Christmas morning has finally arrived, and there’s excitement in the air. The kookaburras are laughing, the sun is shining, and the coffee is brewing. Here, you’ll find the first of many delicious and decadent recipes. Dig in, take a breath and let your food digest, then wash it all down with a Bloody Mary Mocktail and a toast to your loved ones. What better way to start the day!

Start your Christmas with a bang! All barware available from Barware Australia. Find out more at barware.com.au

CLINTON WEIR
Have you ever heard of flair bartending? Flair bartending is the practice of bartenders entertaining guests with the manipulation of liquor bottles and bar tools in spectacular ways. Clinton Weir is one of Australia’s most award-winning flair bartenders, and we were fortunate to sit in awe, jaw on the floor, as he dazzled his way around the bar at The Four Pillars Distillery in Yarra Valley. Recognised as one of the world’s top 10 flair bartenders, Clinton is known for his creativity, showmanship and world-famous flair shows. If you’re looking to enhance your Chrissie Day drinks, check out Clinton’s recipe on page 166.

Smoked Fig & Spiced Pineapple Martini

What could be more festive than a Smoked Fig and Spiced Pineapple Martini? Get the party started with this Christmas recipe from cocktail master Clinton Weir. 

Tools Needed:

Signature Barware Complete Cocktail Kit

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe fig
• 45mL Pineapple Jam Roasted Spiced Pineapple Cocktail Ingredients
• 45mL gin
• Ice, for shaking
• Garnish
• 1 ripe fig, sliced
• Caster sugar to sprinkle

Method

1. For the garnish, sprinkle the fig slices with the sugar and caramelise with a heat gun.
2. Muddle fresh ripe fig in your Signature Barware Cocktail Shaker.
3. Add the Pineapple Jam Roasted Spiced Pineapple Cocktail ingredients, gin and ice. Shake well and serve.
4. Double-strain into a smoking ball (if using) and add smoke. Alternatively, double-strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with the caramelised fig and
5. serve immediately.

How to Create a Beautiful Cheese Platter or Grazing Table

Platters and grazing tables are magnificent to look at and offer
a great opportunity to add excitement, colour and creativity to your Christmas Day. Discover some handy tips on how to design
an eye-catching and mouth-watering grazing board.

Serves: 6

• Include staple products. Include staples like cheeses, dips, antipasti, condiments, fruit and crackers. Make sure you cover all bases and tick off at least two products from each staple category.
• Add a dip. Chris’ Heritage Camembert Cherry and Walnut Dip look striking served in terracotta pots.
• Don’t forget the crackers. I have just discovered the Tastes of Australia Cracker and Flatbread Range by Tucker’s Natural. Their unique range shares Australian flavours with a focus on native plants and local ingredients.
• Use beautiful serving ware. Choose beautiful bowls, plates of different sizes for condiments, and wooden boards. Place separately across the board and mix and match heights.
• Choose impressive cheeses. Cheese holds platters and grazing boards together! My go-to option is Le Fromager by Fromager d’Affinois. Take your platter game to the next level by building your board around this hero French gourmet double cream cheese. You might even like to stack a few cheese wheels together as we have done this Christmas. Hint: it’s best to take your Le Fromager by Fromager d’Affinois cheese out of the fridge 2 hours before serving, so the centre starts oozing with rich, buttery aromas. This will ensure you get that lovely creamy texture we all love.
• Add seasonal fruits. There is something about CherryHill cherries that always makes it feel like Christmas, so don’t forget to include plenty of those. Add some figs to give rustic textures and flavours too.
• Make it sweet. Lindt LINDOR balls are always a treat and add a new flavour combination and sweetness to your board.
• Make it merry. Bakers Delight Fruit Mince Tarts offer the Christmas look and feel your platter is missing.

Caprese Bloody Mary Mocktail with Crispy Mozzarella Christmas Trees

“I’m addicted to caprese salads for parties and appetisers, so a Bloody Mary with all the flavours of a caprese salad is a winner in my book. This drink has roasted tomatoes, basil and red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch. Plus, you’ll love my Crispy Mozzarella Christmas Trees which means you can sip and have an appetiser at the same time,” shares Clinton Weir, Australia’s most impressive flair bartender and cocktail master.

Air Fried Mozzarella Trees (Triangles)

Makes: 20

Ingredients:

• 2 large Sunny Queen eggs
• 1 tbsp Pineapple Jam Jalapeno
• & Lime Infused Salt
• 1½  cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup plain flour
• 500g Alba Mozzarella
• Olive oil cooking spray
• Chang’s Tamari Light Soy Sauce, to serve

Method:

1. Lightly beat 1 Sunny Queen egg in a shallow bowl.
2. Combine the Pineapple Jam Jalapeno & Lime Infused Salt and breadcrumbs in a second shallow bowl. Put the flour in a third bowl.
3. Cut the Alba Mozzarella ball into 1 cm-thick slice, then into triangular pieces and sticks.
4. Dip a mozzarella piece first into the flour, then the egg. Shake off excess, follow with the breadcrumbs and coat completely, pressing into the crumbs firmly. This will be messy. It’s okay. Repeat the process with the egg and crumbs to double-coat the cheese.
5. Place cheese on a tray and put in the freezer for about 40-60 mins, or until the cheese is firm. This will (mostly!) stop the cheese from leaking out of the crumb when you cook it.
6. Set the Nutribullet XXL 7L Digital Air Fryer to 200°C.
7. Spray the mozzarella pieces with cooking spray. Air fry in batches for 5 mins, turn over and cook for a further 3 mins or until golden and crispy.
8. Remove from the fryer, cool slightly to avoid burning your tongue and eat dipped in Chang’s Tamari Light Soy Sauce.
9. Use trees to garnish your Caprese Bloody Mary Mocktail (recipe to the right) or serve as a snack with extra Chang’s Tamari Light Soy Sauce.

Caprese Bloody Mary Mocktails

• 6 large tomatoes, cored & quartered, pulp & seeds removed
• Handful basil leaves
• 100g Alba Mozzarella, roughly torn
• 1 slice jalapeno chilli (optional)
• Pineapple Jam Jalapeno
• & Lime Infused Salt
• Chang’s Tamari Light Soy Sauce, to serve

Method:

1. In the large jug of the Nutribullet Smart Touch Blender Combo, place tomatoes and give it a good whiz. Strain through a coarse strainer and discard the pulp.
2. Line a strainer with a double layer of muslin and strain the tomato juice again into a bowl. It should be clear with a pink tinge.
3. Add the basil, mozzarella and chilli (if using) to the warm, clarified tomato juice. Cover and refrigerate overnight to infuse.
4. The next day, strain and add a pinch of the Pineapple Jam Jalapeno
5. & Lime Infused Salt.
6. Pour your Caprese Bloody Mary Mocktail into shot glasses and top with your Air Fried Mozzarella Trees (Triangles).
7. Serve bowls of Chang’s Tamari Light Soy Sauce on the side for dipping. Cheers!

Why I love to create delicious drinks…

“The driving force behind my 25-year career has been bringing happiness to people through delicious drinks. I love using the magic of Mother Nature’s offerings to create exciting, fresh and unique combinations of ingredients. This is very satisfying and feeds my creativity, keeps me young and continues to be one of my greatest rewards,” shares Australia’s most award-winning flair bartender, Clinton Weir.

Double Chocolate Cherry French Toast

Fluffy French toast is always a good idea. Have you ever thought to fill it with a chocolate square and a drowning of cherry or maple syrup? Hello, Christmas morning!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 large Sunny Queen eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• 6 x 2cm-thick slices Bakers Delight Sourdough
• 6 (60g) x squares Lindt EXCELLENCE Smooth Blend 70%,
• plus extra to serve
• 1 tbsp Bertolli Originale Extra-virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, or more as needed
• Thick creamy yoghurt, crème fraiche, sour cream
• or whipped cream, to serve
• CherryHill cherries, to serve
• CherryHill Cherry Syrup, to serve

Method:

1. Whisk the,Sunny Queen eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and salt together in a large bowl.
2. Using a small, pointy and sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into each slice of Bakers Delight Sourdough bread.
3. Insert a square of Lindt EXCELLENCE chocolate into the pocket.
4. Dunk each slice of bread into the egg mixture, soaking both sides.
5. Heat the Bertolli Originale Extra-virgin Olive Oil and butter in your Crumble Skillet over medium heat until the butter is foaming. Add the soaked bread in batches and cook for 2-3 mins on each side until golden brown.  
6. Serve hot with a dollop of cream, crème fraiche or sour cream
7. plus fresh CherryHill cherries and a generous drizzle of CherryHill Cherry Syrup.
8. Top with a little extra chopped/shaved Lindt chocolate to finish.

All I want for Christmas…
Signature Barware Complete Cocktail Kit. Barware’s Complete Cocktail Kit contains professional bar equipment for you to use at home. In it you will receive all the premium cocktail tools you need to effortlessly shake, stir, mix and muddle creative beverages. Available in six beautiful colours, each complete kit comes with a sleek and stylish stand to display and organise your professional tools with ease. For more visit barware.com.au