FROM dressing the table to sharing definitive tried-and-tested recipes, perfected over 50 years, the 87-year-old star serves up tips and tricks aplenty in Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas, her brand-new BBC One special which airs tonight.
Hosting Christmas this year?
"It goes without saying that Christmas is a very special time of year, but over the last couple of years it has become challenging for us all..." begins Berry. "Whether it's the emotional hardship of lost loved ones, the economic hardship of cooking for large families or a combination of both.
Hosting Christmas this year?
"In this special, I bring together everything you need with tips to make it a festive day to remember fondly."
Hosting Christmas this year?
First up there's her own seasonal menu: a mouth-watering combination of stilton and sage mini scone canapes, traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding and festive trifle.
Hosting Christmas this year?
You'll learn how to prepare your Christmas Day meal – and I'll be holding your hand all the way. Organisation and preparation is key.
What More Can You Tell Us?
My Christmas is with canapes because if you do a first course everybody is sitting down and you, as the cook, have to heat the gravy up and turn the potatoes up again, so you miss the starter.
You Opt For Festive Canapes Over A Starter – Is There A Reason Behind It?
Angela was amazing. Her kitchen is a sort of Italian family kitchen. It is a tradition for her family to have this dish before the roast turkey; she used to make hundreds of them with her Nonna.
Angela's Tortelli Is A Glimpse Into An Italian Christmas Dish – Tell Us About That.
She was so relaxed about it, quickly made the pasta, rolled it out, shaped it up and put her filling in. They were delicious.
Angela's Tortelli Is A Glimpse Into An Italian Christmas Dish – Tell Us About That.
I always do a fresh arrangement for the middle of the table with things that I have picked from the garden – like cones I've collected from the woods. I add the odd candle or battery lights to make it feel very Christmassy.
You Share Some Great Tips For Sustainable Table Decor, Too?
I'll be cooking the turkey to perfection, the gravy, and the trifle, and then I'll be taking it to my daughter Annabel, who has 22 of us there for Christmas.
Will You Be Cooking This Christmas?
My message for Christmas is to not overcook the turkey and to sit down as soon as possible to make your plans. It's all about preparing ahead to take the stress out. And if people want to help, find a job for them to do.
Will You Be Cooking This Christmas?
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