South Essex College launches a cracking Christmas menu

Christmas has arrived at South Essex College as students cook up a fantastic festive treat.

The College’s Waves restaurants in Southend and Thurrock are serving a Christmas menu which won’t break the bank. Lunchtime sittings for two courses costs £13.95 and three courses £15.95, while evening meals cost £17.95 for two courses or £19.95 for three courses.

The fine dining menu is cooked and served by Catering and Hospitality students who are supervised by qualified professional chefs.

With a variety of dishes on offer, there is something for everyone to get into the festive spirit. If the tasty traditional turkey roast with all the trimmings doesn’t take your fancy, you might like to try the roast leg of lamb with rosemary and apricots, or pan fried salmon with tomato and basil sauce.

The Brussels pate with spiced apple and sultana chutney with toast makes a fantastic starter, but if you’re looking for something that packs a warming punch, why not try the cream of tomato & fresh basil soup.

If you still have room after these delights, the traditional Christmas pudding, cheesecake, or lemon posset with homemade shortbread all finish your meal perfectly.

These are just some of the divine dishes on offer, you can have a look at the full menu on the College’s website at www.southessex.ac.uk/waves to make up your mind.

Steve Deal, Thurrock Operations Manager, said: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year, we love welcoming new guests into our restaurants and showcasing the talents of our students. Come along and kick start the festive celebrations with a merry meal at Waves.”

Lunch service is available at both restaurants every weekday from Monday 26 November to Monday 17 December where you can book your table from noon to 1pm.

To book a table call Southend Waves on 01702 220590 or Thurrock Waves on 01375 362639 or email julie.oates@southessex.ac.uk

Why not try making our signature Christmas pudding?

Ingredients:
• 40g currants
• 40g raisins
• 40g sultanas
• 40g dried stoned dates, chopped
• 40g dried apricots, chopped
• 35g dried cranberries
• grated zest and juice of 2 large oranges
• 250ml sherry
• 55g unsalted butter, softened
• 55g dark muscovado sugar
• 5 eggs, beaten
• 3 dessert apples, peeled and diced
• 2 large carrot, finely grated
• 15g flaked almonds, toasted
• 25g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp ground mixed spice
• 50g fresh white breadcrumbs

Method:
1. Soak all of the fruit in the sherry for an hour
2. Melt the butter
4. Combine all ingredients together until well mixed
5. Place in a greased baking tin and cover tightly with tin foil
6. Steam for 2 hours or bake at 160 degrees Celsius for 1 and a half hours