Three festive recipes to feed the flat

If you’re aiming for a more indulgent Christmas feast while keeping it simple, here’s a festive three-course menu packed with delicious flavours and a touch of luxury, all for around £10 per person.

Starter: Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Crostini

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 baguette (£1.50)
• 100g smoked salmon (£4.50)
• 150g cream cheese (£1.30)
• 1 lemon (£0.30)
• Fresh dill (optional) (£0.60)
• Olive oil (£0.20)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Slice the baguette into 12 thin pieces and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 5-7 minutes until crisp.
2. Spread cream cheese onto each crostini and top with small slices of smoked salmon.
3. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of black pepper, and garnish with dill if using. Serve immediately.

Cost per serving: Approx. £2.55

Main: Roast Lamb with Garlic and Herb Crust

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1kg lamb shoulder (£12.00)
• 800g baby potatoes (£2.50)
• 4 carrots (£0.80)
• 1 onion (£0.20)
• 4 garlic cloves (£0.20)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (£0.20)
• Fresh rosemary and thyme (£1.00)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). Rub the lamb with olive oil, chopped garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the lamb in a roasting dish, surrounded by the onion, carrots, and potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil.
3. Roast for 1.5 hours, basting halfway through. Ensure the lamb is tender and cooked to your liking. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
4. Serve with the roasted vegetables.

Cost per serving: Approx. £4.20

Dessert: Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 100g dark chocolate (£1.20)
• 100g unsalted butter (£1.00)
• 2 eggs (£0.40)
• 2 egg yolks (£0.40)
• 50g caster sugar (£0.10)
• 50g plain flour (£0.10)
• Vanilla ice cream (500ml tub) (£2.50)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6) and grease four ramekins.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Let cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, yolks, and sugar until pale and fluffy. Fold in the melted chocolate mixture, followed by the flour.
4. Divide the mixture evenly between the ramekins and bake for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the centre stays gooey.
5. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Cost per serving: Approx. £2.25

Total Cost: Approx. £40 (£10 per person)

This three-course meal adds a touch of luxury to your Christmas celebration while remaining fairly cheap. It’s rich, festive, and perfect for a Christmas dinner with the flat!