Table of contents for Christmas 2024 in Easy Cook

So here it is, Merry Christmas, everybody’s having fun; flick through your mag now and put the oven on… it’s Chriiiiiiiistmaaaaas! (Thanks, Noddy!) We’ve got so many amazing recipes and ideas for you: a keep-it-simple big day menu, starring a gorgeous burnt lemon & thyme butter turkey crown (p25); turkey alternatives, if you fancy changing it up (p40); impressive veggie mains (p46); and our cover sensation, a salted caramel Christmas cake (p6). You’ll go nuts for it, trust me! And, as well as all that, there are party platters (p74) and fun projects to make with the kids (p56). Look to the future now, and have the best Christmas ever. IN THIS ISSUE ✹ Si King shares memories of his late friend, Hairy Biker Dave Myers, through special recipes (p34).…

13 budget dinner ideas Thai curry noodles Speedy, spicy and healthy, you can use whatever veg you have in the fridge to make this filling bowl. ■ Serves 2 ■ Prep 5 mins ■ Cook 15 mins 1 tsp vegetable oil 1 heaped tbsp Thai green curry paste 220g stir-fry vegetable mix 150g raw prawns, shelled 180ml light coconut milk 220ml vegetable stock, made with 1 low-salt stock cube 250g straight-to-wok udon noodles 5g coriander, roughly chopped 5g Thai basil, roughly torn 1 red chilli, sliced, to serve (optional) 1 spring onion, sliced, to serve 1 Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat and cook the curry paste for 1 min before adding the stir-fry veg and prawns. Cook for 3 mins until the prawns are mostly pink, then add the coconut milk, veg stock and noodles.…

1 Special supper for two Smoked salmon pasta Smoked salmon always adds a touch of sophistication to quick pasta dishes. ■ Serves 2 ■ Prep 3 mins ■ Cook 12 mins 200g linguine 100-150g smoked salmon, cut into strips 1 lemon, zested and juiced 4 handfuls of watercress, roughly chopped 2 tbsp horseradish sauce 2 tbsp half-fat crème fraîche or double cream 1 Cook the linguine following pack instructions. Drain and then tip into a bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Toss everything together, then season generously with black pepper. PER SERVING 477 kcals, fat 8g, saturates 2.3g, carbs 80g, sugars 4g, protein 27g, salt 0.4g 2 Luxurious dessert Affogato chocolate pots These rich coffee and vanilla chocolate pots take next to no time to prepare in advance. They’re easy, but more special than…

Pork, apricot & pistachio terrine You can make this recipe ahead and serve it as part of a buffet, if you like. ■ Serves 8 ■ Prep 30 mins plus optional marinating ■ Cook 1 hr 300g pork tenderloin fillet, trimmed of fat and diced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 thyme sprigs 2 tbsp brandy butter, for the mould or tin 250g rashers dry-cured, rindless streaky bacon 1kg sausagemeat, or use skinned sausages small bunch of parsley, chopped small bunch of chives, chopped 100g shelled pistachios 8-10 dried apricots cornichons and salad leaves, to serve 1 Put the pork, garlic, 1 thyme sprig and the brandy in a bowl, cover and marinate overnight in the fridge, if you have time. 2 Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Butter a 1kg terrine mould or loaf tin, put the remaining thyme sprig…

Baked stuffed red onions These onions can be made ahead, then covered and chilled until their final cooking. ■ Serves 8 ■ Prep 15 mins ■ Cook 1 hr 15 mins 8 small red onions vegetable stock, for the tin 50g breadcrumbs 1 tbsp chopped thyme leaves 50g butter, melted 1 Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6. Peel the onions, cut the top off each and trim the root so they sit upright. Sit in a baking dish and pour a 1cm depth of stock in the base. Cover completely and bake for 1 hr. 2 Take out and leave until cool enough to handle. Use a sharp knife to remove the inside of each onion, leaving a thick shell. Chop the removed onion, then mix with the breadcrumbs, thyme and butter.…

Turkey larb bowls After all the feasting on Christmas Day, something crunchy and fresh with just a little heat is ideal for Boxing Day. ■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 25 mins ■ Cook 20 mins 1 small red onion, finely sliced 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar pinch of sugar 300g sticky white rice 1 tbsp sunflower oil 1 tsp sesame oil 4 garlic cloves, crushed 3 banana shallots, finely sliced 1 lemongrass stalk, outer leaves removed and finely chopped 1-2 bird’s-eye chillies, or to taste (deseeded if you prefer less heat), finely chopped 400g leftover turkey, shredded 2 tbsp dark soy sauce 2 tsp fish sauce 1 tbsp light brown soft sugar 1 lime, juiced TO SERVE 1 Little Gem lettuce, roughly chopped ½ cucumber, halved and sliced 5g coriander, finely chopped 5g mint leaves, finely chopped 1 Combine the onion, vinegar, sugar and a pinch of…

Smoky veggie nachos ■ Serves 6 ■ Prep 25 mins ■ Cook 15 mins 7 soft corn tortillas 1 tbsp rapeseed oil 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika, plus extra to serve 2 red peppers, halved and deseeded 400g can black beans, drained and rinsed ½ bunch of parsley, finely chopped 50g fat-free yogurt 1 jalapeño, finely sliced FOR THE SALSA 4 spring onions, finely sliced 4 medium tomatoes, deseeded and finely chopped 1 small avocado, peeled, stoned and chopped ½ small bunch of coriander, finely chopped 1 small garlic clove, finely grated 1 lime, zested and juiced 1 tbsp rapeseed oil 1 Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4. Cut each of the tortillas into 8-10 triangles, then spread out over two large baking sheets. Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle over the paprika. Bake for 7-8 mins until crisp, then leave…

Almond horns Italy might have amaretti, but Germany has mandelhörnchen, an almond pastebased cookie that is dense and chewy, with a whisper of chocolate and a whole lot of flaked almonds. A traditional Christmas cookie found at Christmas markets across the country, these work best made with almond paste as opposed to marzipan. The latter has less almond and more sugar, which means the cookies wouldn’t hold their shape as well, and the texture would be softer and the taste sweeter. They keep exceptionally well, so are great make-ahead Christmas gifts. ■ Makes 6 ■ Prep 15 mins plus 1 hr chilling, cooling and setting ■ Cook 15 mins 115g almond paste (at least 50% almond content) 50g caster sugar 50g ground almonds 1 egg white ¼ tsp almond extract (optional) 50g flaked almonds 100g dark…

Choccy heaven in a cup This is a great gourmet gift idea to make for friends, because who can resist festively spiced hot chocolate? The addition of skimmed milk powder means it can be made with boiling water alone, or warm milk for a richer drink. For vegan friends, swap the milk powder for dairy-free coffee creamer or malted drink powder, or simply leave it out. This drink is quick to make, too. Combine 110g demerara sugar, 90g skimmed milk powder, 60g cocoa powder, 1 tbsp ground mixed spice and 1 tsp sea salt, then pack into jars. To make one hot chocolate, put 3-4 tsp hot chocolate powder in a mug. Warm 200ml milk until steaming, then add a splash to the mug and whisk until smooth (or use…

Confident cooking is knowing when to hold back. Plus, fewer ingredients means less shopping, less stress and less expense Christmas Day menu Burnt lemon & thyme butter turkey crown Roast garlic make-ahead gravy Smoky paprika & herb roast potatoes Mini maple & mustard pigs in blankets Honeyed hasselback carrots Simple sweet & sour slow cooker red cabbage Fruit & nut stuffing Shredded carbonara sprouts Croissant bread sauce Cranberry, orange & rosemary sauce Burnt lemon & thyme butter turkey crown Charring the cut sides of the lemons adds a smoky note that transforms the flavour of the turkey. Plus, the acidity helps keep the lean breast meat wonderfully succulent. ■ Serves 6-8 ■ Prep 30 mins plus resting ■ Cook 1 hr 40 mins 1 lemon, zested and halved, plus extra…

*Each recipe makes enough to serve 4 BLUE CHEESE Melt a knob of butter in a pan and cook 1 finely chopped shallot until soft. Add 2 tbsp white wine and simmer until the wine has almost evaporated. Add 150ml double cream and bring to a simmer for 3-4 mins before stirring in 50g crumbled roquefort or St Agur blue cheese. Simmer for a couple of minutes then season and serve. ROMESCO Put 1 roasted red pepper from a jar, 1 chopped red chilli, 1 chopped plum, 1 tomato, ½ garlic clove, 2 tbsp toasted blanched almonds, ½ tsp hot smoked paprika, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar and 2 tbsp olive oil into a small blender and whizz until combined. Add a little water if it seems too thick, and…

WEEKEND ENTERTAINING Cottage pie bake ■ Serves 6 ■ Prep 40 mins ■ Cook 2 hrs 50 mins 1kg beef shin or feather blade, cut into large chunks 2-4 tbsp sunflower oil 200g bacon lardons 200g shallots, peeled 2 celery sticks, chopped 3 tbsp plain flour 2 beef stock cubes 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 3 thyme sprigs 3 bay leaves 300g baby carrots or baby Chantenay carrots FOR THE MASH 1.5kg potatoes, cut into large chunks 25g butter 85g mature cheddar, grated 100ml milk 2 tsp English mustard powder 1 Brown the beef in the oil in a large flameproof casserole or pan (do this in batches). Tip in the lardons, shallots and celery, and fry for 10 mins until soft and golden. Stir in the flour until it has been absorbed, crumble in the stock cubes, then slowly stir in 1 litre water…

MAKE THE COVER Salted caramel Christmas cake ■ Cuts into 14 slices ■ Prep 35 mins plus cooling ■ Cook 2 hrs 40 mins 230g butter, softened, plus extra for the tin 150g pecans, finely chopped 100g hazelnuts, finely chopped 200g dates, roughly chopped 300g sultanas 100g toffees, roughly chopped 225g plain flour 200g light brown soft sugar 50g ground almonds 4 eggs 2 tbsp black treacle 4 tbsp spiced rum 3 tbsp dulce de leche FOR THE TOPPING 100g golden syrup 50g butter 50g each flaked almonds and pecans 100g blanched hazelnuts 50g plain flour 1 Heat the oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Butter the base of a loose- bottomed 20cm cake tin that’s at least 7cm deep. Line the base with baking parchment, then wrap a wide band of parchment around the outside of the tin and tie to secure, so the cake won’t…

Simple sausages from the air fryer Pork, apple & sage sausage rolls ■ Makes 6-8 ■ Prep 20 mins ■ Cook 25-30 mins 6 pork sausages, meat squeezed from the skins 10 sage leaves, finely sliced 2 tbsp apple sauce 320g pack ready-rolled puff pastry plain flour, for dusting 1 egg, beaten 2 tbsp nigella seeds (optional) 1 Combine the sausagemeat, sage and apple sauce. Season. Lay the pastry out on a floured surface. Shape the meat into a log across the centre – it should be 4-5cm thick and reach both ends of the pastry. 2 Brush the egg over the long edges of the pastry, then fold one side over to the other so the meat is enclosed and you have a lip of pastry on one side. Trim the excess, then cut…

Boxty with spiced eggs Boxty are traditional Irish potato pancakes. They’re best served hot from the pan, but they can be made in advance and either kept warm or reheated in a low oven. ■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 20 mins plus resting ■ Cook 10-15 mins 250g floury potatoes 1 small onion, finely chopped 4 tbsp finely chopped coriander (optional) 250g cold leftover mashed potatoes 250g plain flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 250-300ml buttermilk butter, for frying FOR THE SPICY EGGS butter, for frying 4-8 eggs (depending on your hunger) 2 tsp chipotle paste or similar hot sauce 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp red wine or sherry vinegar ½ lime, juiced 4 tomatoes, diced 2 spring onions, finely sliced, to garnish a few coriander sprigs, finely chopped, to garnish 1 Coarsely grate the floury potatoes into a tea towel. Bring the towel…

Gingerbread cheesecake Little ones can help stir up this no-bake cheesecake. Decorate with shop-bought biscuits for ease, or make your own. ■ Serves 8-10 ■ Prep 25 mins plus chilling ■ No cook 225g ginger biscuits 800g butter, melted 600g full-fat soft cheese 100g icing sugar 300ml double cream 100g caramelised biscuit spread ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp ground cinnamon 8 mini gingerbread people 1 Line the sides of a 20cm springform cake tin with baking parchment. Put the ginger biscuits in a food processor and blitz to a fine powder, or bash in a bowl using the end of a rolling pin. Pour in the melted butter and pulse or mix until the biscuit crumbs are well-coated. Tip the buttery crumbs into the prepared tin and press down firmly using the back of a spoon until…

Murg makhani (butter chicken) There are so many different recipes for butter chicken. This is my take, because there is a lot of spark and dispute going on in India about butter chicken. We served so much butter chicken in our restaurant, so I went in search of the very best butter chicken recipe and researched how it all started. I found this gave me a better understanding of this best-loved dish. With its silky smooth, gently spiced tomato, cashew and cream gravy, it’s a comforting, warming dish that feels decadent. ■ Serves 4-5 ■ Prep 20 mins plus a few hours marinating and resting ■ Cook 40 mins 750g skinless, boneless chicken (mixture of thighs and breast), cut into bite-sized pieces flatbreads or rice, to serve FOR THE MARINADE 10g…

1 ROAST BEEF & RADISH WITH SAKE DRESSING Put 1 bunch of thinly sliced radishes, 1 bag rocket and 1 thinly sliced fennel bulb in a bowl. Whisk the juice of ½ lemon, 1½ tbsp sake, ½ tbsp chilli oil and 1 tbsp olive oil together to make a dressing. Stir in 1 tsp grated ginger and ½ tsp sugar. Add a few tablespoons of dressing to the salad, and toss well. Lay 8-12 slices leftover roast beef on a platter, top with the salad and serve with the extra dressing for drizzling. Serves 4. 2 ORZO & MOZZARELLA SALAD Boil 350g orzo for 8 mins until tender, then drain and cool under cold water. Drain again, then tip into a large bowl. Meanwhile, tear 20g basil, stalks and all, into…

WEEKEND PUDS Maltesers cheesecake ■ Serves 12-14 ■ Prep 30 mins plus overnight chilling ■ No cook 130g butter, melted, plus extra for the tin 300g chocolate digestive biscuits 150g milk chocolate 150g dark chocolate 250g mascarpone 300g soft cheese (don’t use a low-fat variety) 50g icing sugar 25g malted milk drink powder 25g hot chocolate powder 1 tsp vanilla extract 300ml double cream 150g Maltesers (100g chopped, 50g whole), plus a handful to decorate 100g chocolate buttons, roughly chopped 1 Butter a 23cm springform cake tin and line with baking parchment. Blitz the biscuits in a food processor to fine crumbs, then add the butter and blitz again. Tip the mixture into the tin and press down firmly with the back of a spoon. Chill in the fridge while you make the filling. 2 In separate bowls, melt the milk and…

Mincemeat half-baked cookies Keep a batch of these squigy cookies in the freezer over Christmas, and pop in the oven when guests arrive. ■ Makes 15 ■ Prep 30 mins plus at least 1 hr 30 mins chilling ■ Cook 15 mins 125g butter 100g golden caster sugar 100g light brown soft sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 350g plain flour ¾ tsp bicarbonate of soda 250g mincemeat (vegetarian, if needed) 1 Beat the butter and both sugars together in a stand mixer until soft and combined, or using an electric whisk until light and fluffy, about 5 mins. Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla, flour and bicarb until no pockets of flour remain. Chill for at least 30 mins, or up to 24 hrs.…