A Cork chef has shared some tips for anyone stressing about cooking Christmas dinner
It’s a mighty task.
Christmas dinner can feel like the most wonderful – yet most stressful – meal of the year.
Between the turkey, the sides, the desserts, and everything in between, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But fear not – Alex Petit, Group Executive Chef at Trigon Hotels (including the Metropole Hotel and Cork International Hotel), has shared some practical advice to help reduce stress and bring the joy back to your holiday cooking.
As a French native and seasoned chef, Alex knows the pressure of preparing the perfect meal for loved ones. “Christmas is a wonderful time of year when family and friends are together,” he says, “but that joy can sometimes be overshadowed by the worry of cooking the Christmas dinner.
“I know only too well about the pressures of preparing a meal so I’ve outlined a few pointers to help on the big day.”
Here are Alex’s top five tips to ensure you can enjoy the festive season without freaking out in the kitchen:
Lists are your friend.
“Write out the details of what you will be serving and what you need for each course. Make a list before you go shopping and tick everything off so you haven’t forgotten anything on the day.
Get a good meat thermometer
“A food thermometer takes away the worry of undercooking the turkey. There are a number of moving parts on the day, you don’t need the stress of wondering if the main part of the dinner is cooked correctly.
Prepare what you can the night before
“Peel and wash vegetables and potatoes the night before and put them into cold water. Select desserts you can make ahead like trifles and cheesecake to save you time on the big day.
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-perfect
“A lot of people focus on the presentation of the food. Every dish doesn’t have to look social media ready – the most important thing is spending quality time with your loved ones.
Keep it light-hearted and fun
“It’s a special time of the year – friends and family are home and you are together. Get them involved and enjoy spending quality time with them.”
