Your Guide To An Epic Summer Feast

With Christmas now under a month away, it’s time to start thinking about how to plan for a delicious, yet manageable menu. Whether it’s a big family gathering or an intimate meal, a little planning goes a long way in creating a relaxed, memorable day.

Here’s a quick guide to getting your Christmas menu sorted:

Start with a Game Plan

To avoid last-minute stress, start by listing who you’re feeding and what everyone loves to eat (plus don’t forget to think about dietary requirements). If you know how many you're feeding, it'll help with understanding how many dishes you need to prepare - ensuring there's minimal waste or too many leftovers.

Consider your budget as well; there’s no need to break the bank for a delicious Christmas spread. Planning for a variety of dishes can help you make the most of each cut while keeping things affordable. Opt for a mix of crowd-pleasers like Ham, and Steak and don’t shy away from the BBQ if you’re wanting an easy, laid-back, summery vibe.

Choose Your Centrepieces: Classic Cuts for All Tastes

We’re a little biased but Angus Beef always makes for an impressive centrepiece on our Carey family Christmas menu. Here’s a few of our top Angus Beef picks:

• Whole Scotch Fillet: A versatile cut, scotch fillet is ideal for on the BBQ. Season with salt, pepper and herbs and serve with a variety of sauces to let your guests personalise their plates.
• Beef Rump Cap: For those who love juicy, flavourful beef, the Rump Cap (or Picanha) is a great option. It’s a fantastic Pitmaster’'s cut on the BBQ or seared on the stovetop before finishing in the oven for a perfect medium-rare.
• Mini Roasts: If you’re after something quick and simple, mini roasts (like this Sirloin Roast) can save time without compromising on flavour. They’re easy to cook, serve, and are perfect for a mix-and-match spread.

Ham and Lamb Legs also make for excellent centrepieces. This Harissa and Yoghurt Marinated Lamb Leg made it onto our Christmas Menu last year - as did this Honey Mustard Glazed Ham (this Orange and Star Anise Glazed Ham with Pineapple Salsa is also a winner). Our Freedom Farm Christmas Ham range includes a range of size to suit your festive plans - from a small gathering right through to a festive feast to feed Santa himself.

Tip: If you’re looking for all your Christmas Meat in one box, we’d recommend looking into our Blitzen Christmas Box. We’ve carefully curated this delicious assortment of nearly 11kgs of Premium Meat – including a 4-5kg Champagne Ham, 1.7-1.9kg Bone-in Lamb Leg and 1.5kg Sirloin Steak.

You have three delivery date options available – 10^th December, 17^th December and 20^th December, and all you need to do is order online, and it’ll be delivered on your selected date directly to your door.

Consider How Much Cooking Time (+ Help) You’ll Have

Your Christmas menu depends on the time you’ll have to spend in the kitchen, as well as the additional pairs of hands you can muster up to help. If you’re short on time, opt for cuts that can be prepared in advance, such as marinated steaks or roasts that can be popped in the oven or on the BBQ with minimal supervision or thought. For those with more time, a traditional slow-cooked brisket or Ham could make for an unforgettable feast.

Add Variety with Sides

Balance your centrepieces with fresh, vibrant sides that celebrate all of our beautiful NZ summer produce. Think about adding a few colourful salads, simple grilled vegetables (we love this Asparagus recipe), and perhaps a tasty starter or canapé – like this Steak, Tomato and Basil Bruschetta.

With a bit of planning, your Christmas menu can be both manageable and delicious, giving you more time to enjoy the day with family. And with a mix of BBQ and oven-cooked options, you’ll be rest assured that they’ll be something to please everyone.