Christmas dinner on a budget

Christmas is a wonderful time to get together with family and friends to enjoy a meal.  But Christmas dinner doesn’t have to break the budget to be amazing. 

We’ve prepared an affordable Christmas menu plan that serves four people, provided you have a few basic pantry staples.

Low-cost Christmas menu plan

Main course:

Chicken filo crackers A twist on a filo pie with a chicken, mushroom and cranberry herby filling and a scattering of walnuts.

Christmas vegetable medley Roasted kumara mixed with red onion, served with a pea puree and sweetcorn niblets and seasoned with a sprinkling of nutmeg.

Dessert:

Eton mess bombes Refreshing frozen ices with a mix of strawberries, yoghurt and meringue.

Drink:

Watermelon ice cooler  A refreshing summer drink made with watermelon or strawberries (or both).

• Tip By using frozen vegetables, fruits and filo pastry you avoid waste and can use the exact quantities you need.

What you need to prepare ahead

You can make the Eton mess bombes up to five days ahead and keep in the freezer.

Make the chicken filling for the crackers the day before and keep in the fridge.

Pantry staples

In your pantry you will need to already have the following items:

• oil
• spray oil
• dried mixed herbs or oregano or basil or similar
• dried mixed spice or cinnamon
• sugar
• seasonings
• fresh garlic (optional)