they will have to be sliced and put in with the ham as they need to cook. Either way, this recipe will still be a fitting end to your lovely Christmas ham.
I’m buying the Yorkshire puddings for my next dish, and the filling is easy. The horseradish gives pep and the salad lightness to the heft of the past few days. The amount you make is entirely up to you. A bag of frozen Yorkshire puddings typically would have eight in it. If you want to make more filling, just increase the stock to heat up the meat.
I’m staying light with this quirky version of a Caesar salad. You could argue that if it doesn’t follow a classic recipe, it isn’t a Caesar salad, and I wouldn’t disagree, but it tastes great all the same.
Have a really lovely Christmas.
Recipe: Christmas ham casserole with winter greens and cider
Recipe: Turkey and ham Yorkies, cranberry, horseradish cream
