Adding a touch of Malaysia to your Christmas table

Dec. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- As hard as we try, Christmas in Australia never quite aligns with traditional images of the holiday. We all grew up with Bing Crosby dreaming of a White Christmas, but blazing sun, beach BBQs and days spent by the pool are a bit more the Aussie style. Christmas does mean summer in Australia after all!

Traditional Christmas feasts -- with roasts covered in warm gravy, mash, veggies and classic Yorkshire pudding -- have been replaced with meals more suited to the BBQ hot plate. But many would agree that by the time the 25^th of December rolls around families have nearly met their sausage and steak quota for the season.

So this year why not add a Malaysian twist to your Christmas get-together? Combining traditional Australian fare, classic Christmas dishes and the unique flavours of Malaysia are guaranteed to provide a refreshing change to your holiday lunch menu.

Jackie M, Australia’s foremost expert in Malaysian cuisine, knows how easy it is to integrate Malaysian dishes into an Aussie Christmas, she has been doing it for years!

“People will find that including Malaysian flavours in their Christmas menu won't stray too far from what is familiar, but will instead add a fantastic twist" Jackie says. "Christmas is about enjoying food and sharing experiences with friends and family, and I'm excited to introduce Australians to new ideas for the holidays.”

Both Malaysian and Australian cuisines combine elements from a large variety of cultures to form their own unique identities. It only makes sense to take the best of both to your table this year.

This Christmas, why not serve up some ‘Aussie Prawns in Malaysian Aromatics’? Simply marinate your prawns in lemongrass, coriander, coconut, chilli and prawn paste before barbequing. Or try adding some Malaysian curry powder to grilled salmon for a delicious twist to your holiday seafood menu.
Can't go past Roast Lamb on Christmas Day? Add some Malaysian curry spices and bathe the meat in coconut milk before roasting.
Then for dessert why not serve up a make-ahead Kaya Bread Pudding? Kaya Jam, the Malaysian version of dulce de leche, is guaranteed to stop your guests in their tracks.

Celebrity chef Jackie M offers endless options for Aussie/Malaysian entrees, mains and desserts. Easy to prepare in advance, they will add a special touch to Christmas without straying too far from traditional favourites, leaving you time to enjoy both your guests and the food.

To interview Jackie M on her special Christmas menu ideas or for further information please contact Joe Hughes from N O W! Communications on joe@nowcommunications.net or 0423 491 808.

-ENDS-