Christmas Sandwiches v Christmas Chips

For the first time this year, as an alternative to my traditional Christmas sandwiches, I decided to try Christmas chips. They are relatively new to me, and so for those that don't know they are plain chips loaded with finely chopped leftovers from Christmas dinner.

The same basic ingredients are used in Sandwiches and Chips - with a few subtle differences.

The similarities - as you'd expect;

• Turkey

• Gammon

• Pigs in blankets

• Stuffing

• Cranberry sauce

• Mayonnaise

The differences

• Chips or bread (toasted)

• Gravy

The Perfect Sandwich

• Two slices of bread, toasted on both sides

• Butter one slice with cranberry sauce

• Heat up the ingredients in the microwave

• Add slices of gammon

• Add pigs in blankets - split down the middle

• Add slices of turkey

• Top with a generous amount of mayonnaise

• Add stuffing

• Top with the second slice of toast

• Cut into four and serve with crisps (avoid any salad)

• New for 2025 - server with gravy for dipping

• Cup of tea on the side

The Perfect Chips

• Make some oven chips — chips from the chippy will only go cold

• Chop gammon, pigs in blankets, and turkey into 5 mm cubes

• Reheat in the cubes in the microwave

• Start with the cooked chips in a bowl

• Sprinkle the reheated meats over the chips - as much or as little as you like

• Add a few blobs of cranberry sauce and a generous amount of mayonnaise

• Add gravy

Learning Points

• Gravy is a game changer. Specifically turkey gravy - granules are fine. Whether it’s used for dipping sandwiches or poured around chips, it works incredibly well. TOP TIP - Next year, when I serve the sandwiches, I’ll serve the gravy in a bowl — it will be much easier to dip the sandwiches. Dipping into a gravy boat was far too fiddly.

• Sandwiches are best served on freshly toasted bread.

• Both dishes should be served piping hot — that means using the microwave to bring the turkey, gammon, pigs in blankets, and stuffing up to temperature.

• Ketchup should be avoided in all instances.

• As should brussels sprouts....

The Winner

Chips make for a more filling and warming meal, while sandwiches are more of a snack.

• Sandwiches work really well for lunch.

• Chips work best for dinner.