A VERY MERRY BEEF + LAMB CHRISTMAS
Christmas is fast approaching, and with the various restrictions Kiwi’s are under around the country, we wanted to spread some Christmas cheer and share some stress free and delicious Christmas recipe ideas.
We asked Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chef, Norka Mella Munoz from Kinloch Manor & Villas in Taupo to help us design the ultimate Christmas menu. Norka’s festive feast features a traditional roast leg of lamb, served alongside fresh seasonal salads with dressings and accompaniments that elevate the flavours to the next level.
Adding to the summery feeling that we love about our Kiwi Christmases, Norka cranked up her charcoal BBQ and grilled a whole scotch fillet which she sliced and drizzled with her famous fresh chimichurri which elevated the taste sensation of the smokey beef. If you don’t have a BBQ, this recipe can also be done in the oven to create succulent and tender beef which matches perfectly with Norka’s array of fresh colourful salads.
To keep your Christmas menu truly Kiwi, Norka shares her recipe for the most decadent dessert – a classic twist on the traditional pavlova, strawberries and cream – a strawberry meringue cake, which is so easy it can be made well ahead of time and frozen until Christmas morning.
Originally from Chile, Norka has been celebrating Kiwi style Christmas’s for more than 20 years. She likes to add a bit of Chilean style to her Christmas menu, but says that back in Chile things are celebrated a little differently.
“Growing up in Chile, we always have our big celebration on Christmas Eve. We have our big Christmas dinner and open the gifts at midnight. The kids run around the neighbourhood looking to see where Santa Claus is and then run back to their own home to find Santa has snuck in with their gifts. Presents are opened at midnight and we always slept with our presents beside us.”
“Christmas Day was a time to relax and spend time with our families and for the kids to play with their presents. Food is very much always at the centre of our Christmas celebrations. We eat breakfast, lunch and dinner together over the Christmas break, always as a family.”
Since arriving in New Zealand Norka has adopted Kiwi traditions and celebrates with her family on Christmas Day by serving a traditional roast lamb after opening presents on Christmas morning. She says it’s important to keep the Christmas menu simple and stress-free and by using New Zealand beef and lamb and keeping the flavours simple, and fresh, results in a no fuss and delicious menu that everyone is guaranteed to love.
“I have created the perfect stress-free Christmas feast using New Zealand beef and lamb as the stars on the table. They are easy to cook and create the most delicious harmony of flavours when matched with fresh seasonal salads and vegetables. I have added in my favourite dressings and accompaniments to build layers of flavour and of course it’s just not Christmas without a delicious festive dessert topped with whipped cream and strawberries.”
Norka’s time saving tips for a stress-free Christmas:
Do as much preparation beforehand as you possibly can
Utilise seasonal produce to keep it cost effective
Keep flavours simple and make dressings and condiments to build up layers of flavour
Share the workload – if you have guests coming over ask them to bring something to share, or split up the menu with everyone responsible for one element
Using New Zealand beef and lamb is a great way to provide a festive and special feel to your Christmas menu with the meat taking on the flavours of the accompaniments and salads and it’s easy to harmonise all the flavours, and sure to impress.
Now more than ever, Christmas should be a time of stress-free celebration with good food shared with friends and family We hope you enjoy Norka’s Christmas menu.