At Village PR, we just love the idea of supporting both a healthier festive season and our hard-working Kiwi growers by serving up beautiful fruit and vegetables this Christmas.
5+ A Day Charitable TrustChairman David Smith says summer provides an amazing array of fresh produce. “We can support the horticulture industry and impress our family and friends by serving up festive platters based around fruit and vegetables. It’s a great way to maintain a healthy balance during the festive season.”
Popular food and lifestyle blogger, Jana MacPherson @the_macpherson_diaries, likes to get work done in advance to increase her quality time with family on Christmas Day.
“One lovely idea is to prep some veggie kebabs the day prior, pop them on the BBQ (or stove top) to cook for a few minutes, make the avocado whip while they are cooking and you are done,” she says. “This is one plate of food that looks impressive and inviting. It is vegan and bursting full of flavour, vitamins and healthy fats.”
If you’re wanting something sweet, try cherries, strawberries, apricots, plums, nectarines, peaches, and a touch of mint, along with some nuts and a square or two of dark chocolate for some extra indulgence.
Vegetable platters make a great starter. Use in-season asparagus, slices of cooked new potatoes, colourful tomatoes, mushrooms, salad greens and a selection of fresh herbs. An avocado guacamole will create a well-rounded platter that people can snack on while socialising.
Smith says creating a platter with the abundant goodness available at this time of year is quick and easy. “Shopping in season means it’s good value too. Christmas is a great chance to start afresh and put some good eating habits in place for the summer ahead.”