Here at Your Private Chef, Christmas is well and truly cooking!
All of our team, no matter their age or beliefs, has that little twinkle in their eye (not to mention sweat on their brow) as we work through one of our busiest times of the year.
Nevertheless, you’ve got to take time to reflect, so this month we put David, Ana and our Event Coordinator, Andrea in the hot seat to find out why they think it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Name: David
Company Title: Co-Director, Executive Chef
What are you doing for Christmas this year?
I’ll be busy in the kitchen for most of the day – It’s a record breaker for us this year at YPC. After that, I’ll join the family party.
Of all the Christmas foods, what do you look forward to the most?
Mince pies – I’ve been taste-testing early and they are quite delicious!
Real tree or plastic?
I prefer real for the aroma, but we have plastic at home.
Have you ever experienced a white Christmas?
Yes, I had a white Christmas in the French Alps in Meribel when I was working as head chef of a chalet. I made chocolate truffles for the guests and to cool them I just put them outside the windowsill instead of the fridge!
What’s your favourite Christmas recipe?
Stuffed turkey with water chestnuts and cranberries and delicious gravy on top!
What’s your top tip for throwing a big Christmas party?
Pre-prepare your food at least a day or two before, so on Christmas Day you can enjoy the company of your guests and only have to worry about reheating.
Which person would you most like to meet under the mistletoe?
My wife.
What have you asked Santa for this year?
A holiday…
Tell us your favourite Christmas film and song…
Home Alone and Jingle Bells
What’s the true meaning of Christmas for you?
Time and a half. Kidding. It’s all about family and watching our kids enjoy this special time.
Name: Ana
Company Title: Co-Director, Sales Manager
What are you doing for Christmas this year?
Surviving! It’s going to be a record one for YPC. Events galore, and on top of that I’ll be cooking for my little family – our 1 year old and 3 year old and Mr Chef… then doing the family rounds.
Of all the Christmas foods, what do you look forward to the most?
My world-famous tofu-turkey! It’s the bomb! Then there are my Croatian shortbread biscuits with Hibiscus jam. Sooooo good.
Real tree or plastic?
Plastic and it’s as big as an old growth forest. Seriously, it’s taken up my whole front room. The kid’s freak when they see this bad boy.
Have you ever experienced a white Christmas?
Sadly no, although you never know what to expect in Melbourne! Sub-zero may just be a thing this Christmas, followed by a 30 degree midnight.
What’s your favourite Christmas recipe?
I love my European-style roast vegetables. Lots of fresh delicious herbs with a rustic cut of root vegetables from beetroot to turnips, sweedes, chat potatoes, pumpkin (skin on) drizzled with the best olive oil and whole garlic (skin on). It’s like a vegetable oven party and everyone’s invited!
What’s your top tip for throwing a big Christmas party?
Plan as much in advance as possible and don’t forget that your guests eat with their eyes first, so styling is a must. Even if all you do is get lots of beautiful fresh flowers and some gorgeous place settings. Think about what your guests would like to be eating and keep in mind all the different tastes and dietary requirements that may be part of the group. The best thing about Christmas is sharing platters, make it a family experience.
Which person would you most like to meet under the mistletoe?
My Private Chef J
What have you asked Santa for this year?
Sleep… and an 8th day of the week.
Tell us your favourite Christmas film and song…
I Saw Santa Kissing Mommy…love it! Also love Little Drummer Boy. As for movies, probably National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
What’s the true meaning of Christmas for you?
Christmas is a very spiritual time for our family. It is all about giving, sharing, reflecting and recreating the wonder of this time for the children in our family.
Name: Andrea MacDonald
Company Title: Event Coordinator
What are you doing for Christmas this year?
I’ll be working for YPC this Christmas morning – I’m excited to see the amazing food that we will be serving. I’ll have a wee Christmas celebration in the evening with my friends, and Skype my family in Scotland from the beach and make them jealous of the sunshine.
Of all the Christmas foods, what do you look forward to the most?
Mimosas! No, I’m kidding – my favourite is definitely pigs in blankets. So simple but delicious, I don’t know why I only ever eat them at Christmas.
Real tree or plastic?
Real! Nothing beats the smell of a real Christmas tree and vacuuming up the pine needles for weeks after Christmas.
Have you ever experienced a white Christmas?
Well, coming from Scotland, a white Christmas is pretty common. It’s the nicest feeling to be sitting cosy by the fire while it snows outside… until you have to go and take the dog for a walk.
What’s your favourite Christmas recipe?
Two parts orange Juice, one part champagne…
What’s your top tip for throwing a big Christmas party?
Props and disposable cameras! What’s more fun than taking photos while wearing a giant Santa beard and reindeer antlers?! Plus taking disposable cameras to get developed is really fun when you have no idea what photos are going to come out.
Which person would you most like to meet under the mistletoe?
Rod Stewart, without a doubt.
What have you asked Santa for this year?
Is Santa giving out sky dives these days?
Tell us your favourite Christmas film and song…
I feel like it’s not Christmas until I’ve heard the Pogues – Fairytale of New York and watched Elf and Love Actually.
What’s the true meaning of Christmas for you?
Spending time with those you care about and eating way too much. And playing charades! No Christmas evening is complete without a game of charades.
YPC
