xmas day timeline

*This timeline is based on a 5kg turkey (serving 8-10) with Christmas lunch being served at 3pm.

THE DAY BEFORE

Make the stock for the gravy or defrost if made ahead and frozen. Weigh the turkey, spread the butter underneath the breast skin and season all over with salt and black pepper. Par-boil potatoes and sprouts. Peel and chop any veg.

ON THE DAY: 9.30AM

Remove the turkey from the fridge to come to room temperature.

10.30AM

Heat the oven to 220C/fan 200C/ gas 7. Cover the turkey with foil and put it into the oven.

11AM

Turn the oven down to 200C/ fan 180C/gas 6.

12.30PM

Remove the foil from the turkey to help crisp up the skin.

1.15PM

Put the tray with fat for the roast potatoes into the oven to get hot.

1.30PM

Remove the turkey from the oven, put on a carving platter, cover loosely with foil and make the gravy. Add the roasties to the hot tray and put the carrots and parsnips into the oven.

2PM

Put pigs in blankets into the oven and fry the sprouts.

2.30PM

Carve the turkey and get the gravy piping hot.

3PM

Serve up, relax and enjoy!