Ep 2. The Main Event

Donna Hay Christmas is a cooking show hosted by renowned Australian cookbook author and food stylist, Donna Hay. In each episode, Donna shares her tips and tricks for creating delicious festive dishes that are sure to impress your guests. Episode 2 of season 1 is titled "The Main Event" and focuses on the centerpiece dish of any Christmas meal.

In this episode, Donna shows viewers how to create the perfect Christmas roast. She begins by selecting the right cut of meat and shares her tips for trimming and seasoning it. Viewers get a step-by-step guide through the cooking process, demonstrating the best way to achieve that perfect balance of crispy outer layer and succulent center.

One of the key takeaways from this episode is Donna's emphasis on preparation. She stresses the importance of planning ahead with a roast, ensuring that the meat is at room temperature before cooking, and taking the time to allow it to rest after cooking to avoid drying out. Donna also shares her recipe for a decadent gravy that perfectly complements the roast and is sure to delight your guests.

Alongside the main dish, Donna shares her recipes for classic Christmas sides such as potato gratin, roasted vegetables, and Brussels sprouts with bacon. She adds her own unique twists to these dishes, such as using rosemary and garlic-infused cream in her potato gratin and adding a dash of apple cider vinegar to her roasted vegetables for an extra layer of flavor.

Donna also includes a vegetarian option, demonstrating how to make a mushroom and quinoa stuffed pumpkin. She shows viewers how to select and prepare the pumpkin, and then proceeds to make the filling with onions, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices. This dish is a delicious and hearty alternative for any vegetarian guests and shows that a Christmas feast doesn't need to revolve around meat to be impressive.

Throughout the episode, Donna provides helpful cooking tips and techniques, as well as insight into her own philosophy on cooking and entertaining. She encourages viewers to experiment and add their own personal touch to their dishes, reminding us that Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones and creating lasting memories.

Overall, episode 2 of Donna Hay Christmas season 1 is a must-watch for anyone looking to impress their guests with a delicious Christmas roast and sides. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, Donna's expert guidance and easy-to-follow recipes will have you feeling confident and ready to tackle the main event.