Jenny Jefferies, local author of two top-selling cookbooks, shares her Christmas rituals and recipes, offering tips for buying ingredients and making a roast to remember
With two bestselling cookbooks under her belt, Jenny Jefferies knows a thing or two about finding the best produce and creating memorable feasts. Her first, For the Love of the Land, shone a spotlight on farmers across the British Isles, sharing stories of our country’s agriculture alongside mouth-watering recipes showcasing the best of British produce, while the follow-up, For the Love of the Sea, celebrated our seafood community.
For Jenny, her farmer husband and their two daughters, the festive season is all about time spent together, giving thanks and making delicious fare for everybody to enjoy. “I love the feeling of sharing food with the people you love at Christmas time,” she says. “For me, what makes it special and memorable is everyone doing their little bit. My mother does her famous chocolate log, my father cooks a capon with all the trimmings, my husband makes a Christmas cake, pickled onions and jam, and I do canapés, chutney and cocktails for our bespoke baubles, lovingly created by my niece (my two young children have milk in theirs!).
The prep begins as early as October, when Jenny’s father sets about making the Christmas pudding. Each family member is given the mixture to stir – honouring their tradition of making a wish as they do, while for the big day itself, the classic turkey is eschewed for a different centrepiece.
“We always opt for a capon,” she explains. “It’s larger than a chicken and a bit smaller than a turkey – but more flavourful than both. Capons are full-breasted, with tender, juicy meat that’s well-suited to roasting.”
The bird is sourced from Caldecott Turkey Farms Ltd in Worcestershire – an ethical family farm featured in For the Love of the Land – while other ingredients are picked up at Jenny’s local farm shop, Woodview in Gamlingay.
For foodie gifts, she recommends the Larder at Burwash Manor, which has a huge range of artisan chocolates, alcohol and other locally made treats. It’s part of her commitment to supporting regional food businesses where possible – something Jenny believes is vital all year round, but especially at Christmas, when many people default to big supermarkets for the convenience factor.
“I would encourage consumers to buy locally, seasonally, sustainably and, above all, British,” she stresses. “Utilising independent shops in the neighbourhood is the best way to support families and small businesses in a very busy market. I am a relatively new, proud member of Indie Cambridge, whose network of independents helps support each other’s enterprises, raise profiles, and boost recognition and sales.”
If you’re in need of a gift for the foodie in your life, Jenny’s books offer a celebration of British produce, flying the flag for sustainability, food provenance and community, taking readers on a compelling journey through the British Isles. The National Literacy Trust and Royal National Lifeboat Institution receive 22% of profits, so your gift will also help others – what could be better than that during the season of goodwill?
For the Love of the Land and For the Love of the Sea are published by Meze and retail at £22 each. Buy yours at jennyjefferies.co.uk
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