We are well and truly into winter here in Australia and Christmas is sadly months away, but the genius tradition of Aussies celebrating Christmas in July is the perfect excuse to gather up your favourite people and tuck into delicious food.
So why do people celebrate “Christmas in July”?
At first glance, the concept of celebrating Christmas in July seems quite bizarre. Everyone knows Christmas is in December!
The thing is, December 25 comes at the peak of southern hemisphere’s summer, which is a season decidedly out of step with the cold Christmases that inspired much of our yuletide traditions.
Have you ever tried eating a roast dinner in 30 degree heat? It’s awful!
So, in an effort to capture some of the magic of a cold Christmas, some of us like to celebrate “Christmas” in the coldest month – July! – so we can eat our weight in roast chicken, ham and roast potatoes without overheating in that intense summer weather.
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There are no public holidays associated with Christmas in July, nor is there an official date in July on which it is celebrated.
This unofficial Christmas celebration is just a bit of fun.
And while vegetarians and vegans can often draw the short straw with all those roasted meats, it’s totally easy to hero vegetables and ensure the vegos don’t go hungry!
So say goodbye to sipping eggnog in the blazing summer sun, it’s time to huddle by the hearth and embrace the magic of the season with these charming Christmas in July recipes!
Christmas wreath salad
Christmas wreath salad
This makes a fantastic centrepiece for the table, but it’s really just lettuce and tomatoes given a bit of a makeover.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Roasted portobello mushrooms with garlic and feta
Roasted portobello mushrooms with garlic and feta
These mushrooms make the perfect vegetarian main for your Christmas in July get-together, with their meaty flesh more than capable of satisfying your hunger.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Christmas celebration salad with maple dressing
Christmas celebration salad with maple dressing
With chunks of roasted pumpkin, fine ribbons of zucchini and creamy mozzarella finished off with a sweet maple dressing, this vibrant Christmas salad will stand out from the rest.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Perfect roast potatoes
Perfect roast potatoes
Baked with lemon, this is the perfect roast potatoes recipe to add to your dinner repertoire. By adding par-boiled floury potatoes to a hot, oiled baking tray with lemon, these potatoes become perfectly crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with a delicious hint of citrusy brightness.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Freekeh salad with spiced vegetables
Freekeh salad with spiced vegetables
Embrace the lovely flavours of fresh vegetables, zesty Moroccan spices and nutty freekeh in this surprisingly filling summer salad.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Miso-roasted whole cauliflower
Miso-roasted whole cauliflower
Whether you’re following a meat-free diet or are just looking for creative ways to up your vegie intake, try this delicious whole roasted cauliflower. The miso dressing is to die for!
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Root vegetable tray pizza
Take a twist on the classic takeout favourite with this root vegetable tray pizza – wholesome, nourishing, and oh-so-delicious!
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly Food recipe here.
Eggplant, kale and lentil salad
Eggplant, kale and lentil salad
This delicious salad is packed full of flavour and textures, proving that healthy lunches don’t have to taste boring. You’ll love the combination of flavours and sweet pomegranate dressing.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Grape and apple salad with goat’s cheese
Grape and apple salad with goat’s cheese
This classic flavour combo is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It works well as a side but is also substantial enough to full up the vegos at the table.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Cherry, walnut and feta salad
Cherry, walnut and feta salad
Indulge in the delicious combination of cherry, walnut and feta in this fresh wholesome salad – a perfect addition to your Christmas in July bash this year!
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Lentil, gorgonzola and witlof salad
Lentil, gorgonzola and witlof salad
This deliciously bright and colourful salad will bring some warmth to your table.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Honey roasted carrots with labne
Honey roasted carrots with labne
The fresh labne perfectly offsets the sweetness of the honey in this hearty dish.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Orange and fennel salad
Orange and fennel salad
Orange and fennel is a classic flavour combination.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Perfect potato salad
Perfect potato salad
Give this classic European salad a try with this easy recipe and enjoy the fresh pieces of parsley, mint and potato smothered in rich mayonnaise.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Christmas blondies
Christmas blondies
A blondie is very similar to a brownie, except it’s made from brown sugar rather than cocoa and has a delicious butterscotch flavour. This recipe has been spiced up and made Christmas-appropriate with the addition of fruit mince and white chocolate.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Gingerbread folk
Gingerbread folk
These homespun gingerbread folk are adorable and delicious. Perfect for a themed bash, such as a baby shower or with eggnog for a pre-Christmas sundowner.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Eggnog
Eggnog
This simple eggnog recipe uses brandy to enhance the rich custard flavour of this traditional Christmas cocktail, but you could also use Irish cream.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Classic rum balls
Classic rum balls
Wonderfully sweet and fragrant, these rum-infused treats are beautiful rolled in toasted coconut and served up at Christmas time as a beautiful edible gift, afternoon snack or light dessert.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Macadamia and fig Christmas pudding
Macadamia and fig Christmas pudding
The addition of sweet and juicy figs and crunchy Australian macadamia nuts puts a delightful twist on the classic steamed Christmas pudding. Cut yourself a big slice and serve warm with a drizzle of cream.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
White Christmas
A classic festive dessert, this beautiful white chocolate Christmas slice is packed full of the sweetness of dried fruit and the crunch of fresh nuts. Wrap in coloured cellophane for a thoughtful gift.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Classic Christmas trifle
This traditional Christmas dessert is absolutely divine, layered with fresh strawberry and raspberry jelly, creamy mascarpone custard and sherry soaked sponge cake. Perfection!
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Christmas Yule log cake
Christmas Yule log cake
This delicious vanilla cake is filled with hazelnut cream and decorated with chocolate ganache.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
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