Maggie Beer's Christmas Feast

Maggie Beer: her smile, down to earth generosity and genuine warmth are endearing. Image courtesy ABC.

If I had the opportunity to be reincarnated, I think I might like to come back as Maggie Beer. I've had the pleasure of meeting Maggie and bringing to her to Canberra some years ago. Her smile, her down to earth generosity and genuine warmth is so endearing. Not to mention she always looks so elegant, is modest...  and one heck of a good cook!

To celebrate the festive season Maggie invites some special guests to the ultimate Australian Christmas Feast in the beautiful surroundings of her own property in the Barossa Valley. 'I’m simply a country cook who lives in the Barossa where I’m surrounded by fantastic product. This gave me the idea for a feast where I would think of my special local food producers and link their products to my favourite dishes, and then have the producers come to the table underneath my gum trees to celebrate.'

Maggie’s menu is inspired by her own family Christmas celebrations. There are two absolute traditions on the Beer family table. Yabbies from the dam, served outside and eaten using fingers, and a goose in the centre of the table. Maggie adds a perfectly glazed ham, slow-roasted lamb, pork, char-grilled beef, some fish and oysters, all accompanied by a variety of salads. Maggie's husband, Colin, also steps up to the plate! Top this off with a special surprise recital while three stunning desserts and a variety of local cheeses are served in the ‘top shed’ and this is a feast not to be missed.  

Maggie Beer's Christmas Feast will screen on ABC1 on Tuesday, 18 December at 8.00pm. To set the scene, here's a preview. Season's eatings!

The Feast. Image courtesy ABC.