OPINION: Get into the festive spirit in Inverness
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
I’m supposed to be working but I keep getting distracted.
From my seat in Highland Hospice’s ‘In the City’ café in Eastgate, I can hear the excitement as wee ones wait to meet Santa, tell him their dreams for Christmas, and receive a gift – down a slide!
In 2020 Santa has had to rely on some creative thinking and an appointment system in order to keep his grotto socially distanced, but the delighted expressions on the kids’ faces prove that it has paid off.
Instead of typing, I am watching this joy unfold, and remembering when my own two were brought to meet Santa here in Eastgate. That must be 20 years ago; it seems like yesterday.
We’re almost there – it’s nearly Christmas!
Like everyone else, we’re sticking to the rules and having a much smaller celebration, but it will still be special.
We’re swapping our usual turkey for a beautiful free-range chicken; I’ve got that – plus lots of extra bacon and eggs – on order from Duncan Fraser, and I’ll be back at the Inverness Farmers’ Market on Saturday to pick up an allotment’s worth of root veg.
The chicken will get my white-wine treatment. I’ll get it prepped on Christmas eve, stuffing it with fresh lemons, onion, and rosemary, then marinading it overnight, breast down, in about an inch of white wine – I picked up a nice Picpoul de Pinet for the job from WoodWinters while I was there, and chose a bottle of Pedro Ximenez sherry too – more of that later!
The wine soaks into the breast of the chicken and reduces, mingling with cooking juices as the bird roasts, to make its own gravy. Sorted!
That will be served with mountains of roast potatoes, and there will be loads of root veg, cranberry-flecked red cabbage, and chipolatas too. And puddings – a selection! – followed by mince pies, Christmas cake and cheese.
I love a good port with cheese, but have you tried sherry? The Pedro Ximenez I mentioned earlier is rich, deep and sweet in flavour, and is amazing with cheese. It’s also good poured over dried figs (allow to soak for a day or two) to create a no-cook instant, boozy pudding – just add ice-cream from Miele’s Gelateria.
Ooh – and while you’re in Miele’s make sure you order their Gelato Yule Logs and Christmas Cakes – you even get to choose your favourite flavours!
There are still one or two gifts that I need to buy, and for local friends and family I’ll be giving the gifts of choice, and of experiences.
That’s quite a grand way of saying that I’ll be buying gift vouchers – for books (Waterstones, of course, and Leakeys are selling them now too!), for clothes (take your pick from Next or North Designerwear) and for treats.
We each have our own definition of a treat, but I’d never turn down a TK Maxx gift card. And a voucher from any city-centre salon for a neck, back and shoulder massage would be welcome, to sort out my 2020 Zoom-and-Netflix neck.
I’m a huge fan of buying meal vouchers – just ask at your favourite café, restaurant or bar and I’m sure they will oblige; the Mustard Seed, Fig and Thistle, Café 1, La Tortilla. With a meal voucher you know the recipient will get exactly what they want… and they might even invite you to join them!
There’s just one thing I’ve not done – and that’s stocking fillers.
I’m planning an afternoon-sweep of the Victorian Market for chocolate treats and quirky accessories (Ginger). From there I’ll head to Lombard Street for fiery chilli sauces from Kasia at Saffron Oriental Spice Shop; they might help to spice up Mr Marr’s culinary efforts.
And I’ll finish up with mini make-up and skin-care treats from Boots, Lush or Superdrug, plus sparkly jewels (for pennies!) from the charity shops.
Job done.
Is it time for a celebratory Porn Star Martini in Bar One? I’ll just check my list…
Aaargh – Christmas cake! I knew there was something… is there time to make a quick dash to Ashers for one of their whisky cakes? I’m sure if I marzipan it and add a rough coating of royal icing, no-one will be any the wiser. They might even ask me for my recipe!
However you choose to celebrate Christmas this year, I hope you have a happy, safe and fun-filled few days.
I’ve loved shopping local again this year – I just hope my gifts and cooking are appreciated!
#shoplocalInverness
