The same same, but different…
There is no doubt that this year, Christmas is going to look a little different. We can’t travel like we normally would, we can’t be with our families like we wish to be. For the love of Mums gravy, we can’t even eat the same way.
Here in Hong Kong, getting our hands on typical festive supplies can be a real pain in the neck. Literally. I trekked to four stores on one occasion just trying to track down a turkey in the past! And so I set about creating a stress-free Christmas menu.
Roast Goose 
A twist on side-dish essentials 
Sprouts to convert any hater 
A vegan option 
A new take on stuffing 
We’ve even sorted the chutney!
The key concepts behind this menu were accessibility, flexibility and getting creative in the face of an incredibly challenging year. It’s been tough enough, why should we kill ourselves trying to replicate the irreplaceable? Grandma’s Christmas Dinner?
The Menu:
Szechuan Roast Goose with Laab Stuffing Balls
Stuffed, Roasted Butternut Squash
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Hasselback Sriracha Spuds & Soy Roasted Carrots
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Bread Pudding with Ginger Egg Custard
All of your creature comforts, your essentials are right here. In a set of completely doable recipes. Everything has enough of a twist that you don’t feel the need to compare yourself to your Grandma, but still feels familiar, bringing that comfortingly Christmassy warmth.
Although I drew on the inspiration from my local market, the ingredients are completely interchangeable. If you can’t find Hoisin sauce, chuck in some balsamic instead. As for the sprouts? If you can’t get them, cook asparagus, or shredded savoy cabbage, or switch it up with bok choi and choi sum!
Because one of the key principles here is NOT to stress you guys the heck out with this cook, this entire meal is completely achievable even in the tiniest of HK ovens. It’s all detailed in the recipes for you.
I hope these recipes inspire you to take Christmas, after this **** of a year, by the horns. To cook up a wonderful meal for however many people we are allowed to have in our homes, to have a delicious celebration, however big or small.
Sending a huge amount of love to you all, and wishes for a much better and brighter year ahead.
Carmel xx
