+ HOSTING
FREE
C H RI S T M A S 2021
HACKS All the clever tips and expert tricks you need to get ahead this year
Festive food to share Make e iitt a m magical gical Ch Christmas hristm mas w with celebratory food and drink
CHRISTMAS DISHES l IRISH AWARD WINNERS l DECADENT DESSERTS
Christmas countdown It’s the most wonderful time of the year...and nothing’s going to stop us making the most of every festive moment. Thankfully, our delicious range of seasonal fare, including our many Irish award winners, can help you host without the stress, and there’s something for every occasion and all tastes. From a beautiful breakfast to a decadent dinner and a perfect party, everything is made with quality ingredients, while it couldn’t be easier to prepare. Sit back and browse the sumptuous food and drink over the following pages, then pop in store, or add to your online order to have it delivered straight to your door. Now all that’s left to do is relax with a glass of something sparkling, and enjoy a Christmas to remember with those you love. Shop in store or online at tesco.ie for your seasonal celebrations. Keep your eyes peeled for availability dates on selected products throughout and bag them while you can!
Tuck in
2
4 Breakfast
20 Seasonal Specials
7 Brunch
22 Sides
8 Seafood
24 Desserts
10 Turkey
28 Cheese
14 Beef
31 Buffet
16 Ham
33 Canapés
18 Veggie & Vegan
34 Drinks
WINE MATCH Tesco Finest Vintage Champagne €35 Produced only in the best years in the Côtes des Blancs, this dry Champagne is a little bit special. Please drink alcohol responsibly
WELCOME
How to be the host with the most It’s been a while since we’ve all celebrated properly, so here’s how to put together a festive spread without breaking a sweat.
Prep ahead Make anything you can ahead of time (gravy, mince pies, sausage rolls) and freeze before the big day. Then prep your veggies and lay the table the night before to save time. Finally, jot down a timing plan by working backwards to figure out how many dishes your oven can fit at any one time.
Keep your cool
Self service
Stock up on seasonal products with the ‘suitable for freezing’ logo on the packaging. You can then either defrost them ahead of time or pop them straight in the oven on the day.
Set up a drinks station and make sure there’s wine, spirits, mixers, smart softs, bottle openers, glasses and garnishes. That way, everyone can help themselves away from the kitchen.
Work it out
Set the mood
If you’re just doing finger food, serve around five different types of canapé to cater for all tastes – including veggie, vegan and gluten-free, if needed – and aim for at least six nibbles per person.
Consider the ambience ahead of time. Opt for low, flattering lighting, plus tangles of fairy lights and grouped candles for twinkle. And trade cheesy festive tunes for old-school classics, or swing and jazz.
©2021 Cedar Communications Ltd, Bankside 3, 90-100 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SW Tel: +44 (0)20 3353 8300 Email: tesco.mag@cedarcom.co.uk Website: cedarcom.co.uk Colour origination by Rhapsody Printed by Boylan Print Group For enquiries relating to Tesco Ireland, please contact Tesco Customer Services on freephone 1800 248 123, or visit tesco.ie/contact-us
Get more from your Christmas shopping with the Tesco Clubcard With the Tesco Clubcard, you get special access to exclusive deals and prices in store. Plus, you can boost the vouchers you get with your Tesco Clubcard points for discounts on days out, nights in and trips away.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Tesco Festive Food To Share is published for Tesco by Cedar Communications Ltd. Cedar believes in the highest standards in journalistic integrity; please email karen.huxley@cedarcom.co.uk with any comments or complaints. All products subject to availability in selected stores while stocks last. Garnishes, utensils, decorations and serving dishes are not included unless stated in product description. All prices and information correct at time of going to press but subject to change. Prices quoted exclude Express and some Metro stores. Online prices may vary from those in store, and delivery charges apply. In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to withdraw products without prior notice. Alcohol available to over-18s only.
3
Go big on breakfast Rise and shine! Set guests up for a day of celebration with a laid-back spread of fuss-free food
4
BREAKFAST
TOP TIP Rather than plate up your big breakfast, serve everything in the centre of the table for a touch of theatre and so everyone can help themselves.
Tesco Finest Irish Breakfast Box €4 (727g, 55c/100g)
Start your festivities with a good old-fashioned fry-up. Our Breakfast Box is just the thing for feeding guests, as it includes a generous selection of Irish dry-cured, unsmoked back bacon and pork sausages, plus white pudding and gold-award-winning black pudding. Make a real spread of it by adding your choice of eggs, grilled vine tomatoes, slices of crusty bread and lashings of brown sauce and tomato ketchup. Sure to hit the spot on Christmas morning! l In selected stores from 16 December
GOES WELL WITH…
1
Tesco Finest 6 Irish Free Range Eggs €1.89 (32c each) Freshly laid and carefully selected for quality, they’re just the thing to round out your fry-up.
2
Tesco Brown Sauce €1.09 (435g, 25c/100g)
Bold and tangy, this brown sauce is blended and seasoned for a sharp-sweet flavour. As essential as the bacon, sausages and eggs!
3
Tesco Irish Tomatoes on the Vine €1.49
(500g, 30c/100g)
These plump, firm tomatoes are handpicked when just ripe to ensure sweetness.
4
Tesco Tomato Ketchup 68c (555g, 12c/100g)
A full Irish fry-up wouldn’t be complete without a large splodge of tommy K! Made from flavour-packed, sun-ripened tomatoes, our version is rich and sweet in equal measure.
5
BREAKFAST
TOP PICKS Every good brekkie needs a few little extras
Tesco Finest 2 Tesco Finest Fairtrade Raspberry Guatemalan Conserve €1.49 Coffee €2.79 (340g, 44c/100g) (227g, €1.23/100g) Tangy raspberry A rich, singlejam is a classic origin coffee choice to spread with notes of on toast, muffins blackberry. and croissants.
Tesco Finest Sicilian Lemon Curd Yogurt €1
Tesco Finest Dark Chocolate & Berry Granola €3.29
(150g, 67c/100g)
(500g, 66c/100g)
A thick, creamy blend of yogurt and lemon curd for a luxurious start to the day.
Clusters of oat and seed granola with freeze-dried fruit and dark Belgian chocolate curls.
3
BAKE YOUR OWN PLAYFUL FESTIVE PASTRIES Kick-start proceedings on Christmas morning by tucking into this indulgent spiced bake. It’s just begging to be snapped for social and shared with family T E A R-A N D - S H A RE S P I C E D C H O C O L AT E C H RI S T M A S T RE E Serves 8 Takes 45 mins 25g salted butter, at room temperature 25g demerara or soft light brown sugar 1 orange, zested 2 tsp mixed spice 320g pack ready rolled puff pastry 50g dark chocolate with orange, chopped For the decoration
3 tbsp icing sugar 1 tsp white chocolate stars (optional)
6
1 Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, 180°C fan. Mix the butter, sugar, orange zest and spice in a bowl. Unroll the pastry and evenly spread with the spiced butter, leaving a 1cm strip along one long edge. Sprinkle over the chocolate and gently press onto the butter to stick. Brush the uncovered strip with water. 2 Starting at the opposite side, roll up the pastry into a spiral, pressing to seal the pastry at the ends. Slice into 19 x 1cm pieces with a serrated knife. 3 Arrange in a Christmas tree shape on a large, lined baking try, seam sides
inward, leaving a 1cm gap between the swirls. 4 Bake for 18-20 mins, turning halfway, until pufed and golden. Remove from the oven and cool slightly. 5 Sieve the icing sugar into a bowl, add 1 tsp water and beat until smooth. If it’s not thin enough to drizzle, add more water, a drop at a time. Drizzle over the pastries and scatter with chocolate stars, if you like. Each serving contains Energy
1065kJ 256kcal
13%
Fat
Saturates
18g 10g 25% 50%
Sugars
Salt
7g 7%
0.3g 4%
of the reference intake. Carbohydrate 20g Protein 4g Fibre 2g
4
TRENDSPOT Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but brunch can be more fun, particularly when paired with a festive cocktail (see right) or mocktail. Brunch is eaten any time between midmorning and lunchtime and is just right for lazy starts or when you’re not planning to eat again until evening. Set the table smartly, as you would any other meal this season, and put some music on to get everyone in the mood.
FOOD RECIPE NANCY ANNE HARBORD FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY TOM REGESTER FOOD STYLING JOY SKIPPER FOOD PROP STYLING LUIS PERAL
1
BRUNCH
Make it brunch What do you get when you combine a slap-up breakfast with a boozy beverage? Brunch, of course! Mix and muddle one of these cocktails to add a little magic to your morning
1
Prosecco Mule
Serves 4 Want a kick? Mix 30ml vodka, 350ml prosecco, 140ml ginger beer, and the juice of 2 limes over ice in a jug. Divide among 4 tumblers and garnish with slices of lime and mint sprigs. The Tesco twist: Bash fresh blackberries and tip into the bottom of each glass before adding the mix, then garnish with frozen blackberries to upgrade to a Blackberry Mule. Please drink alcohol responsibly
2
Bloody Mary
Serves 6 Hair of the dog! Mix 900ml tomato juice, 1 tsp Tabasco, 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce, 1 level tsp celery salt and 2 tsp lemon juice in a jug. Chill for 30 mins to infuse. Pour 50ml vodka over ice into six glasses, add the tomato juice mix and stir. Then garnish with a celery stick. The Tesco twist: Swap vodka with gin to make a Red Snapper rather than a Bloody Mary.
3
Buck’s Fizz
Serves 2 Keep it traditional. Pour 50ml orange juice into each prosecco glass and top with 100ml prosecco (or Champagne for a touch of festive decadence). The customary Christmas morning tipple! The Tesco twist: Switch the orange juice for peach purée and your Buck’s Fizz is instantly turned into a Bellini.
7
Push the boat out... ...without shelling out a fortune! Serve a sumptuous feast of succulent seafood for a fresh take on a Christmas Eve supper
TOP TIP Asian flavours match beautifully with shellfish: make a quick dip using soy sauce, lime juice, red chilli and spring onions.
1
Tesco Lobster Tails €17.50 (220g, €7.96/100g); and Tesco Whole Cooked Lobster €11 (400g, €2.75/100g) Create a platter of show-stopping crustacean perfection with whole lobsters and lobster tails. The raw lobster tails and whole cooked lobsters come from the clear waters off the Canadian coast and are packed in their shells to retain their succulent flesh. Serve with dipping sauces and lemon wedges to squeeze over.
8
WINE MATCH HI-RES TO COME FOR BRANDBANK
Tesco Finest Prosecco Rosé €18 Brimming with fresh, fruity flavours, this crisp bubbly is a winner with shellfish or fish.
Please drink alcohol responsibly
SEAFOOD
1
2
3
4
1 Tesco Salmon Side with Lemon & Mixed Herb Butter & Rosemary Sprigs €12 (650g, €1.84/100g)
2 Tesco Finest Wild Atlantic Scallops with Garlic & Fennel Butter €6.50 (140g, €4.64/100g)
Our Irish salmon is supplied by the Keohane family of West Cork, who are renowned for their outstanding seafood products. This roasted dish is delightfully fragrant and moist, and complemented perfectly by the citrus and herb butter that’s included with the fish. l In selected stores
from 1 December
3 Tesco Finest Scottish Smoked Salmon €6 (120g, €5/100g)
4 Tesco Lobster Mac & Cheese €6 (2x100g, €3/100g)
There’s something luxurious about scallops for starters. This natural, wild-caught variety, from the clear waters of the Canadian North Atlantic, is smothered in a locally sourced Irish garlic and fennel butter. Cook in five minutes for a delicate, sweet flavour.
For many, it wouldn’t be Christmas without smoked salmon. This RSPCA-assured, responsibly farmed salmon is smoked over hickory and oak chips and left to mature for more than 24 hours to develop a rich, intense flavour and fine texture. Pair it with a prawn cocktail or serve on blinis.
l In selected stores
l In selected stores
Nothing says ‘casual luxe’ quite like this decadent spin on that all-time family favourite, mac ’n’ cheese. Generous pieces of tender Canadian lobster are teamed with tubed pasta in a classic creamy cheese sauce finished with truffle oil and Dijon mustard. Then the whole dish is topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Add a salad on the side and you’re done.
from 16 December
from 1 December
9
Pull out all the stops From a whole turkey to a butterfly breast and a crown, our traditional centrepieces have got you covered, while all our birds are reared right here in Ireland
10
TURKEY
Tesco Finest Free Range Bronze Turkey €34€59.50 (4kg-7kg, €8.50/kg) A slower-growing breed than standard turkeys, our big bronzes are raised on Irish farms with the highest welfare standards, ensuring tender, full-favoured meat and a moist, succulent texture. Allowed to roam free, eat fresh grass and forage naturally, their varied diet and exercise means they’re the best, while giblets make for great gravy. l In selected stores from 19 December
GOES WELL WITH…
1
(220g, €1.13/100g)
2
3
4
Tesco Finest Cranberry Sauce €2.49
Where there’s turkey, there’s cranberry sauce. Juicy and vibrant, this is made with whole berries and simmered for intense bursts of sweet-sharp flavour.
Tesco Finest Cranberry, Apricot & Clementine Stuffing €3.50 (300g, €1.17/100g) Save time and effort with this award-winning, ready-made stuffing, packed with seasonal ingredients to bring out the flavour of the bird. l
In selected stores from 16 December
Tesco Irish Creamery Butter €2.19
(454g, 48c/100g)
Slather your turkey with this salted butter to help keep it moist while it cooks. Made from Irish milk, it’s expertly churned to produce a smooth, creamy taste.
Tesco Finest Turkey Gravy €1.99
(350ml, 57c/100ml)
A smooth, richtasting gravy made from turkey stock and Madeira wine. It’s seasoned with thyme and bay leaf for extra flavour. Zap in the microwave, then serve.
11
Tesco Finest Free Range Butterfly Turkey with Winter Berry Stuffing €40 (3kg, €13.33/kg) Help keep food waste to a minimum with this boneless, free-range bronze turkey breast. It’s filled with a winter fruit stufng and garnished with a smoked bacon lattice, a zesty orange slice and juicy apricots. Easy to cook, carve and serve, it promises to be a fuss-free choice for your festivities. l In selected stores from 19 December
12
WINE MATCH Tesco Finest Chablis €12 HI-RES TO COME FOR BRANDBANK
The apple and citrus notes of this wine really sing and allow the flavour of your turkey to shine through.
Please drink alcohol responsibly
TURKEY
Tesco Turkey Crown €21 (2kg, €10.50/kg) Spot-on for intimate Christmases while still ensuring there’s plenty to go around, crowns are a whole turkey with the legs and wings removed, giving you a joint of beautiful white breast meat on the bone. Straightforward to cook and carve, a turkey crown is ideal for those who prefer plenty of white, tender breast meat, and all without the stress. l In selected stores from 19 December
TRENDSPOT
Gone are the days of plonking the turkey in a tin-foil platter in the middle of the table. Along with ‘tablescaping’, styling the main dish itself has become a trend, thanks in large part to the rise of Instagram, where people post a snap of their food before eating it. Think a beautifully golden bird propped with festive leaves and caramelised fruits on an oversized festive platter. Don’t forget to think about the colour and texture as you create your ‘platescape’, so your turkey is as much a feast for your eyes as it is for your belly!
HOW TO CARVE A TURKEY In charge of the bird? Fear not – with our tips, you can carve like a pro without getting in a flap Rest the bird Once the turkey has been removed from the oven, it’s important that it’s well rested, as this allows the meat to relax and the juices to be reabsorbed. Place it on a carving board, cover with foil and leave it to rest for at least 30 minutes.
Remove the legs When it’s well rested, remove the foil and cut the string holding the legs together. Using a sharp carving knife, cut into the skin around the
leg joint connecting the leg and breast to remove the whole leg. Then repeat on the other side.
Separate the drumsticks and thighs Place the joint skin-side up on the board. Split the drumstick and thigh by first opening the joint with your hands, then pushing the leg and thigh away from each other – like you’re opening a book. Cut through the exposed joint with the carving knife and repeat with the second leg.
Carve the crown Remove each breast completely. Cut along one side of the central breastbone – as you slice deeper, use your hand or a carving fork to pull the meat away from the carcass. Continue to use the carcass as a guide until the breast comes completely away. Repeat with the second breast.
Serve your slices Cut each breast widthways into slices and place on a serving platter with the leg and thigh meat. Dinner is served!
13
Beef up Our quality Irish beef, from a marbled rib to a perfectly pink rolled joint, really is a cut above as a twist on a traditional Christmas dish
Tesco Finest Carvery Rib Roast €18.99 per kg Tick the wow-factor box with this stunning Irish Angus beef rib roast. Matured on the bone for 32 days for ultra tenderness, it also has an unbeatable layer of fat marbling to enhance its flavour. A great choice for an alternative Christmas Day dinner or St Stephen’s Day spread. l In selected stores from 29 November
14
BEEF
SPECIAL OFFERS!
GOES WELL WITH…
For promotional prices on beef, see in store or online.
1
Tesco Finest Beef Gravy €2.25 (350ml,
64c/100ml)
Made from rich beef stock, our ready-to-heat, slow-cooked gravy saves you the hassle of creating it from scratch.
2
Tesco Dijon Mustard 45c (185g, 24c/100g)
This smooth, tangy mustard has a hint of spice, and is just what a good roast beef demands. Surely a match made in heaven?
Tesco Finest Irish Round Roast €12.50 per kg For an extra-special beef joint, look no further than this premium silverside cut. Sourced from trusted farmers who are committed to the highest standards, the free-roaming cattle graze on lush pastures, which means the meat is tender, succulent and full of flavour. l In selected stores from 1 December
WINE MATCH Tesco Finest Châteauneufdu-Pape €22 Rich, with layers of forest fruits, cherries and a peppery finish, it sips beautifully with roast beef.
HOW TO COOK A RIB OF BEEF If you’ve never roasted a large bone-in beef joint before, our expert guide will show you how to ace it Remove from the fridge Take the beef out of the fridge and allow it to stand for at least 30 minutes, so it comes up to room temperature and the meat relaxes – which will make for more tender bites.
Prepare the joint Preheat the oven according to the instructions on the packaging and rub a little oil all over the joint, coating evenly for a golden crust. Then season well with salt and pepper.
Place in the oven Pop the joint in a roasting tray in the bottom half of the oven, with the ribs pointing up and towards you.
Calculate the cooking time To cook the beef to your liking, calculate how long it needs to roast based on its weight. For rare beef, cook for 4 minutes per 100g; for medium, 6 minutes per 100g; and for well-done, 8 minutes per 100g. We’d recommend a little pinkness for the best flavour and texture.
Use a meat thermometer To ensure the meat is cooked exactly to your liking, use a meat thermometer. Insert into the middle of the joint: it should read 50°C for medium rare, 55°C for medium, and 60°C for medium to well-done.
Rest and carve When cooked, cover with foil and allow to rest for 30 minutes so the beef relaxes. Remove the meat from the ribs by slicing against the bone; carve and serve.
Please drink alcohol responsibly
15
Try a little tenderness
Settle down to a St Stephen’s Day feast with a big, beautiful ham on the table. Choose from gorgeously glazed joints everyone will love
TOP TIP Decant condiments from their jars into chic little dishes (and add teaspoons) to make your festive table look and feel more decadent.
Tesco Finest Irish Dry Cured Ham Fillet with Mulling Spices & Honey Glaze €13.16 (1.55kg, €8.49/kg) This dry-cured ham, with mulling spices to create a mouthwateringflavour infusion while cooking, is topped off with a delicious honey and apple glaze. An impressive dish to bring out from the kitchen. l In selected stores from 1 December
16
HAM
GOES WELL WITH…
1
Tesco Wholegrain Mustard 45c (180g, 25c/100g)
A mellow brown-seed mustard, balanced with delicate spices. A dollop goes down a treat with slices of honeyed ham.
2
Tesco Finest Sweet Tomato & Bird’s Eye Chilli Chutney €2.69 (300g, 90c/100g)
This sweet and rich San Marzano tomato chutney is a great partner for ham.
HOW TO PREP A HAM Tesco Finest Honeyed Irish Ham €27.26-€31.46 (3.9kg-4.5kg, €6.99/kg) Expertly cured in County Leitrim, this part-boned silverside leg of pork is smothered in natural honey and smoked over beechwood chips. Just pop it in the oven and let the baste do its job, then carve into slices for a melt-in-the mouth texture that’s hard to beat. l In selected stores from 1 December
A ham centrepiece is always popular – and preparing your own is easier than you might think Calculate the time
Roast the joint
Start by calculating the cooking time according to weight. As a rule of thumb, it’s 30 minutes per 500g, plus 30 minutes more.
Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Score the fat in a diamond shape and brush over your chosen glaze. Place the ham in a roasting tin and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and baste. If the glaze is starting to catch, just add a little water to the roasting tin, then return to the oven for the last 20 minutes.
Boil your ham Place the meat in a large, lidded pan, cover with water and bring to the boil. Once bubbling, pop in flavourings, from cinnamon to halved onions. Skimming any white froth that appears on the surface of the water, boil for the allotted cooking time, minus 40 minutes.
Tesco Irish Ham Fillet with a Demerara & Mustard Glaze €9 (1.55kg, €5.81/kg)
This is a deliciously succulent fillet with a sticky-sweet flavour and a kick of heat. Roast in the oven until the crackling starts to crisp, then finish with the demerara and mustard glaze. The delicate covering of fat adds to the juiciness during cooking, so it’s exceedingly tender and makes carving a breeze. Serve with a creamy potato dish, such as Tesco Finest Potato Gratin (see p23) and lush, crunchy veg.
Drain and cool Drain and leave to cool completely. Then, with a knife, remove the top layer of skin around the ham, leaving a thin layer of fat.
Serve and enjoy Serve in thick slices with a selection of sides (see p22) and your favourite condiments, such as mustard, chutney or piccalilli. Better still, leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, whether for salads or sandwiches.
l In selected stores from 1 December
17
Make it meat-free Mix things up by giving a veggie or vegan main a starring role on the table so there’s something on the menu for everyone
TOP TIP Give your dishes real standout by serving them on show-stopping plates – contrast between the colour of the food and the crockery is key!
18
VEGGIE & VEGAN
CREATE YOUR OWN CRACKING VEGGIE CENTREPIECE Ever heard of a pastry ‘crown’? This veggie sensation is just the ticket for Christmas
S H A RI N G C A M E M B E RT W I T H P O RT - ROA S T E D G R A P ES Serves 4 Takes 1 hr 25 mins
RECIPE ALICE HART PHOTOGRAPHY GARETH MORGANS FOOD STYLING BIANCA NICE PROP STYLING JENNY IGGLEDEN
500g pack black seedless grapes, snipped into small bunches 2 ½ tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp caster sugar 4 rosemary sprigs 4 tbsp port 6 sheets (125g) filo pastry 200g whole vegetarian Camembert 50g walnut halves crusty bread, to serve (optional) 1 Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Lay the grapes in a roasting tin lined with nonstick baking paper, keeping them on the vine. Drizzle over 1 tbsp oil, season, then roast for 20 mins. Scatter over the sugar and the leaves from 3 rosemary sprigs, then pour the port around the grapes. Return to the oven for 15 mins, then set aside. Turn the oven down to gas 5, 190°C, fan 170°C. 2 Meanwhile, lay a sheet of filo on a work surface and brush lightly with olive oil; top with a second sheet, brushing with olive oil as before. Add a third sheet, offset so the corners sit slightly to the right of the previous layer. Brush with olive oil and cover exactly with a fourth sheet, brushing with olive oil. Lay a fifth sheet down, offset again, brush with oil and cover with a final sheet. 3 Place the whole Camembert in the centre and bring the pastry up around it evenly like a moneybag, pressing together gently and arranging so the pastry corners form a spiky ‘crown’ on top. Don’t press together too tightly or the bunched-up pastry won’t cook through. Brush the entire surface with oil and transfer to a lined baking sheet. Dip the remaining rosemary sprig in the remaining drops of oil and set aside. 4 Bake the filo parcel for 25 mins, then tuck the rosemary sprig in the top. Bake for 10-15 mins more until the pastry is golden and crisp. Spread the nuts on a baking tray and roast alongside the pastry for the final 6-7 mins until golden. Allow to cool, then roughly crush or chop. Serve the pastry crown with the roasted grapes and their syrup, scattering the nuts over to finish.
Wicked Kitchen Spiced Rum Christmas Pudding €2.50 (100g) Loaded with succulent vine fruits, golden spiced rum, whole blonde glacé cherries and crunchy split almonds, this deluxe vegan Christmas pudding has a light texture and a distinctive deep, rich flavour. Better still, it’s delicately spiced with cinnamon and ginger for a subtle kick, and doused with an additional shot of golden spiced rum. And for an extra-special treat (it is Christmas, after all), why not make it a feast with a vegan mince pie chaser (see below)?
TOP PICKS Whoever you’re catering for, these plant-based favourites promise happy tums. Simply pop in the oven for flavour in a flash
Each serving contains Energy
2336kJ 561kcal 28%
Fat
Saturates
Sugars
Salt
34g 10g 27g 1.2g 48% 50% 30% 21%
of the reference intake. Carbohydrate 47g Protein 14g Fibre 2g
Tesco Plant Chef 6 Mince Pies €1.50 (25c each) Light, buttery shortcrust pastry cases packed with fruity spiced mincemeat – and no dairy or suet in sight.
1
Tesco Plant Chef 12 No Duck Spring Rolls €3 (240g, 25c each) Jackfruit and veg in an aromatic hoisin sauce, all wrapped up in crispy filo pastry.
2
Tesco Plant Chef 4 No Meat Pies €3
3
(568g, 75c each)
Shortcrust pastry filled with chunks of vegan protein in gravy, topped with a puff pastry lid.
19
Magic up seasonal meals Whether during the big build-up or between Christmas and New Year, our stress-free specials are sure to be a hit
TOP TIP Only carve what you need. This will help retain the moisture in the meat if you need to refrigerate it for another meal.
Silver Hill Boned & Rolled Stuffed Duck with Pork & Clementine Stuffing €14.99 (1.4kg, €10.70/kg) This great-tasting duck is bred on Silver Hill Farm in County Monaghan, known for producing succulent, tender birds. The favour is enhanced by the moist, zesty stuffing and irresistibly crispy skin. l In selected stores from 19 December
20
SEASONAL SPECIALS SPECIAL OFFERS!
For promotional prices on beef, see in store or online.
NEW SHOOT: EXTRA LARGE WHOLE CHICKEN IS MENTIONED AS A SHOOT
Tesco Finest Certified Irish Angus Beef Striploin Joint with Garlic & Herbs €6.13 per kg
Tesco Irish Extra-Large Whole Chicken €5 (2.2kg, €2.27/kg)
Made from 100% Irish Angus beef, our award-winning striploin joint is a superior cut, and comes flavoured with garlic and herbs for additional taste. Matured for quality, the meat is farm-assured, with succulence as standard. Roast until perfectly pink and serve with scrumptious sides (see p22).
Chicken is so versatile, it can be a great kitchen staple over the festive season. Brush with butter and pop it in the oven, letting it baste in its own gorgeous juices. Then serve hot in a traditional roast dinner, plate up with potato wedges and a salad, or pack into a warmed baguette with spicy relish. Go for a big bird and you’ve got the added bonus of lots of lovely leftovers for sandwiches, soups (see below) and the freezer.
l In selected stores from 8 December
l In selected stores from 16 December
HOW TO LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS Make the most of any remaining meat from your festivities Sumptuous sandwiches
Just add pastry…
Cooked chicken will keep in the fridge for up to two days, ready to be sliced for sandwiches with handfuls of peppery rocket and juicy tomatoes, or served with sharp pickles, tangy chutney and salad leaves. Better still, take your sandwich to the next level and serve with gravy for dunking; or go for a French-inspired croque monsieur loaded with leftover cheese. And what could be easier than slices of cold beef sandwiched between slabs of sourdough, slathered in mustard or horseradish?
Combine leftover chicken with cream and white wine to make a silky sauce, then mix in chopped cooked leeks and cubes of ham. Once thickened, top the mixture with filo pastry and bake for a quick and easy pie. Alternatively, use the meat to make tasty pasties by dolloping into circles of pastry, folding, sealing and baking.
over crushed tortilla chips and sprinkle with grated mozzarella, then bake.
Spice it up Chicken curry is a classic, dish, but how about duck curry? Chopped into tender pieces, the rich meat is the perfect partner for a curry made with an aromatic Thai curry paste and coconut milk.
Super soup …or tortilla chips Heat chopped tomatoes, black beans, spices and cooked shredded chicken in a pan. Tip into a large, heatproof dish, scatter
Make a stock using the chicken carcass, then strain and add shredded meat and veggies for an effortless and filling soup, ideal for lazy lunches.
WINE MATCH Tesco Finest Valle de Leyda Chardonnay €14 This dry white, with melon and apple notes, plus hints of tropical fruit, works really well with chicken. Please drink alcohol responsibly
21
Treat them to all the trimmings Perfectly cooked sides can be the best part of a spread. In fact, these are so impressive, they’re in danger of upstaging the mains 1
2
3
6
TOP TIP Retro has made a resurgence on the table in recent years and our melon ball dish is deliciously kitsch – and tasty, to boot!
1 Tesco Red Cabbage, 99c each 2 Tesco Honeydew Melon, €1.49 each 3 Tesco Family Pack of Carrots, 99c (1kg) 4 Tesco Parsnips, 99c (500g, 20c/100g) 5 Tesco Butternut Squash, 79c each 6 Tesco Sprouts, €1.49 (500g, 30c/100g)
22
5 4
SIDES
SPECIAL OFFER: BUY ANY TWO OF THESE SIDE DISHES FOR € 5
1
2
3
4 1 Tesco Finest Irish Rooster Potatoes €3.99 (2.5kg, €1.60/kg)
When it comes to sides, the Irish Rooster really is your go-to spud. Buttery, flufy and crispy, depending on the style you want, this versatile potato will help you make the perfect mash, hasselbacks and roasties in no time.
2 Tesco Finest Potato Gratin €3 (400g, 75c/100g)
Finely sliced, richly flavoured Irish Rooster potatoes are baked in a rich Irish cream, mature Irish Cheddar and garlic sauce and generously topped with vintage Irish Cheddar. This dish goes brilliantly with roast beef, ham or turkey, and makes any festive meal extra special.
3 Tesco Finest Three Cheese Cauliflower Bake €3 (400g, 75c/100g)
Cauliflower florets in a creamy, velvety sauce made from a blend of Cheddar, Red Leicester and pecorino cheeses, with just a hint of mustard, all topped with a crunchy mature Cheddar and parsley crumb. Serve with a baked ham or Christmas roast.
4 Tesco Finest Red Cabbage with Port & Cranberries €3 (250g, €1.20/100g) A traditional classic, this shredded red cabbage dish has warmth and aroma. It’s slow-cooked with port wine, cranberries and redcurrant jelly, then seasoned with cinnamon and cloves. What could be more Christmassy?
23
Save room for dessert Choose a show-stopping pudding that’s as dramatic as it is delicious, or pick and mix a few sweet treats to wrap up Christmas dinner
Tesco Finest Woodland Black Forest Cake €15
(1.183kg, €12.68/kg) Layers of soft Madeira sponge and sour cherries, with a kirsch soak and morello cherry jam filling, are coated in lush white chocolate ganache and Belgian chocolate buttercream. It tastes as spectacular as it looks!
24
DESSERTS
1 Tesco Finest 6 All Butter Pastry Mince Pies with Brandy & Port €2.75 (46c each)
Is there anything better than a mince pie? Yes, actually: all-butter mince pies stuffed with a rich mincemeat filling infused with boozy French brandy and ruby port. Mince pies get snaffled quickly at Christmas, so why not stock up and grab two boxes for only €4?
2 Couverture Desserts Christmas Chocolate Cake €10 (600g, €1.67/100g)
A classic chocolate fudge cake with a seasonal makeover. Crafted in Ireland, two velvety sponge layers are filled and coated with smooth Belgian chocolate buttercream, then finished with dark chocolate curls and edible lustre. l In selected stores from 11 December
1
TRENDSPOT
2
It’s been a challenging few years, so we’re finally putting the fun back into the silly season. Enter the new novelty desserts: we’re getting creative with our sweet treats, particularly the toppings. Our take on the trend is this sensation, far left, with a fairytale forest of edible toadstools, pine cones, baubles and trees. Previously the preserve of the 70s, outrageous cakes are back on the menu. Don’t hold back – embrace the fun!
25
Couverture Desserts Christmas Zesty Lemon Cake €10 (600g, €1.67/100g) Light and refreshing, but with a rich flavour, this Irish-made masterpiece is really special. Thick, zesty lemon curd is sandwiched between two slices of moist, airy sponge, while the topping is lemon buttercream and chocolate shards. l In selected stores from 11 December
WINE MATCH Tesco Finest Coonawarra Cabernet €15 This smooth Australian red of mellow dark fruits makes a great double act with sweet bites. Please drink alcohol responsibly
26
DESSERTS
1 Rachel H Caramel & Honeycomb Mousse Cake €12 (590g, €2.03/100g) This sensational creation, lovingly made here in Ireland, has a crumbly Breton biscuit base and a creamy layer of caramel mousse and honeycomb pieces, finished with a chocolate decoration for a final flourish. l In selected stores from 20 December
2 Tesco Chocolate Orange Gateau Bar €4 (400g, €1/100g) Layers of soft chocolate sponge are sandwiched together with a smooth orange-cream mousse and an orangeflavoured sauce. All topped with a silky vanilla-cream mousse and a sprinkle of dark chocolate curls for dramatic effect.
TOP PICKS Try these divine extras for even more indulgence 1
Tesco Finest Salted Caramel Irish Cream Liqueur €15 (70cl, €21.43/l) A creamy liqueur with hints of sea salt, caramel and Irish malt whiskey.
Tesco Finest Salted Caramel Truffles €8 (140g, €5.71/100g) Sea-salted caramel truffles in Belgian milk chocolate, hand-finished with edible gold lustre.
Tesco Finest Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream €3.29 (500ml,
Tesco Finest Extra Thick Brandy Cream €3.29 (250ml,
66c/100ml)
€1.32/100ml)
1
3
A luxe version of a classic, made in County Cork, with fragrant vanilla. In selected stores from 1 December
l
2
2
4
A silky blend of seriously rich, luscious Jersey cream and fruity Courvoisier VS Cognac.
Please drink alcohol responsibly
27
Get on board Finish your festive feast with a board groaning under the weight of tempting cheese
2 1
4
TOP TIP Stock up on cheese for seriously lazy dinners on the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve – best enjoyed lounging in front of the telly.
28
5
CHEESE
SPECIAL OFFER Buy any 3 of these Irish cheeses for €10
Tesco Irish Farmhouse Cheese We’re proud of our delicious range of Farmhouse Cheese*, produced right here in Ireland, with each an expression of its distinctive region. Stocking more than 50 home-grown varieties, some of our standouts include salty blue and buttery brie. But, really, it’s hard to choose… 1 Cais na Tire Sheep’s Milk Cheese €4 (150g, €2.67/100g). 2 Cashel Blue Foil Wrap €4 (175g, €2.29/100g). 3 Glenstal Vintage Irish White Cheddar €4 (350g, €1.14/100g). 4 Milleens Irish Farmhouse Smoked Washed Rind €4 (200g, €2/100g). 5 Dúnbarra Handmade Irish Brie Cheese €4 (180g, €2.23/100g). *Bord Bia has an interactive map (bordbia.ie/ farmhouse-cheese) that allows consumers to identify their local Irish Farmhouse Cheese producers.
TOP PICKS
3
Up the flavour of the cheese with these helpers
Ballymaloe Original Relish €3.19
1
(310g, €1.03/100g)
Tesco Finest All Butter Gouda & Edam Crispies €1.99
2
Tomatoes, sultanas and spices blend to produce just the right balance between sharp and sweet.
(90g, €2.22/100g)
Tesco Finest All Butter Cheese Straws €2.29 (100g) With Gouda and flaky puff pastry, they’re perfect for dipping into oozing soft cheese.
Ballymaloe Pepper Relish €3.49
Light, crispy allbutter puff pastry biscuits, made to be topped with your favourite cheese.
WINE MATCH Tesco Special Reserve Port €14.99 The black fruit flavours and mixed spice notes cut through the creamy cheese perfectly.
3
4
(280g, €1.25/100g)
A traditional chutney with a bit of a kick. Pairs really well with semi-soft cheese.
Please drink alcohol responsibly
29
CHEESE
SPECIAL OFFER Buy any 3 of these Continental cheeses for €10
2
1
3
6
4
5
HOW TO BUILD A CHEESEBOARD Who doesn’t love the rich flavours and textures of a cheese medley? Here’s how to create the perfect arrangement Bring out your board Simply dig out your favourite wooden board to artfully arrange your cheese selection on. Long and rectangular boards are bang on trend, while circular is traditional and convivial. Either way, think about the colour, variety and placement of the cheese, and let your creative juices flow!
Choose your cheese When it comes to the selection, it’s more about variety than quantity (although it’s always good
30
to be generous!). Make sure you choose a wide range of soft, hard, young and aged cheese, with at least one blue and perhaps a goat’s. The more varieties you offer on the board, the less you need of any one kind.
Add in support acts Line up good-quality accompaniments that offer different flavours – from sweet to salty and spicy – alongside varying textures, including crunchy and chewy. Think crackers, olives,
breadsticks, fruit, nuts, chutneys and relishes (nothing will go to waste when there’s a storecupboard to stock!).
Serve it up Serve your cheese at room temperature for the best flavour and don’t cut any beforehand, as this allows moisture to escape, which gives cheese its texture. Provide a different knife for each variety and let everyone cut their own. Don’t forget spoons for the runny kind!
Tesco Finest Continental Cheese Range A seriously mouthwatering selection of eats from across Europe – plus, we’ve thrown in something special from Ireland, for good measure! 1 Tesco Finest Wensleydale Cheese with Cranberries & Blueberries €4 (200g, €2/100g). 2 Tesco Finest Aged Blue Stilton €4 (215g, €1.86/100g). 3 Tesco Finest Camembert €3.85 (250g, €1.54/100g). 4 Tesco Finest Brie de Meaux €3.69 (170g, €2.17/100g). 5 Cashel Blue Foil Wrap €4 (175g, €2.29/100g). 6 Tesco Finest Comté €4.49 (200g, €2.25/100g).
BUFFET
Put on a spread Whether it’s St Stephen’s Day, New Year’s Eve or just because… our buffet food and ‘picky bits’ are perfect for throwing a party
TOP TIP
2
3 1
Remember, the more variety you have in the types of fnger food you offer as part of a buffet, the less of any one bite you need.
4
6
5
1 Tesco Finest 8 Crispy Katsu Chicken Curry Spring Rolls €5 (242g, 63c each). 2 Tesco Finest 10 Tempura King Prawns €5 (175g, 50c each). 3 Tesco Finest 8 Potato Wrapped King Prawn Selection €5 (200g, 63c each). 4 Tesco Finest Breaded Chicken Skewers with Dip €5 (220g, €2.27/100g). 5 Tesco Finest Caramelised Onion & Camembert Sharing Bread €5 (565g, 89c/100g). 6 Tesco Finest 10 Crispy Wrapped King Prawn Selection €5 (200g, 50c each). l Check in store or online at tesco.ie for product availability; certain products in selected stores from 15 December
31
BUFFET
Tesco Finest Continental Meat Platter with Iberico Cheese €8 (310g, €2.58/100g) Perfectly seasoned cold cuts really make a buffet. This dry-cured selection includes 32 slices of chorizo with smoked paprika, nutmeg and oregano, 32 slices of salchichón with garlic and pepper, and 16 slices of serrano and paprikacoated serrano, plus Iberico cheese. l In selected stores from 29 November
Tesco Spanish Inspired Selection €3 (120g, €2.50/100g)
You can never have too much of a good thing, so add even more of your favourites: six slices of serrano and nine slices each of chorizo and salchichón. Stock up with two packs for €5! l In selected stores from 29 November
WINE MATCH Tesco Finest The Trilogy Malbec €18 Dark, juicy fruits and chocolate aromas produce a velvety red to savour with deli favourites. Please drink alcohol responsibly
TOP PICKS
TRENDSPOT
Not every festive gathering has to be formal. Grazing tables are the hot new way to enjoy your cheese and charcuterie. Fashionable for special events, from Christmas to birthdays and weddings, they do away with boards in favour of tables groaning under the weight of food. Why not combine a couple of our products to bolster your table, like we’ve done above, to offer a trendy spin on the traditional buffet and provide a fun focal point for feasting? Less stressful and more casual than hosting a sit-down dinner.
32
It’s not a buffet table without a choice of tangy green and black marinated olives on the side
Tesco Finest Garlic Stuffed Olives €2.49 (210g,
1
€1.19/100g)
Add a taste of the Med with these large, pitted Greek Halkidiki olives stuffed with whole garlic cloves for an intense bite.
Tesco Finest Greek Kalamata Olives €2.49 (210g,
2
Tesco Finest Jalapeño Stuffed Olives €2.49 (210g,
3
€1.19/100g)
€1.19/100g)
Their distinctive and intensely fruity flavour makes them so moreish with dry-cured cold meats.
Dip into pitted Halkidiki olives, stuffed with green and red jalapeño peppers in brine, for a fiery kick.
4
Tesco Pitted Black Olives
69c (330g, 21c/100g) These Spanish olives are a must-have for any spread. Their saltiness is the ideal foil to the creaminess of a cheeseboard.
CANAPÉS
Create a canapé Choose an ingredient from each row to build tasty buffet bites – and get creative with different combinations! BASE Little gem leaves
Mini tartlet cases
Cucumber slices
Toasted leftover sourdough
Roasted baby potatoes
TOPPING Caramelised onion chutney
Houmous or guacamole
Soft creamy cheese
Tangy cranberry sauce
Garlicky lemon pesto
FILLING Fresh smoked salmon
Thinly sliced prosciutto
Brie or Camembert
Leftover cooked chicken
Sundried tomatoes
GARNISH Dill, thyme, chives
Finely cut chillies
Cornichons or capers
Lemon zest and juice
33
Raise the bar From boozy to zero, we’ve selected the top fizzes, wines and beers for fabulous festive sips
TOP TIP For a simple cocktail, drop a sugar cube into a glass with a couple of dashes of bitters and a splash of Cognac, then top with prosecco.
Tesco Finest Prosecco Doc €18 Made with grapes sourced from the finest Italian vineyards, this elegant sparkling wine is bursting with citrus and pear flavours. It also boasts peach blossom aromas and a lingering finish. Serve chilled as an aperitif or with a salmon starter.
34
DRINKS
TOP PICKS
Forgoing the strong stuff doesn’t have to feel like missing out. It can be a very merry Christmas indeed with our round-up of the best low- and no-alcohol options. We’ll say cheers to that!
2
1
McGuigan Zero Shiraz Alcohol Free (5% alcohol) €5 Notes of juicy plums, sweet blackcurrants, vanilla and subtle warming spices produce a rich, rounded flavour.
Tesco Low Alcohol Sparkling Wine (0.5% alcohol) €4 Made from Spanish Sauvignon Blanc grapes, this citrussy white has plenty of fizz and packs a zesty punch.
3
McGuigan Zero Sauvignon Blanc Alcohol Free (5% alcohol) €5 Medium-bodied, full of flavour and crammed with the lush aromas of gooseberries, limes and passion fruit.
First comes fizz
Birra Moretti Zero €3.49 (0.05% alcohol)
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a glass (or two!) of fizz for the celebrations. Traditional for toasts, consider great-value prosecco or cava for the big build-up and on Christmas Eve. Then for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, plump for something a little bit special, such as Champagne or crémant.
2
(660ml, 53c/l00ml)
The ingredients have been carefully selected for a smooth, refreshing, citrussy flavour.
Heineken 0.0 €5.99 (0.05% alcohol)
3
(4x330ml, €1.50 each)
A fresh, fruity lager with a light, malty body and a mellow finish that slips down a treat.
6
Torres Sangre De Toro 00 (0% alcohol) €8 The rich aroma of dark fruits, including blackberries, and toasted notes add an intensity that’s complemented by spicy undertones.
There’s an art to making sure you’ve got all the right tipples for Christmas. But, luckily, we’ve turned it into a science…
(4x500ml, €1.50 each)
The same unique dark colour, creamy head and balanced, velvety taste as Guinness Draught.
5
McGuigan Zero Sparkling Alcohol Free (7% alcohol) €5.99 Positively bursting with bubbles, this semi-dry white is fresh and elegant, with notes of crisp pear and green apple.
HOW TO STOCK UP YOUR DRINKS CABINET
LOW-OR-NO BEERS 1 Guinness Draught 0.0 €6 (0% alcohol)
4
Torres Sangre De Toro 00 (0% alcohol) €8 A medium-dry white with a brilliant gold colour. Brimming with vibrant flavours and floral aromas, it’s smooth with a touch of sweetness.
Time for wine Browse the matches we’ve included in this guide for inspiration when it comes to specific meals. More
generally, make sure you’ve got a good few bottles of red and white, prioritised according to the preferences of family and friends. Rosé for Christmas? Why not! Light and a bit different, it also pairs well with turkey.
Raise their spirits
A little digestif?
Booze-free swaps
Whether sweet or creamy, there’s always room for a cheeky liqueur at Christmas. But don’t go overboard: just choose one variety. If one of your diners doesn’t fancy your selection, they can move on to spirits…
More of us are giving up booze, or at least cutting back on our consumption. And it’s not hard to find really good low- and no-alcohol versions of beers, wines and fizz, plus botanical alternatives to gin, for your bar.
Get the party started with a full quota of spirits, including ontrend gin and muchloved vodka, with mixers and maybe something unusual: grapefruit juice is a refreshing match for vodka, for example.
Please drink alcohol responsibly
35
A SPRINKLING OF MAGIC Christmas is a piece of cake with our celebratory food and drink. Let’s make it one to remember!
FOR MORE INSPIRATION, SHOP IN STORE OR ONLINE AT TESCO.IE