It’s always tricky knowing what to do food-wise after you’ve exhausted yourself and your culinary resources on Christmas Day. Going out between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve can be hit and miss (will pubs and restaurants be booked up? Or will there still be staff shortages?), so to avoid the uncertainty, I’m championing brunch at home.
I don’t think we entertain our friends and family enough with brunch dishes, and yet it’s such a relaxing meal. The classics are great fun to cook and can be as luxurious or as humble as you wish.
There’s also, of course, a good excuse at this time of year to make it a boozy one, serving jugs of Bloody Mary or using up some of that sparkling wine or Champagne you’ve stocked up on.
Everyone has their own take on a Bloody Mary but below I’ve shared my favourite way to serve it, often with a splash of dry sherry if I’ve got some open. I like to make my own celery salt by drying celery leaves (or the herb parcel, cultivated for its leaves that look like curly parsley but taste like celery) in a warm oven or microwave, then blending them with some sea salt.
Over the years, I’ve tried making my own tomato juice, too, but found it just doesn’t work. So my preferred juice is by Turner Hardy & Co, who also produce a spiced version that makes a great dry-January option (known as a Bloody Shame!).
The duck hash is inspired by a dish I once had at restaurant in New Orleans and one I’ve made many times since. You can use fresh duck legs and slow cook or confit them, as I do in the recipe below, or alternatively use a can of duck confit from your larder, or any turkey or goose trimmings left over from Christmas Day.
To finish, a kind of hot-chocolate dessert version of a cappuccino brûlée I served years ago when I worked at Le Caprice. Serve it in large coffee cups or glasses, and enjoy!
Collected by Cookingtom
Original Article
I’m Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. I’m here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! I’ve been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. I’ve been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and I’ve loved every minute of it! I specialize in healthy, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. I’m here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that it’s not as difficult as you might think! I hope you’ll check out my blog and my recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you!