Classic Christmas condiments

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Catering for the whole family at Christmas can be tricky. The season is busy enough without worrying which condiments best complement your festive feast. That’s why we’ve picked out two classic sauces guaranteed to cover your Christmas dinner.

CHRISTMAS DAY GRAVY
Ingredients

• 2 tsp chicken stock powder
• 1 tsp beef stock powder
• 2 1/4 cups boiling water
• 4 Tbsp butter
• 4 Tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper
• Salt (to taste)

Method

1. Put hot water into a measuring jug.
2. Add chicken and beef stock and mix until dissolved.
3. In a separate pan, melt the butter at a medium heat.
4. Add the flour, onion powder, and pepper to the saucepan containing the butter. Mix using a wooden spoon.
5. Simultaneously stir and add half of the liquid from the measuring jug to the saucepan. Once the mixture has thickened, incorporate the remaining liquid.
6. Keep stirring for 1 and a half to 2 minutes until your desired gravy consistency is reached. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve on your Christmas roast dinner (and almost every other savoury dish) and enjoy.

CLASSIC CRANBERRY SAUCE
Ingredients

• 4 cups cranberries (frozen or fresh)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/8 tsp lemon zest (or orange zest)
• Pinch of salt

Method

1. Rinse the cranberries in a colander and remove any damaged fruit.
2. Bring the water and sugar to the boil on high heat. Once boiling, mix until sugar dissolves.
3. Add cranberries and return to the boil before lowering the heat to simmer for 10 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst.
4. Stir in the lemon zest and salt.
5. Take the pot off the element and leave it to completely cool until it has reached room temperature. Put in a separate bowl or jars, then move it to the fridge where it will continue to thicken as it cools.