Christmas is a time for people to come together, and the festive spirit is usually most apparent when we all gather around the table. This was apparent during this year’s annual community Christmas meal which was served in collaboration with The Greenhouse Pantry at The White House on Thursday, 19 December.
Before we could eat, however, a lot of work had to be done. In the days before the meal, our team of community chefs worked alongside several volunteers from the local area to prep a mountain of food ready for the big day. Sprouts were peeled, gravy made and a monstrous 17.5kg turkey broken down and roasted. A vegan wellington was also prepared for those who didn’t eat meat as well as a marmalade roast ham for anyone who fancied another meat alongside their turkey.
The team from The Greenhouse Pantry did a wonderful job in setting up the dining room at The White House. With decorations sprinkled across tables, floors, and counters, the room was full to bursting with that festive feeling. This was not lost on the guests who, quickly after arriving, began to comment on the lovely atmosphere.
The pate.
Spirits were further raised as various members of Edinburgh Food Social began to ferry food from the kitchen and into the dining room. Delicious smells of herby braised cabbage, succulent roast ham and rich gravy wafted around the room. Thankfully, the 50+ guests had duck pate, mushroom pate, and bread to nibble on as a starter while the main event was being prepared.
After a quick word from Kirsty and a guest appearance from the enormous, and now well-browned turkey, guests were invited to help themselves to the food. Plates were piled high and conversation grew ever louder as the combination of good food and close friends worked its magic.
One of the guests enjoying the food.
Many guests came up for seconds or even thirds, such was the quality of everything on offer. Thankfully, everyone had saved a little space for dessert – an incredible mincemeat frangipane tart with mulled wine whipped cream.
The mincemeat frangipane tart.
Once everyone had enjoyed their fill, guests began to slip away. Many left with extra portions of food for friends, family, and loved ones. We hope they enjoyed eating the food as much as we did preparing and serving it.
Merry Christmas to all our guests. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
