Tuckerbox: Season’s feastings!
Christmas is a time when almost everyone feels happy, with joy in the air as plans are made to celebrate with family and friends. However, some of us might not be able to get together with family due to geographical distances, or we might be newly arrived in Singapore and not yet have our close bevy of friends. Not to worry, as our adopted home offers familiar sights, sounds, and tastes related to the season.
FESTIVE DINING OPTIONS
This is a chance to be creative and make our Christmas celebration meaningful. Dining at home as a family can enable precious moments to appreciate the spirit of the season, making memories to cherish. Supermarkets and specialty shops in Singapore will be well-stocked with festive favourites like turkeys, chickens and hams (uncooked or cooked), sweet delights from around the world, and drinks like juices, apple-cider, eggnog, and mulled wine, plus a large wine selection from our Antipodean countries.
ANZA members could connect and enjoy a potluck Christmas Day meal, planning dishes in advance to cover traditional fare, including gift-giving at a pre-arranged value, so as to spread festive cheer. Children will be delighted to experience the mood of Christmas, even though away from some of their loved ones. Or, order your must-have festive dishes through food delivery leaders, Deliveroo, foodpanda, or GrabFood.
Photograph: home-style by Carol Cocks
Even long-time residents here might feel like indulging, choosing to make restaurant reservations. Be sure to book well in advance! Engaging a caterer takes care of not only the festive food, but also the nitty-gritty of tableware and setup, whether buffet, sit-down, or cocktail canapés. I have happily used Creative Eateries (creativeeateries.com.sg) on several occasions for their cuisine flexibility, Asian, and Western fare.
Photograph: Catering courtesy Creative Eateries
CHOICES TO CONSIDER
Home cooking, including potluck traditional dishes from the home countries of attending friends, could make wonderful festive meals. Pre-arranged items might feature salads; roast turkey or goose with trimmings; fish in various styles; pork knuckle; roast potatoes and carrots with Brussels sprouts; Christmas pudding with brandy sauce (or ice cream); Yule log cake, mince pies, gingerbread; mixed nuts, chocolates; with traditional drinks organised by the host. Friends not in a position to cook could provide Champagne or wine.
A catered or ordered meal could be along the same lines, with dishes chosen to represent the festive fare of those attending. Items might be tandoori chicken or fish, biryani rice with its golden hue, and colourful kueh (local cakes). Not forgetting, of course, organising the making of much-loved Pavlova from Australia and New Zealand for dessert!
Wishing one and all a very Merry Christmas, filled with the love of family and friends!