Christmas is only twelve days away and we’re sure your enjoying the planning and shopping for Christmas – lunch, parties, snacks are all on the menu and cupboards are filling up with “don’t touch” goodies that are “for Christmas”. We’ve all got one of those cupboards!
When you’re planning what to eat at every stage of the holiday season, why not throw some alternatives into the mix.
If you’re a lover of Turkish cuisine and want to add something a bit different your Christmas repertoire, here are some great ideas from Ozlem’s Turkish Table.
Walnut and red pepper paste dip (Muhammara or Cevizli Biber)
So moreish, always appears at my mother’s festive table – You can prep ahead of time, very entertaining friendly” – Ozlem
Click here for the recipe or find it on page 53 of the recipe book.
Spicy bulgur wheat salad with pomegranate molasses (Kısır )
“Another delicious dish you can prep ahead of time, flavours get even better the next day. Sprinkle some pomegranate seeds over for a festive touch.”- Ozlem
Click here for the recipe or find it on page 81 of the recipe book.
Baked mini Turkish meatballs in tomato and red pepper sauce (Mini Sebzeli Köfte)
“I love this dish, so versatile – you can make it as appetiser or bigger portions can be a main course with rice. It is also gluten free, you can prep ahead of time” – Ozlem
Click here for the recipe or find it on page 73 of the recipe book.
Baked cauliflower with red onions, feta and dill (Fırında Karnabahar Mücveri)
“A lovely vegetarian course that you can prep ahead of time, a big hit in our house”- Ozlem
Click here for the recipe or find it on page 165 of the recipe book.
Zesty semolina sponge cake in syrup (Revani)
“For an alternative pudding, you can make revani – it is a lovely cake and can be festively decorated with berries and pomegranate seeds, you can prep ahead of time.” – Ozlem
Click here for the recipe or find it on page 267 of the recipe book.
If you’re inspired by these festive food ideas, there’s a chapter on suggested menus in Ozlem’s book (chapter 12) and many more ideas and recipes that work well, particularly for buffet style entertaining if you’re looking for different salads and dips.
Afiyet olsun
Ozlem’s Turkish Table: Recipes from My Homeland wins the prestigious Gourmand World Cookery Book Award
We would like to extend our congratulations to Ozlem, whose book, Özlem’s Turkish Table: Recipes from My Homeland, has won the prestigious Gourmand World Cookery Book award in the Food Heritage Category for Turkey.
If you live in Turkey and would like a copy of the book, please email us at fethiyetimes2017@gmail.com
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