Our team of experts tested hundreds of products to bring you the best food and drink of the season
56FESTIVE FAVOURITES
Medium Free Range Bronze Feathered Whole Turkey with Giblets, 4-6kg, £15/kg, Waitrose & Partners
A worthy centrepiece for your Christmas dinner, this quality free-range turkey boasts juicy meat and the most beautifully golden skin. Both the breast and leg meat were super flavoursome and rewarded our testers with delicious pan juices, making for a top-notch gravy too. Deputy Food Editor Rose noted that ‘this delivers a picture-perfect roast without any mess or fuss’. The cooking instructions were spot on and while not the largest turkey we tried, this beauty will generously serve 8-12 with plenty of leftovers.
The main eventWhether you go classic with a turkey or fancy something different, you can’t go wrong with these showstoppers
Extra Special Corn-Fed Norfolk Bronze Turkey Crown, typically 2kg, £18/kg, Asda
An impressive option for a group of 6-8, this free-range crown includes an aromatic pork stuffing and is topped with a layer of smoked bacon that adds flavour and keeps the meat juicy. Group Food Director Jen declared this one ‘foolproof Christmas cookery’.
The Best Salmon Wellington, 795g, £17, Morrisons
A beautiful centrepiece for fish fans. The salmon is flavoursome, juicy and paired with a cheesy sauce. Our judges were impressed with the buttery flaky pastry too. Nicely decorated, this makes for mess-free entertaining and cooks faster than a classic roast.
Specially Selected Slow Cooked Duck Duo, 1.23kg, £24.99, Aldi
For something different but equally special, this duo includes an easy-carve rolled breast and slow-cooked legs, both cooked to perfection.
Topped off with a plum and port glaze, it’s a sophisticated option for a smaller gathering, serving 4 generously.
Finest Crackling Porchetta Pork Joint, 1.5-1.8kg, £12/kg, Tesco
A garlicky, lemony herb rub adds tonnes of flavour to this Italian-style pork roast. Effortless to cook, with perfectly crisp crackling, this will go well with all your classic Christmas sides.
Taste The Difference Dry Cured Gammon with Wildflower Honeycomb, 1.3kg, £20, Sainsbury’s
A suitably festive alternative to turkey for the big day, this large joint has a sweet honey glaze that balances the saltiness of the gammon.
Easy to carve, it’s delicious hot but even better cold.
Finest Roasted Butternut Squas
