Renowned home cook Dame Mary Berry embarks on a magical winter break in her mother’s homeland, Scotland, to bring viewers a heartwarming Christmas special filled with delicious Scottish recipes and celebrity appearances. As the culinary icon explores the Highlands, she shares her thoughts and experiences in an exclusive interview, offering a behind-the-scenes look at “Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas.”
“Well, it’s really rather exciting. I’ve been meeting different celebrities who have Scottish ties, and I’ve been cooking some delicious Scottish recipes,” Mary enthuses, giving us a taste of the festive treat she has in store. The show promises a delightful array of sumptuous dishes suitable for any Christmas celebration.
Scotland holds a special place in Mary’s heart, and it’s not just for the stunning landscapes. “Yes, my mother was born in Scotland, and I love it there. We loved to visit family when I was young and a favorite 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.”
The essence of the Christmas special lies in embracing the warmth of Scotland and its rich traditions. Mary shares, “I want them to take away the warmth of Scotland. The show is all about lovely warming dishes and an emphasis on family, including the traditions and the delicious food of Scotland.” The veteran cook emphasizes that the showcased recipes extend beyond the holidays and can be enjoyed year-round.
Filming in the Highlands has been a joyous experience for Mary, who embraces the cold weather and the rugged landscapes. “Oh, I’ve loved it, we have had some wonderful adventures in different parts of Scotland and into the Highlands. We have had this cold weather that we’re having, but everybody is hardy in Scotland, you just dress for it.” Mary reflects on the stunning scenery, the beauty of which she captures in the show.
Mary Berry reveals some of the highlights of the show, expressing her awe for the Jacobite Steam Train journey. “I really loved filming on the Jacobite Steam Train; the scenery was absolutely unbelievable. You’re going through the countryside where very few other people go. It was stunning – the sheer beauty of it, and I couldn’t stop looking out the window at the hills, the views, the skies.”
Another memorable experience involves encountering reindeers in their natural habitat. “Looking for reindeers in the Highlands was lovely, seeing them in their natural habitat, and we were lucky to see some very young reindeers too, absolutely beautiful animals and so very soft with their warm fleece.”
Mary’s culinary creations come with a Scottish spin, influenced by her personal touch. “The spin on the recipes is my spin but with a Scottish influence. Some of the classic flavors are a nod towards their traditions, but of course, all the food will be enjoyed everywhere!”
In discussing Christmas party perfection, Mary emphasizes preparation. “I think preparation really. Invite your loved ones and any friends that may feel a little lonely around Christmas and choose the food that they’re going to enjoy.” She advocates doing as much as possible ahead of time to reduce stress and allow hosts to enjoy the celebration.
Mary cherishes family traditions, including a unique Christmas family talent show. “A Christmas family tradition that we usually do is that I ask all the family to think of something they can do to entertain us. It might be the family all doing something together. It might be one person playing an instrument as my granddaughter plays the trumpet. It might be somebody doing a poem. It could be anything, and they all come prepared to do a little act, just a few minutes, and that’s great fun.”
As for her plans this year, Mary shares, “This Christmas, everybody is coming to us. On New Year, we usually have the same group of friends that we see, and we all move around different houses each year, taking it in turns. Everybody brings a dish too, which is good.”
Recalling childhood Christmas dinners, Mary shares fond memories. “There are a lot of those. We always had Christmas pudding with, I think, it was brandy or rum sauce, and my father would always put extra brandy over it.” She smiles, remembering her father’s unique way of pouring brandy and the playful banter that ensued.
And of course, Mary Berry is ready for this year’s festivities with a festive jumper. “Yes. I have a lovely, cream jumper that I wear in the show with red writing on that says ‘Fa La La,’ and that was all written across the top of it, and I loved it.”
In “Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas,” viewers can anticipate not only delectable Scottish recipes but also a heartwarming journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Highlands. As Mary Berry brings the warmth of Scotland to our screens, her personal touch and the enchanting backdrop promise a truly magical festive experience.
Watch Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Wednesday 13 December at 9pm
