Here comes Jamie Oliver, jingling all the way to our TVs with “Jamie Cooks Christmas.” This Channel 4 special, part one of two, airing Sunday, December 8th, finds our culinary chum hosting a holiday gathering with enough festive fare to make even Scrooge crack a smile (or at least loosen his purse strings for a figgy pudding).
Forget the tired turkey-and-stuffing routine. Oliver’s menu is a whirlwind of holiday-inspired creations: cheesy filo parcels with cranberry dip, a Christmas cauliflower lasagne (yes, you read that right), Hasselback root vegetables with a festive spice rub, chicken, sausage, and bacon party kebabs, and, for the grand finale, a sticky toffee coffee pudding. It’s enough to make you ditch the diet and embrace the elastic waistband.
But this isn’t just a parade of rich indulgences. Oliver aims to demonstrate how even humble ingredients like salad leaves and root vegetables can be transformed into dishes worthy of a Christmas centerpiece. He’s particularly keen on make-ahead options, like the cauliflower lasagne, acknowledging that the holidays are about celebrating, not slaving away in the kitchen.
“Jamie Cooks Christmas” will also feature essential tips and techniques for those looking to elevate their holiday cooking game. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, there’s bound to be something to glean from Oliver’s festive foray. Consider it a preemptive strike against holiday cooking stress, a chance to stockpile some culinary inspiration before the December frenzy truly sets in. Just remember to tune in on Sunday, December 8 on Channel 4, and perhaps consider having some antacids on hand.
Jamie Cooks Christmas airs on Sundays at 8pm on Channel 4.
