Behind the kitchen door, what a chef eats for Christmas

1. Paul Ainsworth

"My favourite part about Christmas is Boxing Day. I love making bubble & squeak with all the leftovers; boiling the turkey carcass to make a lovely broth; coleslaws, pickles, condiments, warm bread. Boxing Day for me is what Christmas is really all about – all the picky bits to enjoy with family and friends. If I had to pick a favourite part of a Christmas meal, it would be a glazed ham. Having it with some proper sourdough, good butter, nice cheese and pickles."

Paul will be showcasing some amazing festive-themed dishes at the Winter Show. If you’re stuck with what to do with sprouts, then make sure you take a seat as he cooks wok-fried chilli sprouts with crab & ginger and a delicious madras butter monkfish & potted prawns.

2. Lisa Faulkner

"On Christmas Day I must have roast turkey, even though I’m not the biggest fan of turkey, I have to have it! My favourite part of a Christmas meal are the leftovers, they are truly the best bit. In fact, I make more just so that I have enough left over."

To balance out all the savoury leftovers, you could take a leaf out of Lisa’s book and make her festive black forest cake, which she will be demonstrating live at the Winter Show.

3. Michel Roux

"I’m very traditional for Christmas – the main event has to be roast turkey and all the trimmings. My favourite part of the meal is Christmas pudding. I absolutely love it. I love the theatre of it, pouring the brandy on top of it (or rum), lighting it up, it’s just delicious."

In the spirit of tradition, Michel is showcasing a dish that he always serves on Boxing Day to his family at the Winter Show this November: watercress soup with poached egg and black pudding as well as baked apples with fruit mince.

4. Jane Dunn

"I love to have a roast dinner on Christmas Day, obviously. But give me a big bowl of roast potatoes and I would be very happy."

As Jane is best known for her amazing bakes, she will be inspiring all of us to get in the kitchen this Christmas with her Christmas tree brownies and, for those looking for an alternative pudding, rocky road Christmas pudding. Come along to the Winter Show to watch her baking live.

5. James Martin

"Christmas lunch in my house is definitely roast pork. A big load of crackling, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding, and all the other trimmings."

If you’re looking for other dishes to cook for a winter celebration this year, James will be showcasing how to make a delicious hoisin duck, buffalo chicken wings and plaice with leek and lardons with a warm hazelnut, oyster sauce dressing live in the Big Kitchen at the Winter Show. You’ll be spoilt for ideas!

6. Becky Excell

"Ham, egg and chips are a Christmas Eve tradition in my family. When I was younger, we would pick up the turkey and a huge ham that would last us forever! Since then it has become our thing that we do at Christmas and then afterwards we watch a Christmas special and get cosy on the sofa."

When you’re all toasty under a blanket, the perfect treat would be Becky’s lemon amaretti biscuits which she is cooking in the Christmas Kitchen this year. She’ll also be championing all things gluten-free in the Good Food Kitchen, too.

7. Chetna Makan

"My Christmas Day cooking essentials are good-quality chicken, red potatoes, lots of gravy and lots of lovely wine on the go while cooking."

You may have tried some of Chetna’s recipes from her recent takeover on the Good Food App. If you were inspired by her dishes, she’ll be bringing the app to life in the Good Food Kitchen at the Winter Show.

Has this got you into the Christmas spirit? Come along to the Good Food Show Winter to see Paul, Lisa, Michel, Jane, James, Becky and Chetna cooking live across our kitchen theatres and imparting their foodie wisdom on the Let’s Talk Good Food Stage. Book tickets today.