Downton Abbey [1] dinners were the epitome of passive-aggressive snobbery, often the setting for dramatic, albeit prim and proper, arguments or ill-timed romantic confessions [2]. It seems the Crawley family would do whatever they could to spoil the elaborate meal prepared by the gruffy Mrs. Patmore and served by the arsenal of sharply suited servants. Except for the infamously salted raspberry meringue pudding, every plate that walked out that kitchen looked more delectable than the last. If your mouth has ever watered at the sight of these luxurious meals while watching the show, the time has come to finally try them yourself, because The Official Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook [3] (£20) is coming!
The cookbook is currently available for preorder on Amazon and will be officially released on 21 Oct., but for fans who simply can't wait that long to get their hands on select Downton delights, POPSUGAR has three exclusive recipes [4] from the book to make the wait more bearable: Roasted Parsnips, Yorkshire Christmas Pie, and Hazelnut Cake with Coffee Icing. There are also a few additional recipes the book has previewed for everyone. From classic Christmas cake to pot-served Coq Au Vin rounded out with Mrs. Patmore-inspired tips, this cookbook is sure to be one you use for years to come. Keep reading to see the exclusive recipes, and get baking!
The Official Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook
The Official Downtown Abbey Christmas Cookbook [6] (£20)
Exclusive Recipe: Yorkshire Christmas Pie
This intimidating dish is a royal favourite, and while the ingredient list and instructions don't make it seem easy to prepare, good things rarely come without a little elbow grease. It's made to serve eight 10 people, so don't forget to invite friends and family to enjoy this savoury, elaborate meat pie.
Yorkshire Christmas Pie (cont.)
Exclusive Recipe: Hazelnut Cake With Coffee Icing
Iced with coffee-infused buttercream, this airy hazelnut cake is not only pretty to look at but also sweet to eat as well. The cookbook shows it plain, but roasted and chopped hazelnuts would be a fine topping for the after-dinner favourite.
Exclusive Recipe: Roasted Parsnips
Downton takes pride in their traditions, and a hearty parsnips side dish is one of them. This slightly sweet but still savoury recipe comes with history on how the vegetable was traditionally prepared across generations.
Anchovy Éclairs
Most know éclairs as a sweet pastry, but the Crawleys and other era families used these simple vessels as post-pudding treats. A straightforward recipe and small list of ingredients render this recipe worth a try, especially for anchovy-lovers.
Coq Au Vin
The cookbook's Coq Au Vin recipe is a friendly reminder that the English diet isn't all pastries and puddings. Make sure to choose a plump bird for this dish, and though it may not affect the taste, presenting it in a cast-iron pot makes the meal look picture-perfect.
Christmas Cake
You can't celebrate Christmas without a Christmas cake. Luckily, this recipe takes you step by step in creating the fruit-covered treat without Paul and Prue preening over your shoulders.
Pan Potatoes
A quick glance and these pan potatoes look just as thin and crunchy as Walkers. Though they aren't the popular crisps, they're nearly as easy to prepare. Simply slice, season, and bake, and these potatoes are transformed into a side dish perfect for meat or fish.
Spinach Balls a L'Italienne
Let's be honest; many people, especially children, don't like eating their greens. But when infused with cheese and rolled into an eye-catching form, even Popeye could've been impressed by these Spinach balls. It also helps that parmesan makes everything tastier.
