MENU
C
hristmas is coming. Be prepared. That’s the
only way to make it through this festive season
of food relatively intact, according to the chefs
we spoke to (p.39). Now, as much as we love
Christmas – it has pigs in blankets for a start – if you’re
the designated cook in your house, what should be
a sugar-dusted dream of a holiday can quickly turn
stressful enough to disintegrate your paper crown with
fearful perspiration. There’s lots to think about. From
what to serve on the big day (turkey? goose? beef?) to
which potentially torturous method you’re using to cook
it, the decisions come as thick and fast as the crowds of
people you need to feed.
So this issue of Menu is here, like an enthusiastic
sous chef, to help with your prep. We have turkey
cooking tips (p.8, p.32, p.39), and recipes for an entire,
lovely Christmas meal – Starter, Main and Dessert in
The Cook Book (p.29). Don’t slog around the shops,
Christmas shopping. We have present ideas for food
lovers (p.20), dates for Dorset’s thriving local producer
markets (p18) and some Michelin-starred chutney for a
hand-made gift (p.36). If all gets too much, close your
kitchen and eat out. There are recommendations for
where to go for Christmas dinner (p.39) and any special
HO HO HO!
occasion (p.53). So treat yourself
Robin Alway
– you deserve it – and have
Group Editor
a great Christmas!
W
elcome to our guide to
eating, drinking and
shopping for the best in local
food and drink.
We all know that Dorset in
beautiful but, from lush green
fields to sparkling coast, it’s
also increasingly delicious.
Dorset Food and Drink is here
Contributor toElves
celebrate the county’s
outstanding
and
Russell Brown
Miriam Phillips'producers
Tom East
media presence
has always been
is our regular
show
you
the best aplaces
now extends
to
traditionalistto
Michelinthe airwaves
when it comes to
starred chef
as sheand
pops up drink in the
Christmas.
It’s
who now runs
eat
region.
on BBC Radio
turkey all the
the Creative
Solent’s
for him and
About Cuisine
By buying locallyway
and
Breakfast in
he speaks fondly
consultancy. He’s
Dorset show to chat about
local our
of birds
from his home county of
just back from the “ fantastic” Eat seasonally
from
members
Norfolk. But as it’s Christmas
Jersey food festival, is working on food. That’s when she’s not busy
finding country pubs now
we’re letting that pass.
recipes for cavolo nero and
you’re
not only helping
support
However, after speaking to A
clementines (possibly not in the one Autumn is here. Bravely, given
Taste of Game, he’s tempted to try
dish) and then heading to Padstow the approaching festivities, she’s
communities and sustainable
a Venison Wellington for the first
for a guest chef dinner and a demo also looking for healthy food and
great children’s menus for her
time. Funny you should mention
at the Christmas festival. His
living,
getting
two toddlers.you’re
Do share any you’ve
that, wethe
have just such a recipe
chutney on p.36 would be a great
found
with
us
on
Twitter.
this issue on p.25.
present for any foodie friends.
tastiest food around… Enjoy it!
www.menu-dorset.co.uk
3
Sophie Atherton
is an acclaimed
beer writer and
the first woman
in the UK to be
accredited as a
beer
sommelier. A
group of people who know their
beer, our Members of Parliament,
made her their Beer Sommelier of
the Year in 2013. However, she
has absolutely no time for novelty
Christmas ales. She instead
recommends some local brews that
taste much more of the season and
make great gifts for beer fans.
is s ue fiv e
Dorset
3