Viva's Ultimate Menu Guide For Christmas

Viva
Make your Christmas dinner one worth remembering with this festive turkey. Picture / Babiche Martens


MAIN COURSEGo traditional with your Christmas menu with a classic turkey recipe, or break away from tradition and choose crispy pork loin, slow-roasted lamb, scallops or a buttery side of salmon.

Turkey with Cranberry, Apple & Nut StuffingA traditional turkey is served with a festive, fruity and nutty stuffing.  

Walnut & Raisin Stuffed Turkey Wrapped in Bacon This turkey is all about fresh and clean flavours, and bacon adds a lovely smokey note while keeping the bird moist.

Cut loose from the traditional Christmas menu with a deliciously juicy pork loin with crispy crackling. Picture / Babiche Martens
Cut loose from the traditional Christmas menu with a deliciously juicy pork loin with crispy crackling. Picture / Babiche Martens

Crispy Pork Loin With Cranberry & Chorizo StuffingA cranberry, chorizo and walnut stuffing brings a Christmas feel to this pork loin which is so easy to cook.

Teriyaki Salmon KebabsMake this simple teriyaki sauce - a favourite go-to sauce in many kitchens - to bring Asian flavours to your Christmas meal.

Rich and buttery, this salmon is a guaranteed winner and goes a long way. Picture / Babiche Martens
Rich and buttery, this salmon is a guaranteed winner and goes a long way. Picture / Babiche Martens

Salmon & Asparagus en CrouteA side of salmon will feed a lot of people. It brings colour to the table and is delicious with a simple homemade aioli on the side.

Seared Scallops with Avocado & Mango SaladA light and summery dish if you fancy a little fresh seafood on Christmas Day.

Roast Beef & Yorkshire PuddingIf traditional is the way you want to go, and beef is your choice of meat, this roast beef recipe will tick all the boxes.

Christmas and seafood go hand-in-hand for many at Christmas; this seared scallop dish is a lovely light dish to serve as an entree or main. Picture / Liz Clarkson
Christmas and seafood go hand-in-hand for many at Christmas; this seared scallop dish is a lovely light dish to serve as an entree or main. Picture / Liz Clarkson

Spiced Slow-Roasted Lamb A little spicy goodness can make a nice change to traditional menus. A slow-roasted lamb will last the distance if you're feeding a big crowd.

Pork & Pistachio Terrine A classic Christmas terrine with plenty of flavour, delivered by garlic, capers, bacon and wine.

The inclusion of sage brings a festive presence to these perfectly crisp and golden potatoes. Picture / Eleanor Ozich
The inclusion of sage brings a festive presence to these perfectly crisp and golden potatoes. Picture / Eleanor Ozich

SIDE DISHESNot to be overlooked, the accompaniment to a main of meat can often steal the show. Crispy potatoes, vibrant salads and chargrilled vegetables, these sides will take pride of place on your Christmas Day table and keep any vegetarians happy.

Cucumber & Citrus SaladLight and refreshing cucumber and citrus go perfectly together in this simple salad.

This melon ball and prosciutto salad is the perfect accompaniment to any festive meal. Picture / Babiche Martens
This melon ball and prosciutto salad is the perfect accompaniment to any festive meal. Picture / Babiche Martens

Crisp Roast PotatoesThe best kind of potatoes are those that are crisp and golden. The inclusion of sage is quite happy in the presence of the creamy fleshed potatoes.

Potato Salad with Asparagus & ChorizoChorizo adds a wonderful flavour to this potato salad, and make sweet asparagus the star while they are at their best.

A Healthier Potato SaladThis wonderful, light and fresh salad is incredibly simple to throw together and has a lovely mix of exciting and zingy flavours.

Try this easy festive dessert that's light, creamy and oh-so-chocolatey. Picture / Babiche Martens
Try this easy festive dessert that's light, creamy and oh-so-chocolatey. Picture / Babiche Martens

Melon, Prosciutto & Mozzarella SaladFresh and prepared straight on to the serving platter, this melon ball and prosciutto salad is the perfect accompaniment to any festive meal.

Chargrilled Caesar SaladThis recipe is so delicious you could even use it as a dip for vegetables or prawns. Slightly charred lettuce brings a distinct flavour to the salad.

Panzanella Salad A few mouthfuls of this and you will be transported to the warmth of a Mediterranean seaside eatery.

Bring the wow factor to the Christmas table with an utterly impressive Baked Alaska. Picture / Babiche Martens
Bring the wow factor to the Christmas table with an utterly impressive Baked Alaska. Picture / Babiche Martens

Roasted Vegetable PlatterThis is a colourful accompaniment for Christmas lunch. It's a wholesome and rustic platter - pile veges onto a serving platter, drizzle with yoghurt dressing and sprinkle with dukkah.

Barbecue Aubergine SaladIf the barbecue is going on Christmas Day, a barbecued side dish of aubergine will add a delicious charred flavour.

Asparagus & Orange SaladA simple fresh salad of avocado and asparagus is given a citrus hit with the addition of orange segments.

This lemon curd and pomegranate rolled pavlova is the colours of Christmas! Picture / Babiche Martens
This lemon curd and pomegranate rolled pavlova is the colours of Christmas! Picture / Babiche Martens

Asparagus & Bocconcini Ball SaladSummer delivers sweet cherry tomatoes and juicy cucumbers, which is combined with asparagus spears and creamy morsels of fresh cheese.

FESTIVE DESSERTSChristmas is for indulgence and these desserts will bring guaranteed wow-factor to the table. Satisfy chocolate lovers with a decadent roulade or semifreddo, or opt for something lighter with berries and lashings of whipped cream.

Christmas PuddingHead down the classic route with this traditional Christmas pudding served with a gorgeous brandy butter.

Mango & Blueberry Christmas TrifleA classic trifle is given a tropical twist with the inclusion of sweet mangoes.

Keep the vegetarians happy with this delicious roasted vegetable platter.  Picture / Babiche Martens
Keep the vegetarians happy with this delicious roasted vegetable platter. Picture / Babiche Martens

Lemon Curd & Pomegranate Rolled Pavlova This is a real stunner of a dessert, and bring a classically Kiwi dessert to the Christmas menu. Little gems of pomegranate seeds creates a picture-perfect finish.

Strawberry Layer Cake A spectacular dessert that's simple to execute is this strawberry layer cake. A good dusting of icing sugar and fresh strawberries is all you need to dress this pretty cake.

Blueberry & Mascarpone TartFor colour, texture and flavour this beautiful tart is perfect. The opulent hue of the blueberries work wonderfully and the dish is not too sweet.

Rich and delicious, this chocolate, raspberry and Grand Marnier semifreddo woulld go down a treat. Picture / Babiche Martens
Rich and delicious, this chocolate, raspberry and Grand Marnier semifreddo woulld go down a treat. Picture / Babiche Martens

Chocolate, Raspberry & Grand Marnier Semifreddo If Christmas Day shapes up to be a scorcher, opt for a cool finish. A chilled, creamy and oh-so-decadent dessert like this semifreddo will delight your guests.

Pomegranate & Rosewater Mille-feuille This modern take on the classic French custard slice, flavoured with pomegranate and rosewater, makes a stunning centrepiece for any special occasion.

This asparagus, cucumber and bocconcini ball salad is zesty and delicious. Picture / Babiche Martens.
This asparagus, cucumber and bocconcini ball salad is zesty and delicious. Picture / Babiche Martens.

Christmas Baked AlaskaYou can't beat the surprise factor of a baked Alaska. It's so easy to make and will be a favourite that's loved by all.

Chocolate Roulade with Pomegranate MolassesThis chocolate roulade is always a hit with berries and the sweet surprise of the pomegranate syrup. It's a stunning and chocolatey treat that's oozing with festive charm.

Panettone TiramisuIf a traditional Christmas pudding isn't quite your thing and you craving something light and easy to prepare ahead of time, this tiramasu-with-a-twist is divine.

For pork lovers serve this delicious and juicy Christmas terrine with pistachio. Picture / Babiche Martens
For pork lovers serve this delicious and juicy Christmas terrine with pistachio. Picture / Babiche Martens

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