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Friday, 12 December 2025
That's Food and Drink: Steaks Fit for a Vegan!
That's Food and Drink: Steaks Fit for a Vegan!: As part of our Veganuary feature That's Food and Drink is bringing you news about vegan foods that you can try at home or in your pub or...
Côte Brasserie’s New Year Feast in Branch or At Home
This year, guests dining in-brasserie can indulge in Côte’s four-course New Year’s Eve celebration menu (from £53.95 per head), a standout feast crafted to be filled with flavour, value and French indulgence.
Guests are welcomed with a complimentary glass of Crémant or Kisumé non-alcoholic sparkling rosé, setting a perfectly celebratory tone.
The menu is generous from the start including for the table dishes Comté Madeleines with hot honey dip, olives, and garlic-herb peppers and then a wide variety of delicious starters including Chicken Liver Parfait with macerated figs, indulgent Camembert Brûlée, King Prawns in Café de Paris butter, Beetroot-Cured Smoked Salmon and more.
Mains celebrate classic French comfort elevated for the occasion: luxurious Confit Duck à l’Orange, Cornish Roasted Hake with velvety lobster sauce, Steak Frites Deluxe cut in Côte’s own butchery (+£8 supplement), Chestnut & Sage Tartiflette with a baked half Camembert and an impressive vegan Roasted Miso Parsnip dish, among others.
A trio of sides for £15 encourages festive feasting, from Sprouts à la Française and hot-honey Pigs in Blankets to crispy confit potatoes with gravy mayo.
Guests may finish with a special curated French cheese plate, or choose from a line-up of desserts including Pain Perdu, Warm Chocolate Fondant and the striking La Bûche Rouge winter berry mousse log.
With its breadth of choice, generous portions and sparkling welcome, Côte delivers one of the most compelling NYE menus on the high street for the price, all served until midnight across all brasseries.
For those celebrating at home, Côte’s sell-out New Year’s Eve Feasts return featuring the NYE Feast for Six for £169.95 and the NYE Feast for Two for £84.95
The menu features beetroot-cured salmon with horseradish cream, followed by British & Irish Côte de Boeuf with gratin dauphinois and black garlic jus, finished with a dark chocolate financier and cherry compote. Show-stopping, indulgent - and completely stress-free.
For more relaxed celebrations, the Buffet Box (£76.95, serves 2–4) offers a ready-to-serve spread of French cheeses, truffle saucisson, cured ham, smoked salmon, pâté, confits and more - “a party in a box” when paired with Côte’s festive drinks range.
To keep celebrations lively, the first 150 orders will receive a complimentary Big Potato Games party game.
Back for another year of festive excellence, Côte’s at-home range continues to be a beloved ritual, even for Dame Judi Dench, who counts herself among the thousands who rely on Côte at Home for effortless festive dining.
Also available to celebrate the season in style is the Festive Breakfast Box (£67.95) - croissants, jams, granola, sausages, eggs, and Crémant de Bourgogne as well as the Festive Drinks Package (£79.95) - from Buck’s Fizz to Port for the cheese course.
All menus are created by Executive Chef Steve Allen, whose Michelin-starred background includes Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Pétrus and Claridge’s.
Steve told That's Christmas: “Creating this year’s New Year’s Eve menus has been a real joy. Whether guests are joining us in the Brasserie for a four-course celebration menu or celebrating at home with our Côte at Home feast boxes, the focus is the same - generous, joyful dishes full of flavour, crafted to make the occasion feel truly special.
"From elegant French classics in our restaurants to indulgent, stress-free feasts delivered straight to your door, we want everyone to be able to celebrate in the way that suits them best. Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!”
Côte at Home festive menus are delivered chilled and ready to serve, with nationwide delivery from 18-23 December. Early booking is very strongly advised.
Order now at coteathome.co.uk
FACTFILE:-
Côte at Home delivers the very best of French cuisine direct to your door. Launched in 2020, the service offers luxury meals and produce from its in-house butchery, bakery, fromagerie and wine cellar. Côte at Home supplies premium butcher’s cuts alongside an expansive selection of artisan cheeses and a curated list of wines, champagne and beer.
Each box arrives chilled, ready to eat, freeze or bake. Nationwide delivery Wednesday to Saturday (excluding the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland, The Isle of Man, The Isle of Wight, The Scilly Isles and the Channel Islands).
Ideal For Christmas. Kentucky Classic: Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon
With hints of dried fruit, vanilla, toasted oak, and baking spice, this award-winning bourbon is the perfect, crowd-pleasing gift for friends and family alike.
I'm thinking of a winter warming Old Fashioned. This will be absolutely perfect for your Christmas drink mixing. How about sipping with mince pies by a roaring fire?
Or perhaps for gifting to those members of your family or circle of friends who you know will appreciate receiving a bottle of a high quality proper Bourbon for Christmas.
That is if you can bear to part with it? Perhaps you'd better buy bottles on the old adage of "One for you, one for me?" After all, it is Christmas!
You can purchase this at The Whiskey Exchange or Amazon.
It should cost £38 a bottle, though if you use this link it should cost you £26 https://amzn.to/4pAsj7Z
And we'll give you our special Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Old Fashioned recipe in a while, so please keep an eye open for that.
For the Rum Lovers in Your Life Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
It's wonderfully rich, elegant, and velvety smooth. Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is a premium Venezuelan rum crafted from only the finest premier sugarcane.
It offers deep notes of toffee, dried fruit, vanilla, and subtle spice. Whether you’re sipping a Diplomatico Orange Cocoa neat by a crackling fire or stirred into a festive Manhattan it's a deluxe gift that brings warmth and sophistication to your loved ones this Christmas.
And you might be able to increase their breadth of knowledge of rums, because I have to admit I was unaware that Venezuela was known for producing rum.
As well as being a great gifting idea it will also make the perfect addition to your Christmas drinks table.
It should cost £41 and is available at The Whiskey Exchange or Amazon where it will cost £32 https://amzn.to/4rKb3ym
Gold Coffee Truffles for Your Christmas Feasting and Gifting
So you'd probably better make more than you think you'll need!
Here's how to make them:-
Prep: 10 minutes plus chilling
Cook: 10 minutes
Makes approx. 25
275g dark chocolate, 54% cocoa, chopped
150ml double cream
25g unsalted butter
2 tbsp Camp Chicory & Coffee Essence
125g white chocolate, chopped
To decorate, edible gold leaf and gold shimmer powder
Place 150g chopped dark chocolate in a large heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water. Add the cream, butter and Camp essence and heat gently until just melted, stir until well combined. Cool and then chill until almost set, about 3-4 hours.
Using a melon baller or teaspoon and using lightly oiled hands, mould into approx. 25 round balls and place on a tray lined with baking parchment. Chill until firm.
Melt the remaining 125g dark chocolate and the white chocolate in 2 separate small bowls over 2 small saucepans of simmering water until melted. Allow to cool slightly.
Dip half the truffles in the dark chocolate and half in the white chocolate, using 2 forks to completely cover. Place on a tray lined with baking parchment and again chill until set.
To decorate, place gold leaf on the dark truffles using a clean dry paint brush and dust the white truffles with gold shimmer powder.
Cooks tip
Try dusting half in cocoa and half in icing sugar for a quick alternative.
A Christmas Warning: Preventing Food Poisoning at Home and in Catering Kitchens
Christmas is a time of abundance. Packed fridges, overflowing ovens, buffet tables groaning under the weight of turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets and trifle. It’s also, unfortunately, a time when cases of food poisoning spike sharply across the UK.
Whether you’re cooking at home for family and friends, or serving food professionally in a pub, restaurant, care home or events venue, Christmas meals must be prepared with care. One poorly handled dish can turn festive cheer into days of illness – or worse.
Why Christmas Is a High-Risk Time for Food Poisoning
The festive period creates a perfect storm for food safety problems:
Large volumes of food prepared in advance
Fridges overfilled and struggling to stay cold
Cooked food left out for long periods
People reheating leftovers multiple times
Temporary or seasonal catering staff under pressure
Add alcohol, distractions, late nights and “it’ll be fine” attitudes, and mistakes become far more likely.
Common Christmas-related outbreaks are linked to salmonella, campylobacter, E. coli, and listeria – all of which can cause serious illness, particularly in older people, young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
At Home: Festive Food Safety Essentials
1. Turkey Must Be Fully Cooked
Undercooked poultry is one of the biggest Christmas dangers.
Ensure the thickest part of the bird reaches at least 75°C
Juices should run clear, not pink
If in doubt, cook longer – resting time does not finish cooking
Stuffing should ideally be cooked separately to reduce risk.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Fridge
A packed fridge cannot cool properly.
Raw meat must be kept on the bottom shelf
Leftovers should cool quickly and be refrigerated within two hours
Fridge temperature should be 5°C or below
If necessary, prioritise food safety over drinks storage.
3. Reheating Means Piping Hot
Leftovers are a Christmas joy – but only if handled correctly.
Reheat food once only
Ensure it’s piping hot all the way through
Never reheat turkey more than once
If something smells off or looks questionable, it’s not worth the risk.
4. Hands, Surfaces and Utensils Matter
Festive cooking often involves multiple people in the kitchen.
Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling food
Use separate boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods
Clean surfaces regularly, especially during long cooking sessions
“Christmas germs” are not festive – they spread fast.
For Catering Establishments: No Festive Exceptions
Professional kitchens carry a legal and moral responsibility to protect customers.
1. Pressure Is Not an Excuse
Busy Christmas services increase risk, but safety standards must never slip.
HACCP procedures must be followed at all times
Temperature logs must be accurate and up to date
Hot holding and cold storage must remain within safe limits
2. Temporary Staff Need Proper Training
Seasonal workers are common in December.
Food hygiene training must be provided
Supervision is essential, especially during peak services
“Learning on the job” is not acceptable where safety is concerned
3. Vulnerable Diners Must Be Protected
Care homes, hospitals, schools and Christmas community meals must take extra care.
Avoid high-risk foods such as unpasteurised cheeses
Ensure allergen information is clear and accurate
Maintain strict hygiene during buffet and self-service meals
An outbreak linked to a Christmas event can have devastating consequences.
Food Poisoning Isn’t “Just a Stomach Bug”
Foodborne illness can lead to:
Severe dehydration
Hospitalisation
Long-term digestive problems
In extreme cases, death
At Christmas, when NHS services are already stretched, preventable illness places additional strain on an already pressured system.
A Safer Christmas Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Christmas food should bring people together, not send them home ill.
By taking simple, sensible precautions, at home and professionally, too, we can ensure that festive meals are remembered for the right reasons: laughter, warmth, and good food safely enjoyed.
Because no one wants their Christmas story to include food poisoning.
Cacen Waed Gwyddau: The Welsh Goose Blood Cake with a Christmas Past
Christmas food traditions across Britain are wonderfully varied, deeply local, and sometimes a little surprising.
While most of us are familiar with mince pies, Christmas pudding, and roast turkey, Wales has its own rich culinary heritage, including one of the most unusual festive dishes you may never have heard of: Cacen Waed Gwyddau, or Goose Blood Cake or tart.
This historic Welsh delicacy may sound startling to modern ears, but it tells an important story about thrift, seasonality, and how Christmas was once celebrated in rural communities.
What Is Cacen Waed Gwyddau?
Cacen Waed Gwyddau literally translates as “goose blood cake”. It is traditionally a baked tart or cake made using goose blood, combined with ingredients such as:
Goose blood
Suet or dripping
Flour or breadcrumbs
Onions
Herbs and spices
Sometimes dried fruit or oats
The result was a dense, savoury bake, more akin to a pudding or tart than a modern cake, designed to make use of every part of the goose.
Why Goose Blood at Christmas?
Before supermarkets, refrigeration, and global food supply chains, Christmas was the time when livestock was slaughtered for winter. In many Welsh households, the Christmas goose was the centrepiece of the festive meal long before turkey became fashionable.
Waste was not an option.
Using goose blood was practical, economical, and deeply ingrained in rural life. Blood provided richness, protein, and binding, much like it does in black pudding, and allowed families to stretch scarce resources further during the long winter months.
Cacen Waed Gwyddau was often made around Christmas or New Year, when geese were prepared, making it a seasonal dish rather than an everyday one.
A Dish Rooted in Respect and Resourcefulness
While modern tastes may recoil at the idea, dishes like Goose Blood Cake speak to a time when:
Animals were raised locally
Food was seasonal and precious
Nothing edible was wasted
Cooking was guided by necessity, not novelty
In that sense, Cacen Waed Gwyddau sits comfortably alongside other traditional British blood dishes such as black pudding, faggots, and savoury puddings.
This was not about shock value, it was about survival, respect for livestock, and feeding families through harsh winters.
Was It Sweet or Savoury?
Most historical references suggest Cacen Waed Gwyddau was savoury, often flavoured with onion and herbs, though some regional or family variations may have leaned towards a lightly spiced, enriched pudding.
Recipes were rarely written down. Like many traditional Welsh dishes, it was passed from generation to generation by memory and method rather than precise measurements.
Does Anyone Still Eat It Today?
Cacen Waed Gwyddau is now extremely rare, and you are unlikely to find it on modern Christmas tables — or in shops.
However, it occasionally appears in:
Food history discussions
Welsh cultural heritage events
Academic or museum references
Experimental heritage cookery
Its value today lies less in widespread consumption and more in what it teaches us about how Christmas was once lived and cooked.
Christmas Traditions Aren’t Always Pretty... But They Are Honest
At That’s Christmas 365, we often celebrate cosy, comforting traditions, but it’s also important to remember that Christmas history includes hardship, ingenuity, and resilience. And it is a nod to the Welsh ancestors of both my wife and myself who, as coming from Welsh farming stock, could well have made and eaten Cacen Waed Gwyddau at Christmastime.
Cacen Waed Gwyddau reminds us that festive food was once about:
Making the most of what you had
Feeding large families affordably
Preparing for winter survival
Honouring animals by wasting nothing
It may not be a dish most of us would recreate today, but it deserves its place in the rich tapestry of Welsh Christmas traditions.
A Taste of Christmas Past
So next time you sit down to a beautifully plated Christmas dinner, spare a thought for the generations who made do with far less, and still found ways to mark the season with care, tradition, and communal meals.
Cacen Waed Gwyddau may be a relic of the past, but it tells a powerful story of Christmas in Wales — one rooted in history, honesty, and respect.
Thursday, 11 December 2025
Rudolph v. Santa: The Great North Pole Lawsuit
A festive legal drama from the frosty files of That’s Christmas 365
Everyone knows the classic tale: a young reindeer with a glowing red nose steps up on Christmas Eve and saves the day.
Children cheer, carollers sing, and Rudolph becomes the North Pole’s most famous employee.
But what the public didn’t know, until this week, is that the red nose wasn’t magic at all. According to brand-new legal documents filed at the mythical “North Pole Employment Tribunal,” Rudolph claims he was actually down with a nasty bout of COVID, and Santa “wilfully ignored workplace health and safety obligations”.
Yes. Rudolph is suing Santa.
And the elves are loving it.
A Nose That Wasn’t Just Shiny—It Was 38.5°C
Rudolph states that, on Christmas Eve, he reported symptoms including:
A glowing red nose
A slight cough that sounded suspiciously like sleigh bells
Feeling “achy in all four legs”
But Santa allegedly insisted the only real issue was Rudolph “being a bit dramatic” and that the glow was “excellent for visibility through fog”.
According to leaked internal correspondence, the Head Elf of HR wrote:
“Whilst we appreciate Rudolph’s unique luminescent qualities, forcing a symptomatic reindeer to undertake global sleigh-pulling duties may breach North Pole Occupational Health guidelines, subsection 4b: ‘Do not make contagious livestock operate airborne transport.’”
Santa’s Defence: “He Looked Fine to Me”
Santa, for his part, is fighting back, claiming that:
Rudolph volunteered for the shift after Donner complained he was on a zero-carrot contract.
Rudolph’s positive test was “faint, like when you leave it too long and it’s just picking up the snow”.
He assumed the red nose was simply “winter radiance” brought on by excitement.
His official statement reads:
“In the spirit of Christmas, I have always supported the welfare of my reindeer. Also, Rudolph is the only one with built-in headlights. Let’s be reasonable.”
The Elves’ Union, UNITE-THE-TOYMAKERS, has already announced a solidarity strike… which will last approximately ten minutes, as they got bored and went for hot chocolate.
Courtroom Chaos at the North Pole
Proceedings are scheduled to take place at the Candy Cane Courthouse, where:
The Judge is Mrs Claus (independent, but not unbiased, she has opinions).
The jury consists of six penguins and a polar bear who promises to stay awake “unless something edible wanders past”.
The stenographer is an Elf who types exclusively in candy-cane-striped font.
Rudolph’s legal team includes Blitzen (for dramatic effect) and Vixen (for sass).
Santa is representing himself, which everyone agrees is brave but misguided.
The claim seeks:
Unlimited access to the “Posh Hay” storage barn
One full shift off every century
A glowing-nose allowance
A written apology from Santa Claus, embossed in gold, framed in gingerbread
And hazard pay for “exposure to inclement weather and airborne chimney soot”
Insiders say Santa is considering settling the case early, as Mrs Claus has already warned that “if Rudolph doesn’t get at least the posh hay, there will be trouble”.
Public Reaction
Across the world, reactions have been mixed:
Children: “Rudolph had COVID? Does this mean Santa might have it too? Should we leave out Lemsip instead of milk?”
Reindeer-rights activists: “This is exactly why we need stronger labour regulations in seasonal magical workplaces.”
The NHS: “Please stop calling to ask if reindeer can book PCR tests. We don’t have a protocol for that.”
A Christmas Moral
Perhaps the lesson here is simple:
Even Christmas legends deserve sick leave.
And if your nose glows so brightly it can guide a sleigh through a blizzard, maybe—just maybe—have a lie-down and sip something warm before you fly around the world at Mach 3.
Rudolph is now recovering well and has taken up yoga, while Santa is reportedly attending a mandatory seminar titled:
“Managing Magical Creatures: Employment Law for Festive Employers”.
The North Pole HR department has also quietly ordered 2,000 lateral-flow tests, 500 masks, and a laminated sign reading:
“If your nose is glowing, DON’T GO SNOWING.”
Comfort Foods That Make Christmastime Magical
When December arrives and the world begins to glow with fairy lights, many of us instinctively turn to the dishes that make us feel warm, safe, and settled.
Comfort foods are part of the festive rhythm, they bring nostalgia, soothe cold evenings, and make busy days feel a little softer.
At That’s Christmas 365, we believe comfort food is as essential to the season as stockings, crackers, and the scent of pine. It’s the culinary equivalent of a big, cosy hug.
Why Comfort Food Belongs at Christmas
Christmastime is joyful, but it can also be hectic, chilly, and full of demands. Comfort foods offer:
Warmth on winter nights
Childhood memories and nostalgic flavours
Easy, forgiving recipes that take stress away
Moments of togetherness around the table
A single pot of something delicious can slow the pace of December and help reset the mood after a long day of shopping, wrapping, or festive socialising.
Festive Comfort Foods We Love
Slow-Cooked Stews and Casseroles
Deep flavours, tender ingredients, and a home filled with tempting aromas, nothing feels more like winter comfort. A splash of wine, stock, and plenty of herbs can create a warming dish that feeds the family with minimal effort.
Creamy Mash with Proper Gravy
Few things say “comfort” quite like fluffy mashed potatoes and a jug of rich, savoury gravy. Whether paired with a roast, sausages, or Christmas leftovers, it’s the soothing anchor of many festive meals.
Macaroni Cheese
Golden, bubbling, and irresistibly creamy, mac and cheese is a December favourite. For a Christmas twist, add roasted veg, crispy pancetta, or a hint of nutmeg.
Pies That Warm the Soul
From chicken-and-leek to steak-and-ale, a pie brings instant cheer. And on the sweeter side: warm mince pies served with brandy cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Festive Hot Chocolate
Thick, rich, and topped with whipped cream, hot chocolate is comfort in a mug. Add orange zest, peppermint, or a dash of Baileys to make it extra seasonal.
Soup and Freshly Baked Bread
Simple yet satisfying. A bowl of leek and potato, tomato, roasted parsnip, or butternut squash soup served with warm bread is ideal for cold evenings or quiet nights in.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
A British classic that feels tailor-made for the festive season. Warm, gooey, and served with custard, it’s the dessert equivalent of wrapping up in a soft blanket.
Cheese Boards and Grazing Platters
Comfort isn’t always about big meals, sometimes it’s the joy of grazing. Think cheese, chutneys, charcuterie, nuts, grapes, and festive pickles, perfect for film nights or relaxed gatherings.
Bringing Comfort into Your Christmas Routine
Choose a weekly “comfort supper” tradition during December.
Revive treasured family recipes.
Keep easy, warming ingredients stocked for last-minute meals.
Build festive grazing boards for cosy evenings by the tree.
Let food be part of your wind-down ritual during the busiest season of the year.
The Heart of Christmas in Every Bite
Comfort food reconnects us with the simple joys at the centre of Christmas. It reminds us that the festive season isn’t only about excitement and sparkle, it’s also about nourishment, warmth, and sharing dishes that make us feel cared for.
With a pot of stew on the stove or a plate of warm mince pies on the table, the world instantly feels more festive, more familiar, and more magical.
Turkey Top of the Festive Shop
This was followed by pigs in blankets (42%) and mince pies (25%) with a mere 15% claiming Christmas wouldn't be the same without the humble Brussel sprout (unsurprisingly, the appeal of this veg rose to 21% amongst the over 60s).
The over 60s also appear more likely to go for the full traditional Christmas Day spread, chomping through a full traditional turkey roast complete with roast potatoes, stuffing, pigs in blankets, Brussel sprouts and mince pies.
Christmas food shopping habits
The days of the one “big shop” to purchase all those Christmas food essentials is over according to the study, with 65% of respondents claiming they prefer to stock up during the weeks ahead of 25th December rather than scoop everything up in one major shopping spree.
And while online shopping offers clear advantages at this time of year, almost three-quarters of shopper still prefer to shop in person rather than rely on a supermarket delivery service. Almost a quarter of those surveyed claimed to splash out and visit a more expensive supermarket for their festive purchases.
Post pandemic, there is still some loyalty towards the more independent stores, with 11% of respondents buying at a farmers' market and 10% at a farm shop, with another 10% remaining true to their local grocery or corner shop and 8% intending to buy at a local deli. These non-supermarket locations are most popular with the 30-39 age group with a strong bias towards women.
Value for money and quality focus
Value for money / price and quality of the food / produce on offer were deemed the most important buying triggers scoring 67% and 66% respectively. The importance of the food quality marries up with the preferred in person shopping experience, allowing shoppers to examine the quality of goods before adding them to the burgeoning shopping trolley.
However, with 61% agreeing to the statement “I'll be more concerned about the total cost of our festive food bill this year than I was last year” and almost a third (32%) saying they strongly agreed, clearly the rising cost of living is weighing heavy on peoples' minds as the Christmas celebrations draw nearer.
Despite the above and acknowledging that many people may be feeling the pinch, a whopping 95% still splash out on buying food specifically for the festive holiday period confirming the theory that when times are hard, good food remains one of life's little luxuries.
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