Family feast (+recipes)

Photo / Babiche Martens

Christmas Day doesn't feel right unless everyone is gathered together around a table at some point during the festivities. It's time to dress the table with the best crockery and silverware and put effort into creating delicious food to share with family.

I have decided to give the turkey a rest this year, even though I do adore the flavour of the bird, in exchange for scrumptious roasted free-range pork and crackling, cooked with pears, shallots and thyme. Freedom Farms do a mini roast all prepared to go straight in the oven - a much quicker option if time is an issue. Remember to rub plenty of salt and oil into the scored skin to produce golden crackling or some prefer to remove the skin and crackle under a hot grill, cooking the meat separately.

Asparagus always seems to appear on Christmas Day and is delicious with fresh peas, fruity olive oil and torn fresh mozzarella - buffalo if possible, for it's creamy sweetness.

If you haven't already over indulged in Chrissy cake, Panforte and/or handmade chocolates, you will be feeling like a little sweetness to finish the feast. Syllabub - such a gorgeous word - with fresh plump cherries and florentines will keep everyone happy. Start making it the night before - the flavour is definitely improved with time to mellow.

CHEF'S TIP

Fresh peas are in season now and are available from farmers' markets and specialist produce stores. While there, look for sweet new season potatoes which will be delicious served with mint, butter and freshly ground black pepper alongside the pork.