INTRODUCTION
If you know you are going to be pushed on Christmas Day, then it is possible to half-roast the potatoes the day before (see Preparing Ahead, below). On Christmas Day the potatoes just need to be re-roasted in a hot oven for about 20 minutes.
INSTRUCTIONS
SERVES 8
- Preheat the oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7.
- Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces and put into a large pan. Cover with cold water, add a little salt and bring to the boil. Parboil for about 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes well in a colander, then shake the colander to fluff up the edges of the potatoes.
- Heat the goose fat in a large roasting tin in the preheated oven until piping hot. Add the potatoes to the fat, spooning the fat over the potatoes to coat completely, and shake the tin to prevent sticking. Continue to roast for about an hour, depending on size, turning the potatoes from time to time until golden and crisp. Sprinkle the roast potatoes with salt just before serving.
TIP - Goose fat is available at Christmas time from good supermarkets and makes all the difference to the flavour of roast potatoes. Don’t use too much, though, as this will simply make the potatoes go soggy.
PREPARING AHEAD - Complete stage 1 then follow stage 2, but roast the potatoes for only 20-30 minutes or until they are a pale gold. Remove any excess fat from the tin and allow the potatoes to cool. Keep in a cool place overnight. On Christmas Day re-roast at the same hot temperature for about 30 minutes or until the potatoes are crisp and golden brown. Alternatively you can just parboil and fluff the potatoes ahead.
IN THE AGA - Heat the goose fat in the roasting tin on the floor of the roasting oven until piping hot. Add the potatoes, spooning the fat over them to coat completely, and shake the tin to prevent sticking. Continue to cook on the floor of the roasting oven for about an hour, depending on size, turning from time to time.
This recipe is taken from:Christmas Collection (Headline)
FAQs
At the age of 13, Berry contracted polio and had to spend three months in the Claverton Down Isolation Hospital. Her illness resulted in her having a twisted spine, a weaker left hand and thinner left arm.
What is Mary Berry's most famous dish? ›
A national icon, Mary Berry's best recipe is one of her most traditional: a delicious lemon drizzle traybake, cooked to sweet and zingy perfection.
What is Mary Berry doing now? ›
Mary continues to write books alongside Lucy Young, her assistant of over thirty years. All charities she is passionate to support.
Was Mary Berry's mother Scottish? ›
Yes, my mother was born in Scotland, and I love it there. We loved to visit family when I was young and a favuorite when our children were growing up too. We had a lot of Scottish traditions growing up and they have stayed in our family ever since.
Why has Mary Berry lost weight? ›
However, she went on to add that her weight plummeted after the death of her beloved son, William. “Sadly, we lost a son,” she said. “William died and I lost a stone and a half and I never put it on again.” Berry's son was just 19-years-old when he passed away in 1989.
Why did they get rid of Mary Berry? ›
Mary left GBBO because the U.K. series switched networks. The show, which originally aired on BBC, decided to move to Channel 4 instead of sticking with BBC. Unhappy with the decision, Mary left the cast to show her loyalty to BBC.
What happened to Mary Berry's son? ›
Mary Berry faced tragedy when her son William died in a car accident in 1989. Mary says it was her Christian faith that sustained her: 'William's death deepened my faith; without its support, I really would have struggled.
What town does Mary Berry live in? ›
In 2019 she and her husband Paul downsized, moving to the nearby, and much coveted village of Henley-upon-Thames. But that wasn't the last she'd see of Watercroft. An involved seller, Mary regularly visited the family who bought it from her for cups of tea.
How much is Mary Berry worth in pounds? ›
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Mary Berry is reportedly worth £25million. She has garnered her wealth through her work on TV and cookbooks over the course of 60 years.
How rich is Mary Berry? ›
Mary Berry has a considerable net worth
Celebrity Net Worth estimates that Mary Berry is worth $25 million these days. According to Cheat Sheet, Berry has gleaned roughly $112,000 per television series, which has certainly helped her amass her wealth in addition to her cookbooks.
Mary Berry was born Mary Rosa Alleyne Berry on 24 March 1935. Although she legally took her husband's surname (Hunnings), she continues to use her maiden name for her public persona.
How old was Mary when she inherited the Scottish throne? ›
Mary, it would appear, was born to rule. The only surviving (legitimate) child of King James V, she inherited the throne of Scotland at just 6 days old. By 6 years of age, she was betrothed to the future King of France, and married to Francis II at 15 years old. By age 17, she was a widow.
