Heston's Feasts Season 1 Episode 5 Heston's Christmas Feast
- December 18, 2009
Heston's Christmas Feast is the fifth episode of the first season of Heston's Feasts. In this episode, Heston Blumenthal, a renowned chef, creates a spectacular Christmas dinner with a twist.
Blumenthal takes inspiration from the classic Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol, and uses it to create a unique and theatrical feast. He recreates scenes from the iconic novel, including the feast at the Cratchit household, and transforms the traditional dishes into something truly memorable.
To give his guests a real taste of the Christmas spirit, Blumenthal serves up a roast goose and a nutmeg-flavored stuffing inspired by the classic tale's goose dish. He also whips up a pudding made from figgy pudding and sets it alight - a nod to the story's iconic scene, where Tiny Tim declares, "God bless us, every one!"
To give his guests a further surprise, Blumenthal serves up a flaming punch, inspired by the "smoking bishop" drink mentioned in the story. He takes the classic mulled wine recipe, adds some port and orange juice, and sets it alight, creating a stunning spectacle.
The theatrical feast doesn't end here. Blumenthal also creates a Dickensian-style feast, serving up a range of festive treats that would have been enjoyed in Victorian England. Guests can try mince pies made with beef, pickled walnuts, and brandy (popular in the 1800s), roasted chestnuts, and doves, served on a skewer.
Blumenthal's Christmas feast also includes some quirky touches, such as edible snowballs made from coconut, and a giant sugar sculpture of a Christmas tree. He even creates a striking centerpiece, featuring a whole roasted pig's head stuffed with figs and apples.
Throughout the episode, Blumenthal takes viewers on a journey through the history and traditions of Christmas food. He explains how some of the dishes have changed over time, and how many of these culinary traditions have become an integral part of the festive season.
Overall, Heston's Christmas Feast is a unique and entertaining take on a traditional Christmas dinner. With his creative flair and love of culinary tradition, Blumenthal manages to create a truly magical experience for his guests, giving them a Christmas feast that they are sure to remember for years to come.