An Australian Country Christmas Part One

This year we loaded our car with gifts, food and wine and drove 6 hours north west of Sydney to spend Christmas with my sister A, her husband R, and teenage sons L & M on their beautiful property in Armidale.

As we drove through their gates this gorgeous panorama welcomed us, closely followed by the smiling faces of our hosts.

Photo by Liam Nethery 

We started our warm up to an  orgy of eating with a chicken caesar salad - a light and tasty prelude to the next few days.

M's Christmas Eve birthday started our day - happy 15th!

Our tradition of Roman Numerals for candles continues.

Into town for a bit of last minute shopping and to catch up with some cousins for coffee.

We set the Christmas Eve dinner table with bon bon crackers (some surprisingly funny jokes in these ones gave us a laugh over dinner)

Photo: Liam Nethery

Clouds coming in - will we be able to eat outside?

We moved the table setting inside and out again and again before finally deciding to commit to outside dining.

Something to nibble on before dinner, with a glass of champagne

Pork roasting in the oven - with a lemon zest, cardamon and chilli crust.

Photo by Liam Nethery

Turkey trussed, our mother's recipe for stuffing prepared from memory - with love and few tears.

Photo by Liam Nethery

A gorgeous night, and dinner outside- pork, turkey, ham - a mass of food for 6!

A langorous meal, enjoyed long into the night. 

Santa came early, as we woke in the night to the sound of heavy rain - much needed for water depleted tanks.

With two teenage boys in the house it was a late start on Christmas Day for presents - and we extended the enjoyment by opening them one by one.

I Pad +  for me !  Yay!

Can't believe we are hungry again.

Onto our Christmas Day Brunch tradition  -  ham and cheese croissants, ham with english mustard on toast and a new addition a pile of bacon.   And a glass of sparkling!

Followed by a wet and lazy afternoon laughing in front of the TV- watching a Moody Christmas

Mince tarts, spiced nuts and cherries to snack on during the day

Christmas leftovers for dinner that night.

Jamie Olivers Asian flavoured turkey salad,  eaten with leftover pork and roasted potatoes.
More wine.

As  R said (and we all agreed)  this was one of the the most relaxing Christmas days he has ever had.

Boxing Day update tomorrow!