For centuries, a magnificent piece of meat or fish has been served as the centrepiece of celebratory meals such as Christmas, and it is a simple yet impressive way to feed a crowd. Most families have their own favourite vegetable dishes to accompany meats – from simply boiled Jersey Bennes and minted peas to full platters of roasted potatoes, kumara, pumpkin and onions. If we’re lucky there may still be some decent asparagus around at Christmas time, or possibly a light salad will fit the bill. I have included some accompaniments here.

Collection
Slow-cooked salmon with spiced tomato sauce & coriander
Roast leg of lamb with ras el hanout
Roasted carrot & orange salad
Roast chickens with quinoa stuffing
Mushroom-stuffed beef fillet with mushroom sauce
Roast pork scotch fillet with fennel & plums