Affordable Christmas Dinners: Chef John Strickland’s Expert Tips
As the festive season approaches, many families find themselves juggling the desire for a sumptuous Christmas dinner with the constraints of a tight budget. However, one local chef is determined to prove that a proper Christmas feast doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. John Strickland, the creative culinary mind behind Stacked Gourmet Sandwich Bar in west and south Belfast, emphasizes that with a bit of savvy shopping and some homemade staples, everyone can enjoy a delicious holiday meal without breaking the bank.
Freshness on a Budget
In a world where fresh food can often feel like a luxury, Strickland champions the importance of using fresh ingredients. “Everything comes in fresh each day. We get it prepped and then we are ready for service,” he explains, advocating for budget-friendly ways to incorporate fresh produce into holiday meals. His restaurant prides itself on offering fresh food, and Strickland believes that shoppers can replicate this ethos by getting creative.
“If you’re cooking for yourself, you can buy produce that’s maybe a day or two old,” he advises. “As long as it’s stored right, it’s just as good as what you’d find fresh from the market that day.”
Smart Shopping Strategies
Strickland’s first piece of advice for families hunting for affordable Christmas dinners involves taking advantage of discounts at major supermarkets. “Use those big companies to your advantage, like Tesco and Asda, a week before Christmas,” he suggests. Prices for essential vegetables and potatoes can drop significantly as the holidays approach. For instance, potatoes were priced as low as 19p last year!
When it comes to choosing proteins, Strickland recommends considering alternatives to traditional turkey. “If turkey turns out to be too expensive, go for a large chicken. If a big ham is too dear, try something cheaper like gammon steaks.” He emphasizes how flexibility can help families save while still enjoying a fulfilling meal.
Ditching the Brands
Another key strategy for holiday savings is to avoid getting distracted by brand names. “Set a budget and stick to it,” Strickland urges. “Don’t be swayed by fancy brands, because that doesn’t necessarily mean it will taste better.” By remaining committed to a budget, shoppers can find great ingredients without compromising on quality.
Homemade Staples
Strickland also believes in the potential of homemade stuffing as a cost-saving measure. “Use your bread. Break it down with a bit of butter—cheaper margarine works just fine too—and season it to taste.” Importantly, he reassures families that traditional sausage meat is not a requirement. “You can definitely make it cheaply and still have something that tastes very good,” he claims.
When it comes to gravy, he suggests that sometimes convenience can be more economical. “It works out cheaper just to buy cheap granules. But if you make a chicken or ham, you can use the drippings in your gravy. It boosts the flavor without adding cost.”
Making Seasonal Vegetables Shine
Strickland believes that vegetables can elevate any Christmas meal, suggesting simple yet impactful techniques. “Roasting carrots and parsnips with a bit of oil in the oven can transform them into a delightful side dish.” This practical approach ensures that even the simplest ingredients can contribute to a festive atmosphere.
Creative Leftover Use
Many families dread food waste during the holiday season, but Strickland offers inspiring ideas for utilizing any leftover turkey or ham. “You could make a turkey curry the next day,” he shares, reminiscing about his family’s tradition of serving cold meat with mash and pickles on Boxing Day. Creative options like bubble and squeak can also help ensure nothing goes to waste. “There’s so much you can do to make sure it’s not being put in the bin,” he says, encouraging families to find joy in repurposing their festive fare.
Efficient Cooking Tips
Amid rising energy costs, Strickland encourages families to maximize oven space rather than using multiple cooking appliances. “You can roast your veggies and do your potatoes in the oven. Stay away from using all different appliances at once for an efficient cooking process,” he suggests.
Simple, Flavorful Fixes
To add depth to dishes without stretching the budget, Strickland points out that alternatives like sugar can substitute for pricier condiments like honey for caramelizing veggies. “Just drizzle a bit of oil and throw potatoes straight in the oven. If you don’t have oil, use a bit of butter,” he advises, proving that simple adjustments can yield flavorful results.
He also presents an affordable approach to mashed potatoes: “Use a bit of butter for that buttery flavor, but if that’s too costly, sticking with milk works just fine.”
Flavoring Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but Strickland knows how to make them irresistible. “Wrapping some bacon around them can add fantastic flavor,” he suggests. If families are cooking gammon, using a bit from the meat can impart rich taste to the sprouts.
With these straightforward yet effective tips, Chef John Strickland offers a treasure trove of practical advice for creating a festive Christmas dinner that’s both delicious and budget-friendly. With a little ingenuity, everyone can savor the joy of the season with a memorable holiday feast.