It's the most wonderful time of the year.
Feeling festive
Nick McNally, Designer
It's that time of year again: the dark nights are drawing in, Wizzard is on every station and scarves and gloves are poised eagerly for the first whisper of snow. Preparation for the big day is well and truly underway.
The joys of family political warfare, the eagerness to please all and the thankless task of getting Uncle Frank’s roast potatoes just the way he likes them whilst making sure Aunt Betty’s sherry glass is always topped up, but not too much. But let’s be honest, we all love it really.
For many it is the only time of year that we get to see loved ones, truly unwind and look forward to the year ahead.
Although it all boils down to a single day of the year and in fact a single meal of the year, given the importance of the day to so many, it has an astounding impact on a client's choices in designing their kitchen. But is this as crazy as it seems? After all, cooking the Christmas dinner is perhaps the ultimate test of a kitchen's endurance, durability and most of all capacity.
But what things would really help make the difference on the big day? And we are not talking about having Gordon Ramsay at your beck and call. We have compiled a list of some of the items, features and functions that may be worth considering when designing your new kitchen, which may be worth their weight in gold when it comes to cooking and entertaining on masse.
Cooking for the big Day & Time saving tips
Ovens:
Capacity is undoubtedly the biggest concern when it comes to oven cooking. But what other features may help to alleviate the pressures of timings and make sure the turkey is cooked through without it going dry?
Our top three features we would suggest considering:
an oven that offers a steam function (no more dry turkey or mushy toasties);
combination microwave oven (combining speed and flavour);
telescopic oven rails (making turkey basting a breeze).
Warming drawer:
Much more than a plate warmer, this clever kitchen gadget might just be the trick up your sleeve when it comes to timings. An ideal hot-hold food storage space for when the pigs in blankets are ready but you still need to get the perfect fresh snow crunch on those roast potatoes.
Thermometer probe:
Whether you opt for a hand-held model or go all out with an integrated oven probe, this seemingly innocuous device might be the golden ticket to aligning your meat cooking skills with those of a Michelin accredited chef.
Festive tipple
Wine cabinet:
As important, and many would argue more important, is the tipples on offer on the big day. Champagne, fine wine, port, the list goes on… Yes, the back door step keeps things chilled when the fridge is full of the "Christmas shop", but it is possible to really up our refrigeration game when it comes to drinks. Wine coolers, multi-zone wine coolers, beer fridges, pantry fridges, water and ice dispensers - the list goes on. Don’t get caught off guard with tepid Trebbiano or frozen solid Sangiovese this Christmas.
Last Minute prep
Flexi-zone induction hob:
As the carrots and sprouts jostle for position, and we forget the separate portion of peas for Granny, hob space very quickly becomes a premium. A flexi-zone hob offers the ability to cook with multiple pots and pans of varying sizes and may just allow you to squeeze on that extra pot of bread sauce without having to risk a microwave explosion.
Sharp knives:
Although not a fixture of the kitchen, do not underestimate the importance of a sharp knife. A little tip: in the lead up to Christmas, spend an hour or so sharpening your knives. You will thank us later.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at
Kitchens by Nick McNally