'I have positively binged this Christmas..'

So you've done the obligatories - you've faced various poultry on the 25th - So what will it be for the inbetweeny vastness of nothing that is between Christmas and New Year? Will it be complaints of fullness? tiresome moaning about jeans feeling too tight? Excessive rants about the only vegetables being sat in front of the television? You're sick of the sight of food. In fact right now you'd be fine with a stick of celery. All you want to do is recover from your Cadbury induced coma and think of an easy way to slim down before that party on New Years Eve (where you'll drink too much and make food related promises which you won't keep). Well if it helps I am in exactly the same position. I am sick of the sight of food. I have positively binged this Christmas.

So I am seeing this as a time of recovery. However whilst reflecting on New Years and resolutions and food I asked myself whether I was out of my mind. How many people the world over would kill just to feel full?
No I'm not trying to make you feel guilty but we are guilty.

When you choose to start a fresh for the New Year why not make a promise you might actually keep? Food is about life, it is about sharing and it is about being thankful that we are lucky enough to have food whenever we want it. We are even able to waste it. So when making our New Years resolutions, why not share your food - forget stupid and futile sacrifices. If you want to cut out chocolate that's fine but who really benefits from that? Why not invite a friend over for dinner? or take some soup to an elderly neighbour or bake cakes with your kids? Why not cook something special for your other half? Why not teach a mate how to cook?

As for me? I am going to cook for one of my vegetarian friends. Now that will be a challenge..

gb

'what? turkey again?'

So it has arrived. Christmas. Or to put it in another word: Turkey time. There are turkeys everywhere. And why? Turkey is I have to say my least favourite meat. This is the only acceptable time for turkey in my eyes. As it can be dry and go on forever, like the Sahara desert.

However, I was recently shown by Butcher Mick how to bone a turkey leg and make a mini turkey joint (ideal for 2 depending on the size of the turkey) And my hope in turkey was restored! It was moist and juicy and pure meat. When stuffed: exceptional. The flavour was fantastic. However of course you should also consider other options for Christmas the traditional goose, duck or game perhaps? Or all stuffed together?

I admit I get a slight thrill when someone comes into the shop and says 'Sod it, this year we're having beef'. It appears rebellious to me as my mother is such a staunch turkey traditionalist when it comes to the festive period.

But I say this year: eat your favourite meat, no matter what it is! But please consider your butcher MAKE YOUR TURKEY ORDER ASAP. Don't leave it until the last minute. Yes, okay butcher's can be miracle workers and produce a turkey from thin air. But give us a chance!

Merry Christmas.

gb