The Perfect Australian Christmas and Cracker Feast

Christmas in Australia provides a wonderful blend of the traditional and contemporary. Characterised by warm weather, it’s a perfect occasion for outdoor festivities and beach outings. And for Christmas dinner, why not a barbecue and al fresco dining? Coupled with these contemporary elements (compared to the snow and roaring log fires of the northern hemisphere), we often opt for traditional Christmas dishes, like the ones we’ve gone into raptures about in previous years (see our 2022 and 2023 favourites!), and, of course, the time-honoured Christmas crackers!

With the festive season just around the corner, we've put together some fantastic ideas for creating the perfect Australian feast. From mouth-watering dishes to tips on when and how to crack your Christmas crackers during a sumptuous four-course meal, we've got you covered. Enjoy!

The Table Setting

Following the UK tradition, we recommend placing the crackers beside or above each plate on the Christmas dinner table. If you’ve opted for a Bonbon Fusion range, be sure to lay out all the bonbons in the pack so the adventure or mystery goes without a hitch! (How many bonbons for your party? Check this link.) 

Once everyone’s seated, guests might choose to snap the crackers before the meal begins. This allows for immediate donning of the party crowns and ensures that the fun begins early! Just pair up with the person sitting next to you and snap your cracker, each holding one end (or try out other fun options here!) For Bonbon Fusion adventurers, consider holding off on your game until a break between the main course and dessert, when there might be more space on the table. Up to you, of course. We’d just hate to see any of the game pieces dropped in this deliciously fresh and seasonal soup!

Appetiser: Chilled Cucumber and Avocado Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Chopped cucumber, avocado, and cherry tomatoes for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the cucumbers, avocados, Greek yogurt, lime juice, mint leaves, coriander leaves, garlic and vegetable stock. Blend until smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
4. Pour the chilled soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cucumber, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
5. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and serve immediately.

Next on the menu is a fish entrée, simple to prepare and perfect for a Christmas barbecue dinner!

Entree: Grilled Barramundi with Mango Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 barramundi fillet per person
• Olive oil for grilling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mango Salsa:

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 red capsicum, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• Fresh coriander, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the barramundi fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. While the fish is grilling, prepare the mango salsa by combining all the ingredients in a bowl and mixing well.
5. Serve the grilled barramundi topped with mango salsa.

Christmas Cracker Timing

Between entrée and main course might provide a perfect moment for cracking your bonbons. Some groups opt for a variety of packs, and what better way to have fun between each course and keep the festive momentum going!

Main Course: BBQ Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic

Ingredients:

• Approx. 1.5kg lamb leg or shoulder, boneless
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the barbecue to medium-high heat.
2. Rub the lamb with minced garlic, rosemary leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the lamb on the barbecue and cook for about 20 minutes on each side, or until the meat reaches your desired level of doneness. This will depend on the size of the cut of meat and the power of your barbecue – check these suggested cooking times.
4. Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
5. Serve with roasted vegetables and a fresh green salad.

An Ideal Time for Christmas Crackers

If you can wait this long, the break between main and dessert can be an ideal time for the fun and games of Bonbon Fusion crackers to begin! In the Adventure Hunt range, for example, you crack open your bonbons, put your heads together, grab your artefacts, follow the clues and uncover a hidden treasure! Bound to be great fun for everyone!

Dessert: Pavlova with Summer Fruits

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cornflour
• 300ml thickened cream
• Assorted Summer fruits (mango, berries, kiwi, passionfruit)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold in the vinegar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch.
5. Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking tray, shaping it into a circle with a slight dip in the centre.
6. Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the pavlova cool completely in the oven.
7. Once cooled, transfer the pavlova to a serving plate. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spread it over the pavlova.
8. Top with assorted summer fruits.

Bon Appétit!

We wish you all the very best as you come together with your loved ones, don your party crowns and savour the perfect Australian Christmas and cracker feast!