Adjust Ysewijn's Christmas recipes from Downton Abbey

Christmas is that time of the year when we indulge in our favourite festive food. This is the time when we are busy experimenting with new recipes and trying out the old ones. Many television shows have contributed to the Christmas cuisine and Downton Abbey is one such show. From the grandeur of the Crawley family dining room to the kitchens of Mrs Patmore, the show has given us a glimpse of how Christmas meals were prepared and served in the early 20th century England.

Regula Ysewijn, who is also known as the “baking queen” of Belgium, has recreated some of these classic recipes from the show in her book “The Official Downtown Abbey Cookbook”. Her interpretation of these recipes is fuss-free and perfect for the modern kitchen. However, some of these recipes require a bit of tweaking to suit the taste of the current generation. Here are some tips to adjust Ysewijn’s Christmas recipes from Downton Abbey.

• Christmas Pudding

Christmas pudding is a quintessential dessert that has been mentioned several times in Downton Abbey. Ysewijn’s recipe is a classic version that uses suet and has a long list of ingredients. To make it more current, you can substitute the suet with butter, which is more readily available and affordable. You can also add a twist by incorporating some orange zest or candied ginger in the pudding mix. It will give a refreshing flavour to the dessert, making it perfect for post-Christmas lunch.

• Roast Beef

Roast beef is a traditional Christmas main course, and it was the dish of choice for the Crawley family. Ysewijn’s recipe calls for a joint of beef, which is roasted for several hours at a low temperature. However, with more and more people opting for leaner cuts of meat, Ysewijn’s recipe may not be ideal for everyone. You can adjust it by using a different cut of meat such as fillet or rump steak and roast it for a shorter time at a higher temperature. This will ensure that the meat is tender and juicy, without compromising on the flavour.

• Christmas Cake

Christmas cake is another classic dessert that is synonymous with the festive season. Ysewijn’s recipe for Christmas cake is rich and decadent, with a generous amount of brandy and dried fruits. To bring it up to date, you can reduce the amount of brandy and use a variety of nuts such as pistachios, almonds or cashews in the cake mix. The nuts will add a crunchy texture to the cake, which will be a welcome addition to the traditional recipe.

• Mince Pies

Mince pies are a favourite Christmas dessert in England, and they have been mentioned several times in Downton Abbey. Ysewijn’s recipe for mince pies is a classic version that uses suet and mixed spice. To make it more modern, you can substitute the suet with butter or vegetarian suet and add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a more subtle flavour. You can also experiment with the filling by adding some nuts, dried cherries or cranberries to give it a festive twist.

In conclusion, Christmas is a time for tradition, but it is also an opportunity to try out something new. Regula Ysewijn’s Christmas recipes from Downton Abbey are a great starting point, but with a little bit of tweaking, you can make them more suitable for the modern palate. Whether you are planning to host a traditional Christmas dinner or a more contemporary one, these tips will help you adjust Ysewijn’s recipes to create a perfect festive feast.