Anyone who’s ever faced the bustling chaos of Christmas knows that it’s one of the most hectic periods of the year.
There are distant relatives to remember (and names to get right), endless food to be cooked, presents to be wrapped and fake beards and bellies to wear.
That’s why the potent combination of run amok children, too many cooks in the kitchen, and the sweltering heat come together in a perfect storm that often causes some unfortunate mishaps (like the time you forgot to invite Aunt Jean and she turned up without a place at the table or a single present).
To help you survive the holidays without any family fall outs or tantrums thrown, we’ve consulted the experts on how to solve the simplest (and the most complex) of Christmas conundrums.
What do I do if I’ve burnt my leg ham in the oven?
“To rescue the ham, just simply trim off the burnt bits and glaze with something sweet and sticky like maple syrup or honey and disguise it with a smattering of fresh herbs,” says Women’s Weekly’s Food Director, Fran Abdallaoui, “Make it look festive by wrapping the shank with a piece of baking paper and maybe a Christmas ribbon – this will divert attention to its less than perfect glaze.”
Quick! I’ve run out of wrapping paper on Christmas Eve! What can I use?
Practically anything! Anything that you can get a length out of, you can wrap. Try an old map, a length of foil, a newspaper, or even a scarf. With a relatively plain packaging, focus more on decoration and adorn your present with bows, stamps or stickers.
I’ve run out of my seafood marinade halfway through my barbecue – what do I do?
“A few store cupboard staples should get you out of trouble. Slurp in a little olive oil, finely grated lemon rind, fresh parsley, finely chopped garlic and a few dried chilli flakes. This is my go to marinade for seafood or chicken,” says Food Director, Frances.
It’s Christmas morning I’ve totally forgotten to get someone a present. What do I do?
The easiest thing to do is do a quick scan of your house for any bottles of wine, scented candles, chocolate boxes or unwanted trinkets that you can throw in a gift bag. If there is absolutely nothing available, grab a stack of cards or scrap of paper and write out some handmade coupons with ‘gifts’ like ‘babysitting’, ‘a wine night’ or ‘a dozen of my famous muffins’ written on them, and – of course – act like you never forgot in the first place.
I’ve run out of sides/food – what can I make that is sold in a service station/I’ve got in my cupboard?
“Simple, dial up takeaway! Or a quick pasta carbonara – all you need is spaghetti, bacon, eggs and parmesan,” says Frances.
My fruitcake has sunken in the middle! What do I do?
Fran’s pro tip: “Cut a ring of cake out of the centre and call it a Christmas cake wreath. You could even add a bit of zjoosh with a royal icing and fun festive ornaments.”
I’ve overcooked my roast and now it’s dry – how can I fix it?
Carve the turkey meat thinly and place it back into the baking dish with the cooking juice to moisten and be sure to make a little extra gravy too.
Brought to you by Aldi.
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