Some Christmas dishes aren’t exactly well received by everyone. Controversial and the cause of many over-the-table heated Christmas discussions, these festive “faves” are hated by many, but loved by some.

We think they’ve been unfairly treated over the years. So we’re giving them the opportunity they deserve, check out our amped up versions below.

Sprouts, Shallots, Chestnuts And Bacon

Ingredients:

• a couple of handfuls of sprouts, tailed
• a couple of handfuls of shallots, peeled and left whole
• a couple of handfuls of vacuum packed chestnuts
• a few rashers of chopped smoked bacon, or the same quantity of pancetta
• a very large knob of butter
• a handful of fresh sage, chopped (optional)

Method:

1. Heat a large, wide-based pan over a high heat with a large drizzle of vegetable oil
2. Add the bacon and shallots and cook for 5 min or until coloured and caramelised
3. Add the sprouts, chestnuts, sage and the butter, cover with a lid and cook for a further 5 min, then season and serve

Carrots With Orange And Star Anise

Ingredients:

• 300g carrots, peeled and cut into quarters lengthways
• 200ml orange juice
• 100g butter
• 1 star anise
• a large pinch of salt

Method:

1. Add the carrots, orange juice, butter, star anise and salt to a pot and bring to a gentle boil over a medium high heat
2. Cook until the carrots are tender and the orange juice has reduced, then serve with the reduction

Braised Red Cabbage, Apples, Balsamic And Sultanas

Ingredients:

• 1 small red cabbage, shredded
• 1 red onion, peeled and finely sliced
• 2 tart apples, peeled, cored and finely sliced
• 200ml balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 60g sultanas
• salt

Method:

1. Heat a large, wide based pan over a medium high heat with a large drizzle of vegetable oil
2. Add the cabbage, onion and a large pinch of salt and cook for 10 min or until softened
3. Add the apple, balsamic, sugar and sultanas and 150ml water, cover with a lid and cook for 40 -50 min further or until really soft.
4. Season and serve

Why not try following your Christmas dinner with one of our festive dessert ideas, like our Snowmanna Cotta (snowman panna cotta) or our Chocolate Christmas Pudding? If you’re looking for a vegetarian Christmas dinner, take a look at our Christmas Vegetarian Pithivier recipe; or if you’re after some killer canapes to impress your friends and family, our 3 Amazing Christmas Canapes might be just what you’re looking for!