Top chef Neil Rankin shows MARION McMULLEN how to get the basics right when it comes to cooking the perfect Christmas dinner

CCLAIMED chef Neil Rankin is helping people across the nation to take their culinary creations from average to amazing this festive season. “Christmas is lining up to be one of the biggest years yet for first-time cooks, so it seems only right to give them a helping hand,” says the BBC Great British menu star. “To make it less stressful, the recipes I’ve created in partnership with Aldi are simple to follow but, at the same time, elevate the standard roast with some fun but exciting flavours.

“My main advice to people is to try to enjoy cooking Christmas dinner without getting too bogged down with difficult recipes and new skills. Stay within your comfort zone and cook as much as you need beforehand, so you can enjoy the day itself with everyone else.

“Opting for a nice centrepiece and surrounding it with veg and interesting sides is much better than lots of fussy dishes cooked in a rush. If all else fails there’s always the cheese course to fall back on!”

YORKSHIRES INGREDIENTS:

(MAKES 4–6, DEPENDING ON SIZE) 100ml plain flour; 100ml eggs (whisked); 75ml milk; 25ml double cream; 200ml rendered beef fat or oil; salt

METHOD:

1. Use a measuring jug to measure the ingredients by volume, not by weight. Start with the flour and transfer to a bowl, then measure the eggs, followed by the milk and cream.

2. Mix until smooth – a few lumps add some interest, so don’t be clinical. Leave the batter at room temperature for an hour or so, or in the fridge overnight.

3. Set your oven to 200°C/gas mark 4. Add some salt to the batter. Put a decent amount of fat in each cup of a muffin tray, then heat in the oven.

4. When the fat is hot, open the oven door and pour the batter into the muffin cups. The more generous you are, the bigger the puddings will be.

5. Bake for about 20 minutes or until risen and golden. Turn the oven off and leave the puddings in for another five minutes – this will help them to keep height.