How to Prepare the Pams Kiwi Christmas Feast!
If you’re the chef in your family this Christmas, then Pams is here to help! Take some of the stress out of the big day with our prepping tips and schedule, to help you whip up the Pams Kiwi Christmas Feast.
Whether the menu has been in discussion since April, or time has gotten away from you and you’re only just planning now, we’ve got you covered. Our prep schedule can be applied to your own unique menu, or if you’re in need of inspiration, we’ve done all the hard work! You can download our menu plan & recipes for the Kiwi Christmas Feast here and shop all the ingredients at your local New World!
7 - 10 Days Before Christmas:
Preparation is key to a stress-free Christmas. If you’re sharing the load when it comes to food this year, then now’s the time to finalise who’s bringing what! Just remember to take a minute to be considerate, and have a check in with your guests to confirm any dietary requirements they may have!
To stay on top of things, dedicate some time to sorting out your shopping list. We recommend organising it into sections of the supermarket – produce, butchery, bakery & deli.
3- 4 Days Before Christmas:
Now’s the time to do your “big” shop and get to the supermarket before the Christmas rush! Purchase all non-perishable ingredients on your list, as well as items that hold up well in the fridge. Now is also time to clean out your fridge and make some room!
Top tip: Add some treats from the Pams Christmas range to your list - these are great to have on hand in case you have any extra guests or need a cheeky gift!
1 - 2 Days Before Christmas:
It’s the final countdown!
First things first, it’s time to finish your shopping! Buy any perishable fresh produce and make sure to triple check your original list and menu, picking up any items you may have missed.
Start your kitchen prep!
To save time on Christmas, whip up salad dressings, marinate meats and prepare your desserts - just make sure you have lots of spare tubs and containers (as well as room in the fridge!) for storage.
If you’re making the Pams Ultimate Kiwi Christmas Feast, here’s how to prep:
- Make your pastry puffs for your Salmon Puffs and leave to cool before storing in an airtight container. You can also make your lemon yoghurt - whisk together and store it in a small container in your fridge.
- Par-bake your Camembert & Garlic Wreath! There’s nothing better than freshly baked bread! Follow our recipe up until step 5 when you par-bake the wreath in the oven. Leave to cool and cover tightly with cling film, then leave on the bench at room temperature. On the day, simply pick up where you left off at step 6!
- Now’s the time to make any sauces, dressings and marinades! Make your whipped feta dressing for your Wedge Salad, and store in a container in the fridge overnight. You can also prep your toasted seeds, stored at room temperature.
- Prepare your Garlic Hasselback Potatoes! This can be a bit of a fiddly job, especially if you’ve never done it before. Save time on the day by carefully preparing your potatoes according to our recipe and storing them covered in the fridge overnight.
- Prepare your Crackin’ Chicken Tray Bake - this one could not be easier! Follow our recipe for steps 1 and 2, then wrap up the entire baking tray and place in the fridge overnight.
- Get ahead of the game and make your Mushroom & Kūmara Wellington! You can assemble the whole Mushroom & Kūmara Wellington prior to baking. Wrap tightly in cling film and store in the fridge, ready to bake on Christmas day!
- You can prepare your entire No-Bake Plum & Chocolate Tart from start to finish. This is the perfect dessert for a low stress Christmas Day! Wrap tightly in cling film, and remove from the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Make the ambrosia for your Pavlova Ambrosia on Christmas Eve and store in a container in the fridge.
Christmas Day:
By this time, you’re so well prepared there’s nothing to worry about!
Whether your Christmas meal is during the day or in the evening, we recommend starting to assemble your menu a couple hours before guests arrive – delegating simple tasks to family members to lighten the load and spend quality time together.
Two hours before guests arrive:
- Make your Festive Couscous Salad! This can be made first and set aside – keep covered at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.
- Get moving on the Wedge Salad by preparing your lettuce and plating it up. Cover until time to eat, then drizzle over the prepared dressing and sprinkle over seeds before serving.
- Make your Pea, Feta & Mint Salad and place in the fridge until ready to serve. Save the mint and feta to sprinkle over once the salad is on the table.
30 minutes before guests arrive:
- Start assembling your Salmon Puffs! You have already done all the hard work by prepping the pastry, so start at step 4 and assemble your tarts – place on a serving platter ready to go!
Guests have arrived:
- Place your Camembert & Garlic Wreath in the oven to finish baking. This is best served warm, while the cheese is still soft and gooey – so we always recommend baking it once your guests have arrived.
- Take your Mushroom & Kūmara Wellington, Crackin’ Chicken Tray Bake and Garlic Hasselback Potatoes out of the fridge to come up to room temperature.
An hour before you’re ready to eat:
- Pre-heat the oven!
- Pop your Garlic Hasselback Potatoes and Mushroom & Kūmara Wellington in the oven at the same time. These dishes both cook at the same temperature and can be rotated halfway for even heat distribution. They do have different cook times, so set a timer, cover & keep warm once they have finished cooking.
- Turn up the heat and place your pre-prepared Crackin’ Chicken Tray Bake in the oven!
You’re ready to eat:
- The time has finally come - place all dishes on the table and garnish your salads! Tuck in and enjoy – all your hard work has paid off!
Once you’ve finished eating your mains:
- Pull your No-Bake Plum & Chocolate Tart out of the fridge and place on a serving platter.
- We think a pav is best served fresh! So, while the dishes are being cleared away, assemble your Pavlova Ambrosia on a serving platter using the ambrosia you prepped the night before.
Happy eating!
