For the British royal family, Christmas is the most important winter holiday. The culinary traditions of this day are described by former Windsor chef Darren MacGrady.
On Christmas, the large royal family traditionally gathers at Sandringham, one of the two country estates owned not by the crown, but by the royal family itself.
“Christmas begins with breakfast at 8:30. According to established tradition, women spend the festive morning separately from men and prefer a light first meal. They stay in their bedrooms and enjoy sliced fruits, half a grapefruit, toast, and coffee,” shares the chef.
It is worth noting that the late Queen Elizabeth II was known for her strict diet consisting of simple dishes made from fresh ingredients. The Princess of Wales also prefers moderation in her food and takes care of her figure, reports the online publication The Mirror.
MacGrady explains that the Christmas breakfast for men is more calorie-dense than for women. The men gather in the dining room and usually have a hearty breakfast of eggs with bacon and mushrooms, traditional smoked fish, and grilled kidneys.
The former chef also shared memories of what dishes were served to the royal family on Christmas.
“The festive lunch was traditional and, one could say, predictable. Every year the dishes were repeated and did not differ in variety. We prepared three turkeys for the Queen and her family, one for the children, and another for the hundred staff members. The bird was served with mashed potatoes and roast potatoes, stuffing made of sage and onion or chestnuts, as well as several types of sauces. For vegetables, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and roasted parsnips were placed on the table,” adds MacGrady.
For dessert, homemade Christmas pudding was served, which was decorated with holly, doused with brandy, and set alight.
“The palace steward dramatically brought in the flaming dish to the dining room,” adds the royal chef.
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