Get celebration-ready with our curation of some of the best no-cook Christmas foods, which prove that festive food magic doesn’t have to come out of the oven
Somerset Charcuterie
For a next-level festive spread, Somerset Charcuterie’s award-winning meats cover the full spectrum of meaty marvels – from whole and sliced salamis and chorizo to favourites like lonzo, lomo and bresaola.
The team use traditional slow-growing breeds of pigs – which are free-range – and other animals besides, along with locally sourced ingredients from Somerset and the wider South West. Even the herbs used are grown on the farm or foraged from the Mendip Hills.
Food Lifestyle tip: make the most of Somerset Charcuterie’s 25% off all pancetta orders this month.
Riverford Panettone, Devon
Mince pies are, like, so 2024. This Christmas it’s all about the panettone – and is it any wonder when they’re so pleasingly light and airy amid all the richness of the usual festive fare?
New to Riverford’s range this year, the organic chocolate panettone ticks all the light-and-fluffy boxes, despite being made from a rich and buttery dough that’s flecked with dark-chocolate chips. Best of all, it can be eaten for breakfast, elevenses or dessert, making it the ultimate versatile no-cook Christmas sweet treat.
Harvey & Brockless cheese, England
Why wait for the cheese course? Harvey & Brockless has such an exceptional cheese range that temptation is sure to spill over well before the third (or fourth) course. We especially love their British cheeses for their world-class flavour, quality and diversity, as well as their lower carbon footprint.
Pick up a tower of Trufflyn – a goat’s cheese with a thin strip of truffle paste running through the centre – and pair it with pickled walnuts and a bottle of English Bacchus. We’re also coveting the Black Crowdie from Scotland. This creamy soft cheese, hand-rolled in Scottish pinhead oatmeal and enhanced with spicy cracked black peppercorns, is a winner when served with smoked salmon and a glass of homegrown sparkling wine.
Coombeshead Pickle Bundle, Cornwall
Artisan food thrills are always guaranteed at Coombeshead, best known for its dense and springy Country Sourdough, packed with wholesome flavour. But don’t overlook its killer pack of pickles – three jars full of zing, zang and thank-you-mam flavour attack.
The three flavours available are: Piccalilli – made with courgettes from their own garden and spices from The Vinegar Shed; Bread & Butter Pickles – salted and pickled cucumber slices; and Kimchi – a radish, cabbage and spring onion combo, salted and fermented to the perfect depth of flavour.
Food Lifestyle tip: pick up an extra set as a gift.
Crab Shed crab@home, Devon
While salmon and trout enjoy most of the festive fishy glory, a dollop of top-notch crab on a canapé or no-cook platter provides flavour that’s every bit as special. Crab Shed in Salcombe has crab-at-home covered as it offers the very best fresh crab in three options: white, brown, or a half-and-half mix.
The hand-picked crab meat has scooped plenty of medals for its flavour and quality. Email or call to place an order on 01548 844 280 or [email protected], and don’t forget to take a cool bag for the return journey to keep your crabby haul perfectly fresh before serving it to some very lucky guests.
Like 5 of the best no-cook Christmas food? Check out our round-up of the best gifts for gourmets.
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