By Tanya Steele
The Christmas season brings with it a hectic time of year, but most can agree that the a meal with family, and friends or even some quiet time for the introverts amongst us.
Around the Star Mail Office, we have mixed opinions on essential items for a bountiful Christmas spread.
Kerrie from the front desk at Healesville touts that the trifle and pav are a must – alongside a special baked ham with a glaze that’s a family secret.
Tyler from the Ranges is less discerning and claims she will eat anything but loves a trifle and some turkey.
Gabriella, one of our young Star Mail casuals has dived back from being a vegetarian this year in time for the Christmas ham and said her Aunt’s Christmas Cake is divine.
‘Fritule’ is on the menu for Cal from Upper Yarra, it’s a Croatian dish that is described as being “like a little doughnut style fritter” and they are served with sugar and chocolate sauce.
In Mountain Views, Andrew celebrates Christmas in Korea with family and friends and enjoyed hanging up the stocking as a kid but tells us that the meal is not holiday-specific.
In Mt Evelyn and Lilydale – our illustrious Editor Mikayla puts forward a vote for the humble potato – crunchy and roasted of course!
A tasty and fresh breadstick cut and slathered with butter is another essential side that her family cannot live without.
Lastly, my favourite would have to be the pudding and ice cream and the abundance of cherries on everything (if I am lucky!) – an occasional seafood lunch every few years can be delicious as well.
Something that was at first inflicted on me by my extended family, but is now tradition is a seven-layer ‘salad’ that is a relic of an Australian Christmas past that somehow satisfies all. The bowl includes layers of grated egg, mushroom, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, a mighty slathering of mayonnaise (I know!) and of course bacon!
Whatever is on your plate this year, with the year it has been – we wish you a happy holiday season and will see you all in the New Year.
