Christmas Lunch Timetable

8:30am

Begin to prepare the vegetables, if you haven't already done this on Christmas Eve.

9:00am

Place the turkey in the preheated oven (check turkey cooking times and adjust if required).
Prepare the chipolata and bacon rolls and keep them in the fridge, if not alrady made.
Make the cranberry and bread sauces, if not alrady made.

10.00am

Once the vegetables are prepared you will have time to relax.
Lay out and decorate the table.

11:45am

Check the turkey.
Carefully remove the turkey from the oven and remove the foil.
If you've used bacon strips remove and keeep them warm.
Baste the turkey with the juices and return to the oven for the last 30 to 40 minutes of cooking time, to brown.
Add the onions to the turkey tray to roast.

11:50am

Roast the potatoes and parsnips.
Place the roasting trays on a shelf above the turkey in the oven for 30 to 45 minutes.
Begin to warm the sauces through slowly.

12:25pm

The turkey should now be cooked and ready to come out of the oven.
Check the turkey is cooked by inserting a clean skewer into the thickest part of the thigh.
If the juices run clear the turkey is cooked.
If pinkish, return to the oven for a little longer then re-test.
Or use a thermometer which should reach 77°C (170°F) in the breast or 82°C (180°F) in the thigh.
Once cooked, make sure all of the cooking juices drain into the roasting tray (using in the gravy).
Put the chipolata and bacon rolls in to cook for the next 10 to 15 minutes.
Warm the plates, serving dishes and turkey platter in the oven.
Use the roasted onions in the gravy or put to one side in a warm dish to serve with the other vegetables.

12:30pm

Make the gravy of choice, if using giblet gravy use the pre-prepared giblet stock and the juices from the turkey roasting tray.
Boil two saucepans of water to cook the sprouts and carrots.
Once cooked, keep the vegetables warm in the warmed serving dishes.

12:35pm

The roast potatoes, parsnips and chipolatas should now be ready to come out of the oven and placed into warmed serving dishes.

12:40pm

The turkey should now be well rested and ready to carve.

12:50pm

Make sure everyone is seated and drinks have been poured.
Place all the vegetable dishes and sauces on the table.

1:00pm

Place the turkey platter on to the table and enjoy Christmas lunch.