Even if you’re not hosting, you might be getting anxious about what to bring those who have invited you to their home. Well, sit back and put your feet up while we raid the Buy West Eat Best Christmas cupboard for some ideas that will not only go down a treat, but support local, too. That’s what we call the Christmas spirit!
Make an effort (but nothing too taxing)
So, you don’t have to take care of the main affair, but you still want to bring something to share? Let’s start with the drinks. This summer peach sangria is utterly delightful, totally refreshing, oh, so easy and makes the most of sublime Western Australian peaches. What more could you ask for?
Cheese. Is there ever enough cheese? With so many brilliant local producers, you are spoilt for choice to spread across the board. Cater for all tastes with a selection from some of our wonderful Buy West Eat Best members, including Bookara Goat Dairy’s fabulous feta, Halls Family Dairy’s superb Suzette, Cambray Cheese’s sensational array of sheep milk cheese, or a slice of Harvey Cheese Blue OMG or St Duke’s Red. If you need some tips on how to bring it all together with fresh fruit and other treats, so that it looks as good as it tastes, check out our guide to the perfect grazing board.
Want to give something that lasts a tad longer than Christmas dinner? Try this easy beetroot and balsamic relish – it’s only got a handful of ingredients and takes about half an hour to cook. Of course, you can eat it with the Christmas ham, but put it in a lovely (sterilised) jar, tie a pretty bow around it, and you’ve got a sweet gift for your hosts to enjoy with any leftovers for a good week or more.
We’re also very partial to shortbread at Christmas. There are so many quick and easy recipes on the internet, but if you want to take this beautiful biscuit up a notch we heartily recommend the superb alfajores Peruano from UMA, at Pan Pacific Perth. The soft cornflour shortbread is filled with a caramel to die for (you’ll be licking your lips long after the last bite). Best of all, when they inevitably ask you for the recipe, you can share it with the click of your phone.
Easy pickings (from our members)
Of course, we know how pressed you are for time, so if there are no free days for baking or cooking in the lead-up to the big day, don’t panic. You can still give the gift of local produce in so many ways.
How about ordering a box of divine produce from Dirty Clean Food to arrive just before Christmas? Packed with the best from growers around the state, a box of goodness will make friends and family think all their Christmases have come at once.
You could also put together a hamper of your own, taking your pick from the producers and providores we are proud to call Buy West Eat Best members. There are so many variations, the only limit is your imagination (and, of course, your budget). If you want to find an array of local flavours all in one place, pop into The Herdsman or Farmer Jack’s for some great ideas – though we suggest asking staff for help as there is so much to choose from. See our suggestions for some truly delicious hampers.
Of course, foodies in the family will love eating out. From sumptuous dining experiences down south, such as Amelia Park Restaurant, to city sensations like the aforementioned UMA and the delights of the Asian grill at Miss Mi Perth, or long lunches in Freo at Young George, and in the Swan Valley at Sandalford Restaurant & Bar, there are so many ways to say “have a meal on me”.
If the budget only stretches to a bottle of fine wine, we are certain they will be very happy with a drop from Peel’s delightful Drakesbrook Wines or a marvellous merlot from Below & Above in the Southern Forests.
Whatever way you choose to celebrate this Christmas, do it with a decidedly local flavour. Western Australia’s finest will thank you for it.