December 19, 2014
by Jason Ford
Ford on Food
The festive decorations adorning our retail stores are a stark reminder that Christmas Day is just around the corner.
For many, it’s a time to gather with family and friends.
My family has rotating roster that dictates who will be hosting Christmas lunch.
My wife and I are both chefs, and we at least have to put in half an effort when it’s our turn to host.
So we follow some basic rules for planning:
- My wife makes the rules, which she can change without notice
- Don’t leave planning to the last minute (which I most likely would if I made the rules)
- The food should be relatively healthy; as the average person puts on 1kg at this time of year (I’m consistently above average). And, try to take it easy on the booze
- Keep it simple; don’t be trapped in the kitchen all day while everyone else is enjoying themselves
- Consider using disposable plates, because nobody appreciates floor-to-ceiling dirty dishes on Christmas Day
- To avoid food poisoning, keep hot food above 60oC and cold food below 5oC. Do you really want a family reunion in hospital on Boxing Day?
- Try not to prepare too much food. There’s often a ridiculous amount of leftover ham and salads etc in the week following Christmas
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Christmas Leftovers
The days following Christmas are very predictable.
Exchanging or returning gifts (broken or unwanted), coping with a hangover, post-Christmas bargain-hunting and lots of leftovers in the fridge.
Of all the leftovers, baked ham would be the most common.
Most people don’t want to waste big chunks of meat – but how do you use leftover ham?
A little imagination! But don’t make sandwiches, because that’s boring.
A cheesy ham omelet for breakfast would be better.
Or a filo pastry parcel filled with garlic rice and chopped ham.
Or my own favourite recipe for leftover ham, which is…
* * *
Easy Peasy Pasta Carbonara
Ingredients:
- 500g pasta
- 100g chopped ham
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. grated
Method:
- Cook the ham in a fry pan until crisp; remove from pan and drain on paper towels; set the ham aside
- Cook the pasta as directed on package
- Meanwhile, combine the egg yolks, cream, and garlic in a medium bowl and beat until well blended
- When the pasta is cooked, drain and immediately return to the pot
- Stir in the egg mixture and toss thoroughly until combined
- Add the ham and cheese and toss again to coat; season if required
Serves 4 – Merry Christmas!
Note: Jason’s column will be taking a holiday break from this week until January 16, 2015.
