Hosting Christmas dinner can be a big undertaking, especially when it comes to catering for guest’s dietary requirements and preferences. Research from the Vegan Society reported that there are now over half a million vegans in Britain just last year and that Veganism has grown by 350% in the past decade. As numbers of vegan and flexitarian lifestyles continue to rise, this Christmas is expected to be the largest vegan festive period to date and we’re seeing more and more vegan Christmas dinner options pop up as a result. With veganism and other alternative diets on the rise, 32% of Brits will be serving meat free Christmas dinners this year.
Christmas on Female First
If you’re planning to do some vegan cooking this Christmas, try these tips from Martin Johns, Kenwood Innovation Chef for easy yet gourmet Christmas dishes that will cater to all your guests.
TOP 5 VEGAN CHRISTMAS TIPS
START PREPARATIONS EARLY
It’s never too early to start thinking about what you’re going to serve on Christmas day. Get your RSVPs and dietary requirements from guests early. This way you’ll be able to start preparing the menu to cater to everyone’s needs and buy the necessary ingredients in advance.
SERVE UP AN ALTERNATIVE MAIN
The nut roast has been a go to vegan alternative for years, but why not try something a little trendier? Butternut squash, sweet potato and kale are foodie favourites. Combine them using a Kenwood Chef to create the filling for a delicious vegetable wellington with a fluffy vegan friendly pastry to match.
If the nut roast is truly a family favourite, you can also whip up your own bespoke version replacing the eggs with banana, which is an excellent vegan binding ingredient.
SPRUCE UP YOUR VEGGIE SIDES
Gone are the days of bland vegetable sides. Combine winter favourites such as Brussel sprouts, apples and chestnuts – perfectly chopped to create sharing sized portions in the Kenwood Chef – with avocado oil and a little quinoa.
FINISH WITH A CRACKING DESSERT
Make use of the wide range of dairy-free, vegan products in the supermarkets and create a dessert that typically wouldn’t be vegan. With a wide range of vegan cheeses now available how about a vegan cheesecake or for something a little more traditional, a Christmas pudding. For a dish that’s vegan and delicious for the whole family regardless of dietary requirements, try this Apple Sorbet Millefeuille recipe by Raymond Blanc.
REPLACE STORE BOUGHT TIPPLES WITH A DIY VEGAN FESTIVE PUNCH
Have a look at the labels as some of your favourite Christmas tipples contain ingredients that are not suitable for vegans. If you’re in the festive spirit and want to try a DIY punch have a go at this Strawberry and Melon Frappe recipe – its vegan friendly and alcohol free. However, you can add a splash of gin to make it a little more grown up.