One of the most iconic and essential dishes for any Christmas dinner is the gravy. It brings all the flavors of the meal together and adds a rich and savory touch to every bite. However, making a perfect gravy can be intimidating, even for experienced cooks. Luckily, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has a foolproof recipe that will have you creating the most delicious and flavorful gravy for your Christmas feast. In this article, we will delve into Oliver's "Cracking Christmas Gravy" recipe and learn how to make the perfect gravy to impress your family and friends.
Easy Christmas roast duck with crispy potatoes & port...
Main Ingredients: Fresh Rosemary, Nutmeg, Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper
If you're looking for a festive and flavorful main dish for your Christmas dinner, look no further than this easy roast duck recipe. The duck is cooked to perfection, with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. And the port sauce adds a touch of elegance to this holiday meal. Serve with a side of crispy potatoes for the perfect Christmas feast.
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Christmas Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Garlic, Fresh Rosemary, Salt, Ground Black
No Christmas dinner is complete without a selection of delicious and colorful vegetables. For a twist on the traditional green bean casserole, try roasting green beans with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Or add some festive flavor to roasted Brussels sprouts by tossing them with balsamic vinegar and honey. And don't forget about the classic mashed potatoes, made extra creamy with a splash of milk and butter.
Christmas crack is a sweet and addictive treat that is perfect for holiday gatherings. This recipe combines the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter with a crunchy saltine cracker base. Top it off with toasted almonds and a sprinkle of sea salt for a deliciously irresistible dessert.
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Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
For a stress-free Christmas morning, try this make-ahead breakfast casserole that can be prepared the night before. Layers of bread, ham, cheese, and eggs are soaked in a savory mustard and cream mixture, then baked to perfection. Simply pop it in the oven while you open presents and enjoy a delicious and hassle-free breakfast.
Add a touch of whimsy to your Christmas celebration with this fun and festive Grinch Juice. Simply mix together lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and a splash of green food coloring for a refreshing and colorful drink. Serve in mason jars with a red and white striped straw for a truly Grinch-inspired presentation.
A fresh and flavorful salad is the perfect addition to any holiday meal. This Christmas salad features spinach, pomegranate, orange segments, and goat cheese, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The vibrant colors and flavors make it the perfect dish to brighten up your holiday table.
For a sweet and salty snack that will have everyone coming back for more, try this easy Christmas crack recipe. Simply melt together butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, then pour over a layer of saltine crackers and bake until golden and bubbly. Top with melted milk chocolate and toasted almonds for a decadent treat.
Spice up your holiday gathering with a festive and flavorful Christmas punch. Mix together cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale for a refreshing and fruity base. Then add a splash of rum or brandy for a little extra holiday cheer. Serve in a punch bowl with orange slices and cranberries for a beautiful presentation.
These traditional Italian Christmas cookies are a must-have for any holiday celebration. This recipe features a sweet and buttery dough, flavored with almond extract and studded with colorful rainbow sprinkles. They are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea while sitting by the Christmas tree.
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Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onion, Roasted Red Peppers, Frozen
For a hearty and satisfying breakfast on Christmas morning, try this delicious and easy breakfast casserole. Layers of bread, sausage, cheese, and eggs are baked together and topped with crumbled bacon for a flavorful and filling dish. It's the perfect way to start off a day full of holiday festivities.
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Turkey Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey Legs, Turkey Necks, Onion, Carrot, Celery
No Christmas dinner is complete without a rich and flavorful gravy to pour over your main course. This recipe uses the pan drippings from your roasted turkey, along with chicken broth and flour, to create a delicious and savory sauce. Serve alongside your Christmas roast for a truly delicious meal.
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Christmas Morning Treats!
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits, Butter, Maple Syrup
Christmas morning is a time for indulgence, and these sweet and savory treats will definitely hit the spot. Try baked french toast with a strawberry cream cheese filling, or bacon and egg cups made with a hash brown crust. And don't forget to have some fresh fruit and pastries on hand for a well-rounded and delicious breakfast.
This traditional Christmas pudding is full of warm and comforting flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Dried figs, dates, and raisins add a sweet and fruity element to this rich and moist dessert. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
These cookies are the perfect combination of soft and chewy, with a gooey center that will have you coming back for more. The secret ingredient is cream cheese, which adds a rich and tangy flavor to the sugar cookie dough. Roll the dough in powdered sugar for a snowy and festive finish.
If you're looking for a simple and delicious punch to serve at your holiday party, look no further than this easy Christmas punch. Simply mix together cranberry juice, apple juice, and ginger ale for a refreshing and fruity drink. Add a splash of cherry or raspberry liqueur for a little extra kick.
Christmas is the perfect time for baking and decorating cookies. This classic sugar cookie recipe is easy to make and perfect for decorating with festive sprinkles and icing. Get creative and use holiday-shaped cookie cutters to make your cookies even more festive.
These buttery and crumbly cookies are a holiday favorite. The dough is rolled in chopped nuts, then indented and filled with your choice of jam or chocolate ganache. The end result is a sweet and indulgent treat that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.
These cookies are a fun and festive take on classic chocolate chip cookies. The dough is studded with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, and flavored with a hint of orange zest. They are perfect for enjoying with a glass of milk while waiting for Santa to arrive.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart
Main Ingredients: Pizza Crust, Cream Cheese, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
This pull-apart bread is not only delicious, but it also makes a beautiful centerpiece for your Christmas table. The dough is filled with a savory mixture of spinach, artichokes, and cheese, then shaped into a Christmas tree and baked until golden and bubbly. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
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Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner
Main Ingredients: Standing Rib Roast, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Freshly
For a show-stopping main course for your Christmas dinner, try this delicious and tender prime rib recipe. The meat is seasoned with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, then roasted to perfection and served with a rich and savory au jus. Your guests will be impressed by this elegant and delicious dish.
The Secret to a Perfect Gravy
It's All About the Drippings
The key to a truly delicious gravy is using high-quality and flavorful drippings from your roasted meat. Oliver recommends using a mix of chicken and beef drippings to create a well-rounded and robust flavor. Make sure to skim off any excess fat from the drippings before using them in the gravy.
Homemade Stock is Key
To add even more depth to your gravy, Oliver suggests making your own homemade stock from the bones and scraps of your roasted meat. This will infuse the gravy with even more flavor and give it a velvety texture. If you don't have time to make stock, you can also use store-bought chicken or beef stock as a substitute.
Don't Forget the Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your gravy will not only enhance the flavor but also add extra nutrients. Oliver's recipe calls for onions, carrots, and celery, which are cooked down until soft and caramelized before adding the drippings and stock. This step adds a depth of flavor that can't be achieved with just meat and stock.
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
The Umami Factor
Umami, also known as the fifth taste, is essential in creating a well-balanced and flavorful gravy. To achieve this, Oliver adds Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, and soy sauce to his recipe. These ingredients provide a depth of flavor and add a hint of sweetness to the gravy.
Herbs and Spices
No gravy is complete without the addition of herbs and spices. Oliver's recipe calls for fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, which are added in at the end to infuse the gravy with their fragrant flavors. He also suggests adding a pinch of nutmeg for a warm and comforting touch.
The Final Touch
Straining for a Smooth Texture
To achieve a silky and smooth gravy, Oliver recommends straining it before serving. This removes any lumps or bits of vegetables, resulting in a velvety and luxurious texture that will impress your guests.
Serve and Enjoy
With all the hard work and preparation done, it's time to serve up your perfect and flavorful Christmas gravy. Pour it over your roasted meat, potatoes, and vegetables, and watch as it brings all the flavors together in one delicious bite.
In Conclusion
With Jamie Oliver's "Cracking Christmas Gravy" recipe, you can elevate your holiday feast and impress your loved ones with a flavorful and delicious gravy. By using high-quality ingredients and following his tips and tricks, you can create a gravy that will be the star of your Christmas dinner. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and your taste buds will thank you.