A Season for Feasting

A Season for Feasting

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or so the song insists. For those who mark Christmas, it remains a cornerstone of the calendar: a moment to pause, gather and indulge. At its best, it’s about generous tables, shared rituals and the quiet joy of eating well. Of course, the season has its complications: forgotten gifts, overtired children, tipsy relatives, endless novelty songs and the inevitable celebrity special that nobody asked for.

Still, a kitchen filled with exceptional food and drink provides a comforting anchor. The Christmas Day meal is a highlight of the year, and no, turkey isn’t boring. But beyond that lies a whole supporting cast of good things: cheeses, wines, pâtés, jellies, chutneys, roasted nuts, fruitcake and a bounty of cold cuts. Bliss, pure bliss.

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A Christmas Meat Roast – Centrepiece Cuts for Festive Tables

Our festive game sausages are a firm favourite throughout December, the perfect nibble for a Christmas drinks party, served with cocktail sticks and generously drenched in Cumberland sauce. Alternatively, wrap them in bacon for a gamey twist on pigs in blankets, ideal nestled around your Christmas turkey or cockerel.

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This year, we’ve expanded our Christmas poultry range to include a rolled and stuffed turkey breast, available with a choice of stuffings, perfect for smaller gatherings. The stuffing adds both flavour and moisture, and the breast can be simply roasted on a tray, surrounded by pigs in blankets. Serve with classic Christmas sides or try something new, like a whole celeriac roasted in brown butter, creamed kale with bacon, and duck fat roast potatoes — because to go without those on Christmas Day would be unthinkable.

To round out the table, our easy bread sauce recipe is just the thing: a soft, spiced essential that pairs beautifully with turkey or cockerel, and brings a nostalgic comfort to the plate.

We know most people prefer not to stray too far from tradition at Christmas, and we understand that completely. So fear not, we’ve got you covered. This is the year of the bird. Whether it’s our Christmas Cockerel with Chestnuts and Marsala or a beautiful Bronze turkey, these are some of the finest birds in the land. Stuff them, wrap them in bacon, roast slowly and let them rest well. Thicken the roasting juices with flour and a splash of wine, roll out your favourite sides, and enjoy one of the great meals of the year.

Benefits of Swaledale Butchers