Every year, I wonder how much people stray from their family traditions for the big Christmas meal. A straw poll of friends and colleagues revealed most rely on tried-and-trusted favourites, cooking only one or two new things each year, so I decided to create a menu to help with that. These recipes all have something extra to dress them up for Christmas, but we’ve also included instructions to cook each one simply. You can make the whole lot as a beautifully balanced menu or choose one, two or three jazzed-up dishes and strip the rest back… You’re in charge! Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy the cooking and the eating – and I wish you a very merry Christmas. REBECCA SMITH, FOOD EDITOR
Christmas lunch menu for 8