The Ultimate Cornish Christmas For Foodies!
After making the announcement that both The Tolcarne & The Packet would remain closed for the rest of the year, we’ve received lots of messages of support for which we are really grateful. With so much uncertainty, this seemed the best way of ensuring both our pubs and customers have a healthy future, and we’re already looking forward to reopening again when the time is right.
In the meantime, we’re taking the opportunity to enjoy the whole of Christmas with our families – something hospitality workers rarely get to do!
We’re planning the ultimate Cornish foodie Christmas, using as much local produce as possible, so we thought we’d share some of our ideas with you in case you fancy doing the same.
Christmas is a time of indulgence – a time when most of us are willing to splash out on the finest food and drink, and spend a little longer planning and preparing memorable meals.
If these pictures whet your appetite, why not head to Truro Farmers’ Market for the Christmas food shop?
Yet, with national retailers competing for our attention via sparkly advertising campaigns, it’s easy to forget that local farmers and food producers are still the best port of call for quality and choice when it comes to festive dining.
For example, all the fish below can be sourced by visiting your local fishmonger or farmers’ market fish stall – something I always enjoy doing right before Christmas.
Christmas Eve
Squid and chorizo tomato & red wine stew, aioli & parsley
I have two young boys so Christmas Eve is a little hectic in our house. Having a really tasty one-pot-wonder on hand – perhaps something you made the day before – is the best way to guarantee we all get to enjoy family time on the night before Christmas. My youngest son Xander really enjoys cooking, so he would love to help me make a tasty squid stew.
Christmas Day – Breakfast
Omelette Arnold Bennett (creamed smoked haddock and lots of freshly chopped parsley, spooned into the middle of a fluffy lightly cooked omelette and folded over.)
I like to have a good breakfast on Christmas Day before opening presents and going for a walk. An Arnold Bennett is a bit different but not too rich; that way my appetite will have returned in time for a big feast later in the day. I would definitely have a glass of bubbles with this!
The Main Event!
Whole roast fish (brill, turbot, hake – whatever your fishmonger has available) and hollandaise sauce, with duck fat roasted potatoes and sprouts served with walnuts and smoked streaky bacon.
A whole roasted fish looks and tastes spectacular and will complement the other classic Christmas flavours in this dish. Don’t forget to buy your bacon from Primrose Herd – it’s Christmas so only the best will do!
Dessert
Chocolate, pear and orange trifle
For an alternative dessert (no one in my house really likes Christmas pudding!) try steeping orange segments in your favourite liqueur with thyme, cloves and cinnamon, and layer these with poached pears, chocolate and orange mousse and whipped cream, with plenty of toasted nuts on top for a bit of crunch.
Boxing Day
On Boxing Day, we like to have a selection of things to nibble on whenever the mood takes you. For charcuterie, cheese, olives, pates and crackers a few other sweet treats too, we recommend heading to Truro Farmer’s Market for all these goodies and more!
Finally, we’d finish with a treat – a box of Chocolarder’s Sail Shipped Mocha Truffles. Divine!
We hope you have a great Christmas and look forward to seeing you in 2021!
