Dean Brettschneider

Are you cooking the Christmas feast this year?

I am taking a break from the kitchen and I plan to go walkabout in New York City over the Christmas break. We are looking at opening a business there, so it will be a nice time to visit – in the cold!

Fruit cake’s not for everyone. What are your thoughts – is there better Christmas baking?

I personally like panforte – the Italianstyle confectionery full of honey, a little butter, spices (including a good dash of white pepper), candied fruits and toasted nuts. It’s perfect at the end of the meal with a lovely port or a simple espresso.

Have you already bought your presents or will you be tearing around on Christmas Eve?

Ah no, I will not be tearing around. I am pretty organised, but there are always last-minute items that I get duty-free – which end up being expensive!

Does your family buy gifts for everyone or do you have some sort of system? I have a small family, so it’s just a gift for each person with a personal focus rather than gifts for the sake of gifts.

What’s the worst present you ever received?

Last year, I said, “Don’t worry about anything for me.” Then on Christmas Day, guess what I got? Nothing! That will teach me. What’s your favourite childhood Christmas memory? Opening the presents, lunch, going to the beach (I grew up at Waikuku Beach) and then having the second round of food, which included the eagerly awaited sherry trifle and Nana’s Christmas pudding with five-cent coins inside. What’s the best thing about Christmas for you?

Eating what you want, when you want and not having to feel guilty.

Will you be making any

New Year’s resolutions?

I don’t really believe in resolutions, but for sure there are a lot of things to focus on in the coming year. For me, it’s the big 5- 0, so I need to get planning on something rather special. Oh, yeah and I hope I don’t have to have another back surgery!