Christmas Dinner Turnovers - Day 2

Christmas is a time for celebration, bringing together loved ones to share in the joy of the season. One of the highlights of this festive period is undoubtedly the delicious meals that we enjoy. While traditional Christmas dinners are always a delight, sometimes adding a twist can make the feast even more memorable.

Enter the Christmas Dinner Turnover—a delightful pastry filled with all the flavours of a classic Christmas meal. This innovative dish combines the essence of Christmas into a convenient, handheld treat that's perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether served as a starter or a main, these turnovers are sure to impress your guests with their festive charm.

To create these delectable Christmas Dinner Turnovers, gather the following:

Ingredients

• 500g of either shortcrust or puff pastry
• 500g of cooked turkey or chicken, either shredded or diced.
• 150g of cooked Brussels sprouts, finely chopped
• 150g of cooked Carrots, small cubed
• 200g of cooked Potato, cubed
• 100g of your preferred stuffing
• 3 tablespoons of Cranberry Sauce to provide a sweet contrast.
• 50ml of gravy to keep the filling moist. (Plus extra for dipping)

For those wishing to put a personal spin on their turnovers, here are some alternative ingredients to consider:

• Swap turkey for ham or beef if you prefer.
• For a vegetarian twist, replace the meat with mushrooms or roasted squash.
• Substitute Brussels sprouts with parsnips.

These options cater to diverse tastes, ensuring every guest finds something to enjoy.

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas mark 6 to ensure it reaches the correct temperature. Start by ensuring your meat is tender and seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs like sage, thyme and rosemary. Chop your cooked Brussels sprouts finely. If substituting with other vegetables, ensure they are soft and well-seasoned. In a large bowl, mix the meat, vegetables, stuffing, and a couple of spoonful's of gravy. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet. Stir in the cranberry sauce to add a touch of sweetness. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if required.
2. For a successful turnover, the pastry is key. Whether you choose to make your own or use a ready-made version, attention to detail will ensure a delightful result. Below is my method on how to make your own, but for this recipe today I used shop bought.

Making from Scratch

1. Combine 250g plain flour with 125g butter, a pinch of salt, and enough cold water to form a dough.
2. Start by rubbing the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This process can be done by hand or using a food processor. Gradually add cold water, mixing continuously until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to add too much water; the dough should be cohesive but not sticky.
3. Once the dough forms, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a minute or two until smooth. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in a flakier pastry.

Using Ready-Made Pastry

1. For those short on time, ready-made shortcrust or puff pastry is a convenient alternative. Ensure the pastry is chilled but pliable before rolling it out. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry to a thickness of about 3mm, ensuring it is even throughout.

3. Once your dough is ready, either homemade or store-bought, it's time to shape it. Cut your dough into even square shapes so once filed and folded they will make the classic turnover triangle shape. Be sure to work quickly but carefully, especially with puff pastry, as over-handling can cause it to lose its light, flaky texture. If the dough becomes too warm and difficult to handle, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
4. To assemble your Christmas Dinner Turnovers, begin by laying out the pastry on a clean, floured surface. Ensure that the squares are evenly rolled and uniform in size. This will help in achieving a consistent bake.
5. Place a generous spoonful of the prepared filling onto one half of each pastry square. Take care to leave enough space around the edges to seal the turnovers properly. Overfilling can cause the pastry to burst open during baking, so it's better to be slightly conservative with the filling.

6. Fold the pastry over the filling to create the classic turnover shape. Carefully press the edges together using your fingers, then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges. This not only seals the turnover but also adds a decorative touch. If you notice any tears in the pastry, patch them up with a small piece of dough to prevent leaks.
7. Once all the turnovers are assembled, arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Ensure there is enough space between each turnover to allow for even baking.

8. For an appealing golden finish, brush the tops of the turnovers with a beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful, shiny glaze and enhance their appearance. If you prefer, you can sprinkle a little sea salt or sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavour.
9. Before placing the tray in the oven, take a sharp knife and make a small slit or two on the top of each turnover. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the pastries from becoming soggy and helping them achieve a flaky texture.
10. Once prepared, the turnovers are ready to be baked to perfection. The egg wash and steam vents will ensure they come out golden brown and crispy, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
11. Arrange the assembled turnovers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure they are well spaced to allow for even heat distribution. Once the oven is ready, place the tray in the centre to promote uniform baking.

12. Keep a close eye on the turnovers as they bake. They should take around 20-25 minutes to achieve a beautiful golden brown colour. The egg wash applied earlier will contribute to a shiny, appealing finish, while the small slits on top will allow steam to escape, helping the pastry to stay crisp and flaky.
13. Check the turnovers halfway through the baking time to ensure they are cooking evenly. If you notice any uneven browning, rotate the tray to even out the exposure to heat. When the turnovers appear golden and crisp, and you can see bubbling juices from the filling, they are likely done.
14. To confirm, carefully take one turnover out of the oven and cut into it to check if the pastry is fully cooked and the filling is hot. If the pastry is still doughy, return the turnovers to the oven for a few more minutes, checking regularly to avoid overcooking.
15. Once satisfied, remove the tray from the oven and allow the turnovers to cool slightly before serving. This brief cooling period will let the filling set slightly, making them easier to handle and enjoy.

When it comes to presenting your Christmas Dinner Turnovers, there are many delightful options to consider, ensuring they are a standout feature of your festive feast.

Accompany these turnovers with complimentary side dishes that enhance their rich flavours. Roasted potatoes or a festive vegetable medley provide a heartier option. These sides balance the richness of the turnovers and create a well-rounded meal.

Adding a few simple accompaniments can elevate the enjoyment of your turnovers. Serve them with a small pot of extra cranberry sauce or a jug of warm gravy for dipping. These additions not only enhance the flavour but also add a personalised touch to each serving.

How you present your turnovers can make a significant impact. Arrange them on a large, festive platter, and garnish with sprigs of rosemary or holly for a seasonal touch. This simple yet elegant presentation will make them look as good as they taste. Alternatively, for a more rustic approach, serve them in a wicker basket lined with a festive cloth.

Depending on your gathering, you can serve the turnovers in various styles. For a formal dinner, place one or two turnovers on each guest’s plate alongside the side dishes. For a more casual setting or a buffet, let your guests help themselves from a beautifully arranged platter. This not only makes for an inviting display but also allows guests to choose according to their preference.

By considering these serving suggestions, you can ensure that your Christmas Dinner Turnovers are not only a culinary delight but also a visually appealing and memorable part of your holiday celebrations. Enjoy sharing this innovative dish with your friends and family, adding a special touch to your festive table.

So there you have it, my twist on the classic Christmas dinner. Great as a main dish with extra roasted vegetables and crispy roast potatoes or as a fun festive party nibble. Regardless this dish will be sure to wow your family and friends.

If you make this drink, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*