Pistachio profiteroles, p66 Discover new festive favourites for a fraction of the cost at Asda – just what you need for a Grinch-free Christmas two one Turn me 13 family over for recipes
DEAL-LICIOUS!
£3.74
Main, snack & drink
A little festive magic
Christmas is in the air, and I love the excitement, but let’s be real – it’s a whole lot to juggle! That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you, stuffing this issue with everything you need to ‘sleigh’ the season. If you’re all about the build-up to the big day, turn to p22 and get that cosy Christmas market vibe at home. Need something for the kids? Go to p16 for our festive family baking feature. And for the grown-ups, we’ve got your cheeky holiday cocktail sorted using just three ingredients on p80. But the true star of the season is our delicious food. We’ve hand-picked a stunning selection from our top producers to cover every moment –from breakfast to the main event – including mouthwatering centrepieces, showstopping desserts, and the most iconic cheeseboard. However you celebrate, have a wonderful time with your loved ones. Merry Christmas!
Alice Goy | Asda Magazine Editor | asdamagazineeditor@asda.uk
Have you seen our Christmas ad yet? Turn to p11 to find out more…
Seasonal sparkle
Make sure you’re partyready with the latest festive must-buys on p93
Love your leftovers
Nothing goes to waste (and everything’s delicious!) in our Boxing Day ideas on p72
What’s inside
22 HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
8 9½ THINGS TO
LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS
Take a peek at our best buys to get you in the mood for Yule
Food & drink
Mouthwatering ideas to help you kickstart your Christmas
12 THE PIE’S THE LIMIT
Get ready for the holidays: our moreish mince pie range is here
14 SUGAR & SPICE
Treats to sweeten the season
16 MAKING MEMORIES
Wow the kids with these no-bake cakes (plus decorating tips!)
Wintry snacks to help you recreate those seasonal moments at home
28 BIG DAY BREKKIE
Kick off with something special
30 SPREAD THE JOY
Premium pâtés to get you started
34 SIP, SAVE, SPLURGE!
Whatever your budget, wash it all down with our award-winning wines
42 THE BIG DAY
The complete guide to Christmas lunch, from centrepieces to sides
60 MEAT-FREE MARVEL
A vegan roast with the most
62 MERRY PUDSMAS
Time for something sweet!
68 SAVOUR THE SEASON
A cracking cheeseboard for the ultimate festive finale
72 WASTE NOT, WANT NOT
How to let your Christmas lunch leftovers shine – no fuss required
76 PARTY ON!
Our snack selection is the perfect opening act to any celebration
80 THREE CHEERS
Cocktails with a Christmassy twist
Home & fashion
Everything you need to style you and your home this season
84 STEP INTO CHRISTMAS
Jolly decor, from shiny new tree baubles to cosy throws
90 JUMPING FOR JOY
Celebrate the season every day with our fun, vibrant knits
92 SPARKLE & SHINE
Glitz and glamour at the ready, your go-to guide for Christmas partywear
103 DREAMING OF…
…Our Xmas PJs? Check them out! (Don’t miss the Erica Davies collab)
GET IN TOUCH
asdamagazineeditor@asda.uk
Call Asda on 0800 952 0101
Write to the Editor: Asda Magazine, Asda House, South Bank, Great Wilson Street,
10 TASTY RECIPES
No-bake Christmas crispy cakes
Chocolate churros waffle sticks
Puff pastry twisted dogs
Christmas pudding ice cream bombe
Bombay bubble & squeak mash
Buffalo turkey loaded fries
Pigs in blankets cheesy club
Gingerbread bellini
Cranberry & clementine
Look out for this symbol The gift guide
95 ONE MORE SLEEP…
Treat the kids to a Christmas Eve box
96 FOR… HER
Beauty, books, baking and more
98 FOR… HIM
Fun ideas for hard-to-pleasers
100 FOR… LITTLE ONES
Make it magic for the kids
102 FOR… SECRET SANTA
All for just £10 or less
108 IT’S GRINCH-MAS!
From matching PJs to cosy bedding, grab some goodies for your grump
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Cooked up any of our recipes? Enjoyed some of our fantastic products? Let us know and share your pictures – we’d love to hear from you.
Asda Asda Asda Asda
Do you want to be sure about your stunning centrepiece on Christmas Day? Use our pre-order service and your feast will be sorted. Twenty mains are available to pre-order: 11 turkeys, plus beef, pork, lamb and fish options. Orders open from 14 Oct for Delivery Pass customers and 21 Oct for everyone else, closing on 15 Dec. Your order will be guaranteed for delivery, or Click & Collect, on 21, 22 and 23 Dec. Look out for this symbol on items to pre-order:
Good to know
We love bringing you varied, balanced and great-value recipe ideas every issue. Here’s all the info you need…
Our recipes
All our recipes are specially created with you in mind. We work with our chefs, nutrition team and leading recipe developers to create meal ideas that are easy, affordable and nutritious. Plus, we test every recipe carefully so you can trust they’ll work for you and your family. Each issue, we promise to:
•
• Provide budget-friendly recipes to help you feed your family.
•
• Ensure that all our meals are nutritionally balanced, and use everyday ingredients.
• • Help you to reduce your food waste by using ingredients smartly and providing leftovers ideas.
Eggs
The eggs in our recipes are always medium-sized, unless otherwise stated.
Price per serve
Look out for the price per serve on selected recipes. It’s the total cost of a recipe’s ingredients divided by the total amount used per serve. Prices are correct at the time of the magazine going to print.
Recipe key facts
All our recipes include key facts on servings, prep time and our unique ‘faff factor’, a guide to how much skill and effort is involved in a recipe.
Serves 4 Typical serve size based on adult portions.
Exact cooking times to help you plan. Shows how easy or more involved a recipe is.
Nutritional information
All our recipes are reviewed by a registered nutritionist and information is shown in a ‘traffic light’ label. Green is low, while red shows a high percentage of an adult’s recommended daily intake, and amber is somewhere in the middle. The recommended daily calorie intake is 2,000 for women and 2,500 for men. Our recipes should be enjoyed as part of a varied diet and active lifestyle.
Per 359g serving contains
Live Better
At Asda, we like to make sure the healthiest option is the easiest choice for our customers, so we’ve introduced the Asda Live Better logo. It shows you the healthiest choices in Asda Own Brand.
Health and hygiene
For best practice and advice on food safety and hygiene, visit food.gov.uk and click on Food Hygiene at Home.
WAYS TO SHOP
IN STORE
Find your nearest Asda at storelocator.asda. com.
SCAN & GO
Contactless payment and less checkout time – use a scanner or smartphone.
LOOK OUT FOR THESE SYMBOLS
These handy hints throughout the magazine highlight ingredients and recipes with special features
Dietary info: For recipes to suit specific diets, look out for these circles, which refer to the whole dish.
These icons exclude optional serving suggestions. Always check individual packet labels if cooking for someone with dietary needs or allergies.
5-a-day: Shows how many portions of fruit and veg are in a recipe.
Budget savvy: We know the pennies are being pinched right now, so look out for recipes with a low price per serve and low cook times. of your 5-a-dayu
Our faves: What’s new and trending.
Editor’s FAVE 3FOR2 onselected chilledparty food 3 for 2: Look out for our amazing offers.
HOME DELIVERIES
Shop online and choose a home delivery slot.
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ame nourishing recipe*
T d f r over 100 years
*Calcium and Vitamin D are needed for normal growth and development of bone in children. Breastfeeding is best. Follow-on milk should only be used as part of a mixed diet from 6 months. Talk to your healthcare professional.
TO LOVE THIS
1 GIFT. SHARE. INDULGE.
Our luxury panettone blends tradition with modern flavours. Soft, sweet dough stuffed with chocolate sauce and crystallised ginger, topped with ganache and sprinkles. Presented in a beautiful tin, it’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or treating yourself. Exceptional by Asda Ginger & Chocolate Panettone Tin £14.96/750g*
CHRISTMAS
Julie, Asda Product Development Manager for Bakery
‘Our bakers respect traditional Italian methods when making panettones. Fluffy and light, each takes over 40 hours to make using a mother dough nurtured since 1964!’ developed by...
Sip of the season
Pistachio was the flavour of the year, so we’ve bottled up that taste. Go nuts for our brandnew, utterly creamy pistachio liqueur. Smooth and flavoursome, enjoy over ice. Exceptional by Asda Pistachio Flavoured Cream Liqueur £8.16/70cl
4 HOME SWEET HOME
Our cute cake tin contains rich, fudgy brownies in a beautifully decorated house that can be used as a tealight holder long after the goodies have been scoffed. Christmas Brownie Tin £3.98/8-pack*
Santa Paws
Pets are family too, so make sure they have a present under the tree alongside the others! We have tonnes of toys and treats to show your furry friend just how much you love them.
Felix Christmas Selection Gift Box, £3.98/275g
Our new Free From advent calendar means no one misses out on the festive fun. Open each door to find a delicious dairy-free choc – day by day or three at a time, we won’t judge!
Moo Free Bing Advent Calendar, £5.48/70g
Christmas cuppa
For fans of winter warmers, these adorable mugs make the perfect stocking stuffer or Secret Santa pressie. Just add hot chocolate for instant yum.
Embossed Gingerbread Man Mug, £3
Shaped Santa Mug, £3.50
Iridescent Christmas Trees Mug, £2.50
8 GREAT PRICES, GREAT MAS!
Have you seen our fur-tastic Christmas advert starring Whoville’s favourite green grump? This year, we’re committed to bringing you – our lovely customers –everything you need for the big day at small prices. Go to YouTube.com or Asda Instagram (@Asda) to see the ad for yourself!
9
Tis the season for cosy nights snuggled up on the sofa in front of the TV. From Elf to The Polar Express, we’ve got a sleigh-full of films guaranteed to give you all the feels. The Snowman & The Snowman and the Snowdog DVD Double Pack, £5
CARTON 0F ASDA CRANBERRY JUICE DRINK
Grown-ups shouldn’t have all the fun; make a family-friendly party punch with leftovers from the cranberry & clementine sours on p81. Combine 3 parts ginger beer, 2 parts cranberry juice and 1 part pineapple juice in a bowl with ice, plus some sweetclem slices and fresh cranberries too. Add a ladle and start scooping. Asda Cranberry Juice Drink £1.34/1L
James, Product Development Manager for Bakery
‘Made in Cumbria, our all-butter pastry
Exceptional Luxury Mince Pies are filled with a rich mix of fruit, laced with brandy, cognac and port, Valencia orange oil and spices.’
Exceptional by Asda Mini Mince Pies £2.98/9-pack
Exceptional by Asda Rum Butter Mince Pies
£2.98/4-pack
Exceptional by Asda
Florentine-Topped Mince Pies
£2.98/4-pack
PHOTOGRAPH MAJA SMEND
£2.98/4-pack
Exceptional by
£2.84/6-pack
Exceptional by Asda 4 Toffee Apple Spiced Crumble Tarts
£2.98/4-pack
Go luxe with caramelflavoured apples and a crumbly pecan topping.
Asda Joyous 6 Mince Pies £1.47/6-pack
Keep things classic with a shortcrust pie that has plenty of star appeal.
Asda Festive 6 Iced Mince Pies £1.96/ 6-pack Stuffed to bursting with fruity filling, finished with fondant icing.
Asda Free From 4 Iced Mince Pies
£2.48/4-pack
With crumbly pastry and spiced fruit, grab a box for your vegan and GF friends.
bake in style
Asda Giant Gingerbread Man & Tree Biscuit Kit
£2.54/365g Help your little ones stir the mixture then let them decorate.
Asda Gingerbread & White Chocolate Cookie Kit
£2.54/265g Bake your own easy-peasy spiced biscuits for rich and gooey mouthfuls.
Asda Gingerbread Man Cupcake Toppers
£1.54/16-pack These edible decs will add some festive flair to your bakes.
Asda Gingerbread Man Cupcake Cases,
£1.24/50-pack Christmas bake sale on the cards? These adorable cases will bring all the joy.
From gingerbread to tempting chocs, our Christmas elves have been hard at work dreaming up new delights to satisfy all your sweet cravings
1. Asda Free From Gingerbread Man Blonde Chocolate Hollow £4.87/100g; 2. Asda Gingerbread Men Cola Gummies, 92p/130g; 3. Asda Gingerbread Man Lollipops £1.14/each; 4. Asda Gingerbread Cupcakes £2.98/9-pack; 5. Asda Free From Mini Chocolate Gingerbread Men Shapes £4.48/96g; 6. Asda Gingerbread Long Donuts £2.52/2-pack; 7. Asda Toffee & Honeycomb-Filled Chocolate Mousse £5/438g; 8. Asda Gingerbread Fudge £1.28/100g; 9. Asda Bauble Biscuit Kit £2.62/161g
Asda Free From Gingerbread Man Blonde Chocolate Hollow, £4.87/100g; Asda Gingerbread Men Cola Gummies, 71p/100g; Asda Gingerbread Cupcakes, 33p/each; Asda Free From Mini Chocolate Gingerbread Men Shapes, £4.67/100g; Asda Gingerbread Long Donuts, £1.26/each; Asda Toffee & Honeycomb-Filled Chocolate Mousse, £1.14/100g; Asda Bauble Biscuits, £1.63/100g.
Keep little hands entertained
during the holidays with simple and fun seasonal sweet treats to gift or enjoy with the family
No-bake Christmas crispy cakes
Choose your favourite festive decoration for these easy-peasy slices, or why not make them all?!
HANDS ON 30 mins
HANDS OFF 2½ hrs setting time Makes 8
FAFF FACTOR
2 out of 5
• 70g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
• 125g Asda Rice Snaps
• 100g Bake By Asda White Mini Marshmallows
• 50g dark cooking chocolate, chopped
1 Grease a 23cm cake tin and line the base and sides with baking paper.
2 Tip the rice snaps into a large bowl. Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over a low heat. Add the marshmallows and chocolate; mix together until melted and smooth.
3 Stir into the rice snaps until thoroughly combined. Scoop the mixture into the lined tin and press level with the back of a spoon. Leave for at least 2 hrs to cool and set firm.
4 Remove the cake from the tin, peel off the baking paper, cut into 8 wedges and arrange on a board or clean sheet of baking paper.
For the polar bears
• 175g white chocolate, broken into pieces
• 25g desiccated coconut
• 8 white marshmallows
• 16 mini marshmallows
• black writing icing
1 Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water (the bowl shouldn’t touch the water), and spread over top of wedges. Scatter with desiccated coconut and chill for 5 mins to set.
2 Halve the large marshmallows and use the remaining melted chocolate to attach them as noses. Cut the rest into semicircles and add as ears.
3 Add 16 mini marshmallows for eyes. Use black writing icing to add nose and eye details. Briefly set.
RECIPE ANNIE RIGG PHOTOGRAPH MAJA SMEND
BUDGET SAVVY 35P PER SERVE
For the red nose reindeers
• 175g dark cooking chocolate, broken into pieces
• 16 chocolate-covered pretzels
• 8 red Smarties
• 16 mini marshmallows
• black writing icing
1 Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water (the bowl shouldn’t touch the water) and spread on top of the wedges. Stick pretzels in the corners of each wedge for antlers.
2 Add 2 mini marshmallow eyes with black writing icing dots and a red Smartie for a nose. Set until firm.
COOK’S TIP
Dried fruits can replace a red Smartie nose or marshmallow eyes for decorating if you need! Per 88g serving contains
428
For the Christmas trees
• 100g Bake by Asda Icing Sugar
• green food colouring
• edible Christmas sprinkles
1 In a small bowl mix the icing sugar and 1 tsp water to make a drizzly icing. Add in a few drops of green food colouring and stir. Scoop into a small food bag and twist the top to seal.
2 Snip a little off one corner of the bag to make a piping bag and drizzle the icing over the rice snap triangles. Scatter with edible sprinkles and leave to set before serving.
Per 56g serving contains
Hit tHe sweet spot
Asda Cinnamon Bun Kit
£2.54/450g
Fun and oh so good – but don’t eat them all yourself…
Asda 12 Peppermint Candy Canes 98p/144g
Hang on the tree, or a gift, pop in a stocking, or in your mouth… You choose.
Asda Splendid Holly & Berry Sprinkles £1.24/65g
Add a sprinkling to cakes and mince pies for a little bit of festive magic.
Asda Festive Gingerbread Men Sprinkles, £1.24/76g
A dash is all you need for a fun finishing touch to your cake, bake or dessert.
In need of a last-minute gift? Don’t panic – our great-value bouquets always strike the right note
Who says luxury has to be pricey? Asda’s festive bouquets are a gorgeous way to show someone you care – and they’re easy to grab while you’re doing the big shop. Whether it’s for your mum, your mate or your child’s teacher, these blooms are thoughtful, stylish and totally budget-friendly. So go on – pick up a bunch, spread some cheer, and tick one more thing off your Christmas list.
Asda Noel Bouquet, £12.27
PHOTOGRAPH STUART WEST
So many seasonal events, so little time (not to mention money!). Save some pennies by creating the magic in your home at just a fraction of the cost
Christmas MARKETS
Craving that fuzzy festive feeling? This year, recreate the oh-so-Christmassy food and drink of German stalls in your own home with our cheese and meats selection. And a glass of mulled wine or
if you like!
A biT On THE SidE
Asda St Ives Brewery Sticky Toffee Pudding Stout
£2.77/440ml
A rich velvety stout with body and sweetness for a fruity, decadent drink.
Asda Elf Hat Olives+ £2.73/220g
Juicy olives and sweet pepper drops in a parsley dressing – perfect with pastry snacks and cold cuts.
Asda Pickled Baby Gherkins £1.13/680g
These tasty little babies add a tangy crunch to your grazing plate – grab yourself a handful.
The big seasonal switch-on is often the official start to the exciting build-up. If it’s a special calendar moment for you, whip up some make-ahead treats to enjoy while you watch the lights (and save a few pounds, too!) BUDGET SAVVY 40P PER
COOK’S TIP
Once set, separate waffle sticks with layers of baking paper in a lidded container to transport easily.
Festive LIGHTS
Chocolate churros waffle sticks
A cheaty way to get that chocolatey churros fun, with plenty of seasonal spicing and sprinkles, too.
Makes 12 sticks
• 250g Asda Sweet & Delicious
6 Classic Waffles
• 1 tbsp Bake by Asda Icing Sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 200g Asda Dark or Milk
Chocolate, chopped
• 1½ tbsp sprinkles
To assemble
• 8 wooden skewers
1 Cut each waffle into 2 long pieces. Thread a wooden skewer into each piece lengthways so it comes 2⁄3 of the way up the waffle for support.
2 Place on a large piece of baking paper. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl and sieve over both sides of the waffles.
3 Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring occasionally until melted. Drizzle over the waffle sticks before sprinkling with the decorations.
4 Put in the fridge to set for 20 mins. Enjoy with a hot chocolate.
Puff pastry twisted dogs
Wrap hot dogs in pastry sprinkled with this seriously moreish topping, then watch them puff up in the oven.
1 Unroll the pastry onto a board, with the short side facing you. Slice into 8 long strips, each 3cm wide.
2 Taking a strip at a time, brush with mango chutney or ketchup and then wind around one hot dog, overlapping the pastry ends and tucking underneath to secure.
3 Place on a greaseproof baking tray lined with baking paper. Brush the pastry with egg and sprinkle with the seed mix. Chill in the fridge until you want to cook them (up to 12 hrs).
4 Preheat the oven to 220°C/ 200°C fan/gas 7. Bake for 18–20 mins until the pastry is golden and puffed. Or cook in batches in an air fryer, sprayed lightly with oil, at 200°C
for 9–10 mins, turning halfway.
5 Cool for 10 mins then wrap in greaseproof baking paper and foil to eat on-the-go. Or enjoy at home, served with extra mango chutney or tomato ketchup if you like.
Movie NiGHT
Have we got some goodies in store for your family cinema night! This epic spread of tasty snacks is perfect for nibbling on while you’re hooked on what’s happening on screen. So cosy up, press play and tuck in.
Asda Pigs in Duvets with Vintage Fondue Dip £6.80/580g
3. Exceptional by Asda Jar Chicken Liver Pâté, £3.48/125g; 4. Exceptional by Asda Ceramic Bowl Pheasant & Pear Pâté, £3.48/200g; 5. Exceptional by Asda Duck & Orange Pâté, £2.48/150g
Seafood starters are always a winner and these little bites bring something special to a meal. But if you can’t wait until the big lunch then they’re also great as a speedy supper too!
PHOTOGRAPH STUART WEST
Classic combo
Succulent and meaty tiger prawns are finished with a Marie Rose sauce that’s laced with cognac for a festive twist on this retro dish.
Exceptional by Asda Tiger Prawns Cocktail* , £9.24/400g
Seafood sensation
All-butter pastry filled with tender langoustine tails and king prawns, topped with a velvety Newburg sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan and parsley.
Exceptional by Asda King Prawn & Langoustine Tarts, £5.48/216g
Holly, jolly season
Creamy smoked salmon mousse, mixed with lemon, parsley and chives, shaped with festive flair and finished with a Roquito hot pepper pearl.
Asda Holly Terrines
Top of the pots
Layers of luxury – the tenderest king prawns are mixed with a rich roasted tomato and cognac Marie Rose sauce, then finished with sweet lobster meat and parsley.
Exceptional by Asda King Prawns and Lobster Twin Pot Cocktails, £4.48/170g
sip, save, splurge!
From budget-friendly bubbles to luxe reds, these 12 brilliant bottles are perfect for magical moments. Picked for you by Clive Donaldson
PHOTOGRAPHS STEVE SAYERS
Great wine needn’t cost the earth – and these excellent-value vinos prove it. Whether you’re kicking off the celebrations or winding down with leftovers, these bottles deliver big flavour without the big spend. And if you are looking to treat your guests (or yourself) this Christmas, turn the page for some posher picks that are worth the splash.
Clive studied winemaking in Australia and has worked across the drinks industry. He hand-selects the finest varieties and builds bestselling brands. Clive sources our top-class bespoke labels.
The budget bubbly
This crowd-pleasing sparkler has floral aromas, crisp green apple and pear flavours, and a refreshing finish. Exceptional by Asda Prosecco Brut £7.52/75cl s s
The pink fizz
A delicate rosé packed with leafy raspberry and strawberry shortcake flavours. Perfect to drink with canapés and picky bits. Exceptional by Asda Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut, £9.98/75cl
The lighter drop
White flower aromas and tropical fruit flavours make this bright and refreshing drop great with Boxing Day nibbles.
Exceptional by Asda Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc
£6.42/75cl
The star turn
Full-bodied with a baked apple, lemon and mango finish, plus hints of toast and spice, this choice is a brilliant match for your big-day turkey.
Exceptional by Asda Old Bush Vine Chenin Blanc
£6.82/75cl
£8.07/75cl s s s
The flavour bomb
You’ll love the juicy plum and black cherry flavours in this bold, intense wine. Enjoy with roasted beef or lamb.
Exceptional by Asda Malbec
£6.97/75cl
The smooth mover
This aged Rioja is a classic. Its deep red-berry fruit, mocha, tobacco and vanilla notes make it ideal with red meat.
Exceptional by Asda Marques del Norte Rioja
The posh pour
An award-winning white Champagne made from black grapes for extra fruitiness and depth – perfect for toasting the season.
Exceptional By Asda Champagne
Benoît Renaud Blanc de Noirs Brut
£24.98/75cl
The luxe legend
Famille Brocard Chablis Vieilles Vignes, £15.52/75cl s s s
The English classic
Over five years ageing in the bottle gives this fizz fine bubbles, honey and baked apple flavours, and a biscuity finish.
Asquith Gardens
Traditional English
Sparkling Wine
£17.97/75cl
Aged vines create a Chablis with concentrated lemon and apple notes and a classic mineral finish. Best savoured over a long lunch.
The table-topper
As a treat with your Christmas lunch or Boxing Day ham, a glass of this gold-medal-winning red Burgundy with raspberry, truffle and musk is all kinds of right. Exceptional by Asda Côtes de Beaune Villages, £14.48/75cl
The Italian icon
A full-bodied, velvety red with intense aromas of dried fruit, dark chocolate and sweet spices. Goes great with roast meats and cheeses. Exceptional by Asda Amarone Della Valpolicella £19.97/75cl
r
s lky sipper
Want a pour that’s delicious with turkey or festive fish dishes? Try this creamy white grape Burgundy with melon, butter and toast notes. Exceptional by Asda White Burgundy, £11.13/75cl
Find more wine…
For these and other greatvalue bottles, head in store or online for our full range of wine, beers, spirits and no- and low-alcohol drinks.
all the trimmings
Sides that steal the show – from prepped veg to pigs in blankets, these budget-friendly bites will make your Christmas dinner the best ever
Veggies and sides really come into their own at Christmastime and this year’s selection will please the whole family. From the best, golden roasties and pre-prepped veg like easycook, Tenderstem broccoli spears, to showstopping accompaniments like a glazed hog roast wreath and cheesycentred croquettes, the ultimate festive feast awaits you. Did we mention our moreish pigs in blankets and stuffing stars? You may need to do two trips around the table to make sure you haven’t missed out on anything! Available in store from 27 November, get ahead with your Christmas prep or enjoy a sneaky first taste of these veggie bites in the festive run-up.
1. Asda Sweet & Crunchy Tenderstem Broccoli* Perfect with butter and seasoning.
2. Albert Bartlett Cheese Croquettes* Covered in golden breadcrumbs, these oozy bites make a delicious side.
3. Albert Bartlett Home Grown Potatoes* The ultimate spuds for your Christmas roast.
4. Exceptional by Asda 10 Pigs in Blankets, £2.98*/210g Everyone’s fave porkie side dish – 10 of the best. Make it two packs then.
5. Exceptional by Asda Hog Roast Stuffing Wreath, £6.48/580g Crunchy crackling, juicy apples and succulent pork with flavourful stuffing – heaven.
6. Asda 6 Pork, Apple & Honey Stuffing Stars, £3.98/300g This scrumptious mix of festive flavours will get your taste buds buzzing.
7. Exceptional by Asda 10 Hot Maple Pigs in Blankets, £2.98*/210g
Add a slather of sweet maple and these little piglets just get better and better.
Make
Asda Creamed Cabbage, 74p/100g; Exceptional by Asda Cauliflower Cheese, 62p/100g; Exceptional by Asda 6 Chipolata Pigs in Blankets, £1.21/100g; Exceptional by Asda Braised Red
Exceptional by Asda Cauliflower Cheese £2.48/400g
Asda Creamed Cabbage £1.86/250g
Exceptional by Asda Braised Red Cabbage £2.84/400g
Exceptional by Asda 6 Chipolata Pigs in Blankets, £2.98**/247g
Asda Christmas Tree-Shaped Yorkshire Puddings, £1.31/100g; Asda 12 British Pork Sage & Onion Stuffing Balls, 71p/100g; Asda Pigs in Blankets Cheese, £1.25/100g; Exceptional by Asda Creamy Shredded Sprout & Pancetta Gratin, 90p/100g; Exceptional by Asda Roast Onion & Thyme Buttered Sprouts with Pancetta & Chestnuts, 93p/100g. Asda Christmas Tree Yorkshire Puddings
Harriet, Product Development Manager in Poultry
‘Our Norfolk supplier has been rearing free-range poultry for over 35 years. This gives traditional heritage turkey breeds more flavour and a juicy texture.’
‘Slow-cured on the bone for depth of flavour, our British pork loin is infused with sea salt, demerara sugar and truffle oil, with truffle butter and a Parmesan and herb crumb.’
Exceptional by Asda Slow-Cured Rack of Pork with Truffle Butter & Herby Parmesan Crumb, £15.98/kg
Craving a switch-up from turkey this year? Meet our stellar line-up of centrepieces, guaranteed to steal the limelight on your festive table
PHOTOGRAPHS STUART WEST
We know turkey’s a Christmas classic, but breaking away from tradition opens up a whole feast of possibilities. Want to serve a magnificent roast? Our flavour-packed beef, pork, and lamb joints will create a buzz. Prefer something lighter? Our impressive, ready-prepped salmon sides are a festive delight. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or it’s just the two of you, our convenient cuts will ease stress on the big day and wow guests at any occasion. Head in store or online to see our great-value prices.
Asda Tender Lamb Leg
*
If you’ve got lots of mouths to feed this Christmas, choose our Good Housekeeping Taste Approved 2025 leg of lamb. Boasting superb quality and fantastic value, this showstopping joint is available now at a great Asda price, making this year’s festive feasting easier than ever!
Exceptional by Asda Hog Roast, £13.98/1.69kg
This Yorkshire-bred rind-on pork shoulder joint comes expertly stuffed with a rich pork and caramelised onion stuffing. It’s also ready-scored to guarantee crispy crackling and comes with a Bramley apple sauce to balance the flavour.
Exceptional by Asda Lamb Rump Joint with a Mint Rub & Merlot Jus* Indulge in a restaurant-quality meal for two with our hand-prepared British Boneless Lamb Joint. This easy-carve roast, with its rich Merlot jus and mint and sea salt rub, offers gourmet flavour with minimal fuss.
Exceptional by Asda Porchetta, £16.98/1.67kg
This hand-rolled porchetta combines succulent belly and tenderloin of Yorkshirebred pork. It’s generously filled with fennel, garlic and lemon, then pre-scored for perfect, crispy crackling. A truly celebratory dish with all the prep done for you.
17 DEC
Exceptional by Asda British Chateaubriand Beef Fillet Joint*
Tender British beef matured for 30 days for perfect succulence, garnished with fragrant bay leaves and finished with a rich red wine jus.
Asda Orange & Honey Dressed Salmon Side* Atlantic salmon elegantly topped with orange slices and thyme, then finished with a sweet glaze made from sticky honey and citrus. Delicious with fresh watercress or steamed Tenderstem broccoli.
Asda Festive Beef Rump
Joint with Peppercorn & Bone Marrow Basting Fat*
21-day-matured British beef rump, topped with a rich, smoked peppercorn and beef bone marrow basting fat to add succulence and intense flavour.
20
DEC
Asda Flavoursome Salmon Side*
This responsibly farmed Atlantic salmon has a deliciously tender, flaky texture. It’s prepared with the skin on to enable simple cooking and provide the fullest flavour for your family to savour. Serve with asparagus tips, sprigs of dill and crispy roasties to make this a stunning centrepiece for your Christmas table.
PROUDLY SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS
Do you know of a local organisation in need of support?
£3 MILLION PROVIDING GROUPSWITH OFGRANTS IN 2025
vegan magic
From showstopping mains, like this tasty nut roast snowflake, to deluxe sides, our cracking meat-free range is something worth celebrating!
PHOTOGRAPH STUART WEST
Looking to add more plantbased delights to your seasonal spread? Upgrade your festive centrepiece to a show-stealer with real wowfactor, packed with vegetables that don’t skimp on flavour. Prefer a more traditional touch? Our meat-free mushroom wellington and vegan pigs in blankets will seamlessly complete your roast dinner. Stock up for the big day or keep them on hand for a special meal throughout the season – perfect for hosting unexpected guests, cooking up for cosy nights in, or simply treating yourself to something a little bit special.
Exceptional by
Asda Snowflake
Vegan Nut Roast
£4.98/380g^
A beautiful blend of butternut squash, mushrooms and chestnuts with juicy cranberries for an extra festive touch. This snowflake roast is topped with dried fruits and also comes with a rich redcurrant and port sauce to drizzle over the top before serving.
OMV! 10 No Pigs in Blankets^ , £2.98/210g
Gently spiced meat-free cocktail sausages neatly wrapped up in smoky vegan bacon.
OMV! Deliciously Vegan Mushroom Wellington^
£5.64/500g
Tasty mushrooms meet caramelised onions, encased in light puff pastry.
MERRY
Serve up a sweet surprise with puds that put a playful twist on tradition. From fruity faves to fun new flavours, these festive treats will steal the show
BUDGET SAVVY £1.39 PER SERVE
RECIPE ANNIE RIGG PHOTOGRAPHS TOBY SCOTT
Christmas pudding ice cream bombe
This get-ahead stunner takes one mini Asda Xmas pud and transforms it into the caramelicious, festive family dessert of your dreams!
HANDS ON 30 mins HANDS OFF 6 hrs
Serves 8 |
3 out of 5
• vegetable oil, for greasing
• 100g Asda Mini Christmas Pudding
• 80g Asda Glacé Cherries
• 50g Asda Chopped Mixed Nuts
• 2 x 500ml tubs Exceptional by Asda Cornish Sea Salted Caramel Dairy Ice Cream
• 90g Asda Oatie Crumbles or Ginger Nuts
• 40g unsalted butter
• 75g dark or milk chocolate, chopped
• 3 small sprigs rosemary or 3 bay leaves
You will also need
• 900ml capacity pudding basin
• sparklers
COOK’S TIP
Not a fan of glacé cherries? Try dried cranberries for a tangy twist that still feels festive.
1 Lightly brush the inside of the pudding basin with oil and line with a double layer of clingfilm.
2 Break up the Christmas pudding into a large mixing bowl. Quarter the glacé cherries, keeping 5 whole cherries to one side. Then add to the bowl with the chopped nuts.
3 Spoon the ice cream into the bowl and, working quickly, mix to combine with the Christmas pudding, cherries and chopped nuts.
4 Scoop the mixture into the lined bowl and press with the back of a spoon to level and fill the bowl neatly. Place the pudding into the freezer while you prepare the crumb base.
5 Break the biscuits into small pieces and add to a freezer bag. Using the bottom of a saucepan or a rolling pin crush the biscuits into small, rough pieces. Tip into a bowl.
6 Melt 30g of the butter, add to the biscuit crumbs and mix to combine. Press the crumbs onto the top of the ice cream bombe – this will be the bottom once frozen and turned out.
7 Cover and freeze the bombe for at least 6 hrs or overnight until solid.
8 Turn the ice cream bombe out of the bowl onto a serving plate and peel off the clingfilm. For an elegant finish,
smooth the sides with a butter knife. Return the bombe to the freezer.
9 Melt the chocolate with the remaining 10g butter either in the microwave on a medium setting or in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir until smooth and remove from the heat. Leave to cool for 5 mins.
10 To serve, spoon the melted chocolate over the top and sides of the bombe – it should set almost immediately. Decorate with the reserved cherries, rosemary sprigs or bay leaves and a festive sparkler and serve immediately.
Exceptional by Asda Indulgently Sweet Brandy Butter* 200g The ultimate pud topping.
Exceptional by Asda Indulgently Creamy Madagascan Vanilla Custard* 500g A superhero custard!
Exceptional by Asda Extra Thick Brandy Cream* 250ml Super-delish on the side.
Exceptional by Asda Indulgent Brandy Sauce* 500g Top-notch sauciness.
Exceptional by Asda Pouring Brandy Cream* 250ml Swirlable indulgence.
Asda White Chocolate & Raspberry Footlong Eclair £8.68/410g
savour
Exceptional by Asda Cranberry
Topped Pork Pie
£5.98/455g
Bring everyone together for a bitesized feast with sharing boards that are low on faff and big on flavour
PHOTOGRAPHS MELISSA REYNOLDS-JAMES
Asda Pigs in Blankets
Flavour Cheddar
£1.22/90g
£2.48/180g
Flavour Cheddar
£2.48/180g
Asda Cheddar with Caramelised Onion
Asda Gingerbread
Asda Extra
Large Pork Pie, £5.48/790g
Platter with
& Tomatoes, £2.53/100g; Exceptional by Asda Red Fox & Chorizo Bake, £2.33/100g;
by Asda
Tapas Selection, £2.36/100g; Asda Apple Plum & Cinnamon Brie, £1.61/100g;
Moon Stilton, £1.07/100g.
1. Exceptional by Asda Antipasto Platter with Olives & Tomatoes, £6.97/275g; 2. Exceptional by Asda Red Fox & Chorizo Bake, £6.98/300g* ; 3. Exceptional by Asda Continental Tapas Selection, £6.97/295g; 4. Asda Apple Plum & Cinnamon Brie £4.02/250g* ; 5. Asda Half Moon Stilton £4.87/454g*
Colman’s Bramley Apple Sauce
£1.24/155g
A sweet sauce loaded with home-grown fruit.
Colman’s Mint Sauce
£1.24/165g
Your favourite pairing with roast lamb.
Colman’s Original English Mustard
98p/100g
A spoonful of the hot stuff with slices of beef.
FIND in store & online
Have a Colman’s CHristmas
Your secret to a tasty seasonal spread? Bring out these little pots of joy to elevate your festive feast
Christmas dinner might be the biggest plate of the year – and when you’ve gone to all that effort, why not make every mouthful count? That’s where Colman’s comes in. These punchy little pots have been adding full-on flavour to British plates for over 200 years, and they’re still the go-to for families who want their festive food to taste just right. Whether it’s the fiery kick of Colman’s Original English Mustard with roast beef, the fresh zing of
Colman’s Mint Sauce alongside lamb or veggie mains, or the sweet tang of Colman’s Bramley Apple Sauce with pork or nut roast – these classic condiments are the finishing touch your big-day dinner deserves. And let’s be honest – when you’re juggling shopping lists, school plays, and last-minute wrapping, having your festive staples ready to go is one less thing to think about. So stock up now, and up the taste-factor of your Christmas table.
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT T OT
Feet up, telly on! Time to unwind after the festive whirlwind with these laid-back dishes that use up every last morsel (and still feel extra indulgent, too)
Exceptional by Asda 6 Free Range Golden Yolk Eggs, £1.97/6-pack make it with…
RECIPES CLARE KNIVETT PHOTOGRAPHS MAJA SMEND
COOK’S TIP
Mash leftover veggies and spices into patties, then pan-fry for golden fritters –tastes great with lime pickle.
Bombay bubble & squeak
This Boxing Day classic gets a new lease of life with a dusting of curry powder and a ketchup alternative.
HANDS ON 15 mins HANDS OFF 0 mins
Serves 2 | FAFF FACTOR
2 out of 5 of your 5-a-dayu
• 1½ tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ onion, halved and sliced
• 150g leftover roast potatoes or parsnips, roughly chopped
• 150g leftover sprouts, halved
• 1 tsp Cook by Asda Medium Curry Powder
• ½ tsp turmeric (optional)
• 2 Exceptional by Asda Free Range Golden Yolk Eggs
• 4 tsp Asda Rich & Sweet Tomato Chutney, plus extra to serve
• leftover herbs, chopped (optional)
1 Place a medium frying pan over a medium heat and add ½ tbsp oil. Stir through the onion and cook for 5 mins until softened and golden.
2 Add the remaining oil, vegetables, and spices and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–4 mins until softened and golden.
3 Make a couple of spaces in the pan for the eggs, crack and drop from at least 30cm above the pan so the yolk breaks on impact. Season and fry for 4–5 mins or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
4 Add a few dollops of the chutney and sprinkle over some herbs, if you like, before serving.
Per 234g serving
Buffalo turkey loaded fries
This sharing sensation is perfect to munch on while watching a Boxing Day film – comfies at the ready! HANDS ON 10 mins HANDS OFF 15 mins
Serves 2–4 |
1 out of 5
• ½ pack Asda Crispy Skin-On Fries
• 200g leftover cooked turkey, shredded into chunks
• 2 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings Sauce, plus extra to serve
COOK’S TIP
Replace chips with smashed leftover roasties. Bake until crispy, then top and bake again.
• 1 tbsp Asda Classic Runny Honey
• 1 tsp Asda Dirty Fries Seasoning, plus extra to serve
• 60g Stilton or any blue cheese, crumbled
• Asda Roast Garlic Mayonnaise, to serve (optional)
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced
1 Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7. Line a baking sheet with a piece of baking paper and cook the fries for 18 mins (or in a lined air fryer basket for 8–10 mins at 180°C).
2 Meanwhile, mix the turkey chunks with the 2 tbsp buffalo sauce and the honey, until the meat is nicely coated.
3 When the fries are crispy and golden, sprinkle over the dirty fries seasoning and toss to coat. Scatter over the marinated turkey and ½ the blue cheese, then return to the oven (or air fryer) for a further 5 mins.
4 Remove from the oven and transfer to a sharing platter. Top with a little extra seasoning, extra buffalo sauce and mayo (if using). Finish with the spring onion and remaining blue cheese then dig in.
Per 154g serving
£1.14 PER SERVE BUDGET SAVVY
Pigs in blankets cheesy club
Enjoy the ooze factor in a sarnie stacked with ham, sausages and cheese in a next-level Chrimbo treat.
HANDS ON 5 mins HANDS OFF 5 mins
Makes 1 |
1 out of 5
• 8 leftover cooked Asda Pigs in Blankets
• handful of rocket
• 2 slices of bread, toasted
• 2 slices of leftover ham or gammon
• 50g Brie or Camembert, rind removed
• Asda Extra Special Cranberry Sauce with Ruby Port, to serve
1 Reheat the pigs in blankets either in an air fryer at 180°C for 3 mins or in a frying pan on a medium heat for 5 mins, turning them occasionally until they are piping hot.
2 Place a layer of rocket on the bottom piece of toast, top with 2 slices of ham and the pigs in blankets.
3 Cut the cheese into cubes and microwave in a small dish on a medium heat (650–750 watts) for 20 secs or until melted. Spoon the melted cheese over the meat. Top with the second piece of toast, slice into triangles and serve with some cranberry sauce on the side for dunking.
Asda Sweet Pickled Silverskin Onions
£1.60/710g
Sweet and sour crunch in a bite – a beautiful thing.
Exceptional by Asda Caramelised Onion Chutney
Rich sweetness with a tang.
Exceptional by Asda Mango, British Bramley Apple & Ginger Chutney
Add a dollop and enjoy the warming spices.
Asda Sweet & Juicy Piccalilli
£1.10/295g
A punchy relish of pickled veg to add the pow factor to your dish.
Serve up some serious good-time vibes. These nibble night faves are toptasting and brilliant value
1. Exceptional by Asda Brie Wedges £5/280g; 2. Exceptional by Asda Tempura Prawns, £3.50/150g; 3. Exceptional by Asda Butter Chicken Mini Naans, £5/186g; 4. Exceptional by Asda Bolognese Arancini, £5/200g; 5. Exceptional by Asda Prawn Lollipops, £5/200g
– crispy like a fry and as fluffy as a chip. Lamb Weston Frenzy French Fries, £1.47/750g* make it with…
Triangular-cut for the ultimate texture
G i a
FRe
Have a stash of Lamb Weston’s new Frenzy French Fries in the freezer over the Christmas season and you can rustle up a quick-fix sharing platter for friends or last-minute guests. The fries’ unique triangular shape isn’t just for show – it gives you a perfectly crispy outside, with a fluffy centre, for a next-level dish. Try this brilliant loaded fries ‘wreath’ recipe (right) – it’s easy to pull together and features festive flavours like Brie and cranberry, or use other Christmassy leftovers to top it, such as blue cheese and chutney.
YChristmas loaded Frenzy French Fries wreath
Serves 8 | Festive sharing dish
• 1 pack (750g) Lamb Weston Frenzy French Fries
• 200g Brie, cut into chunks
• 8 streaky bacon rashers, cooked until crispy and roughly chopped
• 120g Exceptional by Asda Cranberry Sauce
• fresh rosemary sprigs, to serve
• pomegranate seeds, cranberries or redcurrants, to serve (optional)
Make these french fries the star of this sharing dish that will be a huge hit over the holidays
1 Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
2 Arrange the Frenzy Fries evenly on a large baking tray and cook for 15 mins until crispy and golden.
3 Lower the oven to 180°C/160°C fan gas 4. Allow to cool slightly before arranging the fries into a wreath shape, topping with the Brie chunks and crispy bacon pieces.
4 Return to oven for 5–7 mins until the Brie has melted.
5 Serve with cranberry sauce in the middle of the wreath. Garnish with fresh rosemary and pomegranate seeds or red berries, if you like.
6 Serve hot and let everyone dig in!
CHEERS
Toast your party with our easy as 1-2-3-ingredient cocktails. Maximum flavour, with minimal mixing
RECIPES KATE CALDER
PHOTOGRAPH MAJA SMEND
Gingerbread bellini
For a Christmas twist on a glam cocktail add this classic festive flavour. It’s ginger fizz with pizzazz! Makes 1 | FAFF
1 out of 5
Add 1 tbsp spicy ginger preserve into your serving glass and then, using a fork, break up the mixture for about 10 secs. Mix in 1 tbsp lemon juice until combined. Top up the glass halfway with Nozeco or Prosecco, give it a stir and then continue to top up until nearly full. Add a twist of lemon peel or mini gingerbread man to garnish and then serve.
make it with… Asda Spicy Ginger Preserve
£1.34/454g
Cranberry &
clementine sunset sour
This festive twist on a classic is nutty, fruity and citrussy. And all kinds of delicious. Makes 1 |
1 out of 5
In a measuring jug, add 4 tbsp Veroni Amaretto, 2 tbsp cranberry juice drink and the juice from 1 sweetclem, then stir until combined. Fill a small drinking glass with a large handful of big ice cubes
Add in 1 or 2 sweetclem slices. Pour the mixture over the ice and slices and serve.
TASTY TIP
Pour shots of blonde cream liqueur and espresso over vanilla ice cream for a wintry affogato.
Blonde Russian
Asda’s blonde chocolate liqueur turns a classic into something even more decadent and tasty. Makes 1 |
1 out of 5
Fill a tumbler with a large handful of big ice cubes. Pour in 2 tbsp Tia Maria followed by 2 tbsp Exceptional by Asda Blonde Chocolate Flavour Cream Liqueur. Add 2 tbsp of whole milk. Swirl or stir, if you like.
Raise the bar at home and shake up party cocktails that are stylish and special with these seasonal ingredients. Chin chin!
Warninks Original Advocaat
£11.13/70cl
Bartender Pina Colada Cocktail,
Exceptional by Asda Espresso Martini Chocolate Flavour Cream Liqueur
£8.16/70cl
Exceptional by Asda Botanical Dry Gin
£21.97/70cl
Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream Liqueur with Tequila, 1L NOW £18.97** WAS £23.98
Exceptional by Asda Non-Alcoholic Rhubarb & Ginger Botanical Drink
£9.98/70cl
Disaronno Velvet Liqueur, 50cl NOW £9.98^ WAS £17.61
Schweppes Slimline Elderflower Tonic Water, 1L NOW 98p* WAS £1.78
Citrussy elegance
CHILL TIME
To cool to 6–10°C, pop in the fridge for a few hours or 30 mins in a bucket with water and ice.
Searching for the perfect holiday pour? Put your own seasonal spin on classic Christmas bubbles with Gordon’s Spritz Edition and raise a glass
s the festive season twinkles into view, the magic of catching up with family and friends begins. With the buzz of holiday parties and last-minute drop-ins on the cards, you need a drink that’s as special as the moment itself –without any fuss. This year, make your bubbles sparkle a little brighter with Gordon’s Spritz Edition. These brandnew gin-based liqueurs are your secret to a deliciously light and refreshing
festive cocktail without breaking the bank. Indulge in two tempting fruity flavours: crisp Elderflower & Lime or sweet Strawberry & Passionfruit. Ready in seconds, this drink won’t take you away from hosting. Pour 50ml* of your chosen Gordon’s Spritz Edition into a flute, top it up with 100ml of Prosecco, and you’re ready to serve. So, when it’s time to pop that bottle, make sure it’s with Gordon’s Spritz Edition – made for mixing with Prosecco.
Zests up Prosecco. Gordon’s Elderflower & Lime Spritz Edition £10/50cl
Decorate your home with a dash of holiday magic along with cute, coordinated gift-wrapping ideas to sit under the tree
THIS PAGE Pompom Garland, £7; Seagrass Placemats 2-pack, £4; Wooden Handle Cutlery Set 16-piece, £14; Gingerbread Dinner Set, £22; Red Check Tablecloth, £10; Primary Candlestick Short Green, £4; Primary Candlestick Short Red, £4; Slub Pompom Edge Cushion, £12; Santa Wreath Stripe Cushion, £7; Checkerboard Frill Edged Cushion, £10
THIS IMAGE
Pompom Wreath, £18^ ; Red Metal Bells, £15^; Green Tassel Check Throw, £15; Shaped Star Cushion, £10; Merry Christmas Cushion, £8
BELOW
Seagrass Placemats
2-pack, £4; Wooden Handle Cutlery Set 16-piece, £14; Gingerbread Dinner Set, £22; Red Check Tablecloth, £10; Primary Candlestick Short Green, £4; Primary Candlestick Short Red, £4
No colour combination sparks more joy at Christmastime than bright reds and forest greens. Make the tree the star of the show in your home and load it up with brilliantly bold baubles in all shapes and sizes. From there, bring a festive feel to your living space with seasonal foliage and cosy cushions in merry motifs. Then complete your hosting set-up with dedicated crockery especially for the big day.
Stripe Bag (medium), 80p
3.5m Harlequin Roll Wrap, £1.48*
Red Accessories Pack, £1
Harlequin Gift Bag (large), £1
Dreaming of a white Christmas? For a truly modern approach, add a touch of minimalist magic with soft and snowy tones. Pair with metallic hues for an icy effect (think silver candlesticks and chic dinnerware) and let our Scandi-style light-up decorations in star and tree shapes cast a soft, welcoming glow. It’s the perfect way to create your own sophisticated winter wonderland.
ABOVE Christmas Tree Wine Glass 2-pack, £7; White Tablecloth, £12; Christmas Trees Dinner Set, £27; Christmas Tree Cutlery 16-piece, £8
ABOVELEFT Wooden Light-Up Star, £8; Ceramic Light-Up Tree (small/large), £7/£10
Trees Gift Bag (large), £1
3.5m Trees Roll Wrap, £1.48*
Silver Jingle Bells 12-pack, £1
Snowflake Gift Bag (large), £1
THIS PAGE Large Baubles, from £10; White Giant Glass Tree with White Paint+ , £30; Frosted Pine & Eucalyptus Glass Bauble Candle, £7; Slub Pompom-Edged Cushion, £12; Boucle Throw (natural or grey), £15; Slatted Base Wood Table, £25; Natural Wood Table Lamp with Pleated Shade, £15; Round Ribbed Cream Borg Storage Stool, £35; Ski Scene Borg Cushion, £12
STYLE TIP
Baubles aren’t just for the tree! Hang these big, beautiful decs in clusters around your home.
Bring a little fun to your festive decor with pops of pink. Embrace the joy of gifting with playful bow accents on everything – from cushions and glassware to tree ornaments. This cheery hue is the perfect partner for candy cane stripes. To set the mood, light a scented candle to fill your home with a tempting fragrance that captures the spirit of the season.
STYLE TIP
Time to get super snuggly! Layer up clashing patterns and textures on your bed this winter.
LEFT Nutcracker Ballet Duvet Set: Single/Double/King/ Super King, £8/£10/£12/£14; Pink & Green Wide Stripe with Frill Duvet Set: Single/ Double/King/Super King, £12/£15/£18/£20
ABOVE Gold Dot Coupes 2-pack, £8; Kent Brushed Gold Cutlery Set 16-piece, £12; Wreath Dinner Set, £24
RIGHT Mrs Claus Sweet Shop Candle, £5; North Pole Patisserie Candle, £5; Roasted Chestnut Cabin Candle, £5; Gingerbread Bakery Candle, £5; Hot Cocoa Café Candle, £5
Houses Gift Bag (large), £1
3.5m Santa Roll Wrap, £1.48* Trees Gift Bag (large), £1
3.5m Bow Roll Wrap, £1.48*
i g
JOYfor
We’ve got brrr-illiant cosy knits to suit all styles and help you jingle all the way through winter
What a cracker! With stitched-on bows for real festive flair. Christmas Cracker Jumper (sizes XS–2XL), £22
Driving Home for Christmas Jumper (sizes XS–2XL), £22; Skirt (sizes 6–24), £14
Earn your stripes A slogan knit with big jingly energy. Christmas Jingle Jumper* (sizes XS–XL), £20
Sleek styling For a more subtle nod to the season, choose this timeless print. Fairisle Jumper (sizes XS–2XL), £22 or GROWN UPS!
OPPOSITE PAGE Frosted Tees 3-pack (3–14 years), £10/£11/£12; Woven Black Cargo Trousers (3–14 years), £10/£12/£14; Black Sequin Dress (sizes 8–24), £30; Black Tuxedo Suit Jacket (sizes 36R–50R), £40; Black Tuxedo Waistcoat (sizes 36R–50R), £20; Black Tuxedo Suit Trousers (sizes 28R–44R), £20; Sequin Dress & Tee, (3–14 years), £18/£20/£22; Velour Sparkle Set (1–10 years), £12/£14/ £16/£18; Smart Polo Set (1–8 years), £12/£14/£16
or’s
Bring the dazzle It’s sparkle o’clock. Slip into this silver mini and let the sequins do the talking. Get ready for moves, mistletoe and midnight magic.
Party-ready Celebrate in style – go full-on glam, stylish and shirted for the grown-ups, or comfy-cute for the kids.
The kids are peeking out of the window, bouncing on the sofa and asking again if it’s time… Channel the Christmas Eve chaos into a magical moment with a box filled with joy – and treats!
Santa snacks Wooden Plate, £3
Cute characters Disney Muppets Plush, £8 each
Festive feet
Christmas Stripes Bright Ankle Socks, £4
Cube, £1
Twinkly tale
Fletcher, £4.47
Christmas Eve Box, £2.48; Activity Pack, £2; Milk Bottle Tumbler, £1.50; Santa Tumbler, £2; Mini Plush Toys, £1.50/each; Santa Mug, £3
Page-turner
Escape with a guaranteed good book this Christmas. TheImpossibleFortuneby Richard Osman, £10.96 (hardback)
Tipple trio
From wow-factor finds to stocking fillers, our sevenpage guide of perfect pressie picks makes this year’s gifting a total joy
Glad tidings
Wish everyone a happy Christmas wearing this snow-white top. Christmas Wreath Jumper (sizes XS–2XL), £20
Tick all the boxes on her wish list this festive season…
Mix it up
Make life easier for the head cake maker this Chrimbo with this snazzy bake mate. Matte Black Scandi Stand Mixer, £55+
Style station
Get dressed up and tressed up with this sleek-looking hair dryer.
Brushless Hair Dryer, £35^
Clean, clean, clean
Give the gift of soothing and smoothing with a luxurious toiletries set. Nourish Dove Set with Tin, £24.98*
It’s spa o’clock
Give someone special the gift of ‘me time’ with this five-piece spa set. Self Love Club Pamper Collection, £5.98
Cuddle-me time
When resting between festivities, this will keep you warm and soothed. Cream Shaggy Faux Fur Hot Water Bottle, £6
Essence of elegance
Scents from a fragrant festive reed diffuser bring on the seasonal vibes. Wild Pear Luxury Diffuser, £10
Super snug set
Your new favourite pyjamas in blush pink for the sweetest dreams. Ladies’ Woven Bow Trad PJs (sizes 6–20), £20
Secrets are revealed…
Let the light in
In the depths of winter, brighten and boost your skin. LED Light Therapy Face Mask, £17.98
You will go to the ball… Little black dress? Here’s the bag to go with it – 2025’s must-buy accessory. Black Velvet Bow Clutch, £14
A thrilling tale of how far a young girl will go to survive. TheIntruderby Freida McFadden, £5.48 (paperback)
Time to shine
For someone who likes to go with the flow – as long as the end result is smooth and silky. LED straighteners, £20**
Watch it!
A handy helpmate towards a healthier, more active lifestyle. Daewoo Flight Full Colour Touch Screen Smartwatch, £59.99
Warm hands, warm heart
Double the joy
Santa and Rudolph in a festive face-off. Novelty Santa Reindeer Crew Neck Jumper (sizes S–4XL), £22
for...
Time’s up
Next in the series race-against-the-clock thriller. TheSecretofSecretsby Dan Brown, £12.47 (hardback)
Hop, hop, hooray
Made the traditional way in Italy, this premium lager is one to savour.
Birra Moretti Duo & Glass, £9.94/330ml
HIM
Dive into our edit of great gifts to keep the men in your life happy
Cup of plenty
If your man about town likes to sip as he’s on the move, this is the sleek accessory for him. Black Travel Tumbler, £6/450ml
Just the thing for cold-weather walkers – ideal for building snowmen. Khaki Fleece Gloves, £8 Edi or’s FAVE
Smells like a winner
The best of the best fragrances make the ultimate Christmas gift. Lynx Ultimate Icons, £14.98
Speed machine
A racer’s dream – the ultimate toy for big kids. LEGO Technic Fast and Furious Toyota Supra, £54.96^
Bathing beauty
Scrub up well with wash-and-go, gingerbread-scented goodies. Let’s Get Snowed In Bath Set, £4.48
What a relief
Know a workout fanatic? This handy gadget helps overloaded muscles recover. Decathlon Mini Massage Gun, £69.99
Toasty time
Soft and supple sheepskin to wrap your feet in – feels like heaven. Tan Suede Mule (sizes 7–12), £10
I hear you
It’s music made easy all the way with a cool headset for his podcasts and tunes. Bluetooth Over Ear Earphones, £15.98*
Mood-boosting magic
Fill their home with spicy scents for a fragrance-loving fellow. Dark Amber & Suede Gift Set, £8
Fake it good
Your takeaway faves – with fewer calories. Bored of Lunch: Healthy Fakeaways by Nathan Anthony, £13.86
Ready for bed
Nothing says ‘sleepy-bye time’ like soft, snuggly checks – the dream present. Grey Check Trad PJs (sizes XS–4XL), £16
Bag of tricks
Packed with essential oils, this self-care kit has got it all – and looks slick too. Renew Luxury Wash Bag, £5.98
A dash of delight
Carry a little piece of fairytale magic around every day. Unicorn Bag, £8
Rock-a-bye-baby
A gentle story for lights-out time. MsRachelandBeanandtheBedtime Routineby Ms Rachel and Mr Aron, £4.62
Just desserts
Christmas cuteness for toddlers. Baby Boy’s Christmas Pudding Set (first size to 2–3 years), £9
Stock up on tiny treasures for tots and 8 and unders
Snuggle squad
Soft and seriously sweet – these minis are here for every cuddly moment. Small Plush Toys, £1.50 each
Tartan & treats
A festive frock that’s sweet as a pud. Christmas Pudding Check Pinny (1–8 years), £12/£14/£16
In the pink
It’s building time for kids who adore these lovable characters. LEGO Disney Angel Lilo & Stitch Building Toy, £59.97
Listen to the music
Shimmy this way to keep kids that want to get their groove on happy… Pink Kids’ Headphones, £5
Bathtime with Stitch Bubbles that wow, and they’re strawberry fragranced too. Disney Stitch Colour Changing Bubble Bath, £1.48
Princess perfect
Sensational shades and magical dazzle for your own princesses. Disney Princess Nail Trio set, £2.98
‘Hit the Siren!’
The latest madcap adventures from the wildly popular book series. DogManBig JimBeginsby Dav Pilkey*, £4.98
Sleigh your look
Red-nosed, fluffy seasonal style.
Reindeer Earmuff & Bag Set, £12
Snowflake sweater
This jumper is ‘snow’ joke, and will keep your mini-me cosy all winter long. Car Fairisle Jumper (1–8 years), £10/£12/£14
More, please!
Don’t pud up with anything less. Christmas Pudding Top & Leggings Set (first size to 2–3 years), £10
Come on down…
Block-stacking for the brave – great for nerve-testing young and old alike. Classic Jenga, £14.98
Green for go!
Like peas in a pod, this fizzy treat brings fun and games to bathtime. Toy Story Bath Fizzers and Wash Cloth, £2.98
Sock it to me
Five times festive fun for the feet. Christmas Stripe Character Ankle Socks, £4/5-pack Edi or’s FAVE
Short and stout
A deliciously creamy, coffee-flavoured shot to awaken the taste buds. The Baby Guinness Cocktail Gift Set, £7.48
Fun with friends
Get the conversation going and the laughs flowing with this easy-to-play card game. 14+ Get The Ick party game, £10
for...
Furry-toe-tastic
Know someone who is fierce about keeping their feet warm in winter?
Faux Fur Mule (sizes S, M, L), £10
Keep it clean
It’ll be wall-to-wall bubbles every morning with this animated icon. Spongebob Sponge, £2.98
Mugs ’n’ hugs
Cosy up with a steaming cup of your favourite hot drink. Pink Reactive Glaze Mug, £4
SECRET SANTA
The thrill is in the unwrapping with these treats under a tenner
Especially for you
A soft and crisp Prosecco, as elegant as the heart-patterned flute it’s poured into. Kylie Minogue Prosecco & Glass £7.97
Are you in the club?
Quizzy festive fun for all the family. The 1% Club, The Official Quiz Book 2* , £7.68
Juicy fruits
The sweet scent of pears, apples and plums give your space an enticing aroma. Wild Pear Luxury Candle, £10
Check out Erica’s latest top picks of cute PJs in the new edit from the former fashion editor and influencer.
TOP RIGHT
Red Fluffy Bow Cardi (sizes XS–XL), £22; Bow Woven Leg PJs (sizes 6–22), £12
ABOVE Ladies’ Candy Cane PJ Set with Eye Mask (sizes 6–20), £20
RIGHT
Ladies’ Red Gingham Trad PJ Set (sizes 6–20), £20; Red Bow Slipper Socks (sizes S/M–M/L), £6
SHOP
don’t miss Erica’s festive present picks on George.com
Grinch & Co Fleece Blanket, £8.50
Bottle, £10
Kids’ Grinch Face Green PJ Set (sizes 1½–14 years), £10; Women’s Grinch Face Green PJ Set (sizes 4–22), £16; Men’s Blue Grinch PJ Set (sizes XS–4XL), £16; Kid’s Blue Grinch Twosie (sizes 1½–14 years), £10; Kid’s Pink Grinch Twosie (sizes 1.5–14 years), £10; Men’s Grinch Snuggle Hoodie (one size), £22
TWO
Hunter’s chicken pie with cheesy pastry, p20
Hello
That’s winter sorted
There is so much to love about this time of year – the nights are drawing in, food becomes super-comforting, and everyone is ready to cosy down for the season – but it’s also sooo busy, and pennies can become really pinched. Which is why this issue we’ve created
13 gorgeous recipes to save you time and money. Our regular One Basket
Five Meals feature on p6 is bringing you five fantastic family dishes to serve four people, all for under £25, while our one-pots feature on p16 shows you how to make hearty food you’ll love with minimal faff (and washing up!). And, last but not least, Meals in Minutes on p13 brings you four-ingredient dishes in a flash for those evenings when you want great food in a hurry. Don’t forget to flip the magazine to check out all our Christmas essentials, from irresistible food to fabulous decorations and gifting
Alice Goy | Asda Magazine Editor | asdamagazineeditor@asda.uk
Editor’s picks…
Tasty family teas
Monday–Friday meals to serve four, all for under £25, over on p6
Food in a flash
Four-ingredient dinners to serve two in an instant –what could be better? p13
Winter one-pots
Cosy, comforting recipes, without the epic clean-up – you’re welcome! p18
WIN £250!
Take our READER SURVEY on p23* and tell us what you think about our mag. You could win a £250 Asda gift card
What’s inside
Comfort food
Delicious dishes to see you and your family through the season
6 ONE BASKET FIVE MEALS
Save up some pennies for Christmas and eat well with our Monday to Friday meals
13 MEALS IN MINUTES
Quick-fix dinners with just a few shortcut ingredients
16 ONE-POT WONDERS
From sticky stir-fry to chicken pie, these full-of-flavour dinners will cut down your washing up
23 READER SURVEY
Your chance to win a £250 Asda voucher
The Asda Magazine team
Editor Alice Goy
Content Planner
Charlotte Woodhead
Content Co-ordinator
Clare Austin-Dodding
Editor Alex Drew
Creative Director Sarah Birks
Food Editor Clare Knivett
Food Writer Sarah Cook
Senior Art Editor
Laura Phillips
Chief Sub Editor
Katriel Costello
Content Executive
Louisa Streeting
Managing Director
Clair Atkins
Client Partner
Thomas Kingham
Senior Account Manager
Maria Rees
Shoot Producer
Naomi McMullen
With thanks to Lou Cassell, Adam Hylands, Jo Keigwin, Sarah Newman, Helen Richardson
Advertising enquiries: For advertising enquiries please email: magazine@asda-media.com
Asda Magazine is published by Our Media, in partnership with Asda. Print sourced by HH Associates. While every care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine, the proprietors assume no responsibility in effects arising therefrom. No part of the contents may be reproduced without prior permission.
your shopping list
600g pack Asda Succulent
Chicken Drum Fillets
240g pack Asda Delicate Basa Fillets or Smoked Basa fillets
240g pack Asda Flavourful
4 Pork Sausage Patties
125g pack Asda Pizza Pepperoni
150g pot Yeo Valley Organic
Natural Yogurt
170g pack Just Essentials by Asda Hard Cheese
1 Asda Fajita Kit Holy Smoky BBQ
140g Asda Sage & Onion
Stuffing Mix
475g Asda Cheesy Pasta Bake Sauce
480g jar Aleyna Roasted Red Peppers
400g tin Asda Peeled Plum
Tomatoes in Tomato Juice
500g Asda Orzo
1 pack Asda 10 Frozen Garlic Baguette Slices
1kg pack Asda Frozen For Freshness Cauliflower Florets
150g pack Asda Crisp & Earthy
Unwashed Sliced Curly Kale
4 Asda British Fluffy & Golden
Large Baking Potatoes
small red cabbage (800g)
small Gala apple (about 125g)
500g carrots
1 lemon
1 medium-sized red onion
1 lime
1 garlic bulb
STORECUPBOARD
2 low-salt vegetable stock cubes
2½ tsp any sugar (or honey)
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp olive oil
one basket f e ive Meals
TOTAL BASKET PRICE UNDER £25
Use cheap gadgets and shortcut ingredients for speedy, energyefficient* versions of after-school classics the whole family will love
RECIPES SARAH COOK PHOTOGRAPHS MAJA SMEND
Monday
Air fryer hog roast hash
Crunchy, crispy and made hands-free
– all baked in an air fryer (or easily swapped to an oven).
Serves 4 |
• 140g Asda Sage & Onion
Stuffing Mix
• 2 Asda British Fluffy & Golden
Large Baking Potatoes, peeled
• Asda Flavourful 4 Pork
Sausage Patties
• 1 tsp vegetable oil, plus extra
COOK’S TIP
This hash is also great for using leftover stuffing from a Sunday roast for Monday’s dinner.
for greasing (if you need)
• 550g–600g red cabbage
• small Gala apple
• ½ lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp sugar (any)
1 Boil the kettle, then make up the stuffing mix with 300ml boiling water. Leave for 10 mins.
2 Cut the potatoes into 3cm chunks. Put in a microwave-proof bowl with 2 tbsp water, cover and cook on high for 6 mins, stirring halfway. Tip into a colander to cool for 5 mins.
3 Line the base and slightly up the sides of an air-fryer basket with baking paper, or grease a round tin, about 20cm.
4 Randomly add the potatoes plus the stuffing and sausage patties broken into small pieces, into the air fryer or tin. Lightly press down. Drizzle with the vegetable oil. Air-fry at 190°C for 15–18 mins (or bake in an oven at 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5 for 25–30 mins).
5 Core and finely slice the cabbage and apple. Mix lemon juice and zest with the olive oil and sugar, then toss through the cabbage and apple. Serve with the hot hash.
Fish pie cauliflower cheese combo
Everyone will love this delicious mash-up; choose natural Basa fillets or lightly smoked to suit your tastes.
HANDS ON 20 mins HANDS OFF 25 mins Serves 4 |
1 out of 5 of your 5-a-day
• 1kg Asda Frozen For Freshness Cauliflower Florets
• Asda Delicate 2 Basa Fillets
COOK’S TIP
If kids prefer unsmoked fish, you can always season adult portions with pinches of paprika.
1 Heat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7. Put the frozen cauliflower in a microwave-proof bowl with 3 tbsp water, cover with a plate and cook on high for 10–12 mins, stirring halfway until cauliflower is tender.
2 Meanwhile, cut the fish into 3–4cm chunks, finely grate the cheese and wash the kale.
3 Tip the cauliflower (and water) into a large baking dish. Add the fish, kale, cheese sauce, seasoning and ½ of the grated cheese. Mix together well. Scatter with remaining cheese and bake for 20–25 mins until bubbling. Check a piece of fish towards the middle of the dish; if it flakes easily, then it is cooked through and you can serve.
BUDGET SAVVY
£1.11 PER SERVE
wednesday
Roasted red pepper & pepperoni orzotto
Orzo cooks quicker than rice and is great for a quick-cook-style risotto. HANDS ON
Serves 4 |
2 out of 5 of your 5-a-day
• 50g Asda Pizza Pepperoni
• 5 garlic cloves, peeled
• 225–250g Aleyna Roasted Red Peppers, ½ diced, ½ left whole
• 50g Just Essentials by Asda Hard Cheese, finely grated
• ½ lemon, zested
1 Boil a full kettle. Use scissors to snip the pepperoni into strips over a cold non-stick frying pan. Heat to medium-high, sizzle for a min until crisping then scoop out of the pan, leaving the oil in the pan.
2 Meanwhile, in a small blender or with a hand-held blender, whizz the garlic and whole roasted peppers, with a splash of water, so it resembles purée consistency.
3 Add the pepper purée, orzo and stock cube into the oily frying pan. Stir in 1l boiling water. Bubble gently for 10 mins, stirring very often,
so it doesn’t catch on the bottom of the pan. Splash in a little extra water if it looks too dry.
4 Stir in the kale and chopped peppers with most of the grated cheese and lemon zest. Cook for 2–3 mins more until the orzo is cooked through. Season with a squeeze of lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Return the crispy pepperoni pieces and scatter any remaining cheese over the top.
WINE match
The Wine Atlas Feteasca Regala
£6.08, 75cl
thursday
Slow-cooker chicken tinga
For this tasty Mexican dish use our Asda hack and swap the Holy Smoky BBQ fajita kit for a long list of spices.
HANDS ON 15
Serves 4 |
• 600g Asda Succulent Chicken Drum Fillets
• 1 Asda Fajita Kit Holy Smoky BBQ
• 1 medium-sized red onion, sliced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
• 2 tsp sugar (any)
• 300g carrots, peeled
• 200g chunk red cabbage, cored
• 150g Yeo Valley Organic Natural Yogurt
1 Put the chicken thighs into a slow cooker pot with the smoky barbecue seasoning sachet and tomato and pepper salsa from the fajita kit. Add ½ the sliced onion and give everything a brief mix.
2 Turn the slow cooker to low and cook the chicken for 6 hrs until really tender, removing the lid with 30 mins to go so the sauce can reduce a little.
3 Put the remaining sliced onion, lime juice, oil and sugar in a salad bowl
with some seasoning. Mix to help the sugar dissolve. Matchstick or coarsely grate the carrots and finely slice the cabbage, then stir into the dressed onions.
4 Warm the wraps from the kit following pack instructions. Using two forks, shred the chicken. Serve the hot chicken tinga in wraps with the pickled carrot salad and spoonfuls of yogurt.
Per 442g serving
COOK’S TIP
No slow cooker? Add 100ml water, bake in a casserole dish for 1½ hrs at 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.
Easy, speedy pizza soup
Homemade soup, ready in 20 mins from start to finish. And no need to fire up your oven for these pizza vibes.
1 out of 5 of your
• 200g carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 Asda British Fluffy & Golden Large Baking Potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled
• 100g Aleyna Roasted Red Peppers, roughly chopped friday
• 400g tin Asda Peeled Plum Tomatoes in Tomato Juice
• 1 low salt vegetable stock cube, crumbled
• Asda 8 Frozen Garlic Baguette Slices
• 75g Asda Pizza Pepperoni
• 40g Just Essentials by Asda Hard Cheese, finely grated
1 Put the carrots, potato, garlic, red peppers, tinned tomatoes and stock cube in a large saucepan. Add 2 tomato tins-ful of water and bring to a fierce boil. Lower the heat slightly and boil for 12 mins.
2 Top each baguette slice with 2 pepperoni slices and most of the cheese. Air fry (or oven bake) following pack instructions.
3 Space remaining pepperoni in a single layer on a microwaveable plate. Microwave for 1 min on full power. Then for 30-sec blasts until slices are crisping and sizzling.
4 Check the carrots in the soup are now soft, or boil for another 2 mins. Use a stick blender to purée the soup until smooth in the pan, adding a splash more water if it is too thick.
5 Serve the soup topped with crispy pepperoni slices plus remaining grated cheese, with hot garlic bread slices on the side or to top the soup.
Mushroom stroganoff tagliatelle
Traybake salmon & broccoli gnocchi
MEALS IN MINUTES
Our super-simple winter warmers in a hurry, just for two
RECIPES RACHEL BECKWITH PHOTOGRAPHS MELISSA REYNOLDS-JAMES AND STUART WEST
Chicken schnitzel & mustard slaw
Curried lamb pie
Traybake salmon & broccoli gnocchi
Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7. Cut 200g broccoli into florets then toss with a packet of fresh gnocchi, seasoning and 1 ½ tbsp olive oil on a baking sheet. Roast for 10 mins. Spoon a jar of tomato and mascarpone stir-in sauce into a microwave-proof bowl. Brush the top of 2 salmon fillets with a little of the sauce, drizzle with more oil and season. After 10 mins stir the gnocchi and veg and add salmon fillets to the tray. Roast for 10 mins more until salmon is cooked through. Heat the sauce for 1–2 mins on full power, then divide between 2 plates. Top with the crispy broccoli gnocchi and salmon and serve. Per 510g serving contains
Curried lamb pie
Tip the lamb curry in to a covered microwaveable dish; put the container to one side. Heat the curry on full power for 4 mins, stirring halfway.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C or oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Tip curry back into its container and stir through 4 tbsp frozen garden peas. Quarter 3 sheets of filo pastry. Brush with oil, scrunch into rosettes and arrange on top. To oven bake, sprinkle with 1 tsp nigella seeds and cook for 20 mins. To air fry, brush with oil and cook for 8 mins; add the seeds after cooking. Microwave 140g peas for 2–3 mins on full, drain, and serve with the pie.
Mushroom stroganoff tagliatelle Serves
Cook 150g tagliatelle in boiling, salted water for 8 mins then drain, reserving 100ml of the cooking water first. Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat. Dry fry 200g sliced chestnut mushrooms for 8–9 mins until golden, stirring, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Add a knob of butter and fry for 1–2 mins more, then tip in ½ pot French onion soup and heat until bubbling. Add 100ml half fat crème fraîche with the cooked pasta and seasoning and toss together until piping hot – add splashes of the reserved cooking water if the sauce looks dry.
Chicken schnitzel & mustard slaw
Serves
Preheat an air fryer to 180°C or an oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Air fry 2 breaded chicken steaks for 5 mins, then carefully flip and cook for a further 5 mins. If using an oven, cook for 20–25 mins, turning halfway. Meanwhile, tip the salad and dressing from a ranch coleslaw kit into a bowl along with 1½ tsp Dijon mustard. Mix well to combine. Then, heat a frying pan over a medium heat with 1 tbsp oil, add 2 eggs and fry for 3–5 mins or until cooked to your liking. Slice the chicken steak and serve with the slaw and eggs, scattered with the sachet of crunchy bits from the coleslaw kit.
Try these powerpacked Live Better approved ingredients – they’ll help you to eat well and to reduce waste this winter
By stocking up on the right essentials, you could be on your way to supporting a balanced diet. Tins, grains and nut butters are budget-friendly ingredients and have a longer shelf life for a more convenient and costeffective way to add healthier options into your meals. Boost mealtimes with delicious and nutritious staples without even having to think about it.
1
STORECUPBOARD SUPERSTARS
5 STORECUPBOARD SAVIOURS TO STOCK UP ON
Tinned tuna
This saltwater fish still offers benefits in tinned form. It is packed full of protein* and is great at mealtimes flaked through pasta bake, piled onto a jacket potato or as a sandwich filler. Opt for tuna packed in spring water or sunflower oil.
2 Oats
A true powerhouse for your wallet, oats are a simple way to amp up the fibre in your diet**. Whip up a warm bowl of porridge or prep the night before for overnight oats as a delicious breakfast.
3
Tinned tomatoes
The secret weapon of your kitchen
cupboard, tinned toms are great for building the base of sauces, soups, and stews on the hob or in the slowcooker. Add seasonings such as garlic, chilli or herbs for a flavour boost. Just half a tin counts as 1 of your 5-a-day.
4
Peanut butter
More than just a spread, peanut butter is a kitchen hero. It’s a source of protein and high in fibre+ that makes a simple snack slathered on toast, and a delicious savoury sauce stirred into noodles and curries. Look out for jars of peanut butter with no added sugar or salt.
5 Tinned beans
Beans are budget-friendly and
a great source of plant-based protein^ , brilliant for bulking out dishes like Bolognese or quesadillas. Some examples include butter beans, kidney beans and cannellini beans – just half a tin contributes to 1 of your 5-a-day.
Look out for our Live Better logo on products in store and online as a sure sign that you’re on the right track to adding more goodness in your meals.
ONE-POT WONDERS
As the days get chillier, lean on hearty, low-faff meals that free up more time in the evenings and leave you with much less washing up…
RECIPES MARINA FILIPPELLI PHOTOGRAPHS MAJA SMEND
Sticky & sweet Mongolian-style beef
Coat tender yet crispy fried beef strips in a bold and sticky sauce that will rival your Friday take-out.
Serves 4 |
3 out of 5 of your
• 400g pack Asda Thin Cut Beef Steaks
• vegetable oil, for shallow frying
• 5 tbsp Bake by Asda Cornflour
• 1 large brown onion, thickly sliced
• 1 pack Just Essentials by Asda Mixed Peppers, thickly sliced
• 2cm piece ginger, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• big pinch crushed chillies (optional)
• 2 x 250g packs Asda Long Grain Micro Rice
For the marinade
• 2 tsp Asda Dark Soy Sauce
• 1 tsp cornflour
• 1 tsp vegetable oil For the sauce
• 1 tsp cornflour
• 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp light brown soft sugar
1 Slice the steaks into thin strips. Toss into a bowl with the marinade ingredients. Season with freshly ground black pepper and set aside.
2 Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the sauce, then stir in 120ml water.
3 Heat 1cm depth of oil in a wok or large, deep frying pan over a high heat. Put 5 tbsp cornflour onto a plate and coat the beef, tapping off any excess flour. Fry in 2 batches (to not overcrowd the pan), for 1–2 mins on each side until crispy. Using a slotted spoon, move the beef to a plate lined with kitchen paper.
COOK’S TIP
Don’t tip used oil down the drain! Allow it to cool first, pour into a bottle and throw in the bin.
4 Carefully tip most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tsp. Return to the heat and stir-fry the onions and peppers for 3 mins, until lightly softened and charred. Add the ginger, garlic and crushed chillies (if using) and fry for a further min. Tip in the crispy beef and the prepared sauce and cook, stirring for about 2 mins, until glossy and sticky. Serve with the rice, heated according to packet instructions.
Slow cooker green curry meatballs
Cook mouthwatering meatballs and veggies low and slow – leave it to bubble away then serve with noodles.
HANDS ON 15 mins HANDS OFF 2½–4½ hrs
Serves 4 |
FAFF FACTOR
2 out of 5 of your 5-a-dayu
• 200g jar Cook by Asda Thai Green Curry Paste
• 400ml tin reduced fat coconut milk
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tsp light soft brown sugar
• 2 limes
• 1 pack Asda Succulent 12 Turkey Meatballs
• 300g sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 200g pack pak choi, leaves separated
To serve
• 300g Asda Soft & Savoury Free Range Egg Noodles
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• 1 red chilli, sliced (optional)
1 Turn the slow cooker on to high to start heating it up. Add the curry paste, coconut milk, fish sauce, sugar and 100ml water. Peel 2 wide strips of zest from 1 of the limes and add them to the pot. Gently drop the
meatballs into the liquid and cook on high for 1 hr or low for 3 hrs.
2 Gently mix the sweet potato into the curry and cook for 1 hr more on high, until soft.
3 Stir in the pak choi and cook for another 10–15 mins to wilt. Squeeze in the juice of the zested lime and taste, adding a little more fish sauce and/or brown sugar, to taste.
4 Heat the noodles in the microwave according to packet instructions. Divide the noodles between serving bowls then gently ladle over the curry. Top portions with a scattering of spring onions and red chilli, if using. Cut the remaining lime into wedges to serve on the side.
Per 401g
COOK’S TIP
If
COOK’S TIP
Want to get ahead? Assemble the pie and pop it in the fridge – it will keep for up to 24 hrs before baking.
Exceptional by Asda Adelaide Chardonnay £7.42/75cl
Hunter’s chicken pie with cheesy pastry
No pre-cooking needed with this smoky BBQ pie. Roll grated cheddar into pastry for the ultimate topping.
HANDS ON 15 mins HANDS OFF 45 mins
Serves 6
2 out of 5 of your 5-a-dayu
• 320g pack Asda Ready Rolled
Puff Pastry
• 1 tsp paprika
• 80g Asda British Half Fat Mature Grated Cheddar
• plain flour, for dusting
• 650g pack Asda Tender Diced Chicken Breast
• 2 x 300g tins Asda New Potatoes in Water, larger ones halved
• ½ 300g pack Asda Sweet & Crunchy Sliced Carrots
• ½ 250g pack chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 350g Loyd Grossman Tomato & Smoked Bacon Pasta Sauce
• 4 tbsp Asda Classic BBQ Sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• peas, to serve (optional)
1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Unroll the puff pastry sheet on the paper it’s wrapped in. Scatter the paprika and cheese over one half of the pastry then fold it in half, pressing to seal. Dust the pastry lightly with flour and roll it out, large enough to cover a pie dish, around 28x18cm in size, with a generous overhang. Trim the pastry ends so that the edges are even. Chill in the fridge, on its paper, while you assemble the filling ingredients.
2 Add the chicken and the vegetables
to the pie dish, sprinkle over the cornflour and stir to remove any pockets of flour. Stir both sauces and tomato purée together in a bowl then add to the pie dish, stirring carefully to combine evenly.
3 Brush the edges of the dish with beaten egg and lay the pastry on top. Use your fingers to press the edges down, then lightly brush the top with egg. With a sharp knife score lines along the pastry, about 1½ cm apart, being careful not to cut right through the pastry. Cut a cross in the centre for steam to escape. Bake for 40–45 mins, or until the pastry is golden brown. Serve with peas, or another green veg.
Per 309g serving
Winter veggie couscous
Roasted veggies never tasted so good. Baking the couscous gives a much deeper, nuttier flavour.
HANDS ON 15 mins HANDS OFF 45 mins
Serves 4 | FAFF FACTOR
2 out of 5 of your 5-a-day
• 1 Asda Butternut Squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into wedges
• 2 large red onions, cut into large wedges
• 400g tin Asda Chickpeas in Water, drained
• 3 tsp Cook by Asda Moroccan Inspired Seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
• 250g couscous
• 60g Asda Raisins, Berries & Cherries
• ½ vegetable stock cube, made up to 250ml with boiling water
• 2 tsp harissa paste
• 5 tbsp Asda Fat Free Greek Style Yogurt
• 200g block Asda 40% Less Fat Salad Cheese, broken into large chunks
• 60g pack Asda Wild Rocket
1 Preheat the oven to 220°C/ 200°C fan/gas 7. Place the butternut squash and red onion in a large roasting tin as a single layer with plenty of space around them. Add the chickpeas, Moroccan inspired seasoning and olive oil, then season to taste. Toss to coat, then roast for 30 mins, stirring halfway. The vegetables should be soft and slightly charred.
2 Remove from the oven and tip the couscous and dried fruit into the gaps in the tin. Pour in the hot stock, then cover tightly with foil and return to the oven for 15 mins, until the couscous is cooked through.
3 Meanwhile, swirl the harissa in the yogurt and season.
4 Remove the roasting tin from the oven and change the oven setting to a medium-high grill. Discard the foil, top the roasted veg with the cheese and drizzle lightly with oil. Grill for 3–4 mins, until the cheese has softened and started to get some colour. Serve with rocket and the spiced yogurt on the side.
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
We’re always aiming to bring you the tastiest, budget-savvy recipes that make the most of your food shop. We want to know what truly matters to you in the magazine so we can deliver our very best. What did you love about this Christmas issue? Whether you tried a lush festive leftovers recipe that reinvented your roast or earned top marks from the family for an easy weeknight dinner, we want you to tell us all about it. To thank you for your time, we’ll automatically enter you into our prize draw. You could win a £250 Asda voucher, or grab one of our runner-up prizes of £50 or £25. Ready to share your thoughts and be in with a chance of winning? Simply head to asdamagsurvey.com or scan the QR code below. Make sure to submit your responses by 11.59pm on 31 December 2025 so your opinions are counted. Good luck!