Christmas 2024

I have to admit that I always struggle to think about Christmas until December. But a few of my very special customers have been asking about Christmas Pies so I thought I had better get my act together!

I have been spending more of my time providing private dining events of late, but when I have a request for a pie it is always a highlight of my week. Last week I made a Pate En Croute - a large pie for 12 plus people and always a challenge. This one was filled with artichokes, peas, beans, chard with a chicken mousse filling. The thing about pies is that you cant taste it or see the filling before its cook and cut - so you never know if it is just right. On this occassion the guests stood with cameras aloft watching me take the first cut - at this point I can relax. Pastry was crisp, filling hadn't shrunk too much and it held together perfectly for serving. I could breathe again. 

Happy to be challenged again with a request for something special for the festive season!

Alison