Christmas in July is an opportunity for us in the Southern Hemisphere to enjoy a traditional, chilly festive feast. Although we probably won’t be getting a snowy white Christmas, there is something a little more magical about enjoying a warm roast by a flickering fireplace and sipping on hot chocolate. These are our top recipes for a Christmas in July feast to enjoy with family and friends.
Starters
Baked Camembert with honey-roasted grapes, almonds and puff-pastry shards
There’s something so satisfying about tucking into a molten wheel of camambert. With sweetness from a garnish of roasted grapes, this is an indulgent way to start off a Christmas in July lunch!
Spinach and ricotta Christmas tree
This is a great way to get into the festive spirit! Although this pastry may look complicated, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble – get the kids involved for a fun Christmas activity.
Baked king prawns with feta
Instead of the usual prawn cocktail traditionally enjoyed at Christmas , these warms baked prawns are fitting for the colder weather.
Mains
Beet wellington with balsamic reduction
This vegan take on the classic beef wellington is a great balance of sweet and earthy flavours, all rolled up in the comfort of golden puff pastry.
Butterflied chicken with fig & olive anchoïade
Crispy braaied chicken pairs perfectly with sweet fresh figs and olive anchoïade, a classic Provençal condiment.
Roast leg of lamb with mint and pomegranate rubies
Garnished with pomegranate rubies and fresh mint, this succulent lamb will be the star of any roast!
Sage, apple and pine nut stuffed pork roulade
A beautiful parcel of sweet stuffing, succulent meat and salty pork crackling – perfection!
Sides
Smashed potatoes
Smashing these potatoes before roasting gives them an extra crispy crust, the best part of a roast potato!
Hasselback butternuts with bay leaves, cinnamon and sage
This hassleback butternut side dish is a beauty and takes it up a notch from traditional roasted butternut.
Fennel bulb, bacon and mature cheddar bake
This bake combines sweet, salty and smokey to make an epic side for a Christmas feast…and it takes less than an hour to make.
Roasted rainbow carrots with chilli and cumin yoghurt dressing
Bursting with natural sweetness, these roasted rainbow carrots will become a winter favourite.
Pudding
Milk tart éclair trifle with pinotage jelly and naartjie syrup
A proudly South African twist on a Christmas favourite.
Sticky date & ginger puddings with coconut toffee sauce
Light vegan puddings drenched in a sweet and sticky coconut toffee sauce.
Spiced eggnog marshmallows
Take one of Christmas’s favourite flavours and transform it into a delicious sweet treat. These spiced eggnog marshmallows are fun and festive!
Filo pastry mince pies
Prepare for a textural explosion! We’ve put a twist on tradition and used layers of crispy filo pastry for these mince pies instead of shortcrust.
Blackberry, mascarpone & coconut meringue cake
A showstopper cake consisting of crisp coconut meringue layers filled with silky mascarpone cream, hazelnut brittle and fresh blackberries.
To drink
Glühwein
Traditionally made with a hearty red wine heated and spices, glühwein (or mulled wine) is popular in the chilly northern climes of Europe. But, that’s not to say we can’t enjoy it down south!
Spiced white hot chocolate
Infused with a melody of warming spices, this is a warm and creamy treat just for the adults.
Made any of these recipes for Christmas in July? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH
Feature image by Nicole Michalou
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Kirsty is the food assistant on the Food&Home team. Usually baking up a storm, snapping pics on her camera or buried in her beloved recipe books, she also spends her time tinkering on the piano, doing contemporary dancing and enjoying the beautiful outdoors.