The festive season is here, and with it comes the joy of cooking, sharing, and savouring delicious meals with family and friends. At Willowbrook Foods, based in Northern Ireland, we’re passionate about bringing fresh, high-quality produce to tables across the UK. This Christmas, let us help you create unforgettable dishes with our seasonal ingredients, perfect for everything from traditional dinners to modern merry feasts. Check out our guide for festive flavours below:
Seasonal Stars to Transform Your Festive Cooking
Wondering what to add to your Christmas menu? Here are some of our favourite festive ingredients and tips on how to use them in your holiday cooking:
Chestnuts & Walnuts
Nuts are a traditional feature of Christmas celebrations. Whether roasted, used in stuffing, or sprinkled over salads, chestnuts and walnuts bring a warm, nutty crunch to your festive fare. They’re not just tasty – they’re versatile too. Try combining them with a Willowbrook salad for a delicious starter or light side dish.
Cranberries & Apples
Cranberries and apples are holiday staples that add a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness to your dishes. From vibrant cranberry-apple slaws to chutneys or desserts, these fruits bring festive colour and flavour to every course.
Red Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts
No Christmas meal is complete without these festive favourites. Red cabbage, whether braised or shredded for a winter slaw, adds a vibrant and crunchy touch to your table. Meanwhile, roasted Brussels sprouts—especially with honey and fresh herbs—are an essential side dish for any festive roast.
Fresh Herbs & Honey
The aroma of sage, rosemary, and thyme evokes the warmth of Christmas. These fresh herbs enhance everything from stuffing to roast meats. Pair them with a drizzle of honey to glaze your vegetables or add a touch of sweetness to your festive recipes.
Festive Recipes to Try
1. Festive Red Cabbage Slaw
Add a seasonal twist to a classic slaw. Combine shredded red cabbage, apple slices, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts. Toss with a honey mustard dressing for a colourful side dish that pairs perfectly with any festive spread.
2. Honey-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Transform sprouts into a star dish! Coat them in olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and rosemary, and roast until golden. Just before serving, drizzle with honey for a sweet, caramelised glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
3. Chestnut & Cranberry Stuffing
Make your roast even more memorable with a homemade stuffing. Mix chopped chestnuts, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, fresh sage, and butter. Stuff into your turkey or bake separately as a side dish that’s packed with festive flavour.
Why Choose Willowbrook Foods?
At Willowbrook Foods, we’ve been serving the UK and Ireland with fresh, innovative food solutions for over 50 years. Our commitment to quality means that every ingredient we provide—from our fresh salads to our seasonal vegetables – meets the highest standards.
This Christmas, trust Willowbrook Foods to bring freshness and flavour to your holiday meals. Whether you’re planning a traditional feast or experimenting with new recipes, our range of ingredients is here to inspire your festive menu.
Bring Freshness to Your Festive Table
Ready to get started? Explore our locally-sourced range and elevate your holiday cooking. Let’s make this Christmas one to remember—with fresh, local produce from Willowbrook Foods.
For more inspiration on holiday recipes and ingredients, check out this guide to festive foods from BBC Good Food.