Aoife Noonan’s Christmas: ‘The day usually starts with Ferrero Rocher and a fry-up’

The chef and Irish Times baking expert on her family traditions and cookbook wishlist


What will you be doing this Christmas?
I will be with my immediate family at home, as we are lucky: we're not too far from each other and spend the festive season in the family home every year, which is always nostalgic.

The day usually starts with Ferrero Rocher and a fry-up, lots of tea and toast, exchanging gifts and lounging in pyjamas until we need to put on our Christmas glad rags and visit family. We usually go for a big walk before dinner, then it's the main event, cheeseboards, board games and a classic movie.

My dad looks after most of the cooking, with my mum on vegetable sides. It’s a given that I do dessert. My dad has it all perfectly orchestrated with military precision.

What's on your wishlist?
I love getting new cookbooks and always look out for new editions from Yotam Ottolenghi, Nigel Slater, Diana Henry and Anna Jones.

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Will this Christmas be different?
The past year has been so uncertain for many people, and the restrictions last Christmas took any joy out of it. I'm lucky that I almost always get to spend Christmas at home. With luck this year will be more positive.

This year was hectic for me as I moved to the countryside and started my own business, so I feel immensely proud of what I have accomplished. I will be finishing my master’s degree in 2022 and looking forward to some big changes and some exciting new challenges.”