Whether you're making a spread of turkey, ham and three kinds of potatoes, or a simpler platter of traditional favourites, cooking Christmas dinner comes with a lot of pressure, and new research shows that home cooks are feeling it this year, too.
Almost 4 out of 10 people are concerned about getting Christmas dinner right this year, according to safefood.
New research by the food health and safety organisation found that 39% of people are concerned about getting Christmas dinner right this year. The main concern is the cost of the food (52%) while 9% of respondents said they were worried about overcooking turkey and 6% are afraid of undercooking it and not being sure if it's safe to eat.
Other concerns included getting all of the food to the table hot (9%) and having leftover food that goes to waste (9%).
The research was commissioned by safefood as part of the annual 'Trust the Meat Thermometer' campaign. This year, safefood is again supporting home cooks to help them ensure that turkey, poultry or any meat product is neither overcooked and more importantly, not undercooked.
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that turkey is cooked through to 75 degrees Celsius, they advise. safefood also has extra information this year on Christmas dinner leftovers to ensure they’re not going to waste.
Speaking about the campaign, Dr Linda Gordon, Chief Specialist in Food Science, safefood said, "This year we know that the focus on cost is a big feature of many people's Christmas and so getting dinner right is more important than ever. With almost 80% of homes cooking a turkey this year we want to support those home cooks to get it just right.
"My main recommendation is to use a meat thermometer. They are affordable, easy to use, and add that extra layer of reassurance when making sure that foods like turkey is safely cooked. Whatever cooking method, timings or recipes used; you will know the turkey will be ready to eat when you take it out of the oven and pop the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat between the breast and leg and it reaches 75 degrees Celsius."
Shopping and cooking sustainably and with cost-saving in mind is more important than ever for many people this year. While 41% of respondents said they plan to cook the same size turkey as last year, 18% will opt for a smaller turkey, and 10% will opt for a turkey crown.
Chef Adrian Martin is also helping launch the campaign, and added: "I'm delighted to support safefood in helping home cooks prepare for Christmas dinner.
"Research told us that people are worried about managing excess leftovers this Christmas. My advice is to place cooked leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Once refrigerated, they should be eaten within three days.
"In advance of food prep, I suggest getting the fridge festive-ready and fresh with a good clean. My next step is to check the cooking calculations and form a plan for your day. Lastly, enjoy the process and a wonderful meal surrounded by family and friends!"
For lots of helpful tips including food safety advice, a cooking time calculator for your turkey and tasty leftover recipes, visit safefood.net/Christmas.
The safefood website is stuffed with practical food safety tips, guides and recipes and last year more than 80,000 people visited the site between December 24th and 25th for help and advice.
