Boroughbridge welcomed a festive celebration on 4 December 2025 as The Kitchen Room marked the Christmas season with an event focused on the joy of cooking and gathering at home.
The Yorkshire kitchen design studio invited guests to a Christmas masterclass led by private chef Michaela Hanna, over of WithM. Her approach to holiday cooking emphasized practicality and joy, resonating with the spirit of the season.
Michaela shared insightful tips to enhance the holiday cooking experience, highlighting that embracing simplicity can lead to a more enjoyable Christmas Day. The event aimed to foster a sense of togetherness, with the Kitchen Room team believing a well-designed kitchen plays a vital role in festive preparations.
The masterclass underscored the kitchen’s importance as a hub for family connection and memory-making. In the spirit of sharing, here’s a sneak peek into Michaela’s expert advice for crafting the perfect Christmas dinner.
1. The Secret to Roast Potatoes That Never Let You Down
To achieve perfectly crispy roast potatoes, opt for floury varieties such as Maris Piper or King Edward. Start by parboiling them from cold, allowing them to steam-dry before roasting in hot oil for at least an hour, turning them twice during cooking. This straightforward method guarantees unforgettable results every time.
2. Why Your Christmas Day Starts on the 23rd
Preparation is key to a smooth Christmas Day. Tasks like blanching cabbage, pre-cooking sprouts, making bread sauce, and prepping pigs in blankets should be tackled on the 23rd and 24th. Completing these steps in advance allows you to enjoy a quieter, more relaxed Christmas Day.
3. Elevate Veg with Simple Flavours
Transform your vegetable dishes with these clever additions:
- Brussels sprouts sautéed with pancetta and chestnuts
- Honey-roasted parsnips with a light dusting of flour
- Carrot purée enriched with brown butter and a squeeze of lemon
- Red cabbage infused with brown sugar and balsamic for depth
Small tweaks can make a big impact on your festive spread.
4. The Stuffing That’s So Good You’ll Need to Make Extra
A delicious stuffing makes all the difference. Use plenty of herbs, zest of citrus, and a touch of nutmeg. Be sure to cook onions until they’re sweet and caramelized before adding them to the mix. And remember, always make extra—turkey, stuffing, and gravy sandwiches on Boxing Day are a true festive delight.
5. The Timing Trick Every Christmas Cook Needs to Know
Planning is essential. Whatever cooking time you’ve estimated for the turkey, add an extra 90 minutes for resting and finishing the sides. This simple adjustment will save you from the holiday rush.
6. Have a “Commis Chef” on Hand
Cooking for the holidays should be a team effort. Delegate tasks such as vegetable prep, dishwashing, and maintaining kitchen flow to family members or friends. Adding Christmas tunes and festive drinks can create a joyful atmosphere, making cooking a collaborative and enjoyable experience.
7. How to Rescue Christmas When Things Go Wrong
It’s wise to have a backup plan for potential mishaps:
- If the turkey is overcooked, smother it in great gravy.
- If it’s undercooked, put it back for more time and hold off on the sides.
- If you forgot to defrost the bird, remember that big turkeys need far more time than just a few hours.
- If everything is ready at different times, take a deep breath, regroup, and stick to your plan.
- And if it all goes awry, a cheeseboard and great bread can save the day.
8. Making Every Guest Feel Welcome at Your Table
Inclusivity is key during the festive season. For vegetarian guests, consider a nut roast, tart tatin, or mushroom wellington. Gluten-free options can be created using GF flour for gravy and Yorkshire puddings, while oil can replace butter for dairy-free options. A bit of thoughtful planning ensures that every guest feels welcome and satisfied.