Christmas Eve Dinner for 10 - Recommendations?

Our answer

Nigella has two Christmas Eve dinners that she would recommend. In FEAST the Sausages with Onion and Cider Gravy (p38) is very easy - the sausages are baked in the oven and you can always make the gravy the day before. Cool the gravy quickly then refrigerate it overnight in an airtight container. Reheat gently when you need it, adding a splash of extra stock or water if it has become too thick. Serve with mashed potatoes or the Heaven and Earth Mash (p39) and an easy vegetable, such as peas.

A slightly more show-stopping dinner is the Ginger-Glazed Ham from CHRISTMAS (p100). The ham does take some time (up to 4 hours) to simmer but it can for most of this time be left to just simmer away without much fuss. It then just needs a final anointment of ginger preserve and a blast in the oven to burnish it. If you are in the US then it is easier to buy a ready-cooked ham. Reheat it following the instructions that come with the ham then follow the glazing instructions in the recipe. Nigella likes to serve the ham with Macaroni Cheese deluxe (p103) which can be assembled 2-3 days ahead and baked on Christmas eve, but if you are not keen on Mac and Cheese then you could always make a potato gratin instead and either way an easy green salad is all that is needed alongside.

Both of these recipes will feed 10 people.