As the festive season approaches, financial pressures are dampening spirits for many Australian households. However, a leading Perth chef has demonstrated that a spectacular Christmas celebration doesn't require a lavish budget.
A Festive Feast for Under $16 Per Person
With cost-of-living concerns biting into holiday plans, Sean Cridland, the head chef at The White Horse Tavern in Baldivis, has crafted a complete three-course Christmas menu designed to feed eight people for less than $16 per head. He emphasises that the season's true value lies in connection, not expenditure.
"Christmas should be more about who you spend the time with, not how much is spent," Mr Cridland said. He advocates for leveraging Australia's seasonal bounty as the key to affordable, flavourful dishes. "Taking advantage of seasonal Australian produce really is the key," he noted, adding that fresh local vegetables taste amazing when prepared correctly.
The Chef's Budget-Friendly Menu Breakdown
The restaurant-quality menu is deliberately simple for home cooks to recreate. It features a vibrant starter, a hearty main with multiple sides, and a playful dessert.
Starter: Melon and Prosciutto Wreath
This refreshing beginning combines one kilogram each of rockmelon and watermelon, cherry tomatoes, radish, sliced prosciutto, and baby bocconcini. Fresh mint and a balsamic-olive oil dressing finish the colourful, wreath-shaped dish.
Main: Roast Turkey with All the Trimmings
The centrepiece is a two-kilogram turkey breast, roasted until golden. It is accompanied by a homemade cherry compote, balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts, smoky roast potatoes, crispy corn ribs, and homemade sage stuffing balls. A beetroot, spinach, and chickpea salad dressed in a honey-balsamic vinaigrette completes the spread.
Dessert: Easy Oreo Truffles
This no-bake dessert uses three packets of Oreo cookies blended with cream cheese, rolled into balls, and dipped in melted chocolate. Sprinkled with leftover crumbs and served with fresh fruit, it's a crowd-pleasing sweet end to the meal.
Smart Savings for the Holiday Season
This practical guide arrives as families across Australia seek ways to mitigate festive financial stress. Mr Cridland's approach highlights that thoughtful planning and a focus on seasonal, local ingredients can dramatically reduce costs without sacrificing the joy or tradition of a Christmas feast.
The detailed recipes provide exact quantities and methods, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve impressive results. From roasting the perfect turkey to creating the decorative melon wreath, each step is explained for a stress-free Christmas day.
