18 recipes for Christmas in July

Christmas in July is an opportunity for us in the Southern Hemisphere to enjoy a traditional, chilly festive feast. Although we probably won’t be getting a snowy white Christmas, there is something a little more magical about enjoying a warm roast by a flickering fireplace and sipping on hot chocolate. These are our top recipes for a Christmas in July feast to enjoy with family and friends. 

 

Starters

 Baked Camembert with honey-roasted grapes, almonds and puff-pastry shards

There’s something so satisfying about tucking into a molten wheel of camambert. With sweetness from a garnish of roasted grapes, this is an indulgent way to start off a Christmas in July lunch!

 

Spinach and ricotta Christmas tree

This is a great way to get into the festive spirit! Although this pastry may look complicated, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble – get the kids involved for a fun Christmas activity.

 

Baked king prawns with feta

Instead of the usual prawn cocktail traditionally enjoyed at Christmas , these warms baked prawns are fitting for the colder weather.

 

Mains

Beet wellington with balsamic reduction

This vegan take on the classic beef wellington is a great balance of sweet and earthy flavours, all rolled up in the comfort of golden puff pastry.

 

Butterflied chicken with fig & olive anchoïade

Crispy braaied chicken pairs perfectly with sweet fresh figs and olive anchoïade, a classic Provençal condiment.

 

Roast leg of lamb with mint and pomegranate rubies

Garnished with pomegranate rubies and fresh mint, this succulent lamb will be the star of any roast!

 

Sage, apple and pine nut stuffed pork roulade

A beautiful parcel of sweet stuffing, succulent meat and salty pork crackling – perfection!

 

Sides

Smashed potatoes

Smashing these potatoes before roasting gives them an extra crispy crust, the best part of a roast potato!

 

Hasselback butternuts with bay leaves, cinnamon and sage

This hassleback butternut side dish is a beauty and takes it up a notch from traditional roasted butternut.

 

Fennel bulb, bacon and mature cheddar bake

This bake combines sweet, salty and smokey to make an epic side for a Christmas feast…and it takes less than an hour to make.

 

Roasted rainbow carrots with chilli and cumin yoghurt dressing

Bursting with natural sweetness, these roasted rainbow carrots will become a winter favourite.

 

Pudding

Milk tart éclair trifle with pinotage jelly and naartjie syrup

A proudly South African twist on a Christmas favourite.

 

Sticky date & ginger puddings with coconut toffee sauce

Light vegan puddings drenched in a sweet and sticky coconut toffee sauce.

 

Spiced eggnog marshmallows

Take one of Christmas’s favourite flavours and transform it into a delicious sweet treat. These spiced eggnog marshmallows are fun and festive!

 

Filo pastry mince pies

Prepare for a textural explosion! We’ve put a twist on tradition and used layers of crispy filo pastry for these mince pies instead of shortcrust.

 

Blackberry, mascarpone & coconut meringue cake

A showstopper cake consisting of crisp coconut meringue layers filled with silky mascarpone cream, hazelnut brittle and fresh blackberries.

 

To drink

Glühwein

Traditionally made with a hearty red wine heated and spices, glühwein (or mulled wine) is popular in the chilly northern climes of Europe. But, that’s not to say we can’t enjoy it down south!

 

Spiced white hot chocolate

Infused with a melody of warming spices, this is a warm and creamy treat just for the adults.

 

Made any of these recipes for Christmas in July? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH

 

Feature image by Nicole Michalou

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