2011 12 BBC GoodFood Magazine

December 2011
AED 15
Your turkey, perfected

Stunning side dishes
Homemade sauces
WIN, WIN, WIN!

Dinner for two at
Jamie's Italian,
kitchen appliances,
luxury getaways,
foodie hampers
and more...
CREATE YOUR OWN
ORNAMENTS
Easy, alfresco
dinner party!
Gluten-free
CHRISTMAS goodies
PLUS:
Free holiday cooking booklet
& Perrier pull-out recipe cards!
Cranberry
& pear pies
Publication licensed by IMPZ
FINALISTS TO BE
ANNOUNCED SOON!
The list of finalists for the
DINING categories will be
announced online soon!
Please note that nominations
for Chef of The Year and
Ingredients Categories are
still open! Please get online
today to nominate.
Publisher
Dominic De Sousa
Chief Operations Officer
Nadeem Hood
Editorial
editor Lauren Hills
assistant editor Nicola Monteath
designer Odilaine Salalac Mejorada
Sales team
SALES DIRECTOR Carol Owen
carol@cpidubai.com
SENIOR MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE Rekha DSouza
rekha@cpidubai.com
MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE Nicola Hudson
nicola@cpidubai.com
editors note
Let the festivities begin
Photographer
Cris Mejorada
Distribution Manager
Rochelle Almeida
Contributors
Dave Reeder, Suzanne Husseini,
Dalia Dogmoch, Farah Sawaf
Subscriptions
subscribe@bbcgoodfoodme.com
Printed by
Printwell Printing Press LLC
Published by
Head Office
PO Box 13700
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 4409100
Fax: +971 4 4293654
Web: www.bbcgoodfoodme.com
Copyright 2010 CPI.
All rights reserved.
While the publishers have made
every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information
in this magazine,
they will not be held responsible
for any errors therein.
BBC Worldwide Magazines Unit:

Nicholas Brett, Managing Director
James Hewes, Publishing Director
Jenny Potter, Editorial Director
Eva Abramik, Unit Coordinator
Immediate Media Co.
Chairman, Stephen Alexander
Deputy Chairman, Peter Phippen
CEO, Tom Bureau
Head of Licensing and Syndication,
Joanna Marshall
International Partners Manager,
Aleksandra Nowacka
UK Good Food Team
Editor, Gillian Carter
Creative Director Food Group,
Elizabeth Galbraith
Food Director Food Group, Lulu Grimes
Publishing Director, Alfie Lewis
Relax, enjoy and savour BBC Good Food ME,
Lauren Hills, editor

lauren@cpidubai.com
PAGE 82 | Three festive turkeys
Marketing & Communications

Marizel Salvador
Its that time of year again! It has crept up on me, as it does every
year, and now December becomes a flurry of finalising holiday
plans, welcoming friends and family to stay and of course buying
gifts and making some traditional homemade goodies.
This is the first time in three years that I am staying in Dubai for
Christmas. While I am sad not to be with my family in South Africa
over this time, I am also buzzing with excitement to be in the UAE.
The weather is absolutely perfect, and with so many fun, festive events happening over this
time, we really are spoiled for choice.
In this issue, we have put together an extensive list of festive specials and events for you
to enjoy. Whether you are dining in, dining out, going on a shopping spree or looking for
fun things to do with your kids, take a peek at our foodies guide to winter in the UAE.
From the best dinners, brunches and lunches for Christmas, to special New Years Eve
parties, as well as cooking classes, festive markets and takeaway turkeys with all the
trimmings, you will find it in this issue.
Also, as expected, we have some fantastic recipes to make your Christmas one to remember.
Perfect your turkey and make some delicious sides. Create gluten-free festive sweets and learn
to create iced gingerbread ornaments too. This is the month of entertaining, so we present
some amazing canap and sharing dinner party menus that your friends and family will love.
The dinner table is where friends and family come together to share special moments, we
hope you have a very special holiday season.
PAGE 30 | A gluten-free Christmas
Web Developer
Louie Alma
BBC Good Food ME is published by CPI under licence from BBC Worldwide Limited, Media Centre, 201
Wood Lane, London W12 7TQ. The BBC logo is a trade mark of the British Broadcasting Corporation and are
used under licence by Immediate Media Company London Limited. Copyright Immediate Media Company
London Limited. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without permission.
December 2011 BBC Good Food Middle East 1
Contents
7
28
60
UPFRONT
EVERYDAY FESTIVE
4 CRAZY FOR COMPETITIONS

Win romantic dinners for two, hotel stays,
festive brunches, gift hampers and more...
22 MAKE IT TONIGHT
Easy, healthy everyday meals to get you
and your family through busy weekdays
6 FOODIE FAVOURITES
This months top ten news, events and trends
26 SUPER SALADS
Perfect for light and easy lunch or dinner,
enjoy these sensational salads
10 GORGEOUS GIFTS AND GOODIES

Gourmet gift hampers, kitchen appliances,
chocolate treats and eccentric tableware
items, BBC Good Food ME selects a range of
Christmas gifts perfect for family and friends.
18 WHEN SUZANNE COOKS
Celebrity cookbook author Suzanne
Husseini invites us to get our friends and
family together to enjoy the festivities of
winter in the UAE
18
46 DINING OUT IN THE UAE

BBC Good Food ME gears up to dine out
at this years finest brunches, Christmas
dinners and NY parties in the UAE
54 ORDER IN AND ENJOY
Entertain family and friends at home this
festive season by ordering in succulent
turkey takeaways and goodies
56 DINNER PARTY DCOR
Dubai Party Queens Elsa Roodt and Sarah
Harvey give us some dinner party tips and
show us how to create a beautiful table spread
30 GLUTEN-FREE CHRISTMAS
Feast on these delectable gingerbread men
while gaining tips on gluten-free baking
and ingredients appropriate for gluten
intolerance and celiac disease
34 LOVELY LEFTOVERS
Your fridge will be filled with festive fare
by the end of December. Try these quick,
simple and satisfying leftover ideas
36 FUN FAMILY MEALS
The whole family will be satisfied with
these fun, easy meals for everyday
2 BBC Good Food Middle East December 2011
SPECIAL
58 THE PERFECT MATCH

Madan Periysamy, The sommelier of
Radisson Blu Dubai Media City shows
us what we should be drinking with our
favourite festive treats
60 DALIAS CHRISTMAS FEAST
Dalia Dogmoch shows us how to create a
gorgeous Christmas feast
64 Cook like an italian chef
We recap last months fabulous Food Club
event with Caffe Florian, DIFC. Learn to
create chef Paolos tuna tartar, creamy
ravioli and decadent tiramisu
Make our
cover
December 2011
72
recipe
82 THREE DIFFERENT WAYS

Give this years Turkey a juicy classic, Italian
or Middle Eastern twist
88 FESTIVE COOLERS
Liven up your holiday dinner party with
these beautiful cocktails and mocktails
92 HOMEMADE SAUCES
So much tastier than store-bought, create these
delicious homemade sauces to accompany
your main meal this holiday season
TRAVEL
68 POSTCARD FROM MADEIRA
We explore the top foodie places to
visit in Madeira
72 FROM CAPE TO CAFE CHIC
We catch up with Malika Van Reenen,
executive chef of Cape Grace Hotel,
and learn to cook one of her
gorgeous dishes
WEEKEND
76 CHRISTMAS STARS
Try these deliciously sweet alternatives to
the traditional Christmas cake
78 ICED GINGERBREAD DECORATIONS
Sibille Buchholzer-Juen of Iconycs Cakes,
Dubai teaches us to create beautiful
decorated gingerbread decorations
78
94 BRILLIANT BBQ
The weather is absolutely perfect for
barbecues, so light up the grill, invite your
friends over and enjoy an alfresco party
104 BOXING DAY BRUNCH
Perfect for after-Christmas celebrations,
enjoy a fluffy stack of pancakes
100
Our recipe descriptions

V
116 HOT AS FIRE, COLD AS ICE

We talk kitchen design and the new Miele Fire &
Ice range with Dr Markus Miele and Gabi Kudzi,
the managing director of Miele in the GCC
120 CHRISTMAS CUPCAKES
Beautifully decorated cupcakes to
celebrate the festive season in style
Suitable for vegetarians

You can freeze it
Not suitable for freezing
110 EASY ALFRESCO PARTY MENU

Get all your foodie friends involved! Let everyone
bring a dish for a fun, alfresco sharing menu
Festive berries!
Contains pork
Contains alcohol
Superhealthy Low in saturated fat,
5g or less per portion; low in salt, 1.5g

or less; and at least one of the following:
provides one-third or more of your daily
requirement of fibre, iron, calcium, folic
acid and/or vitamin C or counts as one
or two portions of your recommended
5-a-day fruit and vegetables.
Low fat 12g or less per portion.
Good for you Low in saturated fat,
124 COOKING WITH A MANICURE

Are you catering for a crowd this month? Our
sassy Dubai foodie, Farah Sawaf of Cooking
with a Manicure whips up a gorgeous, fussfree dinner party menu that feeds many
LAST BITE
128 ALL ABOARD DiVAZ
We catch up with Michelin-starred Swedish
chef Stefan Karlsson, who was guest chef on
board the luxurious floating venue, DiVAZ,
Jebal Ali Golf Resort & Spa
low in salt.
Heart healthy Low in saturated fat,
with 5g or less, and low in salt, with 1.5g
or less, and high in omega-3 fatty acids.
TAKE CARE!
Some recipes contain pork & alcohol. These
are clearly marked and are for non-Muslims
only. Look for this symbol:
contains pork P
contains alcohol
upfront
win win win!
Crazy for competitions
Win luxury hotel stays, gourmet dinners, foodie hampers and more...
WIN
a Lakeland
electric
cupcake maker
Love the taste of

homemade cupcakes,
but can never quite
get oven baking right?
It may sound too good to be true, but Lakeland
has recently launched a new machine that
makes homemade cupcakes as simply as you
make eggs on toast. The device is user-friendly
and lights up to signify your cupcakes are ready.
Follow one of the recipes included with the
cupcake maker; pour in the mix and in 9 to 10
minutes your cupcakes are baked to perfection!
WIN
A meal for two

at Jamies Italian
Dine at the rustic, delicious Italian restaurant

by renowned celebrity chef Jamie Oliver at their
premier location in Dubai Festival City. With
contemporary twists and a mouth-watering
menu, this opportunity is not to be missed!
WIN
A catered fine dining

dinner party in your
own home from Yes Chef!
Dubais favourite caterers Yes Chef! will

whip up a scrumptious fine dining menu
for you and three friends in the comfort of
your own home! Entertaining has never
been this easy, or delicious.
EDs
choice
WIN
An overnight stay
for two at Asiana
Hotel Dubai,
including dinner
at a restaurant
of your choice
WIN
A special three-course
Christmas dinner for
two at The Gramercy, DIFC
Tempt your taste buds with festive favourites

from The Gramercys Christmas menu.
Succulent turkey with apple stuffing or roast
beef with Yorkshire puds, you can end your
meal with a hearty apple crumble.
Enjoy a nights stay at

this recently launched
chic hotel in the heart of Deira. As part of the
stay you can dine out at any of the diverse Asian
restaurants including Sonamu (Korean restaurant),
Hanabi (Philipino restaurant), Jade (Chinese
restaurant) or Seaworld. Asiana Hotel combines
Oriental splendour with facilities to provide guests
with the best sense of leisure and luxury.
WIN
Christmas brunch
for two at Dubliners
Positioned within the Meridien Village,

this traditional Irish pub creates a variety
of authentic home-cooked style food true
to its Irish style. Enjoy a homely Christmas
brunch this festive season!
WIN
A delicious
festive
hamper from
Carluccios
WIN
Foodie Hampers from Sadia
WIN
Mazina Brunch for

a family of four
(two adults and two children
below 12 years)
Located at The Address Dubai Marina, Mazina

allows you to get inspired and create your own
gingerbread house this festive season. Learn
a thing or two from the master chefs that will
demonstrate how to prepare and keep the
house standing with all the decorations on it.
Each winner will receive a food

hamper full of Sadia goodies worth AED 500.
Filled with Sadia products including chicken
and beef burgers, a variety of nuggets and
breaded fillets, these quick and easy goodies
are apt for family entertaining.
Packed with an
assortment of tasty
treats, Carluccios
is giving away two
special hampers with various goodies
such as Mini Panettone, Calabrian figs
(Fichi Ricoperti), milk and chocolate
santas (Pupazzetti), as well as savoury
products such as extra virgin olive oil
from Puglia (il Fiasco). Add a touch of
Italy to this years Christmas feast!
To stand a chance to win these prizes

visit our competitions page on www.
bbcgoodfoodme.com and fill out the
forms; it is so easy to do!
upfront
TRENDS
Top 10
foodie moments
From recipe highlights, top restaurants to try,
quirky foodie moments and the best deals in
town, BBC Good Food ME keeps you in the
know this festive season
Delicious
Wai Wai Eggnog
Create a traditional festive tipple this holiday
season with this easy recipe
3 eggs
250ml single cream
250ml pressed apple juice
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp soft brown sugar
250ml good quality aged rum
a pinch of cinnamon
a pinch of nutmeg
6 cinnamon sticks
6 star anise
1 Whisk the eggs in a bowl until light and frothy.
Continuing to whisk, add single cream, pressed
apple juice, vanilla extract and soft brown sugar.
Next add the rum, generous pinches of cinnamon
and nutmeg and whisk some more. Serve poured
into a jug filled with ice cubes.
2 Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise.
upfront
TRENDS
foodie
moments
OKKU launches
new menu
Stylish Japanese restaurant and lounge, Okku, The Monarch Dubai, has recently
launched its new menu that features around 40 new contemporary dishes.
From seared scallops with figs in a truffle-wafu goma to steak tartare made
with Canadian rib eye steak, and baked swordfish marinated in ginger-chilli, the
new menu is delicious and diverse. New to the sushi bar is seared sea bass and
papaya salsa maki, hamachi tataki maki with seared yellowtail in a sweet-teriyaki
glaze and excitingly, there is the option of organic salmon at the sushi bar, too.
Along with the new menu, contemporary twists have also been added to the
existing favourites, and you can expect tweaks to dishes such as the famous
black cod in miso, steak yakiniku maki, scallop carpaccio and seared wagyu maki.
The new menu is available for dinner from 19.00 to midnight seven days a
week and for lunch from 12 noon to 15.00, Sunday to Thursday.
Award-winning
Hakkasan
comes to Dubai
Cantonese fine dining concept Hakkasan, opened its doors in Dubai last
month at the iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers.
Following the success of our Abu Dhabi restaurant, we are proud to bring
Hakkasan to Dubai gourmet customers. With its opulent dcor, elegant
ambience, and iconic menu, we are confident Hakkasan will become a
landmark of Dubais fine dining scene, said Niall Howard, CEO of Hakkasan.
Designed by Gilles and Boissier, the ambient venue features two private
dining rooms inside and two semi-private sections outside, as well as the LingLing lounge for a more relaxed retreat.
Heading up the Hakkasan Dubai kitchen is chef de cuisine Pang Pin Lee from
Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, who brings with him over 10 years experience in gourmet
Cantonese cooking and the art of Dim Sum.
Doppio zero!
Carluccios has launched a new range of pizzas, all made with their specialty
dough created using 00 (doppio zero) flour imported from Italy. The pizzas
embrace the simple-yet-delicious ingredients of Italian food such as locallyproduced mozzarella and a rich tomato sauce mixed with herbs. Carluccios
has created Italian classic pizzas such as the Buffalina (creamy buffalo
mozzarella with fresh chopped tomato and basil), Capricciosa (turkey ham,
rustica olives, mushrooms and grilled artichokes) and the Quattro Formaggi
with a rich combination of cheeses including gorgonzola, ricotta, mozzarella
and goats cheese. We at BBC Good Food ME cant wait to tuck into one of
these creamy, cheesy, thin-based pizzas this weekend.
upfront
TRENDS
foodie
moments
Pair & dine at Mango Tree,

Souk Al Bahar
Dine at the exotic Mango Tree, Souk Al Bahar this month and pair each
course with a glass of wine to complement the dish.
Each recipe has been created with a particular grape in mind, so the wine
really brings out the flavours of the Thai cuisine, while the fragrant flavours
will also enhance the appreciation of wine. The science of pairing a menu
based on the flavours basic components of taste including sweet, sour, salt
and bitter. The art is to distinguish the grape that either emulates or
contrasts the flavours of the dish, to bring out the most enhanced taste.
This Thai-inspired menu consists of salads, soups and meat based dishes
with curries. Non-vegetarian menu (AED 295) and the vegetarian menu (AED
250), includes five courses paired with three glasses of grape.
For information and reservations, contact +971 4 426 7313.
White
truffle
celebration
at Caff
Florian
If you havent tried out the delicious seasonal truffle menus that have
been featured in UAE restaurants this month, Caff Florian, DIFC continues
to celebrate the distinctive, frangrant white truffle throughout the month of
December. The menu includes a number of sumptuous dishes such as
Angus beef grilled tenderloin with potato boulangere cream of Venetian
red radicchio and white truffles, white truffle risotto and soups made from
the white truffle.
Dine out South

African-style at
Radisson Blu
HOTEL Deira
From December 3 to 10, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai, Deira Creek is hosting a
South African festival, inviting guests to experience South African culture,
food and festivities, all under one roof.
The event will host a large range of activities such as sports, music,
dancing, competitions and entertainment for kids and adults.
Guest chef Chris Masuku will be flying in from Radisson Blu, Johannesburg
to prepare some South African delicacies at La Moda and The Pub.
Marinated meat on the braai (barbecue), pap and spicy oxtail potjie (slowcooked stew in a cast-iron pot) will be some of the dishes on offer.
Palm Grill will be offering a South African five-course set menu with
dishes like crisp green salad with biltong, avocado and cashew nuts, and
char-grilled beef on the braai. Treat yourself to a glass of house wine or
Castle lager for only AED 25 (140 bottle) only.
RAW Coffee now available

at Lime Tree Caf
Dubais premier boutique roastery

that produces certified organic
Arabica coffee beans has recently
collaborated with one of Dubais
favourite cafs. Yes, you heard right,
you can now enjoy your favourite
locally-roasted, velvety smooth Raw
Coffee Company cappuccino, flat
white, latte or Americano when you
visit Lime Tree Cafs across Dubai.
9
The W Factor
Wafi Pyramids, Dubai has recently launched a European-styled grill
restaurant, The W Grill & Cocktail Terrace, a new spot with a fabulous
view where foodies and fashionistas can mingle over dinner and drinks
or cocktails and shisha.
Food, finesse, versatility and value this is what The W Grill &
Cocktail Terrace is all about, and we want each and every diner to take
this away following a W dining experience, stated Anthony Ractliff,
general manager, WAFI Pyramids Restaurants.
Executive chef Angelo Albera has whipped up a delicious new menu
that comprises of grilled seafood and meat, the succulent 42oz
Tomahawk steak, as well as traditional classics such as Lancashire hot
pot and corn-fed chicken with morel cream sauce. The vegetarian
options are extensive too, and diners can enjoy dishes such as the
seven-vegetable couscous and leek tart with Carphilly cheese and slow
roasted tomatoes as well as options from the gourmet salad counter.
The menu is complemented by a comprehensive wine list that
includes classic grape varietals from the new and old world, and a
special selection of Wafi Reserve Wines. Perfect for alfresco dining
this festive season, you can also enjoy an impressive array of
shisha and cocktails, too.
10
Prosecco at
Jamies Italian?
Dont mind if I do!
Ten months since its opening, Jamies Italian in Festival City, Dubai has
launched their much-awaited wine and Champagne menu, putting the
finishing touch on Jamie Olivers relaxed, rustic Italian restaurant concept.
Celebrating the beautiful ingredients and products of Italy, at Jamies
Italian the pasta is created fresh each day and the plump olives, olive
oil, balsamic vinegar and beautiful mozzarella is imported from Italy.
Only free-range chickens are used and much of the fish is locally
sourced, with all of it being sustainable. You can enjoy gorgeous
antipasti selection that includes buffalo mozzarella, pumpkin
bruschetta and cured trout, as well as main courses of fresh pesto
pastas, classic pizzas and lovely fish dishes cooked in the wood-fire
oven. And now, with the newly acquired alcohol license, you can eat
Italian food as it is meant to be enjoyed: with a lovely glass of wine too.
Dine indoors in the grunge-chic retro setting or outdoors on the
beautiful terrace while feasting away on fresh, authentic, delicious
Italian food Jamie style.
upfront
Gorgeous gifts and

festive foodie treats
Whether buying the perfect gift, or spoiling yourself this holiday season, BBC Good Food ME presents some fantastic
foodie accessories, sweet treats, utensils and more
Enjoy sipping lattes in this

delicate, porcelain hand of
Fatima cup from
aura-b.com.
A treat for colleagues, friends and family,

these white, milk and dark chocolates are
beatifully packaged. Available at FORREY
& GALLAND, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.
You can purchase assorted bread

baskets at PAUL Bakery &
Restaurants from December
15th onwards. Made fresh daily, you
can order rye bread, 6-cereal loaves,
fig loaves, sandwich and
walnut loaves as well
as assorted rolls.
With a range of delicious treats, gift

hampers and stocking fillers from the
Carluccios restaurant and food shop,
you can make this years goodie bags and
festive tables deliciously memorable.
With a range of
festive delights
available at
Sprngli, you
can take home
goodies and gift
boxes for friends
and family. AED 84
a box containing a
range of mouthwatering truffles
and pralines.
Splurge on this five-piece set

of Jamie Oliver knives from
Lakeland priced at AED
1090. Guaranteed to give
precision cuts to juicy steaks
and meats, youll be leaping
to carve this years turkey!
Tis the season

for spoiling! No other gift is
more personal than this massage
treatment for the mother-to-be.
Amara spa at Park Hyatt Dubai uses
a range of sensual massage
oils that prevent stretch
marks, relieve muscle
tension, improve
circulation and
ensure relaxation
for the mother
and baby.
Ideal for budding chefs to create a Moroccanstyle feast, this stylish tagine pot is available at
LAKELAND for AED 145.
Welcome your guests with this beautiful

wreath from CRATE & BARREL, Mall of
the Emirates. AED 359.
This limited-edition
Pixie espresso
machine from
Nespresso in
lime and purple will
be the perfect gift
for coffee fanatics
this season.
Fill up this moo
shaker from
Lakeland with
chocolate powder or
icing sugar and shell
moo as you turn her
upside down to
sprinkle those waffles
and pancakes.
This potty about herbs pot priced at AED 119 from

Lakeland, makes a gorgeous gift for a domestic
goddess. Encourage friends and family to go organic
by planting herbs that can be used daily in meals.
These adorable guthra-styled bibs from

aura-b.com for AED 85 will ensure your
babys clothes remain neat and tidy while
they tuck into those festive puds.
Munch on this adorable and

luscious 140g honey-almond
filled gingerbread donkey
from Sprngli for AED 60.
Sweeten up your festive dessert menu by

adding some of these MORE Caf treats.
Mince pies (box of 6, AED 36), gingerbread men
(packet of 4, AED 29) and traditional stollen
bread (500g, AED 42) are on sale this month.
upfront
No table is set without beautiful dcor to
accompany the lovely turkey, wine and pies.
This season Crate & Barrel has released
a range of festive table dcor
items with appetizer
plates available in
blue, red, purple
and citron for only
AED 15 and
dazzling tea light
holders for AED 9
each.
Jones the Grocer luxury gift hampers, filled with goodies pictured above and
packaged in silver boxes with signature navy ribbons, can be customised according
to individual taste. The hampers range from AED 350, and you can pack the
hampers with a selection of delectable mince tarts, Christmas cakes and tree pops,
fruit chutneys, currant jelly and more.
These twig multi pillar

candelabras from
Crate & Barrel
will light up this years
festive dining room table
Create perfectly
poached eggs time after
time with this 21st century solution
to the problem of wandering whites.
Coat the silicone lightly with oil, crack
your egg into the pod, and
float in boiling water.
Once cooked, flip the
pod inside out to
release the
domed egg.
Available from
Lakeland for
AED 39.
These unique Mukul

Goyal chromed brass
and stainless steel
tableware items
available at aura-b.
com are ideal as
one-of-a-kind gifts or
for entertaining
pleasure at this years
festive gathering.
Create refreshing ice creams,

sorbets and gelati with this ice
cream maker from Delonghi
for AED 1,499.
upfront
The Beaba Babycook Baby Food Maker
is a one-of-a-kind compact countertop
appliance that functions as a steamer,
blender, warmer and defroster to
prepare fresh, healthy meals for your
baby. The appliance comes with its own
Babycook recipe book. Available from
Just Kidding stores, Dubai.
Cultivate the art of baking amongst children and enable

them to get creative with this simply icing set from
Lakeland for only AED 99. Decorate cakes, cookies and
desserts with effects such as stars, rosettes and lettering.
16 milk and dark chocolate pralines

with cream ganache and a sprinkle of
Ceylonese cinnamon for AED 100
from Sprngli.
Sorbets, gelati, low-fat ice cream

and so much more can be
made with this user-friendly ice
cream maker available at
Lakeland for AED 315.
You can boil eggs for the

whole family with this
nifty Severin egg
boiler. With a titanium
finish, it comes in a
variety of chic
colours, and can
be purchased at
Juma Al Majid
outlets.
Planning an alfresco party this festive season? These products from @Home are gorgeous and versatile too. Create a succulent roast chicken
succulent with this pan and stand for the barbecue, and you can cool wine bottles in this convenient stand at only AED 399, while using the
retro glass bottles for ales and soft drinks. The beautiful outdoor furniture and plant pots are lovely garden accessories, too.
Beautiful panoramic views from MORE Cafe Dubai Festival City
to be enjoyed at
Dubai Festival City
This festive season visit MORE Caf Dubai Festival City to
enjoy alfresco dining, panoramic views, baked Christmas
goodies and cooking classes too!
Since it opened its doors in 2002, MORE Caf has been an institution in Dubai; enjoyed as
one of the best-loved places for delicious, homely food with friends and family. The winner of
many awards in the region, MORE Cafe was also the recipient of the highly sought after BBC
Good Food ME Awards Best Cafe 2010.
While every MORE Caf location has something special to offer, if you are in the mood for
fantastic alfresco dining with beautiful panoramic views, MORE Caf Dubai Festival City is the
place for you. A spacious, inviting restaurant; you can sit indoors amongst the beautiful local
art and stylish dcor, or you can sit outdoors on the terrace to enjoy the tranquil views of the
water and yachts of the Festival City Marina Promenade, and the city skyline beyond.
The perfect spot during the lovely cool winter months; pop in for coffee with friends, or
enjoy a leisurely lunch or brunch with family over the weekend. The MORE Caf brunch takes
place from 11am to 4pm every Friday and Saturday at the Festival City branch, and includes a
selection of chefs choice dishes, incorporating the fully-cooked breakfast options, a variety of
hot buffet dishes, salad bar and freshly made cakes, desserts and pastries. Selected
beverages are also included. This scrumptious, family-friendly brunch is priced at just AED 95
per person, and children under 12 dine for just AED 45. The brunch also takes place on a
Friday at MORE Cafe Al Murooj.
For the month of December, you can also enjoy some gorgeous goodies including traditional
mince pies, gingerbread men and stollen bread. Baked fresh daily, you can stop by any MORE
caf across Dubai or pre-book your festive goodies online if you are catering for a larger party.
Make the most of the holiday season with MORE Cafe!
Delicious festive goodies on

sale this month at MORE
ADVERTISING FEATURE
You can enjoy delicious Friday

and Saturday brunch at
MORE Cafe Dubai Festival City!
Chocolate
Peppermint Bark
Makes 6 packets
750g dark chocolate
750g white chocolate 750g
6 peppermint candy canes
Chef Gert,
MORE Cafe
M RE Cooking Skills
An exciting new concept, MORE Caf is launching

MORE Cooking Skills! A fun, interactive cooking
experience that lets the participants get involved
through an informative hands-on approach.
Participants are guaranteed to come away with MORE
Skills, MORE Knowledge and MORE Satisfaction.
FREE MORE COOKING SKILLS THIS MONTH!
The first MORE Cooking Skills will be held at MORE Caf
Dubai Festival City on 8 December, where aspiring cooks
can learn to create:
Pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting (you will
be learning decorating tips)
Chocolate peppermint bark (see recipe right)
Pear cranberry cake glazed with butterscotch sauce and
toasted walnuts
There are two afternoon sessions running, and while the
class will usually be priced at AED 200 per person, including
lunch and beverages, these sessions are free!
There are only 20 spaces availble at each session, so book in
fast. Preferance will be given to BBC Good Food ME Food
Club member, so join the Food Club online today.
If you arent a Food Club member, you can make a
reservation on 04 263 3113.
1 Melt and temper the

dark chocolate.
2 Also melt the white chocolate
over a double boiler and
keep aside.
3 Crush the peppermint candy
canes and keep aside.
4 On a silicone matt or grease
proof paper sheet, spread the dark
chocolate out into a square about
5mm thick. Let it set.
5 When its set, pour the white
chocolate over the dark layer and
spread it out evenly into a square.
6 Immediately scatter the crushed
candy cane over the warm soft
white chocolate.
7 Now let the whole thing set.
8 Snap into big pieces and pack.
For more information about

the festive goodies on sale and
the More Cooking Skills visit
www.morecafe.biz
upfront
Ask us!
This holiday season, our resident culinary

expert gives us solutions to common festive
woes in the kitchen
I love the idea of gingerbread cookies, but cant stand the taste (I
just dont like the molasses) is there a fun alternative?
I suggest using honey instead of molasses. The cookies wont get as dark, but if
youre okay with a paler cookie, go for it. The flavour might not be as deep either,
but the cookie should be just as sweet. If its not sweet enough for your taste, try
it again with a 50/50 mixture of honey and brown sugar.
How can I get a beautiful golden brown turkey without drying out
the breast meat?
Tent the turkey loosely with foil to delay browning of the breast. The foil should be
removed during the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking to allow the turkey to brown.
Tenting for the entire roasting time will actually slow cooking.
Why do recipes say to let a roasted turkey stand for 15 to 20
minutes before carving?
Standing time allows the natural juices to redistribute throughout the meat of the
turkey. This helps to produce an evenly moist turkey that is easier to carve. Keep
the turkey warm during the standing time by covering it with foil.
Any tips for pacing the cooking process and making sure everything
is timed right? I feel like Im always pulling things off the stove and
out of the oven at the same time. Its mayhem!
The key is to have a lot of things done in advance. Not even a pro can do eight
things at once. For instance, I suggest preparing the stuffing the day before, as
well as marinating the outside of the turkey. I do a stuffing with spicy sausage and
fennel, its delicious because it gets nice and crispy. Other dishes I suggest
preparing in advance is sweet potatoes (roast them with the skin on or puree
them... I do both). You can create green bean casserole and homemade cranberry
sauce in advance and then just heat it up in the microwave, because your oven is
going to be very crowded.
Whats the secret of great roast potatoes? I like them good and
tough on the outside and soft on the inside, but mine tend to turn
out a little sludgy all the way through.
Make sure that you par-boil them and drain them, scrape them a little with a
fork so that they start to lose their outside edge, and make sure theyre covered
in plenty of olive oil or butter. Make sure the temperature is really hot when it
goes into the oven and then just leave them. Shake the potatoes once or twice,
but not all the time. They should take 25 to 35 minutes to roast.
Ive been making curry with the leftover turkey for 20 years. Can you
suggest some alternatives, please?
Turkey stir-fry, turkey and sweet corn fritters, turkey hash browns or
a turkey and leek pie are delicious leftover treats. There are more
leftover ideas on page 34 of the magazine too.
Ive got such a bad record with sprouts; Im wondering whether to
give up on them this year. They seem to come out either undercooked
and squeaky or soggy and falling apart, though I loved the ones my
mother made when I was a child. I like to do things traditionally, and
want to keep them on the menu. Where am I going wrong?
Why not try this for a change? Cut the sprouts into quarters or slice
them across, but thickly, and pan fry them in a little bit of oil. Add
some smoked turkey bacon cut into little strips like matchsticks.
Continue to fry over a low heat until the turkey bacon goes lightly
golden brown. Season and then cover and keep warm. They should
be cooked through, but will still have a little bit of a bite. When frying them youre caramelise them slightly to add a bit of sweetness.
By not boiling them, you are avoiding that soggy, horrible taste.
Create the perfect roast

potatoes this holiday!
upfront
Past, present and future

This festive season, celebrity cook and television personality Suzanne Husseini
talks about family traditions and enjoying good food over the holiday season
Photography Petrina Tinslay
itting on the beach taking in the sounds and smells of the season
with a tall pomegranate juice in hand, Im feeling quite content. It is
winter in Dubai. The weather is perfect and we do anything to be
outside. Friends and family travel from every corner of the world to be here
with us to celebrate and share special times during this festive season. The
joy is in being together.
My thoughts and memories are awakened this time of the year as I recall all
the happy times baking with my mother. She would make an endless array of
cookies and cakes. I would personally deliver packages of her delicacies to
our neighbours and wish them a happy holiday.
These past baking sessions became traditions and I enjoyed times with my
own children doing the same. We would dedicate a whole day to making
cookies. They especially loved making the little Ghraybe (Arabic Shortbread).
I find myself reminiscing about the past a lot this time of year. I miss taking my
kids ice skating and watching their faces beam when it was time to have our usual
treat, beaver tails (doughnut-like fried dough with cinnamon sugar, totally Canadian).
Believe it or not, I miss the snow and the cold except when the temperatures
dropped to -30C. I recall the warmth of strangers busy shopping for gifts and
quite happy to talk and tell you a story while we wait to pay for our purchases.
Everywhere you look there are people smiling, caring and sharing. The spirit
of the season captures hearts and brings out the best in people.
And thats truly what its all about. Its about finding the joy and making the
memories wherever you are. Ive learned that its not the location or the
weather that matters. Your new home is what you make it. Fill it with friends,
good food, decorations and beautiful music especially at this time of the year.
I know I will be cooking and baking a lot in the next couple of weeks and I
know it will be daunting at times. But through the fuss and stress of it all, I will
have captured my own priceless moments with my family, dear friends, old
and new around my table sharing a meal.
My holiday dinner party menu:

These recipes can be found in Suzanne Husseinis beautiful recipe book of
modern Arabian cuisine: When Suzanne Cooks
Turkey stuffed with Burghul and Freekeh Pilaf, filled with nuts and fruit.
(page 133), Sweet and sour Cherry Sauce (pg 65), Beetroot and Purslane Salad
with Citrus Dressing (pg 53), Spicy Roasted Potato Wedges (pg 97), Baked
Baklawa Cheesecake (pg 176) and Arabic Shortbread (see recipe to the right).
18 BBC Good Food Middle East November 2011
Suzanne Husseini is regular contributor to BBC Good Food ME. For more
information about Suzanne visit www.suzannehusseini.com or find her on
Facebook for regular foodie updates.
On December 5, 6 and 7 at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, Suzanne Husseini
will be part of the Changing Diabetes Village that is being set up to
highlight and educate people about diabetes and its causes and effects.
Suzanne will be conducting live cooking demos and sharing tips on making
better, delicious food choices. Dont miss out on the demos that are taking place
on Monday 5 December 2011 from 19.00 to 21.00, Tuesday December 6 (time to
be confirmed) and Wednesday December 7 from 19.00 to 21.00. Everyone is
welcome! Ahlan wa sahlan.
upfront
SUZAnNE HUSSEINI
Arabic shortbread
Makes 6 dozen biscuits
These cookies have no eggs or baking
powder in them. It is essential that you
beat the clarified butter and sugar well.
This is the secret to their unique texture.
They are meltingly smooth on the outside
with a delicate crunch on the inside. They
are very easy to make, but always work
with a gentle hand to ensure the dough
remains light and fluffy.
1 cup clarified butter, chilled
cup icing sugar
1 cups flour
pinch of salt
pine nuts, to garnish
My thoughts and
memories are
awakened this time of
the year as I recall all
the happy times baking
with my mother. She
would make an endless
array of cookies and
cakes. I would
personally deliver
packages of her
delicacies to our
neighbours and wish
them a happy holiday
1 In a medium bowl beat together with

an electric mixer the clarified butter and
sugar for about 10 minutes, until pale
and creamy. Add in the vanilla. Mix well.
Sift the flour and salt and add gradually
to the beaten mixture. Test the dough by
seeing if you can roll a ball in your hand
without sticking. Beat on low speed until
it comes together. Cover and refrigerate
for 30 minutes before shaping the
shortbread. Preheat oven to 170C.
2 Take small-sized pieces of the dough
and roll gently in the palms of your hand
to make a ball the size of a large marble.
Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Gently flatten into a disc and press a
pine nut into the centre. Bake for 1012
minutes until it just sets. Dont let the
cookies brown; they should remain an
ivory colour. Remove and leave to cool
completely on the tray before serving.
November 2011 BBC Good Food Middle East 19
The perfect blend of

style and versatility
The Kenwood
s incredible versatility means you
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With a large 2 litre jug for creating family-sized portions, as well as a powerful
600 watt motor, variable speeds and a dedicated ice crushing function, the Kenwood
makes light work of food preparation. The BL480 Blender also has
two separate stainless steel lined mills, one for grinding spices and coffee, one for
grating cheese, chocolate and coconut. Whats more, the easy clean design means
that clearing up afterwards will take no time at all too.
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Available in select retail outlets and Jashanmal department stores.

Dubai: Al Ghurair City Tel: 04 227 7780 l Mall of the Emirates Tel: 04 347 1715 l Dubai Festival City Tel: 04 232 9023
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For trade enquiries: P.O.Box 1545, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: 04 266 6633, Fax: 04 262 9597, Email: gmjnc@jashanmal.ae
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Kenwood Showroom, Hamdan Street,
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Tel: 02 678 4300, Fax: 02 677 3837
Email: ghaithtr@emirates.net.ae
24
31
Griddled halloumi with

spiced couscous
Chocolate-Espresso
Snowcaps
27
Prawn, mango & soba noodle

salad with pickled ginger dressing
Everyday
er cipes
Make it tonight
Super salads
A gluten-free Christmas
Lovely leftovers
A week of family meals
25
38
Sticky apple cups
Thai prawn fried rice
35
Chestnut &
butternut risotto
EVERYDAY
all ready i n 2 0 mi n u tes or less
Make itight
A weeks worth of speedy
meal solutions
Photographs WILLIAM LINGWOOD
ton
FOOD STYLING Jayne Cross | Styling Antonia Gaunt
Easy noodles
EVERYDAY
MONEY
WISE
Low-fat
storecupboard supper
Smoked haddock & colcannon

Serves 2 Ready in 10 mins
n Bistro classic made easy
n Just 5 ingredients
Easy
2 smoked haddock fillets, preferably

undyed about 140g/5oz each
good splash milk
2 eggs
450g pack ready-made colcannon
(Waitrose does a good one)
handful chives, snipped
1 FISH FIRST Lay the haddock fillets in a

shallow microwaveable dish and pour
the milk over to half cover. Cover with
cling film and microwave on High for 4-5
mins until the haddock flesh flakes
easily. Meanwhile, get a pan of water on
for the eggs.
2 GET POACHING Crack the eggs into the
simmering water and poach for around
1-2 mins until the white is set, but the
yolks are still soft.
Remove the fish. Heat colcannon in the
microwave according to pack
instructions.
3 PILE IT UP AND SERVE Mix half the
chives into the colcannon, then spoon it
between two plates. Top with the
haddock and eggs and scatter with the
remaining chives.
Speedy spaghetti with clams

Serves 2 Ready in 15-20 mins
Easy
LOW fat
n Strictly speaking, parmesan is never
served with seafood sauces in Italy. But
rules are made for breaking, so if you
like it, why not?
175g/6oz spaghetti
2 x 130g jars clams in tomato sauce
(see know-how, below)
splash wine, whatever you have
1 garlic clove, finely crushed
handful parsley
freshly grated parmesan, to serve,
optional
1 COOK THE PASTA Boil the kettle, then

three-quarters fill a large pan with boiling
water. Add some salt the water will
seethe then coil in
the spaghetti. Simmer, uncovered, for 12
mins or according to pack instructions.
2 MAKE THE SAUCE Meanwhile, tip the
clam sauce into a small pan, pour in the
wine and add the garlic. Simmer for a
few mins while you coarsely chop the
parsley, then stir into the sauce and
grind in a good amount of black pepper.
3 MARRY THE TWO Drain the
spaghetti and tip into a warmed
bowl. Pour in the sauce and toss
well. Serve at once, with grated
parmesan scattered over if you like.
PER SERVING 385 kcalories, protein 19g,
carbohydrate 72g, fat 3g, saturated fat none,
carbohydrate 27g, fat 18g, saturated fat 3g,
fibre 3g, added sugar none, salt 2.17g
EVERYDAY
Easy noodles
Serves 4 Ready in 15-20 mins Easy
Easy version of a Malaysian dish
Everythings microwaved in one bowl
500ml/18fl oz hot chicken or
vegetable stock
400ml can coconut milk
(full or reduced fat)
1 tbsp green or red Thai curry paste
1 tsp ground turmeric
3 skinless boneless chicken
breasts, sliced
1 x 250g pack medium rice noodles
300g bag stir-fry mix (pick one with
beansprouts)
Light but filling
1 GET THE KETTLE ON Tip the stock,

coconut milk, Thai curry paste, turmeric
and chicken into a big microwaveable
bowl. Cover with cling film, pierce it a
few times and microwave on High for
5 mins. Remove the cling film, give it a
stir and cook for a further 5 mins until
the chicken is cooked.
2 SOAK THE NOODLES Meanwhile, tip
the noodles into another large bowl.
Pour boiling water over, leave to soak for
4 mins, then drain.
3 COMBINE IT ALL Add the stir-fry mix and
noodles to the chicken, ladle into deep
bowls and serve with spoons and forks.
Griddled halloumi
with spiced couscous
Easy
VEGETARIAN
n Easily doubled
n Any leftover couscous is yummy
cold for lunch
1 head of broccoli
handful sugarsnap peas
175g/6oz couscous
tsp each cinnamon, cumin and
coriander
300ml/ pt hot vegetable stock
handful cherry tomatoes, halved
250g pack halloumi cheese
juice half a lemon
drizzle olive oil
small handful coriander leaves,
chopped
1 GET THE KETTLE ON Cut broccoli into

florets and thickly slice stalk. Pour boiling
water into a steamer, steam broccoli for
6 mins, add the peas and steam for 2
mins more.
2 COOK THE COUSCOUS Meanwhile, mix
the couscous with the spices in a bowl,
pour over the hot stock, then cover and
leave to stand for 5 mins.
3 GRIDDLE THE HALLOUMI Heat a
non-stick frying pan or griddle pan. Cut
halloumi into 6-8 slices and cook quickly
on each side for 2 mins until lightly
tinged brown.
4 MIX AND SERVE Mix vegetables and
tomatoes into couscous, fork in the
lemon juice, oil and coriander. Pile onto
plates and top with halloumi.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
La Tourangelle
Healthy pud
winter comfort food

Enjoy the delicious flavours of
butternut and walnuts nuts this
holiday season with this cosy
recipe from La Tourangelle
Sticky apple cups

Easy
LOW fat
n Great microwave pud
n Perfect way to use up Christmas dates
n Healthy and seasonal
Butternut Squash Soup

with Virgin Walnut Oil
SERVES 2
2 medium Bramley apples, about

200g each
85g/3oz dried dates, roughly
chopped
85g/3oz ready-to-eat prunes, roughly
chopped, or raisins
2 tbsp light muscovado sugar
1 tsp mixed spice
zest and juice 1 small orange
0% Greek yogurt or fromage frais,
to serve
1 SCOOP THE CUPS Halve each apple

through the circumference and dig out
the core with a dessertspoon from
both halves, leaving bowl-shaped
hollows behind.
2 FILL AND COOK Mix together all the
remaining ingredients except for the
orange juice and fill the apples with the
mixture. Fit them into a microwaveable
dish and pour the orange juice on top.
Cover and cook on Medium (500w) for 5-7
mins until soft. Cool for a few mins before
serving with the yogurt or fromage frais.
carbohydrate 37g, fat none, saturated fat
none, fibre 3g, added sugar 7.6g, salt 0.03g
2 large potatoes, cut into chunks,

skin left on
1 tbsp virgin walnut oil
1 tbsp toasted walnuts, chopped
3 lb butternut squash, peeled,
seeded and chopped into
1 inch pieces
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups vegetable broth
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
1 In a soup pot saute the onion

with the olive oil over medium
low heat until onions become
glassy and translucent.
2 Add the butternut squash and
vegetable broth. Add enough
water to cover the squash.
Bring to a boil and simmer
until squash is very tender.
3 Carefully puree in a blender,
add salt, pepper and nutmeg.
You may adjust the thickness of
the soup by adding more water
if necessary.
4 Serve with a drizzle of
virgin walnut oil and a
sprinkle of virgin walnut oilv.
EVERYDAY
Super
salads
South-western-style salad
SERVES 2 Easily doubled
mins COOK 10 mins
PREP 20
Recipes Jennifer Joyce

Photographs Philip Webb
2 Mix the dressing ingredients with

some seasoning, then pour over the
salad. Toss together well, scatter the
feta over the top and serve with lime
wedges, if using.
PER SERVING 612 kcals, protein 24g, carbs 47g,
fat 38g, sat fat 9g, fibre 9g, sugar 9g, salt 2.83g
1 Boil the corn for 10 mins in salted

water, rinse in cold water, then cut
the kernels off. Tip the beans into a
bowl with the cooked corn, avocado,
tomatoes and spring onions.
FOOD STYLING jennifer joyce | Styling jenny iggleden
2 sweetcorn
400g can black beans,
drained and rinsed
1 avocado, cut into chunks
200g/8oz cherry tomatoes, halved
4 spring onions, roughly chopped
100g/4oz feta cheese, crumbled
lime wedges, to serve
(optional)
FOR THE DRESSING

1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp chipotle Tabasco (use regular
Tabasco if you cant find this)
juice and zest 2 limes
1 tbsp Sherry vinegar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Gone are the days when a

salad supper meant a few
limp leaves these exciting,
new main-course salads
are packed with interesting
flavours and textures
Prawn, mango & soba

noodle salad with pickled
ginger dressing
SERVES 4 PREP 15 mins
Low fat
mins
COOK 5
250g pack soba noodles (we used

Clearspring)
cucumber, cut into fingers
1 large mango, peeled and cut into
chunks
6 spring onions, finely sliced
200g/8oz cooked large prawns
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds,
to serve
FOR THE DRESSING

juice 2 limes
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp chilli garlic sauce (we used
Linghams Ginger Garlic Chilli
Sauce)
1 tbsp chopped pickled ginger (we
used Waitroses Cooks
Ingredients range)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Drain and rinse with cold water, pat

dry with some kitchen paper, then tip
into a large bowl. Add the cucumber,
mango, onions and prawns.
2 Mix the dressing ingredients
together, pour half over the salad, then
gently toss together using a couple
of forks or pair of tongs will make this
job easier. Sprinkle with sesame seeds
and serve with the remaining dressing.
1 Boil the soba noodles in plenty of

salted water for about 5 mins or
according to pack instructions they
are very starchy, so use a lot of water.
fat 4g, sat fat none, fibre 3g, sugar 16g, salt 3.56g
Puy lentil salad with soy beans,

sugar snap peas & broccoli
SERVES 4 PREP 5-10 mins COOK 15 mins
High in
fibre, good source of iron, counts as 3 of 5-a-day, low fat
200g/8oz Puy lentils
1 litre/1 pints hot vegetable stock
200g/8oz Tenderstem broccoli
140g/5oz frozen soy beans, thawed
140g/5oz sugar snap peas
1 red chilli, deseeded and sliced
FOR THE DRESSING
2 tbsp sesame oil
juice 1 lemon
1 garlic clove, chopped
40ml/2 tbsp reduced-salt soy sauce
3cm piece fresh root ginger, finely grated
1 tbsp clear honey
1 Boil lentils in stock until just cooked, about 15 mins. Drain,

then tip into a large bowl. Bring a saucepan of salted water to
the boil, throw in the broccoli for 1 min, add the beans and
peas for 1 min more. Drain, then cool under cold water. Pat
dry, then add to the bowl with the lentils.
2 Mix together the dressing ingredients with some seasoning.
Pour over the lentils and veg, then mix in well with the
chopped chilli. Pile onto a serving platter or divide between 4
plates and serve.
PER SERVING 302 kcals, protein 22g, carbs 42g, fat 7g,
sat fat 1g, fibre 8g, sugar 9g, salt 1.41g
Shredded chicken, green

bean & barley salad with
paprika & lemon
COOK 25 mins
1 small rotisserie chicken
100g/4oz pearl barley
200g/8oz green beans, trimmed
1 yellow pepper, cut into matchsticks
1 small red onion, cut into thin
half-moon slices
50g/2oz flaked almonds, toasted
zest 1 lemon
handful flat-leaf parsley, finely
chopped
FOR THE DRESSING
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 Remove the skin from the chicken

and shred the meat off the bones into
bite-size pieces. Cook the pearl barley
in boiling, salted water until tender, but
not too soft, about 20 mins. Drain well,
then tip into a large bowl.
2 Blanch the green beans in more
boiling, salted water for about
5 mins, until just cooked. Drain, rinse
with cold water to cool, then pat dry
with kitchen paper. Add to the barley
along with pepper, onion, almonds,
lemon zest and parsley.
3 Whisk together the dressing
ingredients with seasoning. Pour over
the salad, toss everything together and
serve.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Quick, easy and light

For a quick and easy lunch at home try Carmelas Chicken Rigatoni recipe
from Romanos Macaroni Grill. Prepared by Romanos Macaroni Grills
Chef Jay Tabuclao and Saleh Bin Lahej Group-Hospitality Divisions Executive
Chef Mohammed Abd Salam
Carmelas Chicken Rigatoni

Serves 1 to 2
1 oz butter-flavored oil
3 oz mushrooms, sliced
3 oz chicken, grilled and sliced
1 tbsp basil, julienne
3 oz onions, caramelised
1 oz marsala Wine (non-alcoholic)
6 oz cream
8 oz rigatoni pasta, cooked
oz parmesan, grated
sprinkle of chopped parsley
pinch of salt
pinch of black pepper
1 Heat saute pan. Place butter-flavored oil with

mushrooms, chicken, basil, caramelized onions,
salt and pepper and saut for approximately 30
seconds.
2 Add Marsala and saut for an additional
15 seconds
3 Add cream and bring to boil over high heat.
4 Add pasta to the sauce mixture and toss
briefly over the fire.
5 Add parmesan and continue to toss until
cheese is completely incorporated.
6 Place the pasta in a serving plate and garnish
with chopped parsley.
We learn more about healthy lunch options from Executive Chef of

Saleh Bin Lahej Group, Mohammed Abd Salam:
What is your advice for creating a quick
easy lunch at home?
In todays time, the idea of planning and cooking
meals at home is discouraging due to the
fast-paced environment we live in. Quick and easy
meals have been dependent on microwave and
packaged food items. But the key to preparing a
successful meal at home is to make it interesting
and delicious. You need to combine a variety of
taste and textures, so that you can enjoy eating and
appreciate the 10-15 minutes you have dedicated in
preparing a home-cooked meal. Your lunch meal
should provide one-third of your nutritional
requirement. So be creative and adventurous.
So many people just eat lunch at their
desks, what is a good lunch option to keep
energy and concentration levels up during
the long work day?
If you dont have time to bring a lunch bag or
eat out due to your hectic work schedule, you
can always order for delivery so that you can
continue working and never have to miss
lunch. And to make sure that you dont pile up
on calories and still get the energy you require
throughout the day, you have to select
nutritious and low-carb items which are easy to
eat. Usual staples for quick and easy lunch are
sandwich and pasta, but you can also enjoy
items like salad, calzone, grilled skewers, taco
and stir-fried noodles. For the sides, try to
select vegetables instead of French fries for a
healthier option.
If ordering a quick, easy lunch in the

office, what are some good choices
from your menus?
I would recommend the Turkey Sandwich from
Chilis, which you can also enjoy with either a side
salad or a cup of soup. For Romanos Macaroni
Grill, you can order Chicken Florentine for a
delicious and nutritious lunch. And if you like a
vegetarian Mexican option, you can choose the
Veggie Burrito of El Chico or the Black Bean
Nachos from the gourmet items of Cantina
Laredo. For Black Canyon, you can order a
skewed Chicken Satay complemented by a fresh
salad or hot soup. But if you prefer a handy
on-the-go option, you can always go for Calzone
of The Pizza Company.
Are there some healthy options? What
would you recommend?
Yes, we always ensure that our menus have
healthy options. My recommendation amongst
our quick and healthy lunch selections is the
Chicken Florentine of Romanos Macaroni Grill.
It consists of imported orzo pasta with fresh
spinach, pine nuts, black olives, capers and
parmesan, tossed with grilled chicken and then
drizzled with garlic lemon vinaigrette. Its a
fusion of pasta and salad, breaking the usual
lunch staples by using orzo pasta combined
with different fresh and nutritious ingredients
with colorful textures and of course, we add
grilled chicken for your daily protein diet
requirement making it a perfect healthy lunch.
EVERYDAY
festive!
A gluten-free
Christmas
Areej Jomaa, owner of Sweet

Connection gluten-free
bakery in Dubai, shows us
how to create gorgeous
gluten-free Christmas treats
There are only two

rules to remember
when decorating a
gingerbread man use
your imagination and
have fun
Ginger bread cookies
SERVES: 30 pieces PREP: 1 hours
COOK: 8-10 minutes
These tempting cookies are aroma-filled
with cinnamon and ginger.
3 cups rice flour
1 tbsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
tsp ground nutmeg
tsp baking soda
tsp salt
tsp ground cloves
cup (175 ml) butter, at room
temperature
cup (125ml) brown sugar
cup molasses
1 egg
1 In a bowl, using a fork, stir rice flour

with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking
soda, salt and cloves until blended well.
2 Using an electric mixer, beat butter on
medium speed until creamy. Beat in
brown sugar and molasses until well
blended. Add the egg and beat it, on low
speed, add flour mixture, a third at a
time, beating just until combined.
3 Remove dough from bowl and place in
a plastic wrap. Flatten into a disc shape
and wrap. Refrigerate dough until firm, at
least 2 hours.
4 Preheat oven to 180 C
5 Line baking sheets with parchment
papers. On a floured surface, using a
rolling pin, roll out dough to inch
thickness. Cut out cookies using
gingerbread people cutters or your
favourite shape. Place on prepared baking
sheets and bake in a preheated oven until
cookies appear set, approximately 8 to 10
minutes. Remove from oven and leave on
baking sheet for 1 minute. Then transfer
to a cooling rack to cool completely.
6 Cookies can be stored in an airtight
container for 5 days or in the freezer for
up to 2 months.
Chocolate-Espresso
Snowcaps
SERVES: 30-35 pieces PREP: 20
minutes COOK: 12-14 minutes
TIP: Illy Coffee is the best option for
people suffering from gluten intolerance
and Celiac.
1 cup rice flour
cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 tsp good quality espresso
1 tsp gluten free baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
4 oz bittersweet chocolate, melted
and cooled
1 tbsp milk
cup Confectioners sugar, for
coating
1 In a medium bowl, stir together rice

flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
2 With an electric mixer, cream butter
and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg until well combined, mix in
cooled chocolate and espresso. With
mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture;
beat in milk until just combined. Flatten
dough into a disc and wrap in plastic.
Freeze until firm, about 45 minutes.
3 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2
baking pans with parchment paper.
Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Pour
confectioners sugar into a bowl; roll
balls in sugar 2 times, letting them sit in
sugar between coatings, make sure all
the dark chocolate is covered.
4 Place on prepared sheets, bake until
cookies have spread and coating is
cracked, 12 to 14 minutes. Cookies will be
soft to touch. Cool cookies on a wire rack.
These little cookies resemble

snow-covered mountains. Moist on
the inside, the chocolate-espresso
combination complements each
other perfectly!
EVERYDAY
festive!
level the top. Bake for 1 hour. Reduce
heat to 160C and bake for another 1
to 2 hours. Insert a small skewer to the
centre of the cake, if it comes out
clean its cooked.
6 Pour the rest of the orange juice over
the hot cake and leave to cool in the tin.
Next day, remove the cake from the tin.
Icing:
Method 1:
Beat icing sugar with butter and milk to
form a thick consistency.
Method 2:
1 Beat icing sugar into the egg white
until thick and shiny.
2 Cover cake with icing, dress with your
favourite Christmas decorations. For a
natural and clean look use cinnamon
sticks and anise stars or even star
fondant cut outs and create a stunning
Christmas tree on top of the cake with
silver or gold balls and ribbons.
3 Have fun and experiment, the results
will amaze you.
Christmas cake
PREP: 1 hour COOK: 11/2 2 hours
TIP: Soak dried fruits in 150ml fresh
orange juice in an airtight container
and store in a cool, dry place for at
least 3 weeks in order to get a moist
and rich flavoured cake. Stir the fruits
every few days. If they look dry, add a
splash of fresh orange juice.
100g dried cranberries
350g sultanas
350g raisins
350g currants
Zest 1 orange
Zest 1 lemon
6 tbsp fresh orange juice
50g whole blanched almonds, finely
chopped
280g ground almonds
225g unsalted butter
225g light brown sugar
6 eggs
1 tsp ground mixed spice
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
tsp ground cloves
100g rice flour
2 tsp xanthan gum
TO DECORATE
6 cups icing sugar
100g unsalted butter, room
temperature
4 tbsp milk
Method 2:
4 cups icing sugar
2 egg whites
Method 1:
1 Line the base and sides of a 23cm
round tin with a double layer of
parchment paper.
2 In a large bowl, mix the cranberries,
dried fruits, chopped almonds, 50g of
the ground almonds and the lemon and
orange zest. Add half the orange juice,
leave for 1 hour to marinate.
3 Heat the oven to 180C / fan. Cream
the butter until very soft, add the sugar
and beat until light. Whisk the eggs,
then add gradually, beating well
between each addition.
4 Mix the spices with the remaining
ground almonds, the rice flour and
xanthan gum and stir in gently. Add the
grated apple to the fruit, then mix in
gently, but thoroughly.
5 Put mixture into prepared tin and
A moist, succulent and

simple cake that everyone will
relish this Christmas or any other
festive occasion
Areejs top tips to

gluten-free baking:
Before you begin baking,
read the recipe carefully and
review the list of ingredients.
Some of the ingredients might
be new to you, as well as the
techniques when compared
to conventional baking. When
choosing, make sure you invest
in good-quality trays as glutenfree cakes, loaves and breads
are very delicate.
You can purchase gluten-free baked goods from A Sweet
Connection at the Ripe Market, Dubai Garden Centre
When you want

a soul soothing,
heart warming,
tummy filling,
thirst quenching,
good time.
Boardwalk.
Join us at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.

For reservations, please call 04 295 6000 or email creekdining@dubaigolf.com
EVERYDAY
Lovely
leftovers
Your fridge will be filled with festive fare by the end of
December. Get creative and save money with these simple
recipe ideas from Silvana Franco
New way
with turkey
Turkey & spring

onion wraps
NO COOK Easy
Counts as 1 of 5-a-day, Low fat
Mix together 2 tbsp reduced-fat
mayonnaise and 2 tbsp pesto.
Divide 4 curly lettuce leaves,
250g shredded cooked turkey,
6 shredded spring onions and a
shredded 12cm chunk of cucumber
between 4 flour tortillas. Drizzle over
the pesto dressing, roll up and eat.
PER SERVING 267 kcals, protein 24g, carbs 25g, fat
9g, sat fat 2g, fibre 2g, sugar 3g, salt 1.62g
Quick snack

COOK 10 mins Easy
Butter 2 slices white bloomer with
a large knob softened butter. Make
into a sandwich with 50g crumbled
Stilton, 1 sliced spring onion and 1-2
tbsp cranberry jelly, keeping the
butter on the outside of the bread.
Fry in a non-stick griddle or frying
pan for 3-4 mins on each side. Keep
the heat gentle so the cheese melts
slowly as the bread becomes golden
and crunchy. Serve warm.
FOOD STYLING jennifer joyce | Styling jenny iggleden
Stilton & cranberry toastie
EVERYDAY
Cheese & ham
souffld omelette
Seasonal supper

COOK 10 mins Moderately easy
Makes a great brunch or serve with baked
beans for a speedy supper.
Mix most of 50g grated Gruyre
or cheddar with 2 slices roughly
torn ham or gammon, 2 egg yolks,
1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp
chopped fresh dill or basil and
some seasoning. Whisk 2 egg
whites until stiff. Using a rubber
spatula, gently fold the whites into
the yolk mixture until evenly mixed.
Heat a splash of olive oil in a small
non-stick frying pan. Pour mixture
into the pan and cook for 4 mins
until the underside is set and
browned. Sprinkle over the
remaining cheese and grill
for 2 mins until cheese is
bubbling and golden.
Chestnut & butternut risotto
PER SERVING 507 kcals, protein

COOK 30 mins Easy
39g, carbs 1g, fat 39g, sat fat

16g, fibre none, sugar 1g,
salt 3.48g
1-2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
500g/1lb 2oz diced butternut squash
1 tbsp chopped sage
350g/12oz carnaroli or other risotto rice
1 litre/1 pints hot vegetable stock
100g/4oz cooked chestnuts, chopped
large knob of butter
4 tbsp chopped parsley
4 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan or
vegetarian alternative, plus extra
to serve
Fluffy and filling

meal for one
1 Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the

onion and garlic, and cook for 5 mins.
Add the squash, sage and rice, and cook
for a further 2 mins.
2 Pour in the stock and cook, stirring
regularly, for 15 mins. Add the
chestnuts and cook for a further 5
mins or until the rice is tender and the
stock has been absorbed.
3 Stir in the butter, parsley and
Parmesan. Divide risotto between
bowls, scatter with extra Parmesan,
season and serve.
EVERYDAY
A week of
family meals
Sunday
Tuna & broccoli pasta bake
Children will love this recipe, which

is ready in under half an hour and uses
lots of storecupboard ingredients.
2 x 185g cans tuna in olive oil,
drained well, 1 tbsp oil reserved
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
with garlic and herbs
350g/12oz dried pasta shapes
300g/11oz broccoli, chopped into
small florets
200g/7oz pack light soft cheese
100g/4oz cheddar, finely grated
25g/1oz breadcrumbs
salad, to serve (optional)
1 Heat the reserved oil from the tuna

in a very large saucepan. Tip in the
tomatoes plus 200ml water and simmer
while you cook the pasta, following
pack instructions. Add the broccoli for
the final 3 mins, then drain, reserving
some of the cooking water.
2 Heat the grill. Stir the soft cheese into
the tomato sauce until melted, then mix
with the pasta, broccoli and drained
tuna. Season with salt and pepper.
3 Tip into an ovenproof dish and sprinkle
on the cheddar and crumbs. Grill, not
too close to the heat, for about 4-6 mins
until golden and bubbling. Serve with
a big side salad, if you like.
Recipes lucy netherton | Photographs lis parsons | Food styling val barrett | Styling Jenny iggleden | Healthy benefits Kerry Torrens

COOK 18 mins Easy
leftovers
EVERYDAY
Mond
ay
Turkey chilli & rice tacos

SERVES 4
mins Easy
PREP 5 mins
COOK 30-35
2 tbsp chipotle paste

400g/14oz pack turkey mince
100g/4oz long-grain rice, rinsed
420g can kidney beans in water,
rinsed and drained
600ml/1pt chicken stock
140g/5oz frozen sweetcorn, defrosted
small bunch coriander, chopped
8 taco shells
iceberg lettuce, shredded
150ml pot soured cream
grated cheese and guacamole,
to serve
1 Heat the paste in a frying pan with

a lid. When hot, add the mince and cook
until browned, breaking it up well with
a fork. Stir in the rice and beans, and
mix well, then add the stock.
2 Cover and simmer for 20-25 mins
until the rice is tender, then stir in
the sweetcorn and scatter over the
coriander. Heat the taco shells
following pack instructions, then
serve with the mince mixture, lettuce
and soured cream. Let everyone build
their own dinner, adding grated cheese
and guacamole.
Tuesday
Onion soup with herby
garlic cheese bread
Healthy
benefits
Turkey mince, a
low-fat alternative
to beef mince, is
rich in selenium
and iron. Its a
good choice for a
wintry chilli, as its
rich in tryptophan,
the protein
needed to
produce
serotonin, the
feel-good
hormone.

COOK 30 mins Easy
soup and unbaked bread
3 tbsp very soft butter
6 onions, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1.2 litres/2 pints beef stock
(made from 2 stock cubes is fine)
2 tbsp plain flour
2-3 heaped tbsp caramelised
onion chutney
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
2 small sandwich baguettes
125g ball light mozzarella, chopped
1 Melt 1 tbsp of the butter in a medium

saucepan. Add the onions, stir well,
then cover and gently cook, stirring
occasionally, for about 15 mins they
should be really soft but not browned.

Add half the garlic, increase the heat
and cook for 5 mins more, adding a
splash of stock if the onions start to
stick they should brown a little now.
2 Stir in the flour and chutney, and cook
for 1-2 mins, then pour over most of the
stock and simmer while you make the
garlic bread. Mix the rest of the butter
and garlic with half the parsley. Season.
3 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
Cut each baguette into about 6 slices,
but dont go all the way through. Add
a little of the butter mixture and some
mozzarella into each cut, then push
back together to seal. Wrap in a double
layer of foil. Bake for 10-15 mins, until
the butter is melted. Season the soup,
adding remaining stock if required.
Serve with garlic bread.
y
Wednesda
Your complete shopping list
Thursday
Fruit and veg

2 limes
6 onions
450g/1lb potatoes for mash
300g/11oz broccoli

small bunch coriander (plus extra to serve
with Thai prawn fried rice, if you like)
small bunch parsley
iceberg lettuce
salad to serve with pasta bake, if you like

cucumber to serve with fried rice, if you like

red chillies to serve with fried rice, if you like
guacamole to serve with tacos, if you like
Cottage pie cakes
Thai prawn fried rice
MAKES 6 PREP 15 mins plus chilling

COOK 20 mins Easy
SERVES 4
400g/14oz pack lean beef mince

1 beef stock cube
50g/2oz plain flour
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
140g/5oz frozen peas
450g/1lb leftover mashed potatoes
2 eggs, beaten
85g/3oz panko or dried breadcrumbs
vegetable oil, for frying
baked beans, to serve
1 Heat a large frying pan until hot.

Dry-fry the mince until browned,
breaking it up with a fork. Crumble in the
stock cube and 1 tbsp of the flour, and
mix well. Add the Worcestershire sauce
and peas, and mix well to combine.
2 Tip the mince mixture into a bowl and
cool a little, before stirring in the mash
and shaping into 6 cakes. Dust the cakes
in the remaining flour, then dip them into
the egg, then the crumbs. Chill for at
least 10 mins, longer if you have time.
3 Heat the oil in a large pan. Fry the
cakes for 3-4 mins each side, until
golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper.
Season with a little salt and serve with
baked beans.
short of time?
Just dust the cakes in the flour, forgetting
the egg and crumbs, then cook as above
no need to chill. Dinner can be on the
table in about 30 mins.
PREP 5 mins
COOK 15 mins
Faster, healthier and cheaper

than a takeaway.
Easy
2 tsp vegetable oil

2 eggs, beaten
1-2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
800g/1lb 12oz leftover cooked rice
(275g uncooked)
300g/11oz frozen peeled prawns,
defrosted
175g/6oz frozen sliced green beans,
defrosted
juice 1 lime, plus extra wedges
to serve
1 tbsp Thai fish sauce, plus extra
to serve
shredded cucumber, sliced red chilli
and coriander leaves, to garnish
(optional)
1 Heat the oil in a large wok or frying pan

on a medium heat. Pour in the egg, tilt
the pan so it forms a thin omelette and
cook for about 1 min until set. Tip out
onto a chopping board, roll up, then slice
into ribbons. Set aside.
2 Heat the curry paste with 1 tbsp water
until hot, then tip in the rice, stir to break
up and toss to coat.
3 Add the prawns and beans, and heat
through. Add the lime juice and fish
sauce, then stir though the egg strips.
Serve the fried rice in bowls with extra
lime wedges and fish sauce. Scatter
with some sliced cucumber, chilli and
coriander leaves, if you like.
Meat, fish and dairy

400g/14oz pack lean beef mince
400g/14oz pack turkey mince
200g pack light soft cheese

100g/4oz cheddar (plus extra to serve with
tacos, if you like)
125g ball light mozzarella
150ml pot soured cream
Dry goods and bakery
small jar caramelised onion chutney
small jar Thai red curry paste
small jar chipotle paste/sauce
a pack taco shells
2 x 185g cans tuna in olive oil

2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes with garlic
and herbs
420g can kidney beans in water

baked beans to serve with cottage pie cakes,
if you like
110g/4oz panko or dried breadcrumbs
2 small sandwich baguettes
Freezer
140g/5oz peas
300g/11oz peeled prawns
175g/6oz sliced green beans
140g/5oz sweetcorn
Check your storecupboard and fridge for
4 eggs
3 tbsp butter
350g/12oz dried pasta shapes
375g/13oz long-grain rice
75g/2oz plain flour
3 beef stock cubes
1 chicken stock cube
4 garlic cloves
vegetable oil
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp Thai fish sauce
d?
no
m
in
at
e
yo
u
Ha
ve
Thank you to those who nominated in the second annual

BBC Good Food ME Awards, the finalists of the dining categories
will be announced online soon!
Visit www.bbcgoodfoodme.com to view the categories and all the details!
Please note the INGREDIENTS categories and CHEF OF THE YEAR category are still
open for nominations, so please get online and be a part of these
important awards!
INGREDIENTS
The search is on for the UAEs favourite ingredients to cook with, so we
encourage all you foodies to get online to nominate in the following categories:
Favourite olive oil brand
Favourite sauces, pesto, marinades brand
Favourite dried herb and spice brand
Favourite shop for seafood
Favourite dairy brand

- For cheese
- For cream
- For butter
- For milk
Favourite shop for meat
Celebrating
the best!
Favourite shop for organic

Favourite shop for fresh produce
Supporting sponsor
We are on the search for the top chef in the UAE!
The Chef of the Year category is open to all professional

chefs working in the UAE including executive chefs, head
chefs, chef de cuisine, sous chefs, pastry chefs etc.
Send your nominations in now so that your favourite
chef can be in the running!
The three finalist chefs will then take part in a culinary cook-off that will be
judged by our esteemed panel.
For more details about the categories, the judging and the event
visit our awards page on www.bbcgoodfoodme.com.
IN WI
Nomin
N
a
three-n te and stand WIN!
ight sta
a chan
y
c
suite a
t the g for two pers e to win
o
ons in
r
g
Balacla
eous fi
a sp
v
v
90-min a Resort, Ma e-star Angsa a
ute co
u
na
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it
iu
s,
mplim
entary including
per pe
s
p
a
s
rson p
er day! essions
Do you want to attend the most

high-profile food awards in the UAE?
At the end of February 2012, we will have the glittering BBC Good Food ME Awards;
a festive celebration of the finalists and winners.
This is your chance to mingle with your favourite chefs and other like-minded foodies!
The event will include welcome drinks and canaps, a three-course set meal including selected
beverages during the awards ceremony, as well as entrance to our VIP after party.
Bookings are now open, so be sure to reserve your place to avoid disappointment.
AED 350 per person, or just AED 250 per person if you are a Food Club member!
AED 2,000 per table of ten.
JOIN THE FOOD CLUB TO BE

ELIGIBLE FOR THE AWARDS
DISCOUNT!
Are you a Food Club member?
If not, sign up today at
www.bbcgoodfoodme.com and
receive regular newsletters,
invitations to chef masterclasses
a restaurant discount card
and so much more!
Festive Season
at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City
Whether you are planning a dinner on Christmas Eve or a brunch on New Years Day, our chefs have
created a delightful spread throughout the holidays.
Santa has conrmed that Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City is on his schedule and that a sack load
of gifts will be delivered for the children.
Fancy Christmas at home with your loved ones but let somebody else do the cooking?
Ask for our Christmas take away menu to make your celebrations easier.
For details and further information on all festive activities in our award winning restaurants please
contact us on 04 366 9111 or email certo.mediacity.dubai@radissonblu.com
UAE festivities
The ultimate foodie guide to the holiday season; we
highlight some fabulous events and list the top spots
to dine, brunch, lunch and shop this December
46 54
Fun, festive brunches, lunches and dinners
56
Decorate your table in seasonal style
Takeaway turkey with all the trimmings
Its impossible to ignore the festive

spirit that abounds in the UAE over
Christmas time. With carol singing,
gingerbread-making workshops,
Christmas coffee cups from cafes,
the aroma of freshly baked cookies,
shopping malls decorated with
11-foot Christmas trees, and not to
mention the hundreds of festive
dining offers.
It can be hard to choose what to do
(and what to skip) this festive season,
so with this in mind, BBC Good Food
ME has taken care of your event
calendar this month. Be sure to check
out our pick of bazaars, workshops,
brunches, dinners and New Years Eve
events. Happy holidays!
festive special
Special holiday activities

With so many festivities and events happening
around town, BBC Good Food ME takes a look
at some unique activities for children and
adults to enjoy.
Festive Tree Lighting & Carols
at Dubai polo & equestrian club
Witness the sparkling lighting of the tree
and listen to carol singing, followed by a
feast of international cuisines prepared at
live cooking stations.
Date: 17 December 2011
Time: 18.00 to 20.00
Entrance price per head: Non-members:
AED 15 for children and AED 35 for adults
including mince pie and ginger cookies.
Complimentary entry for members.
For more information and reservations
contact +971 4 36181111
Afternoon tea with the elves
at The Palace - The Old Town
Party with the elves while enjoying
activities such as face painting,
storytelling, photos with Santa, while
helping yourself to tasty bite-sized
treats, chocolate fondue fountains and a
buffet, end the evening with the
enchanting lighting of the tree.
Date: Saturday, 17 December 2011,
reservations are essential
Price per head: AED 145 per person
Time: 15.00 to 18.00
For information and reservations, contact,
+971 4 4287806
Souk Festive Market at
Madinat Jumeirah
Stroll along the Souk Festive Market,
surrounded by the tranquil lagoons and
iconic backdrop of the exquisite Mina A
Salam and Burj Al Arab and embark on a
festive shopping spree this season. A
festive winter wonderland in a unique
setting, you can enjoy a blend of
entertainment and peruse the goodies
and gifts on sale. Pop in for a bite to eat at
the restaurants or stroll along and
embrace the Christmas spirit.
Date: 8 to 26 December
For more information visit jumeirah.com/
dubaifestive
Festive bazaar at Dubai Polo

& Equestrian club
Display your arts and crafts at this festive
bazaar or pick up a one-of-a-kind present.
Date: 16 December
Time: 12.30 to 15.30
For more information and reservations
contact, +971 4 36181111
Gingerbread fun at The
Address, Dubai Marina
Mazina is giving you the perfect opportunity
to create your own gingerbread house. The
ingredients are provided, and the hotels
master chefs will show you and your little
one how to prepare it and decorate it. It is
your to take home too.
Date: 17 December, 2011
Time: 12.30 to 15:30
Price: AED 195 per person
For more information and reservations,
call +971 4 4367777
Decorate gingerbread
cookies with your kids
Join Santa and Hey Sugar, Park Island
Marina, and learn to master the art of
baking and decorating gingerbread men
and gingerbread houses.
Date: December 10
Price per head: AED 100 -150 per child
contact, + 971 50 4508733
Festive culinary boot camp at
The Palace The Old Town
Executive chef Jean Luc Morcellet will
perform a demonstration in a professional
kitchen, teaching techniques as well as
tips and secrets on how to prepare an
enormous festive feast. Learn everything
from turkey, turnips to trimmings and
finish off with a lunch and recipes to go!
Date: 6 December 2011
Price per head: AED 295 per person
inclusive of lunch and recipes
Time: 11.00 to 14.00
For information and reservations, contact
+971 4 4287806
Saint Nicholas Day at Grand
Millennium Dubai
Enjoy a special buffet at Belgian Beer Caf
and celebrate the famous St. Nicholas Day.
Date: December 3
Price per head: AED 185 including one
bottle of beer
Time: 12 to15.30 and 19.00 to 22.30
festive special
Make it a mouthwatering
Christmas dinner
Bord Eau, Shangri La Hotel,
Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Relish a French five-course set menu
featuring pan-fried foie gras with truffle
risotto and scallops, crayfish and seafood
consomm before a sweet ending with
opera chocolate cake, all created by chef
Alexandre Pernetta.
Price per head: AED 550+
excluding beverages
contact +971 2 509 8888
Pearls & Caviar , Shangri La
Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Indulge in fresh seafood and a wide
Mediterranean spread with specialties
such as scallops cooked in Raz el Hanout,
hot broth of Brittany lobster or bananas
compressed in Madagascan vanilla.
Price per head: AED 699+
Time: 19.00 to 01.00
contact +971 2 509 8777
Fazaris, The Address
Downtown, Burj Khalifa
Enjoy a blend of Japanese, Asian,
Indian, Arabian and Mediterranean
cuisines. Opt for an indoor or
outdoor seating while swaying
to live entertainment.
Price per head: AED 275 including
soft beverages, AED 375 including
house beverages
Time: 19.00 to 23.00
contact +971 4 436 8799
Asado, The Palace

The Old Town, Dubai
Dine at the enchanting Argentinean grill,
serving a three-course feast complete with
trimmings, while the Latin American band
plays classic hits. Limited a la carte menu
option is also available.
soft beverages
Time: 19.00 to 23.30
For information and reservations
please contact, +971 4 4287806
Rostang, Atlantis,
The Palm Jumeirah
Savour a French buffet, consisting of
signature dishes such as sauted snail in
puff pastry and Michel Rostangs infamous
pate croute. A variety of pork ham and
sausages are also served along with mains.
selected wines
Time: 06.30 to 11.00pm
For information and reservations contact,
+ 971 4 426 2626
Beachcombers,
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Sumptuous South-East Asian buffet with
unique specials awaits you for dinner.
Price per head: AED 325
exclusive of beverages
Children policy: 12 to 20 years: AED 290,
below 12 years: AED 165
Time: 19.00 to 23.30
Dress Code: Casual
contact +971 4 4068999 +971 4 4068999
Ronda Locatelli, Atlantis,

The Palm Jumeirah
Enjoy a set menu consisting of tortellini,
prawns and courgettes ravioli with a
choice of braised beef cheek or fillet of
John Dory, finish off with sweet
Christmas desserts.
excluding beverages
Time: 18.00 to midnight
For information and reservations, please
contact: + 971 4 426 2626
Nasimi, Atlantis,
The Palm Jumeirah
Feast on an early barbecue lunch or joins
in for dinner on the beach with an
assortment of fresh meats and seafood.
Dont forget to catch Santa Claus busting
moves on the beach.
Price per head: AED 175 excluding
beverages, AED 295 including beverages
Time: 13.00 to 16.00
contact +971 4 4262626
festive special
Aquara Restaurant, Dubai
Marina Yacht Club
International delicacies are served and
cooked up at gourmet live action stations.
soft beverages, AED 455 including
selected beverages
Time: 19.30 to 22.30
contact + 971 4 362 7900
La Parilla, Jumeirah Beach

Hotel, Dubai
Enjoy a traditional Latin American fourcourse set menu while you enjoy
entertainment by live tango dancers.
Price per head: AED 425 including unlimited
house grape beverages and lagers
Children policy: 12 to 20 years: AED 385,
4 -11 years: AED 210
Time: 18.30 to 01.00
Dress code: Formal
contact +971 4 348 0000
Pier Chic Al Qasr Dubai
Indulge in a three-course set menu while
listening to the crashing waves and
enjoying an impeccable view on the pier.
Price: AED 590 including beverages
Children policy: Below 9 years
are not permitted.
Time: 19.00 to 23.30
Dress code: Smart casual
contact + 971 4 3666730
Christmas Day Brunches & Lunches:

Certo, Radisson Blu Hotel,
Dubai Media City
Enjoy an authentic Italian style brunch, complete
with carol singing and a visit from Santa.
Price per head: AED 175 excluding
beverages, AED 249 with house beverages
and free-flowing bubbly ros.
Time: 12.30 to 16:00
Dress Code: Smart casual
contact +971 4 366 9111
Imperium, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Enjoy a lavish French-inspired buffet
with a special visit from Santa and gifts
for the little ones. Groove away to tunes
from the live band.
including beverages
Time: 13.00 onwards
contact +971 4 45304 44
Latitude, Jumeirah Beach Hotel

A delicious bubbly brunch with traditional
festive specialities, package includes
bubbly, selected house beverages, house
water, soft drink, tea and coffee.
Children: 12 to 20 years, AED 320 and
below 12 years, AED 180
Time: 12.00 to 16.00
contact +971 4 4068999
Mazina, The Address,

Dubai Marina
Savour traditional culinary favourites such
as roast turkey, mince pies, pastries and a
special eggnog station.
Price per head: AED 395 inclusive of
buffet and soft beverages (special
beverages on request).
Time: 12.30 to 16.00
contact +971 4 4367777
Le Meridien Abu Dhabi

A festive Christmas buffet at La Brasserie,
while a scrumptious Italian meal will be
served up by Pappagallo. Santa promises
to give every child something memorable
to take home.
Child policy: AED 100
Time: 12.00 to 16.00
contact +971 2 644 6666
Traiteur, Park Hyatt Dubai

Celebrate a Brunch at the Park with a theatre-style kitchen
amongst stunning architectures. Package includes dining from live
cooking stations, signature favourites such as Butterball turkey with
trimmings and an extensive dessert buffet, all topped with freeflowing Champagne.
Price per head: AED 795 including free-flowing Veuve Clicquot
Champagne, wine and beer
Time: 12.30 to 16.00
For more information and reservations, contact +971 4 317 2222
Yalumba, Le Meridien Dubai
The number one party brunch, enjoy an all you can eat and drink
buffet with Taittinger Brut Reserve NV and fine wines.
Timings: 13.00 to 16.00
Madinat Jumeirah
Festive Brunch
Signature dishes combined from Al Muna, The Wharf and Zheng
Hes at Mina A Salam combines to ensure you have a magnificent
buffet. Guests receive a welcome beverage.
Price: AED 620 including house grape beverages, cocktails and lager
Children policy: 4 - 20 years: 25 percent discount, below 4 years
dine complimentary
Time: 12.30 to 16.00
For more information and reservations, contact +971 4 3668888
Royal Brunch at Ember,

The Address Dubai Mall
Feast on a Royal Festive Brunch with a variety of marinated seafood
and cuts with trimmings. Dance the evening away, and also get a
chance to win a complimentary spa voucher for two, while children
receive a special surprise visit.
Price per head: AED 245 inclusive of soft drinks and juices; AED
345 inclusive of unlimited selected beverages.
Time: 12.30 to 16.00
festive special
Villa Beach,
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Exotic beach barbecue inclusive of
house wines, special beverages and
bottled lager.
Price: AED 450 or 645
Children policy: 12 to 20 years: AED
400, below 12 years: AED 225
Time: 12.00 to 16.30
contact +971 4 406 8999
Nineteen Restaurant, The

Address Montgomerie Dubai
Gaze out at the golf course while
indulging on a wide choice of
culinary delights accompanied by
delicious beverages.
Price per head: Members: AED 315
inclusive of soft beverages, AED 440
inclusive of selected house beverages.
Non-members: AED 350 inclusive of soft
beverages, AED 485 inclusive of
selected house beverages.
Time: 12:00 to 15.30
contact +971 4 390 5600
Mosaico,
Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Munch on a delightful buffet while children
enjoy special activities, gifts and goodies
organised by Sinbads kids club
exclusive of beverages.
Children policy: 13 to 20 years: 25
percent discount, 4 to 12 years: 50
percent discount
Time: 12.30 to 15.00
contact +971 4 319 8088
Ginger, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
Feast on a brunch while Santa makes a
special appearance, and listen to classics
sung by a Christmas choir.
Price per head: AED 225 inclusive of a
glass of wine/soft drinks
Time: 12.00 to 16.00.
contact +971 2 657 3333
Spice Island, Crowne Plaza Deira

Enjoy a scrumptious brunch with live
cooking stations and traditional food such
as roasted turkey with trimmings, beef
wellington and desserts. Cheer along to
Christmas carols sung by the resident band.
Price per head: AED 249 onwards,
including beverages
Children Policy: 6 to 12 years old dine
for just AED 99
Time: 12.00 to 16.00
contact +971 4 262 5555
Cascades, Fairmont Dubai

A decadent, value-for-money buffet
selection of traditional roast turkey
with all trimmings. A childrens buffet
is also provided with activities
such as gingerbread and cookie
decorating activities.
Price per head: AED 295 including grape
and malt beverages
Child policy: 6-12 years old: AED 100,
below 5 dine for free
contact +971 4 311 8316
New Years Eve celebrations

The Rib Room,
Jumeirah Emirates Towers
The recently reopened restaurant offering
one of the finest steaks in Dubai, the
package includes a welcome glass of
bubbly in Clique, followed by a four-course
set menu, while listening to the sounds of
a renowned saxophonist.
percent discount, 4 to 12 years: 50
percent discount
Time: 19.30 onwards
contact +971 4 3198088
New Years Eve gala dinner

Under The Stars
Atlantis, the Palm Jumeirah
Begin the evening with pre-dinner aperitifs
around the Zero Entry Pool, then set off for
a buffet-style dinner with live cooking
stations. Dance the night away to music
with live entertainment and a DJ, while
counting down to the end of a year with a
spectacular firework display.
Price per head: AED2750
Policy: 18+
Children Policy: 12 to 17years, AED 2065
Time: From 19.30 onwards
contact +971 4 4262626
Blends,
The Address Dubai Marina
Dance into New Years Eve at this premium lounge while the DJ plays commercial hits.
Price per head: AED 100 with complimentary drink
Time: 21.00 to 03.00
For more information and reservations, contact +971 4 4367777
GENERATION CREATION AT
Mazina
SATURDAY FAMILY BRUNCH
The
gastronomic hot spot is serving up Saturday family brunch

with a twist. Get into the festive spirit, with a unique interactive
food experience at Mazina, by building your own gingerbread house.
Our master chefs will show you how to create the perfect pice de
rsistance; assemble yours with snow-capped roofs, forest-green
holly and many more delicious decorations. Compete with other
families to make the best gingerbread house. Book your brunch now
and reserve a gingerbread station, there are prizes to be won.
Date: 10th December 2011
Time: 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm
Special price: AED 195 inclusive of soft beverages
T: +971 4 436 7777 E: DINE.DUBAIMARINA@THEADDRESS.COM
WWW.THEADDRESS.COM
festive special
Ossiano or Nobu
Atlantis, The Palm
Celebrate the end of 2011 at either
Ossiano or Nobu. Ossiano offers an
eventful evening, with mesmerizing
underwater views and Mediterraneaninspired cuisine. World-renowned Nobu
offers a will offers an appetising
Japanese set menu with pre-dinner
Saketini and snacks.
Price per head: AED2300 including
unlimited selected premium beverages
Policy: 18+
Time: From 19.30 onwards
contact +971 4 4262626
Jambase, Madinat Jumeirah
Celebrate the year end with soulful sessions
by the resident band and indulge in a fourcourse set menu.
Price: AED 1200 inclusive of a bottle
of bubbly per couple and open bar on
selected beverages.
Policy: 21+ Only
Time: 20.00 onwards
contact +971 4 366 6914
New Years Day brunch

continue the festivities
Nineteen, The Address Montgomerie Dubai
A tempting brunch with relaxing surroundings
and sweeping views over the 18th hole.
Price per head: Members: AED 220
inclusive of soft beverages and AED 285
inclusive of selected house beverages.
Non-members: AED 245 inclusive of soft
beverages and AED 315 inclusive of
selected house beverages.
Time: 12.30 to 15.30
contact +971 4 390 5600
CUISCENE, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr,

aBU dhABI
Step into the New Year with a widespread
French themed buffet highlighted, inclusive
of free-flowing Mot & Chandon. With a
selection of featured dishes from former
French colonial countries such as Indochine,
Canada, Guyana, and French North Africa.
Price per head: AED 599+ for unlimited
pouring, AED 399+ for the bubble free option
Time: 19.00 to 23.30
For more information and
reservations, contact +971 2 654 3238
Pier Chic, Al Qasr, Dubai
Indulge in a five-course set menu with a
variety of desserts from the buffet this
New Year Eve and enjoy music by the
band LA Rouge. Each couple is treated
to a bottle of bubbly while all guests will
be granted access to the gala tent with
an open bar inclusive of selected
beverages and lagers.
Price: AED 4200 including open bar
featuring selected beverages.
Children policy: 9 to 20 years: 25 percent
discount, below 9 years are not permitted.
Time: 20.00 onwards
Dress code: Black tie
contact +971 4 3666730
New Years Eve Gala at
Burj al Arab
Begin with a champagne reception in Sahn
Eddar Lounge before dining at your choice
of one of the extravagant restaurants at
Burj Al Arab. After dinner, toast with a
brilliant firework display.
Price per head: AED 7,450 inclusive
of champagne
Child policy: AED 2,500 inclusive of soft
beverages. Babysitting services are available.
contact +971 4 301 7600
Mahec, Meridien Village

Le Meridien Hotel Dubai
Indulge at this Indian cuisine restaurant with a buffet that offers an extensive range of
chaat, live grill, an oyster station as well as various other main courses and desserts.
Price per head: AED 699 per head including free flow of selected house beverages
and soft drinks.
Time: 19.00 to midnight
Shimmers, Minaa Salaam,

Madinat Jumeriah Dubai
Ideally set on the beach, with tables under
the palms lit by lanterns and surrounded
spectacular views. Couples receive a bottle
of bubbly while listening to the rhythms of
a Jazz Collection live band. Guests receive
complementary access to the gala tent
once celebrations begin.
percent, below 4 years dine complimentary
Time: 20.00 onwards
contact +971 4 366 6730
Aquara Restaurant,
Dubai Marina Yacht Club
Relax and enjoy an international brunch
with family and friends overlooking the
Dubai Marina.
Price per head: AED 220 including soft
beverages, AED 350 including house
beverages
Time: 12:30 to 15.30
contact +971 4 362 7900
The Morning After Brunch @
Chefs House, Radisson Blu
Hotel, Dubai Media City
Continue the party on 1 January with a
delicious brunch while sipping beverages
and writing your resolutions.
Time: 12:30 to 16.00
contact +971 4 3669111
MADINAT JUMEIRAH:
Signature Dining
Celebrate the end of a joyful year by toasting
into 2012 at Madinat Jumeirah with an
exquisite beach gala dinner. Enjoy the
stunning views of the iconic Burj Al Arab and
a firework display at the stroke of midnight
while indulging in a scrumptious festive
buffet that will satisfy all culinary cravings.
Price per head: AED 3150 including a bottle
of bubbly per couple and full open bar.
Time: 20.00 onwards
Dress code: Black tie or lounge suit
contact +971 4 3668888
festive special
Your festive
dinner ready to
take out
Do you love the thought of succulent roast turkey with all the trimmings, as well as pumpkin pies,
Christmas puddings, stollen bread and pannetone, but dont like the thought of slaving away in the
kitchen? BBC GOOD FOOD ME narrows down the top turkeys to takeaway and festive goodies to
grab this holiday season
Takeaway turkey with all the trimmings is available

from many restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Purchase a gorgeous, traditional

Christmas cake from Movenpick
Hotel Bur Dubai. The ingredients
have been marinated and soaked for
three months in advance and the cake
is topped off with a layer of marzipan
and royal icing. Available at the SWEET
shop for the entire festive season for
AED 176 per kilo. +971 4 336 6000.
At Grand Millennium Hotel,
Tecom, Dubai you can order a giant
turkey served with herbs, roasted
baby potatoes, buttered carrots,
brussel sprouts, chestnut stuffing,
cranberry sauce, chipolata sausages
and pumpkin pie. The turkey sizes
range from 5 to 8 kg and are priced
from AED 725 onwards. Home
deliveries can be arranged and orders
can be placed at the Atrium
Restaurant in the hotel.
+971 4 429 9999.
Dont wait until the last minute to
purchase your turkey and you
favourite festive baked goodies.
From as early as 6 December you
can head down to the Aquarium
Lounge, Crowne Plaza Deira.
Goodies such as mince pies,
gingerbread houses, chocolate houses,
Christmas hampers and various other
gifts are on sale. For turkey orders, 24
hours advance notice is
recommended. +971 4 262 5555.
Head down to Jumeirah
Zabeel Saray and stop by the
festive desk to order your takeaway
festive specialities such as turkeys,
puddings, cakes and more. The
festive desk is open from 11 to 26
December. +971 4 453 0000.
For a classic-yet-modern twist

on the trimmings of your turkey
why not opt for a healthier option
takeaway turkey that includes garlic
mash, brussel sprouts and roasted
root vegetables amongst other side
options. Be sure to leave room for
the juicy Christmas pudding and
vanilla sauce. Available at Aquara
Lounge, Dubai Marina Yacht
Club from 1 to 31 December, AED
750 per order (turkey and
accompaniment). +971 4 362 7900.
Former three-star Michelin chef
Marco Pierre Whites brigade will
be offering Take Home the Turkey
this season from AED 410
onwards. Available from 24 to 26
December at Marco Pierre
White Steakhouse & Grill,
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu
Dhabi. Reservations can be made
at The Chocolate Gallery or
through the restaurant concierge.
The culinary team from
Pronto, Fairmont Dubai is
offering over 50 holiday items
from shortbread cookies, mince
tarts and Yule logs, priced from
AED 15 onwards. Turkey with
trimmings to go is priced at AED
595 onwards and available from
3 December onwards.
Arrange a lip-smacking feast for
friends and family, by ordering a
Christmas hamper filled with
biscuits, muffins, mince pies,
nougat, ginger bread men, fruit
cake and lots more. Turkey with
trimmings is also available at the
Al Bayt lobby lounge, The
Palace The Old Town.
Christmas hampers retail at AED
250 while each turkey is AED 599.
+9714 428 7888.
Dinner party
BBC Good Food ME speaks to Dubai Party
Queens Elsa Roodt and Katie Harvey to get
the top tips on decorating your table and
hosting a festive dinner party
dcor
Katie Harvey
Elsa Roodt
With the festive season coming up,

what accessories would you use to
decorate your table?
Having a festive table means having those
seasonal colours present. A great way to
do that is by purchasing a few poinsettias
(sold at Spinneys for AED 30-50 per piece)
to liven up a table. Placing a few Christmas
tree ornaments or baubles will not only
brighten, but also enhance the lighting
across the table. Why not place a string of
fairy lights on the table instead of candles?
How do you keep your guests relaxed
and at ease the whole night?
The most important element for any party
is for the host to relax and enjoy the night;
your guests will only enjoy if you are. Also,
make sure your guests are always catered
to and their glasses are topped up all night.
Make sure you are aware of the dietary
requirements of your guests too; cater for
vegetarians, Muslims and make note of
people with allergies in order to make sure
there are food choices for everyone.
Can you advise some fun elements for
the table that would help for seating
arrangements too?
The key to seating guests is to go with your
instinct. Since you know your guests better
than anyone else, keep personalities and
cultures in mind. Place cards are quirky
accents to your table place a photo of
your guest along with a funny fact about
each person in order to have a laugh and
help initiate a conversation amongst guests.
You could even give everyone a festive
name tag when they arrive, for example:
Rudolph, The Grinch, Mrs. Claus and turn it
into a game. There can even be penalties for
not acting like the allocated character!
festive special
Having a festive table means having those seasonal colours

present. A great way to do that is by purchasing a few poinsettias
to liven up a table. Placing a few Christmas tree ornaments or
baubles will not only brighten, but also enhance the lighting
across the table. Why not place a string of fairy lights on the table
instead of candles?
What are some of your top tips to

hosting a successful dinner party?
Invitations make first impressions; spend
some time and create something memorable.
For instance, a giant cookie with a simple tag
or perhaps purchase a hat and attach an
invite and get them delivered to your guests.
The next step is to Plan! Plan! Plan! Its best
to keep everything prepared in the kitchen in
order to be free to enjoy yourself with your
guests when they arrive. No party is set
without music, so make two playlists; one with
softer dinner music and one with more
upbeat songs to dance away after dinner.
Also, plan for the next day! You might be a bit
tired after your successful party, so book a
cleaner in advance to help clean up.
From your past experiences, what do you
think makes a special, memorable party?
A beautifully-decorated table, good
entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere
is definitely synonymous with successful
parties. Adding a dress code is also
advisable; people tend to relax when
they are dressed in character, with a
range of new costume shops around
town it can be easy transforming into a
hula girl or pirate by night.
Do you have any ideas for fun dinner
party themes over the festive season?
Host your own Christmas Come Dine with
Me. Give each guest a course to prepare
and ask them to bring the dish to the
dinner party with beverages and
entertainment to accompany. After the
meal, make each guest secretly vote and
by the end of the night tally the votes and
announce the winner! Arrange a gift
voucher or perhaps ask everyone to pitch
in a cash prize that will go to the guest.
Dubai Party Queen

(Dubaipartyqueen.com) is a onestop resource for party organisers,
individuals and businesses to aid
in the planning and executing of
memorable bashes. Elsa Roodt
and Katie Harvey are the founders
and owners.
Gorgeous table dcor from 2XL

This festive season 2XL has some
beautiful, stylish table accessories on
sale. Perfect for those special dinner
parties over the holiday season, or for
a fabulous Christmas day family lunch,
2XLs selection of glass plates, beaded
placemats, silky green napkins and
stylish red napkin holders will make this
Christmas one to remember! Choose
from a wide range of mix-and-match
cutlery. December is a great time to
shop at 2XL: 25-70% off! The featured
festive napkin ring was AED 14 now
AED 10 each, beaded leaf mat was AED
89 now AED 57 each.
festive special
A perfect match
BBC Good Food ME sits down with
Madan Periysamy, the sommelier of
Radisson Blu Dubai Media City to talk
about the wines you should be pairing
with your festive dishes
The dish: Traditional turkey with all

the trimmings
The wine: A light-bodied Pinot Noir
would go perfectly with the turkey. Nice
soft tannins, strawberry notes, not too
heavy. The wine will not overpower the
flavour of the turkey.
The dish: Foie gras with berry sauce

The wine: With the delicate flavour of
the foie gras, sweet wine is the perfect
match. Passito, a sweet Italian wine or a
French vin de paile (straw wine), with its
dried apricot flavours will go beautifully
with foie gras.
The dish: Pan-fried salmon or scallops

The wine: A dry Chenin Blanc with
grassy, gooseberry notes would be
lovely with scallops or any fish dish. If
the fish is grilled simply with a splash of
lemon, you could enjoy a dry Pinot
Grigio with tropical, fruity notes, or even
a nice crisp Chardonnay.
The dish: Barbecue grilled meat

The wine: Full-bodied red wines, like
red Bordeaux, or South African Cabernet
blends, with deep chocolate notes. A
Chianti or Carmenere with spicy flavours
would be fantastic with grilled meat.
A well-balanced red wine from Rhone
valley would be wonderful with a wellmarinated lamb cooked on the barbecue.
The dish: Grilled lamb chops

The wine: Try a Cabernet or Syrah with
spicy, peppery flavours. Red wines with
coffee notes, with subtle spice flavours
would be great too.
The dish: A selection of party canaps
The wine: For a party, its a great idea
to welcome your guests with a flute of
Prosecco, or even an Australian or South
African sparkling wine. These new world
sparkling wines are good quality and
very reasonably priced. For the rest of
your party, I would suggest serving lightbodied, easy drinking wines. For red, a
Pinot Noir or an entry-level Chianti, Or
even a low-alcohol Chilean Merlot. For
white wines, a Sauvignon Blanc or
smooth Chenin Blanc would be perfect.
The dish: A vegetarian pie packed

with winter vegetables
The wine: A medium-to full bodied
white wine would complement the
flavours of the vegetables, especially if
there is asparagus in there. A Chenin
Blanc or Semillon would be great. If you
prefer red, then try a Bardallino, it has a
light, sour cherry flavour.
The dish: Christmas cake and
mince pies
The wine: Now its time to bring out
the Champagne! Its Christmas afterall,
so you can splash out on a nice Moet &
Chandon, or even try a South African
Simonsig Sparkling Wine if Moet is out of
your budget.
Madan Periysamy has launched an exciting

wine menu at Icon Lounge, Radisson Blu
Dubai Media City. Focusing on different
wine regions every week, you can enjoy fine
wines and rare vintages by the glass, and can
purchase three glasses of selected wines for
AED 90. And, there is a great selection of bites
and sharing plates with cheeses, sushi, sashimi
or charcuterie available too.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
2XL, for all your festive entertaining needs!
From gorgeous tableware, and holiday dcor to unique salt and pepper pots, colourful
tumblers and cupcake goodies, 2XL is your one-stop shop for festive entertaining
Beautiful tea lights, candle holders and leaflike table accessories will create a unique
centerpiece. Intricate, and in a range of
festive colours, your table will be elegant
and filled with festive cheer.
Create a beautiful, cosy festive atmosphere at home with this

vibrant red leather couch, silver throws, white cushions and
beautiful decorations for the tree. Create a winter
wonderland in your own home!
Perfect for an afternoon tea party with the girls, you can pack up
your baked goods with ease. Exclusively available at 2XL, these
Collapsible Cupcake and Cake Carrier holds up to 24 cupcakes, a
10 (25.4 cm) layer round or 9 (22.8 cm) square cake.
Ol! This round little peppermill and salt

shaker set will bring a little fun and
flavour to your meals. Made with handdyed laminated wood, each piece of the
Piata Peppermill and Salt Shaker Set is
unique, adding a little color and a little
spice to the table.
The 2XL collection of glasses adds that

dash of bright and vibrant colours to the
room or cabinets. Fun to drink from,
choose your favourite colour and get the
party started! AED 11 a glass.
A gorgeous gift for a foodie

friend, this Cutlery Clock
from 2XL makes time in the
kitchen a lot more fun!
Subtle, festive dcor in beautiful shades of green, there are

wine glasses, tumblers and place mats available from 2XL.
Break the colour scheme with splashes of red these napkin
rings and red plates are lovely.
ABU DHABI: Now open in Marina Mall (Basement Level) Abu Dhabi Mall Mina Center DUBAI: Ghurair Mall / Uptown Mirdif
SHARJAH: Regus Building (behind Mega Mall) WEBSITE: www.2xlme.com TOLL FREE: 800 2XL (295)
www.facebook.com/2xl-furniture
Cooking in
Ds Kitchen
this Christmas
Dalia Dogmoch, cofounder of Kitsch
Cupcakes and the foodie
behind the beautiful Ds
Kitchen food blog, creates
a gorgeous Christmas
lunch for the whole family
Spiced pumpkin soup
Serves 10-12
Photography CRIS MeJORADA
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp nut oil
1.5kg pumpkin cut into chunks
1 tsp salt
tsp white pepper
1 tsp sugar
tsp all spice
tsp nutmeg
5 cups chicken broth
cup cooking cream
1 In a pot, saut the onions and

pumpkin in a little butter and nut oil,
then add the hot chicken broth, sugar,
nutmeg, allspice, pepper and salt.
Simmer until the pumpkin is tender, for
about 20 minutes or so.
2 With a hand blender, mash the
pumpkin until it turns into a puree,
then let it simmer for another five
minutes before the final salt and
cracked pepper seasoning. Pour into
bowls and add a little swirl of cooking
cream before serving. Enjoy!
Deliciously creamy
and packed with winter
flavours, the whole
family will enjoy this
starter
festive
CHEFS
special
BITES
DALIA DOGMOCH
assemble the dish by

starting with the mashed
potatoes, place the
tenderloin on top and
drizzle with the sauce and
the coulis. Beautiful!
Tenderloins with foie gras
& berry sauce over
creamy potatoes
Serves 10-12
2kg beef tenderloin
2 tsp dry thyme
2 tsp white peppercorns, crushed
1 tsp rock salt
5 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp mustard
10 large potatoes
cup of butter
cup of milk
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt (or more to taste)
tsp white pepper
cracked pepper
Foie gras sauce:
360g foie gras
1 shallot
1 cups chicken stock
salt and cracked pepper
Berry coulis:
1 cup mixed berries
1 tbsp powdered sugar
1 In a small bowl whisk the olive oil,

thyme, mustard, pepper and salt. Rub
the marinade over the tenderloin,
then cover it with aluminum foil and
let it marinate in the fridge for at least
two hours.
2 Preheat the oven to 200C. In a
pan, heat a knob of butter and a
little olive oil on medium heat and
sear the tenderloin by browning it
evenly on all sides.
3 Remove the foil, and place the
tenderloin on a tray in the preheated
oven and roast for 25 minutes (for
medium rare) Once out of the oven,
cover the meat with aluminum foil
and let it rest for 20 minutes before
cutting it in 1.5 2cm slices.
4 To make the mash, cover the
potatoes in aluminum foil and bake in
the oven for about 50 minutes or until
soft. Then mash the potatoes in a pot,
add the melted butter and milk and
combine well over low heat. Season
with nutmeg, salt and pepper, and
keep warm until ready to serve.
5 In a small saucepan, heat a little olive

oil and saut the shallots until
translucent, add the foie gras and
saut for a few minutes. Puree the foie
gras and onions in a blender, and
slowly add the stock. Season with salt
and pepper and keep warm until
serving.
6 In another small saucepan cook the
berries with icing sugar on low heat for
a few minutes, just until they release
their juices then set aside.
7 Now assemble the dish by starting
with the mashed potatoes, place the
tenderloin on top and drizzle with the
sauce and the coulis. Beautiful!
festive special
Chestnut & chocolate
vacherin
Serves 10-12
8 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup icing sugar
1 cup regular sugar
300g dark chocolate (70%)
cup single cream
cup hot water
750g sweetened chestnut puree
vanilla ice cream
whipped cream
Tip: To save time, you can use storebought meringue if you prefer
1 Preheat the oven to 160C. Place the

egg whites in a mixing bowl and use
an electric mixer to whisk until they
form soft peaks. Add the vanilla
essence, then the sugar, a spoonful
at a time, until you have a glossy, soft
meringue-like consistency. Place
large dollops of meringue on
parchment paper and bake in the
oven for about 50 minutes, until the
meringues turn slightly golden.
2 In a small saucepan melt the
chocolate and cream, add the hot
water, then whisk until smooth and
set aside.
3 Now assemble this decadent
dessert by starting with the
meringue, add a scoop of vanilla ice
cream, the chestnut puree, the
meringue again, whipped cream, and
drizzle with chocolate sauce.
Absolutely delicious!
Dalias family around her dining room table
For more of Dalias

foodie updates and
gorgeous recipes visit
www.daliaskitchen.com
or like her Facebook
page - Dalias Kitchen
Food Blog.
Food
Club
Event
Be a Venetian
chef at home
The charismatic head chef Paolo of Caff

Florian, DIFC taught our Food Club
members to create three delicious
Venetian dishes. Perfect for an alfresco
dinner party, we hope you enjoy creating
these recipes at home
Chef Paolo at work

creating ravioli filled
with burrata
ast month, at the striking Hacker Kitchen

Showroom in Al Barsha, the talented Italian chef
Paolo and the team from Caffe Florian taught
over 90 lucky Food Club members to cook... Venetian
style!
Caffe Florian originally opened in San Marco Square
in Venice in 1720, with many saying it was one of the
first cafes in Europe. A place for musicians, artists and
writers to meet, many would pass by to enjoy coffee,
discussions and listen to the famous Caffe Florian
band. While the Venetian original still exists, with
Caffe Florian in DIFC, you dont need to travel to Italy
to get your fix.
Paying tribute to the essence of traditional Venetian
food, music, dcor and hospitality, Caffe Florian DIFC
is a beautiful multi-storied restaurant with a menu
bursting with Italian classics. Throughout the month
of December, you can sample their gorgeous white
truffle menu, while listening to a trio of musicians
that have been flown in from Venice. The restaurant
also recently launched a wine and beverage menu,
boasting some beautiful Italian varietals.
At the Food Club event, we learned to create the
fresh and tasty tuna tartare over avocado concasse,
that was simply delicious and beautifully presented.
This cold starter is perfect for a dinner party; you can
prepare it before your guests arrive and it will look
elegant when served, too. For mains, it was a beautiful
creamy ravioli filled with burrata and served with
parmesan cream, and for dessert a traditional tiramisu.
The fresh tuna tartare is light and

delicious... the perfect alfresco starter
CHEFS BITES
Caff Florian
Starter
Tartare di tuna con avocado
Serves 1 Yellowfin tuna tartare served
over an avocado concasse
150g yellow fin tuna
25g shallots, finely chopped
15ml soy sauce
20g olive oil
5g sesame oil
chives, a small handful finely chopped
1 avocado
10ml lime juice
To garnish
balsamic glaze
micro herbs
sesame seeds
One lucky Food Club member

won a Culin'Or juice extractor
Another Food Club

member was thrilled to
win Culin'Or
pots and pans
1 Finely dice the tuna and mix it in a

bowl with the shallots, soy sauce, a dash
of olive oil, sesame oil and chives.
Season to taste.
2 Finely dice the avocado in a separate
bowl and add a dash of olive oil and
lime juice.
3 Place a round mould in the middle of a
plate and make a layer of tuna as the base,
then add a second layer of the avocado
and a final layer of tuna.
4 To garnish: Sprinkle the sesame seeds
on the top, drizzle balsamic glaze on the
plate and decorate with micro herbs.
The final yellow fin tuna tartare
dish with avocado concasse,
finished with sesame seeds
and micro herbs
CHEFS BITES
Caff Florian
dessert
Tiramisu
Serves: 6-7
150g egg yolks
160g sugar
500g mascarpone cheese
almond essence, 4/5 drops to taste
1 vanilla pod, deseeded
400g whipping cream
2 tsp instant coffee
2pcts finger biscuits
To garnish
fresh fruit
1 tbsp cream, whipped
Homemade ravioli filled with burrata cheese
Main
Mezze lune alla burrata
Serves 4-6 Homemade half-moon ravioli filled with fresh burrata
cheese on thin sheet of parmesan cream
Pasta Dough
100g egg yolks
100g eggs
320g oo flour
1 tsp olive oil
salt, a pinch
Filling
200g burrata cheese
10g Parmesan, grated
handful fresh basil, finely chopped
Parmesan cream
200g single cream
100g Parmesan, grated
A pinch nutmeg powder
Sauce
50g butter
50g vegetable stock
Garnish
fresh basil
cherry tomatoes
1 For the dough: Place the flour and

salt in a bowl and make a well. Add the
eggs and egg yolks into the well.
2 Combine together using your hands to
form dough.
3 Wrap the ball of dough in cling film and
chill for 30 mins.
4 For the filling: Slice the burrata
open and squeeze out the juices. Using a

folk mash the burrata into a paste.
5 Add the basil and parmesan cheese.
Mix together and set aside.
6 To make the ravioli, use a rolling pin to
roll out the pasta dough. Then roll it
through a pasta machine until your
required thickness (2/3mm).
7 With a circular cutter cut out discs and
place a tsp of the filing in the centre of
each disc.
8 Fold each ravioli disc in half to in-case
the filling in the middle, seal the sides
with a touch of egg yolk.
9 Repeat for each ravioli disc and
set aside.
10 For the parmesan cream, put all
the ingredients in a saucepan and gently
reduce on a low heat for 5 mins.
11 To finish, cook the ravioli in salted
boiling water for 3 mins.
12 Melt the butter and stock for the
sauce in a saucepan and add the
cooked ravioli. Mix together and
remove from heat.
13 Place a layer of the parmesan cream
onto the plate, add 6 pieces of ravioli ad
garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh
basil leaves.
1 Mix the egg yolks and the sugar

together until fluffy, stir in the
mascarpone, almond essence and
vanilla seeds.
2 Whip the cream in the separate bowl
and then fold it into the ingredients above.
3 Put the coffee in a shallow bowl, add
boiling water and briefly soak the finger
biscuits until soft.
4 Put a layer of the soaked finger biscuits
at the bottom of the dish.
5 Spoon a layer of the mascarpone
cream mix over the top.
6 Add another layer of finger biscuits and
then a second layer of mascarpone cream.
7 Allow to set in the fridge for 2 hours.
8 Before serving, sieve a generous
coating of cocoa powder on the top and
garnish with a dollop of cream and fruits
of your choice.
Caffe Florian's tiramisu
travel
Postcard from
Madeira
The Portugese islands capital, Funchal, provides
Marina with a of Madeiras signature bread and wine
Words Marina OLoughlin Photographs David Thomas
vertiginously steep asphalt by carro de

cesto basically a big wicker basket on
wooden skis, possibly the most touristy
thing Ive ever done; surprisingly, I
absolutely love it the city starts to
deliver some genuine pleasures.
We do a lot of climbing up heartthumpingly steep roads. Way up where
the air smells of wild eucalyptus, we
find the Choupana Hills Resort & Spa
(choupanahills.com), a wooded
sanctuary thats almost Balinese in its
dedication to holistic pleasure. The
Xpana restaurant looks onto the
serene, green-tiled pool and the
amphitheatre of Funchals harbour;
Canadian chef Momo Abbane does a
great job of twisting the local specialties
bolo de mel (spiced honey cake) made
into cheesecake, maybe, or Thai-spiced
local prawns.
Another vertiginous road, past terrace
after terrace of banana trees, leads to the
tiny, grape-growing village of Estreito de
Cmara de Lobos, renowned as the
home of espetadas, or meat skewered on
bay twigs and served dripping from
elaborate wrought-iron hook
contraptions. Extended family parties of
moneyed Funchalites head to the long,
low slung shack that is Adega da Quinta
(quintadoestreitomadeira.com/
restaurants.html). The alluring perfume
of wood smoke and grilling meat hits
you as soon as you walk in.
A glass of nutty madeira acts as
curtain-raiser for wedges of garlicky
homemade bolo do caco (sweet potato

bread), green beans with chorizo and
pork in herbs and vinegar. Theres
barbecued chicken, lurking smokily in
its big Staub casserole. But the main
event is the beef espetada: tender, pink
Madeiran ladies once used the wine

as perfume and men went wild
Marina OLoughlin is
an incognito
restaurant critic and
Guild of Food Writers
Reviewer of the Year
2011. Marina travelled
to and stayed in
Funchal thanks to
Madeira Promotion
Bureau (madeira
islands.travel)
with a pleasingly charred crust, dripping

its juices onto the plate below. It might
not be haute cuisine, but its a blast.
You want haute cuisine? Here, it tends
towards the stuffy, unless you go to Uva, at
the very top of Funchals chicest boutique
hotel,The Vine (hotelthevine.com). In this
clubby outpost with its rooftop tables,
theres a healthy dose of nonsense etched
metal menu, unnecessary complexity. But
dishes like a vast pithivier (pie by any
other name) rammed with almost-rare
duck breast, foie gras and the fragrance of
madeira make sense of the pretentions.
Perhaps more of the excellent local
produce would be nice rather than
Pyrenean suckling lamb or Pertuis
asparagus.The wonderful cheeses are, at
least, Portuguese.
Skipping past touts that infest the
otherwise charming Zona Velha (the old
town) we wind up for late night drinks
in a great little bar the portentouslynamed Tasca Literria Dona Joana
Rabo-de-Peixe (donajoana.amawebs.
com). On the walls are what looks like
photos of Carry On members, and,
recipe photograph yuki sugiura | styling luis peral | food styling kate calder | Illustration Mark Watkinson
ave some madeira, mdear,

sang vintage comic musical duo
Flanders and Swann. And this
air of whimsical, upper-class fustiness
has clung to this unique fortified wine for
decades. But, like its cousin sherry, it
would be a mistake to underestimate it.
The islands craggy, volcanic topography
isnt exactly designed for grape-growing;
but tiny, ziggurated vine plots (you can
hardly call them vineyards) creep up to the
azure sky everywhere you turn. Apparently,
the wines were once packed for long sea
voyages, fortified with extra alcohol and
then accidentally baked in the sun.The
result was a potent brew of extraordinary
longevity it literally never goes off.
Blandys (blandys.com) may have a
vague air of the tourist trap, but its an
essential stop for anyone interested in
the remarkable wine. More interesting
to me than dusty old casks and ancient
archives is the discovery of sercial dry
madeira (there are also the more familiar
verdelho, butterscotch-y bual and sticky,
raisin-y malmsey): think a delicious
collision between fino sherry and fine
white port. The place smells amazing.
Apparently, Madeiran ladies once used
the wine as perfume and men went
wild. Add a touch of eau de bacon and
Chanel would have to look to its laurels.
Were staying in the beautiful Quinta
da Bela Vista (belavistamadeira.com),
a stately, antique-crammed old dame
with lush, tropical grounds in Funchals
hills. And after a careering trip down
travel
Bolo do caco
continuing the literary theme, theres
incomprehensible writing scrawled
everywhere. The bill comes in a
traditional shoe: five cocktails cost 17.
The town is blessed with great cafs
and cakeshops. I like lurking in the chic
Caf do Teatro (cafedoteatro.com),
downing ponchas and Coral beers. But
Im more intrigued by stalls lining the
neighbouring pavement flogging tim
tam tum, which appears to be fruity
electric soup. Two of these alcoholic
little numbers and youll be dancing
along with the elaborately costumed
dancers in the main square.
One of the nicest things we eat is at
one of the many little park kiosks, this
one in the Jardim Municipal, just
minutes from Blandys. Its a prego:
delicious homemade bolo do caco,
steeped in garlic and butter, stuffed with
steak grilled with more of the same. It
may not be doing good things for my
cholesterol levels, but its pretty much
the ultimate steak sarnie.
Makes 8 2 hours A little effort

Our version of Madeiras flatbread,
traditionally served with garlic butter.
plain flour 450g
easy bake yeast 7g sachet
salt 1 tsp
sweet potato 100g, peeled,
cooked and mashed
Sure, Funchal is never going to give

Tokyo cause to tremble in its boots,
food-wise. But it rewards scratching the
surface, keeping an open mind about
black scabbard fish served with banana,
and drinking as much sercial as you
possibly can.
1 Mix all the ingredients together with

enough warm water to make a soft,
kneadable dough (youll need about
250ml). Knead, dusting with extra flour,
for 10 minutes. Put in an oiled bowl,
cover with clingfilm and leave in a warm
place for 1 hour.
2 Divide the mixture and shape into 8
flat rounds. Cover and leave to rise for a
further 30 minutes.
3 Heat a flat griddle or heavy frying pan
and cook the bread for 8-10 minutes each
side until browned and cooked through.
PER SERVING 209 kcals, protein 5.7g, carbs
46.3g, fat 1.4g, sat fat 0.2g, fibre 2g, salt 0.64g
Festive season
Come and enjoy this magical time of the year. Celebrate in style
in the luxurious surroundings of the award winning restaurant.
Ruths Traditional Dinner (24 & 25th of December) with Sommelier Choice of White
or Red for just AED365.00 p/person For more details or to make reservation please call
04 501 8666 or e-mail us on info@ruthschris.ae
Alternatively you are welcome to make the reservation on line via www.ruthschris.ae
e
e
Come and join us at Ruths Chris Steak House for

Come and join us at Ruths Chris Steak House for
New years eve

New Orleans Style
New Orleans Style
Welcome 2012 in style with our all inclusive - New Years Eve Package*. For only
Welcomep/p
2012
intraditional
style with 3our
all inclusive
- New Years
Package*.unlimited
For only
950AED
our
course
dinner includes
bubblyEve
at midnight,
950AED p/pselected
our traditional
3
course
dinner
includes
bubbly
at
midnight,
unlimited
beverages and of course stylish live entertainment.
selected beverages and of course stylish live entertainment.
CoCktails start at 20:30 - Dinner starts at 21:30

CoCktails start at 20:30 - Dinner starts at 21:30
If you are just about the party on New Years Eve then join us on or after 22:30 for
If you
just about
the party
on New
Years with
Eve then
join us
on orParty
afterPackage*
22:30 for.
our
all are
inclusive
unlimited
selected
beverages
midnight
snacks
our all inclusive Only
unlimited
selected
beverages with
midnight
snacks Party Package*.
450AED
for Gentlemen
350AED
for Ladies.
Only 450AED for Gentlemen 350AED for Ladies.
* Both above Packages available with 10% discount if reservation and full pre-payment are
made
of December
note that
our regular and
Ala full
Carte
Menu willare
be
* Bothbefore
above15th
Packages
available2011.
with Please
10% discount
if reservation
pre-payment
available
from 18:00
20:30
only
made before 15th of December
2011. Please
note -that
our
regular Ala Carte Menu will be
available from 18:00 - 20:30 only
travel
caPe grace
From Cape
to Caf Chic
Malika Van Reenen, the executive chef of Cape Grace
Hotel, Cape Town was the guest chef at Caf Chic, Le
Meridien Dubai last month. Lauren Hills joins Chef Malika
for dinner to find out more
How did you enjoy your visit to Caf Chic? Did you enjoy working
with the team there?
What a fantastic team! A great experience, predominantly due to the
awesome people I got to meet and work with at Caf Chic, Le Meridien. So
friendly, accommodating, and with a pristine work ethic; making for an all
round pleasant working environment in a great setting, gorgeous restaurant
and beautiful kitchen. It was wonderful to see so many different
international cultural groups working together forming one great team.
How do you think the food scene differs between Dubai and
Cape Town?
I dont feel the food scene necessarily differs, however there is much bigger
market or demand for the finer luxury items like white truffles in Dubai,
which isnt really the case in Cape Town.
How would you describe the food and restaurant scene in South
Africa? Do you think it is growing and developing?
I definitely think the food scene in Cape Town has done a complete
revolution in the last 10 years, bringing it on par with some of the best
restaurants abroad. We have access to pretty much everything, which
previously (without a major struggle!) wasnt available. Restaurants keep
evolving and theres some great young talent doing really exciting things on
the culinary scene. On the downside though, many restaurants dont seem
to have a very long life span, regardless of them putting out a great quality
product and seeing the feet come through the door. Overheads still remain
really high and the market remains rather fickle.
When did you know you wanted to be a chef and what led you to
the position you are in today?
Only during my last year at school did I realise that I could possibly turn what
I enjoyed most into a career. My earliest and fondest memories revolved
mostly around food; the aromas, the textures, the lingering flavours. My
mother always says that before Id even finished my meal, Id question what
the next meal would be. So, without realising it, I guess I always knew!
I studied hospitality management, did my training in one of a very few

five star hotels in Cape Town at the time, whereas now the options for five
star hotels are limitless. I spent the greater part of my career in restaurants
including working in the UK for two years, prior to joining the Cape Grace
Hotel where I am now the executive chef overseeing all the food outlets.
Can you tell me a bit about Signal restaurant at Cape Grace?
Signal is the main restaurant at the Cape Grace, and the dcor is absolutely
beautiful, with oversized crystal chandeliers, hand painted fabrics depicting
local stories of the past with original antique pieces. The food served would
be best described as Cape contemporary; this is about utilising the best
local produce, modern international methods of cooking infused with the
distinct flavour of Cape Town.
How would you describe your personal style of cooking?
Simple, aromatic, feel good food.
travel
caPe grace
For visitors to Cape Town, what top five

foodie experiences would you recommend,
and why?
A visit to the Saturday markets to stock up on the
best fresh produce while eating and drinking
your way through gourmet delights being
prepared while youre waiting. My personal
favourites are the markets at the Old Biscuit Mill
in Salt River and the Bay Market in Hout Bay.
Fish and Chips at Kalk Bay, overlooking the
working harbour while the boats are coming in
with their fresh catch of the day.
A visit to a local takeaway in the Bo Kaap area,
which is the Cape Malay District, comprising of
a predominantly Muslim Community in very
colourful surroundings is a must. Here you
should sample a salomi which is curry served
wrapped in a roti-flat bread and designed to be
eaten with your hands, not cutlery. They also
have some local koeksisters, which are spicy
doughnuts soaked in syrup.
Im definitely proud of what South Africa
has achieved with producing our own cheese,
and therefore recommend a tasting at The Real
Cheese in Observatory, which is a supplier of
artisan cheese open to individuals and
supplying the hospitality trade. While tasting
cheese youll also sample an array of fruit
preserves like fig konfyt (jam) and hanepoot
jam which are local favourites.
For a special occasion, Id recommend the
Roundhouse Restaurant in Camps Bay or for
something a bit more relaxed Id suggest a picnic
also at the Roundhouse in the garden with the
most beautiful views.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The freedom to expose the passion for great
fresh produce and how it makes you feel in the
form of a handcrafted representation on a plate
and the satisfaction of having someone
understand and appreciate whats been done.
What is your favourite authentic South
African meal?
A traditional South African braai (barbecue),
which consists of a feast made up of vast
amounts of different types of meat or seafood
cooked over wood fired coals served with bread
and mielies (corn on the cob), which is also
cooked on the fire, and a large selection of salads.
Backed by iconic Table Mountain and positioned on a private quay in the centre of Cape Towns vibrant V&A Waterfront,
Cape Grace epitomizes style, sophistication and warm hospitality
Signal restaurant, Cape Grace hotel
travel
caPe grace
Seared Salmon, potato gnocchi,
orange salsa, caramelised fennel
This dish was on the menu at Cafe Chic, Le Meridien
Dubai when Chef Malika Van Reenen was guest chef
at the end of November 2011
Per portion
180g salmon
1 baby fennel bulb
orange
chili
10g coriander
20g peas
3 asparagus spears
Potato gnocchi
MAKES 12 portions
1kg potatoes
300g flour
20g salt
2 egg yolks
1 Pierce the potatoes several times so that

moisture can escape during baking. Bake the
potatoes in a preheated 200 degrees C oven
for 1 hour until fork tender. Peel the potatoes
while they are still hot and press them through
a potato ricer. Put the potatoes in a large bowl
with salt, baking powder, and egg white.
2 Add the flour a little at a time and mix with
your hands until the mixture forms a rough
dough. Do not over-work the dough. Transfer
the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently
knead the dough for 1 or 2 mins until smooth,
adding a little bit more flour, if necessary, to
keep it from sticking.
3 Break off a piece of the dough and roll it
back and forth into a rope, about the
thickness of your index finger. Cut the rope
into 1-inch pieces. Gently roll each piece down
a wooden gnocchi board while pressing a
small dimple with your finger. The gnocchi
should be slightly curved and marked with
ridges. This will allow the pillows to hold
sauce when served.
4 Boil the gnocchi in batches in plenty of salted
water. The gnocchi are done about 2 mins after
they float to the surface, remove with a slotted
spoon, and serve. If not cooking immediately,
place the gnocchi in a single layer on a baking
pan dusted with flour. Cover with plastic wrap
and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
Food for the
Weekend
Christmas sweets
Three festive turkeys
77Stollen spirals
Gingerbread ornaments
Saturday BBQ lunch
turkey with pecan, sausage

86Roast
& chestnut stuffing & roast shallots
celeLet's
bra
te!
96Lemony potato salad
118Individual Christmas pies
Fancy a change
from fruitcake?
Try making
Sara
Buenfelds
fun, festive
alternatives
Christmas
sweets
MAKES 16 plus extra stars PREP 45

mins plus chilling COOK 30 mins
Easy
before shaping and baking
FOR THE BISCUITS
100g/4oz butter, chopped
175g/6oz dark muscovado sugar
85g/3oz golden syrup
350g/12oz plain flour, plus extra
for dusting
1 tbsp ground ginger
tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 egg, beaten
TO DECORATE
300g/11oz sifted icing sugar
16 lolly sticks or coffee stirrers
a few sweets
sugar, for sprinkling
red and white tubes of writing icing
1 Gently melt the butter, muscovado

sugar and syrup in a large pan until
the sugar dissolves. Mix the flour,
spices and tsp salt. Cool the butter
mixture a little, then stir in the bicarb.
Immediately add half the spiced flour
and beat well. Add the egg and the
rest of the spiced flour, then beat well
again until the

mixture comes
together as a soft dough.
Tip onto a sheet of foil,
flatten to a large disc, then
cool and chill until firm.
Will freeze for up to 6 weeks.
Halve the dough and roll out on a
floured surface. Stamp out trees using
a cutter about 10cm long and arrange,
well spaced apart, on baking sheets.
Bake for 12-15 mins until golden. Leave
to harden, then lift onto a rack. Repeat
with the remaining dough. Use the
trimmings to stamp out 3-4cm stars,
then bake for 9-10 mins.
3 To decorate, mix about 3 tbsp water
into the icing sugar to make a thick icing.
Use to sandwich two trees together with
a lolly stick between them. Use the rest
of the icing to ice the trees and stars,
adding sweets or sprinkling with the
sugar. For a neater result, use the
writing icing to make an outline of the
tree before filling in with the icing. Leave
to set. Will keep in a tin for 3-4 days.
PER TREE 278 kcals, protein 3g, carbs 57g, fat 6g,
Kids will love

making these
Photographs LIS PARSONS | Food styling SARA BUENFELD | Styling ARABELLA McNIE
Spiced & iced Christmas trees
WEEKEND
Stollen spirals
MAKES 11-12 buns PREP 45 mins plus
1-2 hrs rising COOK 25-30 mins
Moderately easy
before decorating
zest 1 orange, plus juice
4 tbsp Cointreau
85g/3oz dried cranberries
85g/3oz mixed dried fruit
550g/1lb 4oz strong white bread
flour, plus extra for kneading
2 x 7g sachets easy-bake dried yeast
85g/3oz golden caster sugar
good grating of nutmeg
85g/3oz butter, plus extra for the tin
1 large egg
250ml/9fl oz warm milk
sunflower oil, for the bowl
25g/1oz pistachios, chopped
300g/11oz golden marzipan
TO DECORATE
melted butter
and icing sugar,
or icing sugar
mixed with a
little water,
plus chopped
pistachios,
if you like
1 Stir together the zest and juice,

Cointreau, cranberries and mixed fruit
in a small bowl and leave to soak.
2 Meanwhile, mix the flour, yeast,
caster sugar and nutmeg in a large
bowl. Add tsp salt and rub in the
butter. Beat the egg with the warm
milk, then pour onto the flour mix. Stir
with a round-bladed knife, then use
your hands to bring the mixture
together as a soft dough.
3 Tip onto a work surface and knead
for a couple of mins, adding a little
flour only if you need to stop it
sticking. Oil the bowl, return the dough
and cover with cling film. Leave to rise
for 45 mins-1 hr in a warm place until
doubled in size.
4 Line and butter a large roasting tin
with baking parchment. Roll the risen
dough out firmly to a long strip about 70

x 18cm. Add the pistachios to the soaked
fruit, then scatter the mix along the
dough. Roll the marzipan into a sausage
the same length as the longest side of
the dough, then place it down the centre
of the dough and roll up together firmly,
a bit like making a sausage roll. Trim the
ends, then cut the rest into even lengths
and arrange, cut side up, in the tin. Cover
with cling film and leave to rise for 45
mins-1 hr until really well risen.
Bake for 15-20 mins until golden. Will
freeze for up to 6 weeks. Brush with
melted butter and dredge with icing
sugar, or mix a little water into the
icing sugar, drizzle over the buns and
scatter over the nuts. Eat within 2 days.
PER BUN 467 kcals, protein 9g, carbs 80g, fat 13g,
Delicious served
still slightly warm
Coffee Machine CM5

Preparing the perfect cup of coffee to suit
individual taste also couldnt be easier. The
Miele Coffee Machine CM5 is compact, elegant
and with its innovative one-touch function, you
can create fantastic-quality single or double
shot espresso, coffee, cappuccino or latte in
your own home. The perfect coffee with your
Christmas treats! The CM5 is available in the
Miele Gallery Dubai.
WEEKEND
Iced
gingerbread
ornaments
Sibille Buchholzer-Juen of Iconycs Cakes,

Dubai shows us how to create beautiful
homemade iced gingerbread biscuits;
perfect for decorating your Christmas tree
WEEKEND
Gingerbread cookies
Makes 24 Preparation time:
20 mins Baking time: 8 mins at
200C, 12 mins at 160C
1 2/3 cups plain flour
2/3 cups almond meal
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
tsp ground cloves
tsp ground candid orange
tsp ground candid ginger
tsp Colmar-spice (available at
Iconycs Cakes)
zest of an orange and lemon
200ml honey
85g butter
For the icing:
fondant (can be purchased at
Waitrose or Spinneys)
icing sugar
lemon juice
1 Preheat the oven to 180C. Grease

and line cookie sheets with baking
paper. In a large bowl mix the almond
meal, baking powder, bicarbonate of
soda, spices and zest.
2 Gently melt the honey and butter

together in a saucepan and tip them
onto the dry ingredients. Mix till it forms
stiff dough. Cover with plastic wrap and
leave to cool and solidify a bit.
3 Roll the dough with a large rolling pin
about 3cm thick, use cookie cutters as
per your liking. Place them with a
spatula onto the baking tray, and leave
plenty of space between each.
4 Bake them for 8 minutes at 200C and
then 12 minutes at 160C, until risen
and golden. Cool on wire racks and
store in an air tight container.
5 Colour your fondant with food
colouring as per your liking. Roll out
the fondant and use your cookie
cutters to cut out the shapes you wish
to place on top of the gingerbread
cookie. Make sure to cut out a hole at
the top of the cookie to make space to
put the ribbon through.
6 Prepare your icing beforehand by
mixing the icing sugar with lemon juice
to the consistency you would like.
Make sure it is the right consistency, as
if it is too runny your design will leak
and will be runny, and if it is too thick,
it will clump and will be very hard to
pipe straight lines.
Beautiful
Christmas
cakes are
available
from Iconycs
Cakes this
festive
season!
Email info@
iconycs.com
for details.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Celebrate the festive season

at Dusit Thani Dubai
From fantastic festive lunch and dinner options to a rejuvenating
weekend stay package, you and your family will be spoiled for
choice at Dusit Thani Dubai
ts that time of year when merriment and nostalgia inexplicably blend in wonderful harmony to create
heartfelt festive celebration. Its that time of year when families and friends gather to cheer to the year that has
come and gone, and excitingly wait for the next that is to come. And indeed, it is a time of year when Dusit
Thani Dubai gears up to make sure you have the most wonderful festive celebration to take away with you!
From traditional Christmas treats to something more elaborate, from breathtaking views of Dubai
skyline to the heavenly sound of harps playing as you enter the 24th floor, Dusit Thani is sure to
capture that festive magic for you.
PAX
BENJARONG
Refined elegance, fantastic views and

superb Italian cuisine is what Pax is all about.
This festive season, Pax will undoubtely
impress you with a variety of special festive
dishes complemented by the regions best
wines for your family and friends to enjoy.
This holiday season you can enjoy a festive
dinner set menu on 24 and 25 December for
AED 275 per person including a seven-course
set menu, with children dining for just AED
137. On New Years Eve, you can enjoy a ninecourse set menu and a glass of bubbly on
arrival for just AED 350 per person, with
children dining for AED 175.
Add Thai magic to your customary holiday

treats at the beautiful Benjarong restaurant.
Every little garnish is carved and styled in
detail to reflect that of the Royal Thai cuisine,
and there is live Thai entertainment and
stunning views of Dubai skyline.
On 24 and 25 December you can enjoy
a seven-course set dinner priced at AED
275 per adult and just AED 137 per child.
For New Years Eve, for just AED 350 per
person, you can indulge in a nine-course
set menu, including a glass of bubbly on
arrival. Children can dine for just AED 175.
THE CALIFORNIAN
Looking for some gorgeous treats this

holiday season? From festive hampers,
Christmas goodies, cookies, stollen, yule
logs, Christmas puddings, cakes and mince
pies to ginger breads and turkey
takeaways, the Delicatessen, located at the
lobby level of the hotel, is your one-stop
shop for takeaway festive celebrations.
*Turkey takeaway requires 48 hours notice.
On December 24 and 25, enjoy some

fantastic, festive lunch buffets for AED 145
per person, including soft drinks, AED 125 for
food only and AED 63 per child.
For dinner, you and your loved ones can tuck
into a traditional Christmas Eve buffet for AED
250 per person including selected house
beverages, AED 185 per person including soft
drinks and just AED 92 per child.
To ring in the New Year in delicious style,
The Californian has some decadent
Champagne New Years Eve buffet packages
on offer, with prices ranging from AED 1200
per table of two, including house beverages
and one bottle of Champagne at midnight.
DELICATESSEN
MYBAR
This holiday season you can catch the silky
voice of Rey in MyBar and embark in a
softer relaxed atmosphere, away from
frenzied holiday celebration. Relax and listen
to all your favourite Christmas classics!
24th Floor, Dusit Thani Dubai, 133 Sheikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 23335, Dubai, U.A.E,
+971 4 317 4515, dine.dtdu@dusit.com, Website: dusitthanidubai.dusit.com
Festive weekend
Stay for a m
inimum of th stay
ree nights o
festive seas
ver
on
most happen at Dusit Thani Dubai an the
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ing area of
the
fantastic view
of Burj Khalif city. Featuring a
Dusit Thani
a and the ci
ho
ty skyline,
during this m tel is the perfect place
to be
ost celebrate
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Special fest
ive rate :
AED 1555 p
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- Grand roo night inclusive of:
m with Burj
Khalifa view
- Breakfast b
uf
- Club Loun fet
ge
- New Years access
Eve dinner
celebration
Californian
at The
restaurant
- Complimen
tary bottle o
room on 31
f champagne
December
in the
- Return airp
ort transfers
Terms & cond
itions: Minim
um three ni
is inclusive of
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Municipality
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is not availa
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Festive Season
Looking forward to celebrating the
with you
Festive Season at Dusit Thani Dubai

From traditional Christmas treats to something more elaborate, from breathtaking views of Dubai skyline to the heavenly sound of harp in the
restaurants on the 24th floor, from a banquet style festivity or a choice of festive weekend stay, Dusit Thani is sure to capture that magic for you.
For enquiries and reservations:

Tel: +971 4 317 4515 / +971 4 317 4212
Email: dine.dtdu@dusit.com / reservations.dtdu@dusit.com
Web: dusitthanidubai.dusit.com
WEEKEND
festive
turkeys
Apple and juniper add a Scandinavian flavour

to a classic roast turkey recipe on page 84
Recipes angela nilsen
Choose one of our three new recipes

for a really delicious and impressive
Christmas meal
WEEKEND
Use crisp pancetta, Parmesan, lemon

and rosemary for an Italian-style
turkey crown. Finish with a splash of
Marsala in the gravy recipe on page 85
Chestnuts, sausages and sage a classic

combination for a turkey stuffing. A
sticky honey & mustard glaze gives a
glossy, flavoursome finish recipe on page 86
WEEKEND
Scandinavian roast turkey with prune

& juniper stuffing & caramelised apples
SERVES 8 with leftovers PREP 35

mins plus resting COOK 3 hrs 25
mins-3 hrs 55 mins Moderately easy
uncooked stuffing only
Lingonberry jam, which is like a cross
between raspberry jam and cranberry sauce,
adds a touch of sweetness to the gravy.
5-5.5kg/11-12lb turkey
2 onions
1 orange
25g/1oz softened butter
2 carrots, cut into big chunks
flat-leaf parsley sprigs, to garnish
FOR THE STUFFING
100g/4oz butter, plus extra
for the tray and paper
2 tsp juniper berries
3 medium onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 celery stick, finely chopped
225g/8oz fresh white breadcrumbs
2 eating apples, peeled, cored
and finely chopped
225g/8oz soft pitted prunes, chopped
25g pack parsley, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
FOR THE GRAVY
300ml/pt red wine
1 heaped tbsp lingonberry jam
or redcurrant jelly, see right
600ml/1pt turkey or
chicken stock
FOR THE APPLE WEDGES
25g/1oz butter
50g/2oz whole almonds
2 eating apples, cored and
each cut into 8 wedges

Rinse the turkey inside and out, then
pat dry with kitchen paper. Weigh the
turkey to calculate the cooking time,
allowing 40 mins per kg for the first
4kg, then 45 mins for each 1kg over
that weight. Cut 1 onion into quarters
and the other into 6 wedges. Finely
grate tsp orange zest from the
orange and set aside for the stuffing.
Quarter the orange and tuck it with the

onion quarters into the turkey cavity.
Rub the turkey all over with the butter,
then season with salt and pepper. Put
the onion wedges and carrot chunks in
the middle of a large roasting tin and
sit the turkey on top. Cover with a
loose tent of foil, then roast following
your calculated time.
2 Make the stuffing. Butter a 28 x 18 x
3cm deep baking tray and crush the
juniper berries using a pestle and
mortar. Melt the butter in a large frying
pan, tip in the onions, garlic and celery,
and fry for about 12-15 mins until
softened and just starting to turn
golden. Stir in the crushed juniper
berries, then remove the pan from the
heat. Stir in the breadcrumbs, apples,
prunes, most of the parsley (reserve a
small handful, to garnish), the reserved
orange zest and the beaten eggs.
Season with salt and pepper. Spoon
the stuffing loosely into the baking
tray, pat it down gently (dont pack it
down) then lay a piece of buttered
baking parchment on top. Set aside.
Can be made 1 day ahead and chilled.
3 Thirty mins before the end of the
cooking time, remove the turkey and
increase oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
Remove the foil, baste the turkey, then
return to the oven for a further 30 mins
until golden. If you are roasting
potatoes (for recipes, see p39), put
them in now. To test if turkey is
cooked, pierce the fattest part of the
thigh with a skewer
the juices should run clear, not pink.
If they are pink, continue to roast,
checking at 10 min intervals.
4 Remove the turkey from the oven,
transfer to a warm serving platter
and rest, covered loosely with foil,
for up to 1 hr before carving.
Meanwhile, cook the stuffing, and
make apple wedges and gravy.
Increase oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7.
Bake the stuffing for 30 mins, then
remove paper and bake for a further 10

mins to brown the top.
5 Make the gravy. Pour off any excess
fat from the roasting tin, leave the
juices and onions, and discard the
carrot. Stir the wine and lingonberry
jam or redcurrant jelly into the tin,
scraping up any sticky bits from the
bottom. Set the tin over a high heat
and bring to the boil, then boil rapidly
for 8-10 mins until reduced by half.
Pour in the stock along with any
resting juices from the turkey, and
simmer for 10-15 mins or until reduced
to your liking (this makes a slightly
thinner gravy). Season, if needed.
6 Make the apple wedges. Melt the
butter in a large non-stick frying pan.
Tip in the almonds and apples, and fry
over a medium heat for about 5-8
mins, moving them around often, until
the almonds are toasted and the
apples golden and softened, but still
holding their shape. Dont worry if the
butter starts to turn a nutty brown, it
just adds to the flavour.
7 To serve, strain the gravy into a pan,
warm through, then pour into a jug.
Scatter the stuffing with the reserved
parsley and cut into squares or
wedges. Garnish the turkey with the
apples, nuts and flat-leaf parsley
sprigs, and serve everything together.
WEEKEND
Italian-style turkey crown with roast garlic

& pancetta & lemon ciabatta stuffing

mins plus resting COOK 1 hr 50
uncooked
mins-2 hrs Moderately easy
stuffing only With no bones to contend
with, carving a turkey crown is much easier
than a whole bird. The pancetta slices will
keep it succulent and protect the meat.
2-2.5kg/4lb 8oz-5lb 8oz turkey crown
olive oil
about 10 thin slices pancetta or
streaky bacon
small rosemary sprigs
1 large onion, cut into 8 wedges
FOR THE STUFFING
4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
2 medium onions, chopped
50g/2oz pine nuts
85g/3oz grated Parmesan
6-8 slices pancetta, chopped
1 small loaf ciabatta, to give
280g/10oz breadcrumbs
4 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary
finely grated zest 1 lemon
2 eggs, beaten
FOR THE GARLIC
3 whole garlic bulbs, halved horizontally
1 lemon, cut into 6 wedges
FOR THE GRAVY
4 tsp plain flour
175ml/6fl oz medium-sweet Marsala
850ml/1pt turkey or chicken stock

Rinse the turkey then pat dry with kitchen
paper. Weigh it to calculate the cooking
time, allowing 20 mins per kg, plus 70
mins (or 90 mins when roasting
a crown over 4kg). Sit the turkey on a
board, very lightly rub all over with olive
oil and season with pepper. Lay the
pancetta or streaky bacon over the top of
the turkey, slightly overlapping to cover it.
Tuck the slices under the bird to secure at
the bottom. Insert small rosemary sprigs
haphazardly between the slices. Season
with pepper. Tie the crown across in 2-3
places with butchers string, to hold the

shape together. Put the onion wedges in
the middle of a large roasting tin and sit
the crown on top. Cover the turkey with a
2 Make the stuffing. Heat 3 tbsp of the
oil in a large frying pan. Tip in the
onions and garlic, and fry for 5-8 mins
until softened and starting to turn
golden. Push the onions to one side of
the pan, then add the pine nuts and
continue to fry for 1 min more, stirring
the nuts until golden. Remove from the
heat and cool slightly. Stir in the
remaining oil, all but a small handful of
the Parmesan and the remaining
stuffing ingredients. Season with salt
and pepper. Loosely spoon stuffing
mixture (dont pack it down) into an
oiled ovenproof dish, drizzle with a
little extra olive oil, sprinkle with
remaining Parmesan, then lay a sheet
of baking parchment on top. Set aside.
Can be made 1 day ahead and chilled.
3 Thirty mins before the end of the
If you are roasting potatoes (for recipes,
see p39), put them in now. Roast the
garlic. Remove the foil, place the garlic
halves and lemon wedges around the
turkey, then baste them and the turkey
with the cooking juices. Return the tin
to the oven and continue to roast for
the final 30 mins. To test if cooked,
pierce the fattest part of the crown with
a skewer the juices should run clear,
not pink. If they are pink, continue to
roast, checking at 10 min intervals.
4 Remove the turkey, garlic and lemon
from the oven, transfer to a warm
serving platter and rest, covered loosely
with foil, for 30 mins before carving.
Meanwhile, increase oven to
220C/200C fan/gas 7. Put the stuffing in
the oven and bake for 20 mins, then
remove the paper and bake for a further
5 mins until the stuffing is golden.

fat from the roasting tin but leave the
juices and onions. Stir all the sticky bits
from the bottom of the tin into the
juices. Set tin over a medium heat,
add the flour and cook, stirring
continuously, for 2 mins. Pour in the
Marsala and simmer for 2 mins. Pour in
the stock, bring to the boil, then
simmer for 5-10 mins or until reduced
to your liking. Season with pepper if
needed. Strain the gravy into a pan,
warm through, then pour into a jug.
Serve the turkey garnished with
rosemary sprigs, surrounded with
the roasted garlic and lemon, and
accompanied by the gravy and stuffing.
Making breadcrumbs
If you dont have a food processor, you can
make breadcrumbs by grating the bread.
Top tip
Buy a pair of good, extra-thick rubber
gloves to lift your turkey straight from the
roasting tin to the serving platter without
burning your hands.
WEEKEND
Roast turkey with pecan, sausage

& chestnut stuffing & roast shallots

mins plus resting COOK 3 hrs 25
mins-3 hrs 55 mins Moderately easy
uncooked stuffing only
5-5.5kg/11-12lb turkey
1 lemon
4 shallots, halved
sprig each thyme and sage, plus
extra for serving
25g/1oz softened butter,
plus 1 tbsp for the glaze
2 medium onions, each cut into
6 thick wedges
FOR THE STUFFING
50g/2oz pecans
2 tbsp olive oil
25g/1oz butter
3 shallots, chopped
140g/5oz cooked chestnuts,
finely chopped
450g/1lb good-quality pork sausages
140g/5oz fresh white breadcrumbs
2 tbsp chopped parsley
2 tsp chopped thyme leaves
2 tsp finely chopped sage
1 egg, beaten
FOR THE GLAZE
2 tbsp clear honey
2 tsp grainy mustard
tsp soy sauce
FOR THE SHALLOTS
12 shallots, halved lengthways
or left whole if small
1 tbsp rapeseed or olive oil
thyme and sage sprigs
FOR THE GRAVY
1 heaped tbsp plain flour
1.2 litres/2 pints turkey or
chicken stock

Rinse the turkey inside and out, then
pat dry with kitchen paper. Weigh it
to calculate the cooking time, allowing
40 mins per kg for the first 4kg, then
45 mins for each 1kg over that weight.
Finely grate 1 tsp zest from the lemon
and set aside for the stuffing. Cut the

lemon into 4-6 wedges and tuck into
the turkey cavity with the shallots and
herb sprigs. Rub the turkey all over
with the butter, then season with salt
and pepper. Put the onion wedges in
the middle of a large roasting tin and
sit the turkey on top. Cover with a
2 Make the stuffing. Chop just over half
the pecans and reserve the remaining.
Line the base of a baking tray or sheet
(big enough to take 16 stuffing balls)
with baking parchment. Heat the oil
and butter in a frying pan, tip in the
shallots and garlic, and fry for a few
mins until softened. Stir in the
chestnuts and chopped pecans, then
tip into a large bowl and cool. Squeeze
the sausages from their casings and
add to the bowl with the nut mixture.
Add the remaining stuffing ingredients,
including the reserved lemon zest, and
season with salt and pepper. Shape the
stuffing mixture into 16 balls. Break the
remaining pecans into big pieces and
press a piece into top of each ball.
Arrange balls on the prepared tray,
cover with buttered baking parchment
and chill until ready to cook. Can be
made 1 day ahead and chilled.
3 Make the glaze. Mix the honey,
mustard, remaining 1 tbsp butter and
soy sauce in a small bowl and set
aside. Thirty mins before the end of the
Remove the foil, then return the bird to
the oven for a further 10 mins. Remove
again, brush the turkey with the glaze,
then roast for another 20 mins until
golden. If you are roasting potatoes (for
recipes, see p39), put them in now. To
test if the turkey is cooked, pierce the
fattest part of the thigh with a skewer
the juices should run clear, not pink.
If they are pink, continue to roast,
checking at 10 min intervals.
4 Remove the turkey from the oven,

transfer to a warm serving platter and
rest, covered loosely with foil so it
doesnt stick to the glaze, for up to 1 hr
before carving. Meanwhile, cook the
stuffing balls and shallots. Increase
oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Bake
stuffing balls in the oven for 25-30
mins, removing the paper for the last 5
mins if they need browning.
5 Make the shallots. Put the shallots in
a small roasting tin, toss in the oil,
scatter over a few thyme and sage
sprigs, and season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 25-30 mins, turning half way,
until shallots are nicely caramelised.
fat from the roasting tin but leave the
juices and onions. Sprinkle in the flour,
set tin over a medium heat and cook,
stirring for a couple of mins to cook the
flour, scraping up any sticky bits from
the bottom of the tin. Gradually pour in
the stock, along with any resting juices
from the turkey, and continue to stir
until slightly thickened. Simmer gently
for about 10-15 mins or until reduced
to your liking. Season with salt and
pepper if needed. Strain gravy into a
pan, warm through, pour into a jug and
serve with the turkey. Serve the turkey
surrounded with stuffing balls, roasted
shallots, and thyme and sage sprigs.
Juggle your 5 a day

the
way
UAE Distributor: Royal House Lifestyle General Trading
Tel No: 04-2712376 Fax No: 04-2717145 Toll Free: 800 (CulinOr) 2854667
Email: info@royalhouseuae.com www.culin-or.com
Festive coolers
Ideal to serve at festive alfresco parties, these refreshing drinks are a perfect way to cool down
Cucumber &
elderflower spritzer
MAKES 6 glasses Easily doubled
PREP 10 mins plus chilling Easy
1 cucumber, ends trimmed
bottle white wine (optional)
200ml/7fl oz elderflower cordial
few mint sprigs, leaves picked
2 x 1-litre bottles sparkling water,
chilled
pulpy, then sieve again into the liquid

already collected. Add 1-2 tbsp of the
cucumber pulp from the sieve into the
liquid and discard the rest. Chill until
ready to serve.
2 To serve, fill glasses with a few ice
cubes and some mint leaves. Pour in
enough cucumber base to come
halfway up the glass, then top up with
sparkling water.
PER SERVING 122 kcals, protein 1g, carbs 21g, fat
none, sat fat none, fibre none, sugar 21g, salt 0.19g
1 Chop the cucumber into a few

chunks, then put in a blender or food
processor with the wine and
elderflower cordial. Whizz
until well blended, then pour
through a sieve set over a
large bowl or jug. Tip the
contents of the sieve back into
the machine, whizz again until
Blu Sparkling Water
Fizz into the festive

season with Blu Sparkling
Water. Lovely for
refreshing holiday coolers
and party drinks.
Refreshing lemon flavour
Lemon-flavoured
sparkling water from
Blu will be enjoyed by
friends and family this
holiday season.
Pear Orchard
In a large jug, muddle 10
blackberries, then add
plenty of ice. Add 500ml
pear juice, 150ml
sparkling water, 30ml
pear puree and 25ml
vanilla gomme syrup,
then stir. Add juice of half
a lemon and garnish with
an apple fan.
Vertigo
Into a jug filled with ice,
pour 80ml lime juice,
120ml grenadine, 200ml
lychee juice, 160ml
cranberry juice and
250ml lemon-flavoured
sparkling water. Mix and
pour into highball
glasses. Garnish with
lime wedges.
Surfing Santa
Muddle two halved
clementines in a jug with
6 star anise and add ice.
Pour over 150ml
red grape juice, 400ml
fresh orange juice and
two whole cinnamon
sticks and stir well. Serve
in Champagne flutes and
garnish with a curl of
clementine skin.
Heaven tree
house punch
Into a large jug or
punch bowl, add
plenty of ice, 300ml
tamarind or date juice,
150ml red grape juice,
100ml lemon juice,
100ml clove sugar
syrup* and a small finger
of sliced ginger
(unpeeled) and stir well.
Top up with ginger ale
and a few grinds of black
pepper. Garnish with
orange slices and freshly
ground black pepper.
(*To make the clove
syrup, dissolve 2 parts
sugar into 1 part water
over a low heat, stirring
constantly.
Add 5 cloves, sit for 15
minutes, then strain).
WEEKEND
Peach punch
Really easy
lemonade
Refreshing lemon and mint
For an easy, refreshing drink,

simply pour an ice cold bottle
of Blu Sparkling Lemon & Mint
water into a lovely glass jug,
add a few slices of lemon,
crushed mint leaves and a few
handfuls of ice. Perfect for
alfresco entertaining!
Citrus iced tea
Citrus iced tea
Peach punch
SERVES 8
PREP 10 mins plus cooling
Easy
SERVES 6
PREP 15 mins plus cooling
Really easy lemonade

Easy
4 tbsp caster sugar

zest and juice 1 lemons
75cl red grape juice
150ml/pt peach juice
1 peach and lemon, sliced
ice cubes
1 litre bottle sparkling water
6 ordinary tea bags

2 tbsp caster sugar
10 sprigs mint
300ml/pt fresh orange juice
juice 1 lime
sliced orange, mint leaves and ice,
to serve
1 Heat the sugar with the lemon zest and

100ml water until the sugar dissolves. Cool,
pour into a jug and add the wine, lemon juice
and schnapps.
2 When ready to serve, add plenty of ice and the
fruit and top up with the soda or tonic to taste.
1 Make the tea with 1.2 litres water and the

sugar. Add mint to the pot and infuse for 10
mins. Strain and cool.
2 Pour into a jug, stir in the juices and serve
with orange slices, mint and ice.
PER SERVING 161 kcals, protein none, carbs 16g,
fat none, fibre none, sugar 9g, salt none
fat none, fibre none, sugar 16g, salt 0.01g
SERVES 4
PREP 10 mins
Easy
3 unwaxed lemons, roughly chopped

140g/5oz caster sugar
1 litre/1pts cold water
1 Tip the lemons, sugar and half the water into

a food processor and blend until the lemon is
finely chopped.
2 Pour the mixture into a sieve over a bowl,
then press through as much juice as you can.
Top up with the remaining water and serve
with plain ice or frozen with slices of lemon
and lime.
PER SERVING 140 kcals, protein none, carbs 37g, fat none,
sat fat none, fibre none, sugar 37g, salt 0.1g
Sparkle this
festive season
Mango & banana smoothie fizz

MAKES 1 litre (serves 4)
PREP 5 mins
Easy
1 medium mango
1 banana
500ml/18fl oz orange juice
4 ice cubes
150ml sparkling water
Cut the mango down either side of the flat

stone, then peel and cut the flesh into
chunks. Peel and chop the banana. Put all the
ingredients into a food processor or blender,
then process until smooth and thick. Top up
with sparkling water, keep in the fridge and
use the day you make it.
Blu sparkling
water. For those
wanting more
out of water.
Flavours come
in regular
(non-flavoured),
lemon and
lemon & mint.
WEEKEND
Homemade sauces
These delicious sauces will help to bring your special meal together
Microwave bread sauce
Winter spice jelly
SERVES 8 PREP 10 mins plus

infusing COOK 5 mins Easy
MAKES 2 jars PREP 20 mins plus

straining and chilling COOK 1 hr
Low fat
45 mins Moderately easy
Free up your hob with this clever sauce.

Give it a quick blast in the microwave
when youre ready to serve and you have
a homemade instant bread sauce so
much better than shop-bought.
500ml/18fl oz whole milk
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves
1 bay leaf, preferably fresh (see below)
1 tsp white peppercorns
1 blade mace or tsp ground mace
100g/4oz white breadcrumbs
1 tbsp double cream
pinch freshly grated nutmeg
knob of butter
1 Combine the milk, onion, cloves,

bay leaf, peppercorns and mace in
a medium-sized microwaveable bowl.
Place in the microwave and cook for
2 mins on High. Remove, cover with
cling film and stand for 15 mins, or
chill for up to 2 days if the milks
sell-by date allows.
2 When youre ready to serve, strain
the sauce, then return to the bowl.
Add the breadcrumbs, place in the
microwave again and cook for 3 mins
on High. If the sauce is a bit lumpy,
whisk until smooth, then stir in the
cream, nutmeg and seasoning. Finish
with a knob of butter.
fat 5g, sat fat 3g, fibre none, sugar 3g, salt 0.33g
bay leaves
To extract the best
flavour from a fresh bay
leaf, firmly fold it in half
or scrunch it in your
hand to break the spine
before adding it to the
bowl. This releases the
essential oils.
1kg/2lb 4oz cooking apples

2 cinnamon sticks
4 star anise
15 cloves
nutmeg, grated
4 allspice berries
1 blade mace or tsp ground mace
4 long pieces orange peel
8 bay leaves
450g/1lb jam sugar
100ml/3fl oz cider vinegar
1 Wash and cut up the apples into small

chunks, leaving the peel and cores in. Tip
the apple into a large pan with the spices,
orange peel and bay leaves, reserving 2
star anise, 4 cloves and 2 bay leaves for
the jars. Cover with 600ml water. Bring to
the boil, then turn down the heat and
simmer with a lid on for 1 hrs.
2 Pour the apple mixture into a jelly
bag or a sieve lined with muslin or a
J-cloth, suspended over a large bowl.
Leave to drip for 2 hrs (until it stops
dripping) or overnight. Do not be
tempted to push the liquid though the
sieve or your jelly will become cloudy.
3 Measure the juice you should have
about 600ml. Pour the liquid into a large
pan along with the jam sugar and vinegar.
4 Set over a low heat to dissolve the
sugar, stirring constantly. Once dissolved,
turn up the heat and bring to the boil. Boil
rapidly for 15 mins, or until setting point is
reached (see tip, above right), skimming
away any scum that rises to the surface.
5 Pour jelly into hot sterilised jars and
place a star anise, bay leaf and 2 cloves
into each jar. Chill for 3-4 hrs or overnight
until set.
PER TBSP 125 kcals, protein none, carbs 33g,
Cooking
your jelly
Cranberry &
pomegranate sauce
To ensure your
jelly sets, its best
to use a sugar
thermometer to
check that the
jelly reaches 105C
(setting point).
If you dont have
one, put a small
plate in the freezer
for 5 minutes, then
pour a little of the
juice onto the
cold saucer. After
1 minute, run your
finger through
if the jam wrinkles,
its ready.
To sterilise jars,
wash in hot soapy
water, rinse well and
dry in the oven at
180C/160C fan/
gas 4 for 10 mins
just before filling.

Low fat
COOK 10 mins Easy
Adding pomegranate juice to this
Christmas favourite gives an extra
dimension to the sauce although we bet
no one will guess the secret ingredient!
250g/9oz fresh or frozen cranberries
85g/3oz demerara sugar
100ml/3fl oz pomegranate juice
Tip all the ingredients into a pan and stir

well to combine. Bring to the boil, then
reduce the heat and simmer until the
cranberries start popping (about 5 mins
for fresh cranberries or 8-10 mins for
frozen) and turn into a runny sauce. Leave
to cool before serving. Can be made up to
2 days ahead, or frozen for up to 3 months.
PER SERVING 52 kcals, protein none, carbs 14g,
fat none, sat fat none, fibre 1g, sugar 14g, salt none
Fresh herb sauce

SERVES 8
mins Easy
PREP 5 mins COOK 5

Good for you
This fresh, herby pure is a light alternative

to traditionally heavy sauces, and goes
particularly well with our Italian-style
turkey crown, see p24.
85g/3oz watercress
50g/2oz parsley
50g/2oz walnuts
150ml/pt olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp sugar
Place the watercress, parsley and

walnuts in a blender and pulse until
finely chopped. Add the oil, lemon juice
and sugar, and season well. Blend for
1 min until everything has combined
into a thick green sauce. Can be made
several hours ahead.
fat none, sat fat none, fibre none, sugar 33g,
salt 0.01g
WEEKEND
Microwave bread sauce
Fresh herb sauce
Winter
spice jelly
Cranberry &
pomegranate
sauce
WEEKEND
Saturday lunch
on the BBQ
Barney Desmazery makes more of the barbecue
this season with Indian flavours a whole leg of
lamb thats easy to cook and exciting side dishes
Green raita
Photographs MYLES NEW
Easy Indian bread
Indian spiced
barbecued lamb
Food styling BARNEY DESMAZERY | Styling ELIZABETH GALBRAITH | Wine notes SARAH JANE EVANS MW
Pickled
red onions
WEEKEND
Chopped salad
Lemony
potato salad
WEEKEND
Indian spiced barbecued lamb
Green raita
Lemony potato salad

marinating COOK 50 mins Easy
SERVES 6 PREP 10 mins NO COOK

Easy
Good for you, low fat
1 butterflied leg of lamb, about

2.5kg/5lb 8oz (ask your butcher
to do this for you)
FOR THE MARINADE
finger-length piece ginger, chopped
4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 tbsp each turmeric, garam masala
and cumin seeds
1 tsp paprika
handful coriander leaves, plus extra
sprigs to serve
juice 1 lemon
150ml/pt natural yogurt
300ml/pt natural yogurt

2 handfuls coriander leaves
2 handfuls mint leaves
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 green chilli, chopped
small piece ginger, chopped
juice lemon
Blitz all the ingredients with a pinch

of salt until smooth in a mini food
processor or with a hand blender. Tip
into a serving dish and chill until needed.
Can be made several hours ahead.

COOK 20 mins Easy
Good source of vitamin C, low fat
Boil 900g halved new potatoes for
15 mins until just slightly overcooked
but still holding their shape. While still
warm, toss with 3 tbsp olive oil, juice
1 lemon, 1 tsp each toasted black
mustard seeds and toasted cumin
seeds, 1 finely chopped (optional)
green chilli, , finger-length piece
grated ginger, pinch turmeric and 4
sliced spring onions. Season. Can be
made up to a day ahead and chilled, but
take out of the fridge a good few hours
before serving.
Easy Indian bread

MAKES 6 large or 12 small PREP
20 mins plus rising COOK 12-24
mins Easy Low fat
Chopped salad
Easy
Good source of vitamin C,
low fat
In a bowl, mix together 5 coarsely
grated carrots, 1 peeled, deseeded
and finely chopped pepper, (see tip,
right), 2 finely chopped tomatoes, 1
finely chopped onion, cucumber,
cut into small chunks, pinch golden
caster sugar, 1 tsp cumin seeds and 3
tbsp white wine vinegar. Season with
salt. Best tossed at the last minute.
1 Using a hand blender or mini food

processor, whizz marinade ingredients
to a smooth paste, then season with
salt. Lay the lamb in a ceramic dish and
coat with the marinade. Cover in cling
film and leave to marinate in the fridge
for at least 4 hrs or preferably overnight.
2 If you are using a charcoal barbecue,
wait for the coals to become white and
glowing. Lift lamb out of the marinade
and barbecue, flesh-side down, for
about 25 mins. Flip it over and give the
fat side about 15 mins. When the lamb
has a dark brown crust and is cooked
to your liking, leave it to rest on a
board for 15 mins. To serve, carve the
lamb into thick slices and scatter with
the coriander and some of the Pickled
red onion (see below). Serve the
remaining onion in a dish alongside the
raita and breads (see recipes, right).
Pickled red onions

standing NO COOK Easy
Good for you, low fat
Toss 2 large halved and thinly sliced
red onions and juice 1 lime with a
pinch of salt. Leave to stand for at least
30 mins, as this will soften the onion.
Before serving, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin seeds.
495g pack bread mix

350ml/12fl oz natural yogurt
25g/1oz butter, melted
flour, for dusting
1 Tip the bread mix into a bowl and mix

with the yogurt, butter, a pinch of salt
and enough warm water to make a
pliable dough. Knead on a lightly floured
surface for 5-10 mins until springy and
glossy. Place in a bowl, cover with cling
film or a cloth and leave for about 1 hr
until doubled in size.
2 On a lightly floured surface, knock
back the dough and divide into 6-12
pieces, depending on how large you
want them. One at a time, roll the
pieces out as thinly as possible. Cook
on the barbecue for about 1 min on
each side until puffed up and mottled.
Once cooked, the breads will keep
fresh for a few hours.
Tip If you love

the crunch of raw
red peppers in a
salad but not their
tough skins, peel
them using a
potato peeler.
Hot tips
Light the barbecue an hour before you want to cook the lamb and, while
the coals are very hot, char the aubergines and cook the poppadums.
On a large barbecue, you can use the coals to give you a range of heat.
Pile them 3 deep on one side, gradually going down to a single layer on
the other. The side with most coal will be hotter and perfect for charring
the aubergines and cooking things quickly, like the breads or
poppadums. The cooler side is ideal for cooking items for longer without
them burning, like the lamb. You may need to add charcoal to the cooler
side to stop it from burning out completely.
If using a gas barbecue, cook aubergines, breads and poppadums on a

high heat, then turn it down to medium for the lamb.
To cook the breads indoors, simple place them on a very hot griddle
until puffed up and charred on each side.
If the weather doesnt look promising, the lamb can be roasted at
fat 2g, sat fatnone, fibre 1g, sugar 2g, salt none
220/200C fan/gas 7 for about an hour for pink meat.
WEEKEND
Stunning sides
New flavour combinations for all
your Christmas favourites
Sprouts with sticky shallots

COOK 15 mins Easy
Good source of vitamin C, counts as 2
of 5-a-day
2 tbsp olive oil
10 shallots, finely sliced
large pinch golden caster sugar
100g/4oz raisins
4 tbsp red wine or Sherry
vinegar
1kg/2lb 4oz Brussels sprouts,
trimmed
handful flaked almonds, toasted
pinch paprika (optional)
1 Heat the oil in a large frying pan and

sizzle the shallots for 5 mins until starting
to colour. Sprinkle over the sugar, stir
well, then add the raisins and vinegar.
Simmer for 5 mins to make a sticky
mix, then set aside.
2 Bring a large pan of salted water to
the boil, then tip in the sprouts. Cook
for 5 mins, then drain well, add to the
shallot pan and toss everything together.
Serve scattered with flaked almonds
and a sprinkling of paprika, if you like.
Roast Parmesan parsnips

COOK 40 mins
Easy
High in fibre,
good source of vitamin C,
counts as 1 of 5-a-day
6 tbsp polenta
100g/4oz Parmesan, grated
pinch freshly grated nutmeg
2kg/4lb 8oz parsnips, quartered and
core removed
6 tbsp olive oil
1 Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas

7. Mix together the polenta,
Parmesan and nutmeg, and set
aside. Bring a pan of salted
water to the boil, tip in the
parsnips and cook for 6 mins or
until just tender. Drain. While
parsnips are still hot, toss with
the Parmesan mixture to coat.
2 Set a roasting tin over the hob and

heat the oil. Add the parsnips and turn
to coat in the oil. Put the tin in the oven
and roast for 15 mins, then turn the
parsnips over and cook for 15 mins
more until golden.
PER SERVING 317 kcals, protein 9g,
carbs 38g, fat 15g, sat fat 4g, fibre 12g,
sugar 15g, salt 0.30g
buying polenta
To make the Parmesan parsnips, make sure you buy
dried, free-flowing grains of polenta (or cornmeal)
rather than ready-made polenta in a block.
WEEKEND
Herby mustard Yorkies
MAKES 12 PREP 10 mins
COOK 20 mins Easy
The herby batter is quick and easy to
make, and can be prepared ahead. Make
sure that you keep the oven door closed
the whole time the Yorkies are in the oven,
otherwise they might collapse.
200g/7oz plain flour
2 large tbsp English mustard powder
5 eggs
400ml/14fl oz milk
large bunch thyme and rosemary,
leaves picked
4 tbsp sunflower oil

In a bowl, beat the flour and mustard
powder with the eggs until you have
a smooth, thick batter.

Gradually beat in the milk
until the batter is the same
consistency as single
cream, then stir in the
herbs, and season.
2 Pour a drizzle of oil into each
hole of a sturdy 12-hole
muffin tin. Put the tin in
the oven and heat for 5
mins. Working quickly,
remove the tin and pour
enough batter into each hole so
that it comes two-thirds of the
way up the sides. Carefully place the
tin back in the oven and cook the
puddings for about 20 mins until they
are puffed up and brown.
running out of time?

If you dont have time to make bread sauce this year,
this will add similar flavours to your meal.
Creamy baked cauliflower

infusing COOK 55 mins Easy
Think of this as a creamier, richer take
on cauliflower cheese.
500ml/18fl oz whole milk
2 small onions, 1 quartered,
1 finely chopped
1 blade mace
4 bay leaves (fresh if you have),
scrunched in your hand
1kg/2lb 4oz cauliflower, broken
into large florets
85g/3oz butter, plus a knob
85g/3oz plain flour
grating of nutmeg
50g/2oz coarse breadcrumbs
(dried or stale)
1 Put the milk, quartered onion, mace

and bay leaves in a pan, and bring to
a simmer. Turn off the heat, set aside
for 1 hr to infuse, then strain.
2 Meanwhile, bring a large pan of water
to the boil. Tip in the cauliflower and
cook for 5 mins until just tender. Drain
and set aside, uncovered, in a colander
to steam-dry.
3 Put the pan back on the heat, then

add the knob of butter and the chopped
onion. Gently soften onion for 10 mins
until really soft but not coloured.
4 In a medium-sized pan, melt the
butter, then stir in the flour to form a
paste. Cook for 2 mins, then gradually
stir in the strained milk to form a
smooth sauce. Bring to the boil and
simmer, stirring often, until thickened
and smooth. Stir in the softened onion
and season well with salt and nutmeg.
Tip the cauliflower into an ovenproof
dish and pour over the sauce. Can be
covered and chilled for up to 2 days
at this stage or frozen. Scatter the
cauliflower with the breadcrumbs,
then bake for 30 mins until the sauce is
bubbling and the top is golden and crisp.
WEEKEND
Festive
berries
Tangy, scarlet cranberries make a great

accompaniment to turkey, but theyre
also delicious in a range of other recipes
Photographs PETER CASSIDY
r
e ou
k
a
M over
c ecipe
r
MAKES 8 PREP 40 mins plus chilling

COOK 20 mins Easy
These cute and festive pies make a good
warm dessert, served with vanilla ice cream
or a dollop of extra-thick double cream.
Cooking the berries and pears in orange curd
creates a lovely, tangy sauce.
FOR THE ALMOND PASTRY
85g/3oz ground almonds
140g/5oz caster sugar, plus extra to
decorate
225g/8oz butter, chopped
1 egg, beaten
FOR THE FILLING
400g/14oz cranberries, fresh or frozen
25g/1oz cornflour
325g jar orange curd (we used
Waitrose Jaffa orange curd)
450g/1lb just-ripe pears, peeled, cored
and chopped
1 To make the pastry, tip the flour,

almonds and sugar into a food
processor then pulse in the butter until
the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Pulse in up to 5 tbsp cold water until
mixture comes together as a dough.
Wrap in cling film and chill for 1 hr.
2 To make the filling, tip the
cranberries into a pan with the sugar
and cornflour and stir well. Stir in the
orange curd, then cook for a few mins
until thickened. Add the pears and
cook a few mins more, stirring
frequently. Cool.
3 Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5

with a large baking sheet inside. Roll
out the pastry and use to line 8 x 10cm
individual Yorkshire pudding tins (or
10cm individual tart tins). Spoon in the
cooled filling. Roll out the rest of the
dough and stamp out 4 x 9cm rounds
to make lids. Cut out the centres with a
medium star cutter.
4 Carefully cover half the pies with
the pastry lids and place the stars on
a baking tray. Crimp the edges of
each pie (if using straight edged tins)
with your finger and thumb, brush
the pies and stars with the egg then
dredge with sugar. Bake the stars for
8-10 mins and the pies for 15-20
mins until golden. Dredge with more
sugar once out of the oven. Place a
star on the open pies and serve with
cream or ice cream.
TIP Buy cranberries fresh or frozen

they freeze and defrost really well. You
can switch them with other berries in
recipes remember to increase or add
sugar though they are tarter than most.
Food styling JAYNE CROSS | Styling JENNY IGGLEDEN | Healthy benefits kerry torrens
Cranberry & pear pies
WEEKEND
Cranberry & cream
cheese muffins
MAKES 12 PREP 10 mins plus cooling
COOK 30 mins Easy
100g/4oz soft cheese
175g/6oz cranberries
2 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
75ml/2fl oz flavourless oil,
such as sunflower
1 tsp vanilla extract

Line a 12-hole muffin tin with muffin
cases. Beat the soft cheese with 25g
of the sugar and chill until needed.
Heat the cranberries together with
another 25g of sugar until they start to
pop. Mash lightly and cool.
2 Sift the flour into a large bowl and
add the remaining sugar, baking
powder and a pinch of salt. Add the
eggs, oil, vanilla and cranberry mixture,
and stir together. Dont worry if the
mix looks a bit lumpy. Divide it
between the cases, they should look
about two-thirds full. Make a small dip
in the centre of each and put a blob of
soft cheese in. Bake for 25 mins or until
risen and golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Delicious with a cuppa
WEEKEND
three more ways
to cook CRANBERRIES
Make chutney for
turkey or ham
Make ahead
for a buffet
In a pan, put 200g chopped onions,

200g peeled and chopped eating
apples and 400g peeled and
chopped cooking apples with 25g
finely chopped ginger, 200g sugar
and 125ml red wine vinegar.
Simmer for 50 mins until thick and
tender, then stir in 200g cranberries
and simmer for 10 mins more. Cool.
Add to a meaty stew

Fry a good handful cranberries
with 1 tbsp soft brown sugar and
a little butter for a few mins until
softened. Stir into a beef, venison
or game stew.
Use to top ice cream

Simmer 200g cranberries with 140g
sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon and zest and
juice 1 orange. Spoon over vanilla or
chocolate ice cream.
Pistachio & cranberry pork pie

COOK 1 hr 25 mins Moderately easy
300g/11oz cranberries
3 tbsp caster sugar
juice orange
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4 rashers smoked streaky bacon,
chopped
few thyme sprigs, leaves only
6 sage leaves, chopped
500g/1lb 2oz pork mince
75g/2oz pistachios
little freshly grated nutmeg
FOR THE PASTRY
450g/1lb plain flour
100g/4oz lard
4 tbsp milk
1 egg, beaten
1 Put the cranberries in a pan with the

sugar and orange juice. Bring to a simmer,
then cook until the berries start to burst
and the sauce thickens. Set aside to cool.
2 Heat the oil in a small pan and fry the
onion until soft. Add the bacon and garlic,
and cook until the bacon starts to brown,
then stir through the thyme, sage and
some seasoning. Allow it to cool slightly,
then mix with the pork and pistachios.
Season with salt, pepper and freshly
grated nutmeg. Set aside.
Tip the flour into a bowl with 2 tsp salt.
Put lard and milk into a pan with 150ml
water, then heat until the lard has
completely melted. Pour into the flour
and beat with a wooden spoon until a ball
of dough is formed. Knead briefly on a
lightly floured surface until smooth.
4 Take two-thirds of the pastry and roll
out between two sheets of baking
HEALTHY
BENEFITS
Rich in immuneboosting
antioxidants just
like their relative,
the blueberry.
Ideally select the
deeper-coloured
fresh berries
because they
supply more of
these protective
compounds, which
guard against colds
and flu and also
help to combat
heart disease
and cancer.
parchment into a circle large enough to

line the base and sides of a 20cm cake tin
(about 4-6cm high with a slight overhang.
Press the pastry into the tin making sure
to push it into the corners. Pile half the
filling into the pastry and flatten into an
even layer. Spread over two-thirds of
the cranberry sauce, then finish with
remaining pork and roughly smooth the
top. Keep the rest of the cranberry sauce
in the fridge to serve with the pie.
5 Roll out remaining pastry between
baking parchment and cut to a 20cm
round. Place onto the pie and glaze the
edge with some beaten egg. Fold up the
overhanging pastry and press down to
seal. Make a steam hole with the tip of a
knife, then glaze the pie with more
beaten egg. Cook for 30 mins, then
reduce the heat to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
Continue cooking for 40 mins until the
pastry is golden and a skewer inserted
into the centre of the pie and left for 10
secs feels very hot. Cool on a wire rack.
Serve with the reserved cranberry sauce.
Will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
My sweet
Bches de Nol
Products available from 15th December.

More information is included in our complete Festive Season product guide, available at any PAUL shop.
MoE: 04 341 4844 - DCC: 04 295 8404 - Burjuman: 04 351 7009 - Mercato: 04 349 9115 Wafi City: 04 327 9669 - JBR, The Walk: 04 437 6494
Mirdif City Center: Tel. 04 284 3223 - The Dubai Mall: Tel. 04 339 8036 - Dubai Airport - T3: 04 220 3360 - Dubai Intl Airport - T1: 04 224 5526
WEEKEND
Boxing Day
brunch
Treat the family with Sarah Cooks

deliciously simple breakfast or brunch
Makes 15, serves 4-5

COOK 20 mins Easy
PREP 20 mins
300g/11oz self-raising flour

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 medium eggs
284ml carton buttermilk
4 tbsp milk
85g/3oz melted butter
2 small-medium eating apples,
peeled, cored and grated
50g/2oz dried cranberries
a little more butter, or sunflower
oil, for frying
maple syrup, to serve
FOR THE CINNAMON BUTTER
85g/3oz softened salted butter
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp caster sugar
1 To make the cinnamon butter, mix all

the ingredients together, wrap in cling
film, shape into a log and chill. You can
make this up to 3 days ahead.
2 Mix the flour, bicarb and a pinch of
salt in a bowl. Make a well in the
centre, then gradually whisk in the
eggs, followed by the buttermilk, milk
and melted butter. Once the mixture
is smooth, stir in the grated apples
and cranberries.
3 Melt a little more butter in a non-stick
pan or wipe with sunflower oil. When
hot, add 1-3 small ladles of batter to the
pan to make 1-3 small pancakes
(depending on the size of your pan).
Cook for 2-3 mins until bubbles appear

and the underneaths are set and
golden. Flip and cook for a few mins
more. Transfer pancakes to a plate,
cover with baking parchment and keep
warm in a low oven. Cook the
remaining pancakes.
4 To serve, stack pancakes on plates,
top with a good knob of cinnamon
butter and drizzle with maple syrup.
PER PANCAKE 118 kcals, protein 2g, carbs 12g,
Serve up after
a holiday lie-in
Food styling assisted by ROSIE REYNOLDS
Apple & cranberry pancakes

with cinnamon butter & syrup
ADVERTISING FEATURE
A cup full of festivities

Enjoy a delicious taste of festive cheer this holiday season with these gorgeous
pudding cupcakes and a steaming cup of Continental Coffee
Christmas pud cupcakes

MAKES 12
un-iced
PREP 15 mins
COOK 22 mins
50g/2oz dark chocolate, in chunks

140g/5oz butter, plus extra for greasing
100ml/3fl oz soured cream
3 eggs, lightly beaten
140g/5oz golden caster sugar
100g/4oz ground almonds
6 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
85g/3oz dried sour cherries, plus a few
extra to decorate
TO DECORATE
250g/9oz icing sugar, sifted
1 tsp Birds custard powder, sifted
12 small bay leaves
1 Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Place

a 12-hole silicone muffin tray on a baking
sheet or butter a non-stick 12-hole muffin
tin, and stick two criss-crossing strips of
baking parchment in each hole.
2 Melt the chocolate and butter over a low
heat. Cool a little, then stir in the soured
cream and eggs. Mix the flour, sugar,
almonds, cocoa and baking powder in a
bowl. Pour in the chocolate and stir until
smooth, then stir in the cherries. Spoon into
the muffin holes so they are full, then
bake for 20 mins. Cool in the tins. Can now
be frozen in plastic bags for 3 months.
3 To decorate, mix the icing sugar and
custard powder with 2 tbsp water to make a
thick icing. Remove the muffins from the tins
and cool on a rack. Cut off any rounded tops,
stand upside-down on the rack, then spoon
icing over. Leave to set, then top with bay
leaves and cherries. Best eaten on the day.
PER CUPCAKE 413 kcals, protein 6g, carbs 54g, fat 20g,
Refresh your life
WEEKEND
Chefs canaps
at home
Create stylish party canaps with Dubais favourite highquality caterers Yes Chef! Owner Scott Crawley and head
chef Emily Herbert whip up some party pleasers for BBC
Good Food ME
King prawn
& avocado crostini
MAKES 12
12 peeled king prawns,
butterflied and cooked
1 avocado, halved, stone removed,
peeled, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp coarsely chopped fresh
coriander
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 x 12cm baguette, cut into
5mm-thick slices, toasted
1 Place cooked prawn into

bowl and drizzle with olive oil
and coriander. Toss.
2 Mix avocado, red onion
and lime juice together. Season.
3 Place prawn on top of
toasted crostini
4 Place avocado and
onion mix on top of the
prawn and drizzle with
olive oil and cracked pepper.
Perfect party food!
WEEKEND
Stylishly presented
on chicory
Chicory, Pear
& Blue Cheese
MAKES 16
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp olive Oil
chervil, for garnish
2 chicory, leaves separated

150g blue cheese
2 pears
1 Dice pear into half centimetre

squares. Place in bowl and drizzle
honey and olive oil over the pear.
2 Dice or crumble blue cheese

3 Place cleaned chicory leaves flat on
plate, add pear and blue cheese
starting 1cm from the end of the
chicory leaf.
4 Drizzle remaining liquid over the top
of the leaves and garnish with chervil.
5 Serve immediately.
WEEKEND
Pumpkin risotto balls

MAKES 26
1l vegetable stock
1tbsp olive oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
330g arborio rice
40g shredded parmesan
4 eggs
180g dried breadcrumbs
150g plain flour
200g pumpkin cut into 1cm pieces
2tbsp brown sugar
vegetable oil, to deep-fry
1 Toss the pumpkin in seasoning and a

little bit of oil and brown sugar. Roast
until tender, let cool.
2 Place the stock in a medium
saucepan over high heat and bring just
to the boil. Cover and reduce heat to
low. Hold at a gentle simmer.

3 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large
saucepan over medium heat. Add the
onion and garlic and cook, covered,
stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or
until the onion is soft.
4 Add the rice to the onion mixture and
cook, stirring, until the grains appear
slightly glassy. Add about 125ml of the
simmering stock to the rice mixture and
stir constantly with a spoon until the
liquid is completely absorbed. Continue
to add the stock, 125ml at a time,
stirring constantly and allowing the
liquid to be absorbed before adding the
next amount, for 20 minutes or until the
rice is tender yet firm to the bite and
the risotto is creamy. Add the pumpkin,
keeping 3 pieces aside for garnish. Stir
in the parmesan. Set aside for 2-3 hours
to cool completely. Add 2 eggs and stir
until well combined.
5 Place the breadcrumbs on a large

plate. Place the flour in a bowl. Crack
the remaining eggs into a separate
bowl and use a fork to lightly whisk.
Use wet hands to shape 2 tablespoons
of the risotto mixture into a ball. Roll
the risotto balls in the flour and shake
off any excess. Dip in the egg, then in
the breadcrumbs, pressing to coat.
Place on a large plate. Place in the
fridge for 30 minutes to chill.
6 Add enough oil in a large saucepan
to reach a depth of 5cm. Heat to
190C over medium-high heat. Add
risotto balls to the oil and cook,
turning occasionally, for 4-5 minutes
or until golden.
7 For garnish, slice a few piece of
pumpkin, cover with oil and sugar and
place in over for five minutes.
8 Garnish with candied pumpkin and
spring onions.
Festive winter flavours
Starry night
Finish your celebration meal with this smart and delicious trio of sweet things
Photograph DAVID MUNNS
Star biscuits
Mint chocolate truffles
MAKES about 40 PREP 15 mins

COOK 15 mins Easy
Make the biscuit dough from the Lemon
kisses recipe, p102, but leave out the
lemon zest. Roll out the dough half at
a time if you like and stamp out 5-6cm
stars. Keep re-rolling trimmings, and
you should get about 40 biscuits. Cut
out a thin triangle about 2cm long and
cm wide at one of the indents of each
star. Arrange on trays lined with baking
parchment, cover with cling film and
chill for 30 mins. Heat oven to
200C/180C fan/gas 6. Remove cling film
and bake the biscuits for 8-12 mins until
golden. Cool, dust with icing sugar, then
serve slotted onto the edge of glasses.
The cooked biscuits can be frozen for up
to 3 months.
MAKES about 20 PREP 30 mins

COOK 5 mins plus cooling

Easy
100ml double cream

200g milk chocolate, broken
into pieces
tsp peppermint essence (we
used Sainsburys)
icing sugar, for rolling
1 Bring the cream just to the boil in a

pan. Turn off the heat and stir in the
chocolate. Stir until melted, then add
the peppermint. Cool, then chill until
the mixture is
solid, about 2-3 hrs.
2 Scoop out teaspoons of the mixture
and roll into small walnut-size balls with
your hands, then roll in icing sugar. They
will keep chilled for 3 days or freeze for
up to 1 month.
PER TRUFFLE 81 kcals, protein 1g, carbs 7g, fat 9g,
Coffee cocktail
MAKES 1
PREP 5 mins
sat fat 3g, fibre none, sugar 7g, salt 0.02g
NO COOK
Indulgent festive finale
Food styling emma-jane frost | Styling LISA HARRISON
50ml strong coffee, cooled

1 tbsp Kalha
2 tbsp double cream
cocoa powder, for dusting
Mix the coffee and Kalha in a Martini

glass. Slowly pour in the double cream
over the back of a teaspoon so that it
gently settles on the top of the coffee.
Dust with a little cocoa and serve.
WEEKEND
Bring
a dish
Your menu for 10
Sharing the cooking and the cost is a great way to entertain a crowd.
Food writer Xanthe Clay creates dishes for a relaxed get-together
PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID MUNNS
food styling lizzie harrIs | styling victoria allen | WINE NOTES SARAH JANE EVANS MW
Pitta crisps, Smoky

aubergine & coriander dip
and Harissa-spiked houmous
Chicken with chorizo
& leeks, Courgette & goats
cheese tart, Zingy new potato
salad, Green salad
with avocados and
Olive bread swirls
Coconut cake with
Raspberry lime drizzle
WEEKEND
Why spend a fortune on a meal out, when you can share the
cooking and shopping to produce a generous spread for a
fraction of the cost?
But this isnt just about saving money. A table for 10 at a
restaurant can be a nightmare when it comes to ordering and
splitting the bill. And cooking dinner for that many people at
home is a major undertaking.
So, follow my menu and split the responsibilities for starters,
main courses, sides and dessert. Think holiday food, the kind of
meal a villa full of friends might put together. The result? Stressfree cooking, delicious food and great company
Harissa-spiked houmous
Pitta crisps

Good for you 25p per serving

COOK 10-15 mins
Homemade houmous is a breeze to whip up,

streets ahead of shop-bought versions, plus
its lower in fat, too. Spice it up with shopbought harissa, a North African chilli paste.
Beware, these are addictive! If you cant get

fennel seeds, then cumin seeds or chopped
fresh thyme will work well instead.
2 x 400g cans chickpeas,

rinsed and drained
5 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
lemon juice, to taste
2 tbsp harissa paste
(see tip, right)
1 tbsp tomato pure
Put three-quarters of the chickpeas in

a food processor with 3 tbsp olive oil,
garlic and half a cupful of water. Blitz
until smooth, adding a little more
water if necessary to make a thick
cream consistency. Add the rest of the
chickpeas, then whizz again for a few
secs until nobbly. Season with salt and
a good squeeze of lemon juice. Mix
together the harissa and tomato pure
with the rest of the olive oil. Drizzle
over the houmous to serve.
Make the houmous and harissa mix

up to a day ahead and store, covered,
in the fridge. Take out an hour or so
before serving.
Transport in jars with airtight lids. Drizzle
the harissa mix over the houmous just
before serving.
6 pitta breads
3-5 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fennel seeds
Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Split

each pitta horizontally into two circles,
then cut each into 6 triangles. Lay them in
a single layer, rough side up, on 2 or
3 baking sheets. Use a pastry brush to
brush the pitta triangles with olive oil,
then sprinkle with fennel seeds and a
pinch of sea salt. Bake for 10-15 mins,
until golden. Leave to cool on the tray.
Getting to
the party
Make the dip up to 24 hours ahead and
store in the fridge covered with cling film.
Stir well before serving.
Transport in a lidded plastic box.
Make the Pitta crisps up to two days
ahead, keeping them in
an airtight box.
Smoky aubergine
& coriander dip
cooling and draining COOK 20
Counts as 1 of 5-a-day
mins
4 large aubergines
4 tbsp Greek yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
large bunch coriander, leaves only,
finely chopped
squeeze lemon or lime juice
1 Light the gas on 2 rings, then lay the

aubergines directly on them, 2 to a ring.
In 30 secs they will have blackened on
one side, so use tongs to turn them
until they are well charred on all sides.
Alternatively, cook the aubergines under
the grill, turning them until they are
blackened all over.
2 Once done, put the aubergines in a
plastic bag. When cool enough to
handle, strip away the blackened skin
and put the flesh (which should be
cooked and soft) in a colander to
drain for 30 mins.
3 Transfer the aubergine to a bowl,
then mash with a fork or blitz with a
hand blender, but dont make it
completely smooth. Stir in the yogurt,
olive oil and a fat pinch of salt, then
add coriander, garlic and lemon or lime
juice. Taste and add more salt or lemon
juice if necessary, but be careful not to
overwhelm the aubergine flavour.
WEEKEND
Chicken with chorizo & leeks

P
COOK 1 hr 20 mins
2 tbsp olive oil
10 chicken leg pieces (or 10 each thighs
and drumsticks)
4 heads fennel, trimmed, cut into
wedges
200g/8oz chorizo, cut into chunks
5 leeks, trimmed and thickly sliced
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 tsp hot smoked paprika
150ml/pt dry Sherry
750g/1lb 10oz large or plum tomatoes,
quartered
small bunch coriander, leaves only
Quick to prepare
Zingy new potato salad
Make the potato salad up to eight
SERVES 10
mins
hours ahead and keep in a cool place

(ideally not the fridge) until ready to serve.
Transport in a lidded plastic box or
glass jar with a watertight seal and lid.
PREP 10 mins
Good for you
COOK 15
1.5kg/3lb 5oz small new potatoes

1 small red onion
2 tbsp capers in vinegar (the tiny non
pareilles are best, and widely
available)
FOR THE DRESSING
2 tbsp Sherry vinegar
2 tsp honey
100ml/3fl oz olive oil
1 If the potatoes are larger than mouthful

sized, cut them into smaller chunks. Boil
in salted water for about 15 mins, until
just done. Meanwhile, halve the red
onion, then slice it as thin as you can.
2 Whisk the vinegar and honey with 1 tsp
salt until the salt dissolves, then whisk in
the olive oil. Drain the potatoes, mix with
the dressing, onion and capers. Leave to
cool. Serve at room temperature.
Green salad with avocado

Serves 10
Squeeze 1 tbsp lemon juice into a
jam jar with a pinch of salt. Pour in
4 tbsp olive oil, add a small bunch
finely chopped chives, put on the lid,
then shake well. To serve, toss with
200g bag mixed salad leaves and
2 sliced ripe avocados.
For the Green salad, prepare the
dressing up to four hours ahead, but
dont add the avocado or leaves until
youre ready to eat.
Transport the dressing in the jam jar,
and keep the avocados whole, and
leaves in the bag. When ready to eat,
finish the salad.
1 On the hob, heat the olive oil in a large

frying pan. Season the chicken pieces,
then fry, in batches, until golden brown on
both sides. Lift out and set aside.
2 Pour all but 3 tbsp fat from the pan, add
fennel and chorizo, then cook, stirring,
until the fennel is soft and lightly coloured.
Add leeks, cook until soft. Add garlic and
paprika, cook for 1 min more, then pour in
the Sherry. Let bubble for
1 min, stirring well, taste, then season.
3 Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Pour
the mix into 2 ovenproof dishes. Scatter
tomatoes over, then arrange the chicken
on top. Cover with foil, then cook for 20
mins, until the chicken is cooked through.
During cooking, check and add a little
water if it seems to be getting dry.
4 Turn the oven up to 200C/180C fan/
gas 6. Uncover the chicken and season
the skin with salt and pepper. Bake for
20-30 mins until the chicken is heated
through and the skin is crisp. Rip the
coriander leaves over the top and
serve straight away.
Veggie main
everyone will love
Courgette &
goats cheese tart
cooling COOK 1 hr 10 mins
plain flour, for dusting

500g pack shortcrust pastry
1 fat pinch saffron threads
500g/1lb 2oz courgettes,
all but one coarsely grated
knob of butter
4 eggs
284ml pot whipping cream
140g/5oz soft goats cheese
2 handfuls rocket leaves, to serve

Lightly dust a surface with flour, then
roll out the pastry into a large, 5mm
thick circle. Use to line a deep, 23cm
tart tin with removable base. Trim
away excess pastry. Prick all over with

a fork, then line with baking paper and
fill with baking beans. Cook for 10-15
mins until starting to turn golden.
Remove paper and beans, then cook
for 5 mins more until crisp and cooked
through. Leave to cool.
2 Meanwhile, put the saffron in a cup
with 1 tbsp hot water, then leave to
infuse. Mix grated courgettes with 1
tsp salt, then place in a colander. Slice
the last courgette very thinly
lengthways into long ribbons (use a
vegetable peeler). Sprinkle with salt,
then put on top of the grated
courgettes. Put the colander over a
bowl to drain for at least 30 mins. Tip
into the middle of a clean tea towel
over the sink, twist and squeeze the
tea towel getting every drop of the
green liquid out.
3 Melt the butter in a large frying pan.

Put the courgette slices to one side and
add the grated courgettes to the pan.
Cook, stirring, for 3 mins. Tip the grated
courgettes into a bowl. Lightly beat the
eggs, then add all but 2 tbsp to the
courgette bowl. Pour in the cream, the
saffron and soaking water, then mix well.
Season generously with pepper, and salt
if it needs it (it may be salty enough).
4 Reduce oven to 180C/160C fan/gas
4.Brush the remaining beaten egg over
the tart case. Bake for 5 mins, until the
egg has set and sealed the case. Pour in
the mix. Crumble on the goats cheese.
Lay the courgette strips over the top like
the spokes of a wheel. Bake for 40 mins,
until just set, but still a little wobbly. Cool
and serve at room temperature.
Getting
to the
party
Make the tart up
to a day ahead, and
store in a cool
place (ideally not
the fridge as the
pastry will lose its
crispness).
Transport it still in
the tart tin, covered
with cling film. Bring
to room temperature
before serving.

WEEKEND
Getting
to the
party
Make the
Coconut cake up
to a day ahead and
keep in an airtight
box, or make a
month ahead
and freeze,
wrapped in a
freezer bag. Defrost
before serving.
Transport in a
cake tin, wrapped
in a plastic bag
or cling film.
Make the
Raspberry lime
drizzle up to eight
hours ahead. Store,
covered, in the
fridge, bringing
out an hour
before serving.
Transport in a
watertight, lidded
plastic box.
Olive bread swirls

MAKES 12 PREP 20-25 mins plus
rising COOK 20-25 mins
Good for you
500g/1lb 2oz strong white flour,
plus extra for rolling
1 tsp salt
7g sachet easy-blend dried yeast
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus a little
for brushing
small bunch of basil
170g pitted black olives
(about 200g unpitted weight)
4 tinned anchovies (optional)
50g/2oz pitted green olives
1 In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, yeast,

1 tbsp olive oil and 300ml warm water, to
make a soft dough. Knead by hand for 10
mins or with the dough hook in a food
processor or mixer for 5 mins. Put the
dough back in the cleaned out mixing
bowl, then cover the bowl with oiled cling
film. Leave to rise for an hr in a warm
place until doubled in size.
2 Meanwhile, make the filling. Discard

any tough basil stalks (leave tender
ones on) and put in a mini food
processor or hand blender beaker with
the black olives. Add 4 tbsp olive oil,
the garlic and the anchovies, if using.
Whizz to a rough paste.
Line a shallow baking tin about 30 x 20cm
with non-stick paper. On a floured
worktop, roll out the dough to a rectangle
roughly 30 x 40cm. Spread the olive paste
all over and arrange the whole green
olives in a line down one of the short
edges. Roll up the dough like a Swiss roll,
starting at the short olive-encrusted end
to make a sausage shape.
4 Cut the dough into 12 slices, then
carefully lift each one into the tin, to make
4 rows of 3 swirl shapes. Lightly brush all
over with the remaining olive oil. Loosely
cover with cling film, then leave to rise for
20 mins or so, until slightly puffed up and
filling the tin. Cook for 20-25 mins until
golden, then leave to cool in the tin.
Make the bread

swirls up to 24
hours ahead and
store at room
temperature, or
make up to two
months ahead
and freeze in a
plastic freezer
bag. Defrost
before serving.
Transport them,
in the tin, covered
with cling film.
Warm for 10 mins
in a 200C/180C
fan/gas 6 oven.
Coconut cake
coolingCOOK 1 hr 10 mins
200g block creamed coconut, chopped

3 tbsp rapeseed or groundnut oil
200g tub full-fat soft cheese
600g/1lb 5oz sugar
5 large eggs
175g/6oz desiccated coconut
icing sugar, Raspberry lime drizzle (see
below), coconut curls and lime zest
(both optional) to serve
1 In a small pan, heat the creamed

coconut gently until it melts. Mix in oil,
then pour into a large bowl. Leave to cool.
Line a deep 20 x 30cm baking tin with
baking parchment. Add cheese and
sugar to the cooled cream, then beat
until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a
time, beating well after each, then the
vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The
mix will become mousse-like. Fold in
flour, then coconut.
3 Scrape into the tin. Bake for 1 hr-1 hr
5 mins until golden brown and a
skewer stuck in the centre comes out
clean. Turn out and cool on a rack.
Serve, dusted with icing sugar and cut
in wedges. Pour on the drizzle, add
coconut curls and zest, if using.
Raspberry lime drizzle

Pure 250g raspberries with 3 tbsp
brown sugar. Rub through a sieve.
Mix with 250g raspberries. Stir in
zest lime.
OUR
Y
K
O
BO
W!
O
N
D
STAN website
Seeore details
for m
If you food, drink & music,

youll Taste of Dubai
AN
Taste of Dubai is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year!

This gourmet festival will bring together the citys highly acclaimed restaurants, prestigious
celebrity chefs, premium beverage brands, gastronomic exhibitors and an incredible
entertainment stage playing host to live international acts.
TICKETS GO ON SALE 26th JANUARY 2012

VISIT WWW.TASTEOFDUBAIFESTIVAL.COM FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Official Newspaper
Official Monthly Magazine
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8 -10 MARCH 2012 - DUBAI MEDIA CITY
YEARS
WEEKEND
Hot as fire,
pure as ice
With the launch of the new Miele Gallery and the Fire & Ice range, BBC Good Food
ME talks kitchen design with Dr Markus Miele, managing director of Miele Worldwide
and Gaby Koudsi, managing director of Miele in the GCC
BBC Good Food ME (BBC GF ME): What are some of the current trends
in kitchen design? And, how has it changed in the last ten years?
Dr. Markus Miele (MM): In general, over the last ten to 15 years, you can
see a dramatic change in trends in kitchen design. The kitchen has become
far more integrated with the living space; it is not a separate room where the
food is being prepared anymore. Now, its connected to the living space and it
needs to look good. People spend a lot of time in the kitchen; you spend time
in the kitchen with your family and friends and in Europe, what I always say is:
every party ends in the kitchen! The design, of course, has become very
important. It not only has to function, but it also has to look great and be easy
to clean. There are a lot of things that you have to think about kitchen design,
which you didnt have to think about 10 to 15 years ago.
BBC GF ME: Can you tell us about the new Fire & Ice range. Was this
designed particularly with the Middle East market in mind?
MM: In all the different countries that we operate, we have more and more
customers of ours, who demand something different, different from neighbours,
different from what is on the market and so on. We now have 47 countries where
we sell Miele products. We developed the new range, after getting a lot of different
feedback from different countries about what the customer wants. Then we said,
okay, apart from the normal black, white, brown that we have in Europe, we want to
have something different, so with Fire & Ice range, we developed two streams; two
aesthetics. I would say the Fire range, with its red and gold tones, will be popular
here in Dubai, but also in Russia for example. We wanted to create a warm
atmosphere, and something a bit different. We got a lot of feedback from Italy, for
example, that wanted to make something in cooler colours, and very minimalistic,
so that is where the Ice range comes in. So Fire & Ice was inspired by this type of
feedback. The range is more or less the same appliances, but it has a completely
different look and feel aesthetically. So we now have different possibilities for your
personal design, which can be integrated into your home; either a warmer design
with the Fire appliances, or something more subdued and cooler, with the Ice
appliances. We now sell both of the designs in Dubai.
Gaby Koudsi (GK): Yes, we launched both together, because we have
the market for both, there is no question. We could almost launch any
product in Dubai, as we cater for all nationalities: so South African,
German, Lebanese, British, Australian, Asian... I could go on. So, with the
Fire & Ice range, we think well appeal to a lot of different tastes. Its an
advantage to operate in such a market, it is exciting, but it can be
unexpected too, and it can be challenging too.
Dr. Markus Miele
BBC GF ME: What are you bringing new to the market with the Fire &
Ice range?
MM: Its the latest technology; we have a steamer that creates not only, of
course, perfect results but its a combo-steamer, which uses humid heat but
also dry heat so you can have perfect results on your bread for example. What
we also did, is create a little more space inside the steamer, so you can cook
larger fish for example, and through customer feedback, we have improved
the appliances so that they are even easier to use and function very well.
BBC GF ME: So for professional chefs and people who love to cook, the new
range would work well for them?
MM: You know, I was once talking to a chef when he was giving a cooking
lesson in one of our galleries, and a customer was asking whats the
difference between the Miele appliances here and the appliances he uses in
his own kitchen. He said its just the size difference, but its possible to cook
everything he would in his own kitchen. The controls are definitely the same
as in the professional kitchen so we can do everything the same as a chef
does, just on a little smaller scale. When it comes to temperatures and
controls and so on, he says we are absolutely spot on for that.
BBC GF ME: Are there any features that would be great for people who want
to learn to cook, but perhaps havent mastered all the skills?
MM: Yes, we have modified the appliances to cater to the needs of
people who dont know how to cook. With the automatic programmes, for
example, but we still give our customers the control. So you can use an
automatic programme, but say, if you wanted the dish to be little bit
browner, you can still cook it for another 5 minutes or 180 degrees, so its
your result in the end. We try to help you master the functionality inside
the oven, to make it easy for you, but its easy to change the functions
and make it personalised, too.
BBC GF ME: Is it challenging to create a kitchen design that is both
aesthetically pleasing, but professionally functional too?
MM: Thats always very challenging. Design and aesthetics is very important
because of the integrated kitchen, but it has to still be user friendly. We do a
lot of tests in households, not only in Germany but around the world, in
order to see whether we meet the needs of the consumer. It will always
differ, because people use their kitchens differently, and people have
Gaby Koudsi
different opinions about designs. Its interesting, for example; a lot of our
customers that normally travel all around will see the latest designs from
France, from Italy - all the minimalistic designs and so on. These customers
will say our kitchens fit perfectly into design trends, but others who might
never have travelled have a completely different feeling about design and
they might have more difficulties with our appliances, so we said you know
with Fire maybe we get a little bit closer. Our heritage is to have the latest
technology and designs, but for those who maybe want to have a warmer
atmosphere, for example, we try to connect with those consumers. We know
that there are a lot of consumers with completely different opinions about
design around the world and especially here in Dubai, so it's great to have
the diverse Fire & Ice range.
BBC GF ME: For consumers, what are some of the things they should look
out for when choosing a new kitchen; what do they need to know so that they
get the right kitchen for them?
GK: First of all, I think they need to consider their home; how many people
are there, how often do they cook, do they like cooking or not and so on. So,
you have to first see how your family connects to the kitchen; this should be
the first question when buying a new kitchen. Then, do you like very speedy
cooking during busy weekdays, because you dont have time? But, on the
weekend you like to entertain and enjoy spending time in the kitchen. You
should look for appliances that cater to these needs. With Miele, you have this
versatility, with all different options and different programmes and controls.
Also, ask yourself: what do I like eating? Theres a big trend in healthy eating
and cooking, so the steamer is perfect, for example, because all the vitamins
are kept inside the food. If you really like nutritious, healthy food, definitely go
for the steamer. But, its the question of your background too, if you love Asian
food, then of course the wok would be great for you, too.
BBC GF ME: With regards to the cooking technology, what is specific to
Miele that other kitchen companies arent doing?
MM: First of all the design, our aesthetics are very unique. Then, we have different
combinations of appliances, that are very versatile. So you can have a combined
range out of Fire for example but also Ice, there is so much to choose from.
The Miele Gallery is located on the ground floor of the Sama Tower, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai.
WEEKEND
For the vegetarians

These festive pies are so good, everyone will want one.
As theyre individual pies, you can just make as many as you need
Individual Christmas pies
MAKES 4
PREP 1 hr COOK 1 hr
Moderately easy
once cooked
This recipe makes four pies, but all the

quantities are easily quartered or halved,
which means its just as easy to make one
pie, or two or as many as you want.
200g/7oz leek, thinly sliced
25g/1oz butter, plus a knob
100g/4oz mushrooms, finely chopped
4 good pinches ground mace
4 good pinches thyme leaves, plus a
few extra small sprigs to decorate
100g/4oz potato, grated
100g/4oz Puy or green lentils from
a can, rinsed and drained
100g/4oz cooked chestnuts, finely
chopped
8 tbsp double cream
4 tbsp cranberries, plus about
20 to decorate
1 egg, beaten, to glaze
2 tsp redcurrant jelly
FOR THE PASTRY
200g/7oz plain flour, plus a little extra
100g/4oz light vegetarian suet
8 tbsp milk
1 Gently fry the leeks in the butter until

softened. Add the mushrooms, mace
and thyme, and turn up the heat a bit to
soften the mushrooms and drive off any
liquid that comes out of them. Stir in the
potato for 2 mins, followed by the lentils,
chestnuts and cream. Cook for 2 mins
more, then take off the heat and stir in
the 4 tbsp cranberries.
2 To make the pastry, put the flour and
suet in a food processor with 1 tsp salt.
Whizz together until you cant see any
big suet lumps, then keep pulsing while
you add the milk, a spoon at a time,
until the pastry comes together.
3 Roll out a quarter of the pastry on
a lightly floured surface, then use
4 individual pie dishes to cut 4 pastry
lids we used 4 x 250ml ramekins.
Use a small star cutter to cut out a star
from each lid, then keep stars and lids
covered with cling film.
4 Cut 4 strips of baking parchment and
use a little butter to stick one in each pie
dish, so the ends of the strips stick out
each side to help you remove the pies

when baked. Gather lid scraps with the
remaining pastry and divide into 4 equal
pieces. Roll out each to 1 coin thickness
and use to line each pie dish with an
overhang. Divide the filling between the
dishes. Top each with a lid, and roll down
the overhang to meet the lid. Use a forks
prongs to press and seal edges. The pies
can now be covered and chilled for up to
24 hrs before baking.
5 To bake, heat oven to 220C/200C fan/
gas 7. Brush each pie with beaten egg and
bake for 30 mins. Lift pies from dishes
and sit directly onto a baking sheet. Mix
20 cranberries with the redcurrant jelly
and divide between the star holes on top.
Brush pastry stars with beaten egg, add a
small thyme sprig to each, then add to
the pie baking sheet and put back in the
oven for 5-10 mins, until pies and stars
are golden and crisp. Top each pie with a
star and serve.
Chunky pies packed

with Christmas flavours
SU
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a gift from
Subscribe now to receive an amazing

FREE CulinOr gift!
Valid until end of November 2011
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Searching for a lovely gift for

your foodie friends and loved-ones?
Why not treat someone to a
BBC Good Food ME
magazine subscription.
WEEKEND
Cute Christmas
cupcakes
Cooking
for pleasure
Photographs Lis Parsons | Recipe and food styling Rosie reynolds
Have fun in the kitchen

over the holidays
WEEKEND
These cakes are a joy to make with kids the recipe is incredibly easy to follow
and, as they include chocolate buttons, theyre sure to be a hit. The recipe is
essentially two projects with a break in the middle, so even younger children
stay interested. My five-year-old, Maisie, loved helping me make these. We both
enjoyed eating them, too! Barney Desmazery Food editor
Christmas cupcakes
Makes 12 PREP 20 mins
without icing
COOK 25 mins Easy
FOR THE CAKES
175g/6oz golden caster
175g/6oz unsalted butter, very soft
150g pot fat-free natural yogurt
3 eggs
FOR FROSTING AND DECORATION
85g/3oz unsalted butter, softened
200g/7oz icing sugar, sifted
TO DECORATE
natural green food colouring (for
Christmas trees), sweets, sprinkles
and white chocolate stars
milk and white chocolate buttons and
natural colouring icing pens, available
at Asda
1 Heat oven to 190C/170 fan/gas 5

and line a 12-hole muffin tin with cake
cases. Put all the cake ingredients into
a bowl and mix with a whisk until
smooth. Spoon the mix into the cases,
bake for 25 mins until golden and risen
and a skewer comes out clean. Cool
on a wire rack.
2 For the frosting, beat the butter,
vanilla extract and icing sugar until pale
and creamy and completely combined. To
make snowmen, reindeer and Christmas
puddings, first spread the icing over the
top of each cake. Then lay the chocolate
buttons on top, slicing some buttons into
quarters to make ears and hats. Finally,
use icing pens for the details. For the
Christmas tree, colour the icing with
green food colouring and pipe onto the
cakes using a star-shaped nozzle,
decorate with sweets, sprinkles and
white chocolate stars.
PER CUPCAKE 408 kcals, protein 5g, carbs 53g,
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Email marizel@cpidubai.com to enquire about receiving your loyalty card.
WEEKEND
Cooking with a
manicure
In the mood for festive entertaining without the fuss? Fabulous foodie
Farah Sawaf whips up an organic feast that is perfect for sharing
This appetiser is a fun

way to begin a dinner,
and it gets tummies
growling. It tastes great
with a drizzle of
balsamic vinegar on
top too
Cheesy salami swords

Serves 8 to 10
Recommended NStyle nail polish color
for this recipe: Pout them lips
200g chopped turkey salami pieces,
approx. 25 pieces (Organic Foods
& Cafe in Dubai will cut it up in
chunks for you)
200g hard Alpine goats cheese, cut
into about 25 cubes (this cheese
has a lovely creamy flavour to it)
handful mint leaves, whole pieces
rinsed and dried
5-6 dried organic figs cut into
approx. 25 cubes (I use Noberasco
organic)
1 Stack the ingredients onto the

skewer in this order: turkey, salami,
cheese, mint and then the fig.
2 You can serve with a toothpick or
a decorative sword-like skewer.
Brush with balsamic vinegar for
more of a kick.
Ive used fresh organic crab meat from a can, and

the vegetables add a touch of crispiness to the crab
cakes. To serve, you can dip each crab cake in
cocktail sauce, or serve it on the side
Orange blossomy scallops

Serves 8 to 10 25 minutes
This scallop concoction is one of my
favourites. The combo of orange
blossom water, fleur de sel and meaty
scallops are delightful. Since scallops can
be a bit expensive, this is the perfect
dish for a special occasion or even just
as an out-of-the-blue treat. I sometimes
lay the scallops on spinach leaves to
make a superb salad.
for this recipe: Gold Souk
Crab in a cake
Serves 8 to 12 25 minutes
These crab cakes are so crispy on the
outside yet juicy and fluffy on the inside.
Always a hit at any dinner party! We
blend in crunchy vegetables for that
extra burst of flavour that will keep your
guests grabbing for more. Organic Foods
& Cafe has all the spices you need
guaranteeing that deep reliable rich
flavour you aim for.
Recommended nail polish colour from
NStyle for this recipe: Poetic Petra
1 kilo crabmeat, usually found in
tubs in the Organic Store, pre-call
if you want to make sure
2/3 crushed butter crackers (I like to
use Ritz crackers)
6 green onions (green and white
parts), finely chopped
1 cup finely chopped bell pepper/
capsicums (I prefer yellow or
orange)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (Organic
BioNova)
2 eggs (Organic Tonis Free Range)
2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce-
Organic Biona
2 teaspoon dry mustard
teaspoon dried ginger powder
1 lemon, juiced
teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon salt
a dash of cayenne pepper
Flour, for dusting
1/2 cup canola oil
Sauce for dipping (Organic Simply
Delicious seafood sauce works well)
1 In a large bowl, mix together all
ingredients, except for the flour and oil.
Shape into patties and dust with flour.
2 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium
heat. When oil is hot, carefully place
crab cakes, in batches, in pan and fry
until browned, about 4 to 5 mins.
3 Carefully flip crab cakes and fry on
other side until golden brown, about
4 minutes. Serve warm with
preferred cocktail or seafood sauce.
NOTE: As an alternative to pan
frying the crab cakes, you can bake
the crab cakes for 20 mins at 200
degrees Celsius, while continuously
checking up on it. Coat with
breadcrumbs once baked.
12 large sea scallops cut widthwise, making 24 pieces

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 clove of garlic, crushed
1 cup orange blossom water (also
known as mazaher, found in
organic stores and most grocery
stores)
Fleur de sel (flower of salt, sea salt,
I use Gourmet Baesurisal)
Pinch of ground black pepper
6 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp grated organic orange zest
1 In a large, non-stick pan heat olive oil
and a touch of butter for 30 seconds
over low heat. Add garlic to the oil,
spreading the crushed bits evenly
throughout the pan.
2 Place scallops gently over the garlic.
Increase heat to medium. Cook for 3 to
4 minutes on each side to get a
beautiful brown crust.
3 Pour orange blossom over cooked
scallops, and then sprinkle lavender
salt or fleur de sel. Finish by sprinkling
brown sugar over finished scallops.
This should create a bit of syrup with
the scallops. Saut for a few minutes
over low heat.
WEEKEND
Farah Sawaf gets her seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables
from Organic Foods and Caf.
"I absolutely love shopping there, not only due to
the charming, peaceful experience and great servicebut every 3rd Saturday everything is 20 percent off so I
was able to get everything at a discount! I know what
is going into my food and I've never seen vegetables
more crisp and colourful, The end result tastes like no
other," says Farah.
For more fabulous foodie delights from Farah Sawaf,
visit cookingwithamanicure.com.
WIN WIN WIN!
* Organic foodie hamper from Organic Foods & Cafe
* One of five manicure vouchers from NStyle
Visit the competitions page on bbcgoodfoodme.com
for details
When preparing a meal, I always

balance ingredients and use a mix of
citrus, creamy and juicy flavours. I
also like textures in my food.
Creative cooking and eating is much
more exciting
Lamb choppies
Serves 8 to 10 Marinating- 1 hour
Preparation and cooking- 20 minutes
We often invite our friends over for a
culinary themed night. One of our favourites
features the popular lamb chop. Youd be
surprised how many certain guests can
consume. My husband and his buddy are
currently tied for a record of 12 lamb chops
each (at times like this I wonder what a
normal serving is).
Its typical that my huge pile of lamb
chops are decimated into a pile of bones
from grateful, if perhaps greedy guests. So
Ive learned to secretly assign three or four
chops on a plate to each guest thus
avoiding the guys devouring them before
the others have gotten their share.
By the way, the potato puree recipe
from the website is perfect to
compliment the recipe
for this recipe: Be Mine
30 nicely cut loin lamp chops, I prefer

organic, as they are more meaty
and flavorful- I order in advance to
guarantee amount I desire
8 cloves of garlic, minced
8 sprigs of fresh rosemary, leaves
stripped from sprig and chopped
(freshly picked from the Organic
Store)
1 small onion, peeled and finely
chopped
extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
1 Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2 Using a fork, poke the lamb chops
repeatedly. This helps to tenderize and
better marinate the meat.
3 In a large bowl, roll up your sleeves
and mix the rest of the ingredients
together very well with your hands.
Slather the lamb chops with this
aromatic mixture, being sure all the
lamb chops have bits of the garlic,
rosemary and onion.
4 Place the chops in a large Ziploc bag

or Tupperware and leave in fridge for at
least an hour. You can do this a day in
advance and leave it in the fridge
overnight for the next day.
5 Soak some olive oil into a paper
towel rub all over a clean oven rack.
6 Attach the wire rack with foil, meaning
place foil underneath bending it around
snugly the rack. This will catch the fat
drippings and make clean up a snap.
7 Place the lamb chops evenly all over the
oiled oven rack and sprinkle freshly
ground black pepper and sea salt to your
taste onto. Place this rack into the center
of oven and cook for approximately 8 to
12 minutes depending on how you like
your meat done. For medium, it takes
about 10 minutes.
8 Take one lamb chop out and cut a slit
into it to see how pink it inside. This
will allow you to determine if your
choppies need more time.
9 Serve either on individual plates or on one
large serving platter arranged in a stack.
I love the look on people's

faces when they enjoy food
I've created. Theres no
better feeling than
welcoming people into your
home, and connecting with
them over a meal
Hot and chili at once!

Serves 8 to 10 1 hour 45 minutes
This is perfect for a big movie or game
night. I place the big bowl of steaming chili
on the table and during the movie everyone
keeps refilling their bowl again and again.
When someone asks me to explain the
flavour they look at me like I am crazy when
I mention ingredients like coffee or cocoa.
Sometimes I keep it a secret if I am not in
the mood to divulge!
for this recipe: Obsession
2 tsp olive oil (I use Organic Nektar
extra virgin)
2 yellow/sweet onions, chopped
1 kg lean ground beef
500g beef sausage
6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
200-400g canned diced or chopped
tomato (I use organic Campo Polpa)
2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
200-380g canned tomato paste
(I use Organic Isis)
4 cups of beef broth
(you can find pre-packed tubs in
the frozen section)
1 cup strong warm coffee
2 tbsp hot sauce (Organic Biona)
3 tbsp ground cumin
2 tbsp raw cocoa powder (weird I
know!) (I use Organic Vivani)
2 tsp dried oregana

1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup tightly packed brown sugar
1 tbsp fresh coriander
1 tsp salt
1 can red kidney beans, drained and
rinsed (I use Mr. Organic can)
1 can cannelloni beans,
drained and rinsed
2 fresh hot peppers chopped (use
more or less depending on your
preference on heat!)
Low-fat sour cream
Pinch of fresh coriander or parsley
for garnish, chopped
drizzle hot olive oil for more of a
kick for each serving if you desire
(Crudigo Peperoncino works well)
1 In large pot, heat olive oil over
medium heat. Saut onions until
translucent then stir in ground beef
and cubed beef. Brown the meat and
add the garlic. Stir in canned tomatoes,
chopped tomatoes, tomato paste and
beef broth. Then, add the remaining
ingredients (except sour cream and
coriander/parsley garnish).
2 Stir frequently so that nothing burns.
Leave uncovered to create thickness
as desired. If uncovered, this will allow
excess water to evaporate.
3 Reduce heat to low and gently
simmer for at least 1 hours covered.
4 To serve, spoon in individual bowls.
Place one small dollop of sour cream
with coriander or parsley garnish as
the final touch.
Tip: the longer it simmers the better! I
let my chili simmer on lowest heat for
over 3 hours.
Semi Sweet Chippy Cookies

Serves 10- double recipe for larger
hungrier groups 30 minutes
These cookies are little bites of sugary
heaven. Get creative and make an ice
cream sandwich: place ice cream
between your cookies and dab with
whipped cream and mint. Let your
sugar-craved mind go crazy!
for this recipe: Caramel
cup softened butter (I use
Bio+Organic)
cup white granulated sugar
cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
fresh vanilla stick grated (if not
available, no worries), you can
find Organic Burbon in the
Organic Store
1 cups all-purpose flour
small pinch salt
tsp baking powder
tsp baking soda
cup grated or finely chopped
gourmet chocolate -caramel
flavour (recommended-Vivani
Organic White Vanilla)
10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
chips or butterscotch chips
1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2 In a large bowl, mix together the
butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla beans (if
available) and vanilla extract.
3 In another bowl, mix together the flour,
salt, baking powder and baking soda.
4 Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
5 Stir in the chips.
6 Get your hands in the bowl and with
your fingers, place golf ball-sized dough
portions 2-inches apart on an
ungreased cookie sheet.
7 Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or just until
edges are light brown
LAST BITE
all aboard
Swedish chef, Stefan

Karlsson from Fond
restaurant, Gothenburg
DiVAZ
We catch up with Stefan Karlsson, the acclaimed

Swedish chef who created a delicious four-course
menu on board DiVAZ, the floating venue at Jebel
Ali Golf Resort & Spa
The top deck of DiVAZ
How would you describe your personal style of cooking?

My cooking is simple, tasty and above all based on traditional local Swedish
flavour. I use locally-produced ingredients where the farmer or fisherman has
great knowledge and a feel for the raw material.
So, classic Swedish dishes influence the dishes you create?
Absolutely! My dishes are a mix between the traditional Swedish cuisine and
the new world that makes todays food so interesting.
What are your favourite ingredients to work with and why?
I love working with all those root vegetables grown in Sweden and that have
always been an important part of our Swedish food culture.
Can you tell me a bit about your restaurant Fond, what can diners expect
from the restaurant?
Fond is a Scandinavian, modern restaurant. We want to be a simple restaurant
with great knowledge of the food and drink that we serve. We try to make an
informal and cheerful dining room.
You were recently in Dubai as a guest chef on board DiVAZ. How did you
enjoy the experience?
Dubai is a lovely pot where all of the worlds great kitchens boil! I think that our
Nordic cuisine is seen far too little in Dubai and we should probably take a seat in
Dubai too. My experience of the kitchens that Ive been in, especially in Jebel Ali,
has an ambition to cook good food from different parts of the world. I am
impressed that you can find almost every ingredient in Dubais kitchens.
What do you think of the restaurant scene in Dubai?
The restaurant scene in Dubai is really interesting. The only thing I have not yet
found is a kitchen where one refines and modernises the Arabic kitchen. Maybe
there are these types of restaurants, but I have managed to miss it.
What inspired you to become a chef?
When I was little, I wanted to be a farmer. I am not a farmer, but I take advantage
of the farmers produce. I grew up in a family where food always has been an
important part of life and I have cooked since I was 13 years old.
Romantic dining options

on board DiVAZ
What is your first food memory?

My first food memory is my birthday dinner when I was five years. Swedish
pickled herring with new potatoes, cream and finely cut chives. Typical Swedish
food on a typical May Day in Sweden.
What is something that most people dont know about Swedish cuisine?
Few know that the Nordic countries today are one of the leading food scenes in
the world, with its own distinct cuisine and cooking.
As it is the festive season what would be your ultimate Swedish
Christmas menu to create for friends and family, and why?
In Sweden during Christmas, we eat a buffet called the Christmas table.
By tradition, there are all those ingredients that we could get during this
season. Pickled herring, different salmon dishes, lots of dishes made from
the pig that was slaughtered for Christmas. Dishes of root vegetables and
cabbage are also always present.
Hcker, the definitive German luxury kitchen company, dedicated to

designing and crafting the worlds most desirable kitchens.
Hcker Kitchen | Sheikh Zayed Road | Al Barsha | Dubai | UAE

Tel 04 3990425 | info@hacker.ae | www.hacker.ae
This Festive Season,

discover a magical world
of wonder at Burj Al Arab
We have 40% off on suites* till December 20th,
and exciting events throughout the month of
December, including a magical Gala dinner.
This Festive Season at Burj Al Arab, were leaving reality
at the door. Prepare for magical dining, spectacular
entertainment and much more on a scale beyond your
imagination. Bring your family. Bring your friends. And
leave the rest to us. Burj Al Arab.
To book the best available rate, please visit burjalarab.com
Tel: +971 4 301 7400
Email: BAAreservations@jumeirah.com
*This rate is valid for UAE nationals and residents only on the best available suite rate,
from 10th November to 20th December, 2011. Rates are subject to 10% service charge
and 10% municipality fees. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
jumeirah.com

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December 2011

Your turkey, perfected

WIN, WIN, WIN!

CREATE YOUR OWN

Publication licensed by IMPZ

Let the festivities begin

BBC Worldwide Magazines Unit:

Relax, enjoy and savour BBC Good Food ME,

Lauren Hills, editor

PAGE 82 | Three festive turkeys

Marketing & Communications

PAGE 30 | A gluten-free Christmas

December 2011 BBC Good Food Middle East 1

4 CRAZY FOR COMPETITIONS

10 GORGEOUS GIFTS AND GOODIES

46 DINING OUT IN THE UAE

2 BBC Good Food Middle East December 2011

58 THE PERFECT MATCH

82 THREE DIFFERENT WAYS

Our recipe descriptions

116 HOT AS FIRE, COLD AS ICE

Suitable for vegetarians

110 EASY ALFRESCO PARTY MENU

5g or less per portion; low in salt, 1.5g

124 COOKING WITH A MANICURE

December 2011 BBC Good Food Middle East 3

Crazy for competitions

Love the taste of

A meal for two

Dine at the rustic, delicious Italian restaurant

A catered fine dining

Dubais favourite caterers Yes Chef! will

Tempt your taste buds with festive favourites

Enjoy a nights stay at

Positioned within the Meridien Village,

Foodie Hampers from Sadia

Mazina Brunch for

Located at The Address Dubai Marina, Mazina

4 BBC Good Food Middle East December 2011

Each winner will receive a food

To stand a chance to win these prizes

6 BBC Good Food Middle East December 2011

December 2011 BBC Good Food Middle East 7

Pair & dine at Mango Tree,

8 BBC Good Food Middle East December 2011

Dine out South

RAW Coffee now available

Dubais premier boutique roastery

Gorgeous gifts and

Enjoy sipping lattes in this

A treat for colleagues, friends and family,

You can purchase assorted bread

10 BBC Good Food Middle East December 2011

With a range of delicious treats, gift

Splurge on this five-piece set

Tis the season

Welcome your guests with this beautiful

This potty about herbs pot priced at AED 119 from

These adorable guthra-styled bibs from

Munch on this adorable and