MARY BERRY: ‘I cook the turkey - and wrap it in a sleeping bag!’
Former GBBO judge Mary Berry, 83, welcomes a host of famous faces round to hers for a festive get-together…
What’s in store at your Christmas party? Just like our seasonal special last year, viewers will most definitely be able to get some new ideas for Christmas from what we make, and there are many tips for festive eating success.
What did you make of the culinary skills of your guests – Eleanor, Huw, Dina and Joe?
They were great sports because they had no idea what we were going to be up to. They weren’t very experienced cooks but they all had a go, which is what is important, and I thought they were great. They were all keen to do well. It was lovely.
They brought their own recipes along, didn’t they?
Eleanor chose stuffing, which was an unusual thing to bring along, but it was really delicious. We usually stuff the front end of a turkey, but she did it differently and made it all crispy. It was really delicious. Joe did his grandma’s date-and-walnut loaf and I was very impressed.
Have you got any tips for throwing the perfect gathering?
Christmas is all about planning and getting organised. It’s about thinking how everything will run on the day and what you want, putting some things in the freezer, doing some of the heavy shopping now – getting in the tinned goods… If you want smoked salmon, order ahead. I like to make a plan and think about what I’m going to give everybody. Will I cook recipes they like, or will I try something new?
Do you have any favourite festive memories?
Oh, I do! I think it’s lovely when the young do a little play or sing a song. We always do a puzzle over Christmas, where anybody at a loose end will come and sit down – the older generation with someone younger – and we’ll have a nice conversation.
What are your plans for the big day?
I’m hosting this year. Last year, I went to my daughter Annabel’s. She lives an hour away from me, but I still always cook the turkey. To stop it getting cold I wrap it in foil, cover it in a sleeping bag, and then I stick it in the boot of the car. This year, I’m going to cook here at home, and everybody will bring something to eat, like the pudding or canapés.
How do you spend Christmas?
Some of the family go to church for Midnight Mass and some go to the Christmas Day morning service. We have lunch at 1pm and we always have to finish in time to watch the Queen’s speech [at 3pm]. Then we have a jolly good walk together. Afterwards, we come back for open sandwiches with leftover turkey.
And Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is usually a walk. When I was young, we always used to play a sport, like rounders or hockey.
Do you have any traditions?
Playing hockey or rounders, and the Christmas puzzle. I used to live in Bath with my family, and there was always a hockey match on. It was an excuse to meet everybody that you were brought up with.
What do you love most about this time of the year?
To me, the most important thing is getting the family together. I don’t mind where it is – at my home or at their house, it’s just lovely to get everyone round the table.