12 Rules of Christmas: Tips and lessons from Food and Wine experts

Really, there are no rules, but some seasoned food and wine professionals have generously shared with www.stuff.co.nz their lessons learned and some tips to make the day all the more delicious.

1) Save your new toys for Boxing Day – Stephanie Meyers
“A couple of years ago, Simon got a new barbecue for Christmas. At the last minute he decided to prepare slow-cooked pork using charcoal and wood chips. Not only did it occupy his attention for eight hours keeping the coals topped up, but the dish wasn’t ready in time for Christmas dinner. Ultimately the combination of the new barbecue, different charcoal and wood chips and last-minute decision making made it a total fail.” Stephanie Meyers (and Simon Pepping), of The Catering Company, Egmont St Eatery and Sterling Eatery & Bar in Wellington

2) Choose Pork – Rachel Priestley

3) Understand that this is one day it’s cool to fry cake – Peter Gordon
“Fry slices of Christmas pudding or cake in a pan or on the barbecue for a crispy, caramelised exterior, and serve with creme fraiche and strawberries.” Peter Gordon, culinary legend, owner of The Sugar Club and Bellota in Auckland, and The Providores and Kopapa in London

4) Do not mix up your minces – Jax Hamilton
5) Never buy a frozen turkey on Christmas Eve – Kelli Brett
6) Do not put the ‘ham’ in ‘shame’ – Julie Buiso
7) Never waste a fine drop on your relatives – John Saker
8) Do not treat a breast like a leg – Martin Bosley
9) Never treat a turkey like a chicken – Amy Gillies
10) And never, ever trust your flatmates with a chicken – MacLean Fraser
11) Do start drinking immediately – Jordan Rondel
12) But try not to booze all day before donning your apron – Steve Logan

Read the tips and lessons in full by clicking here.