Ham maker to the Queen reveals his secret Boxing Day Brunch recipe which includes leftover sprouts
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Jamonero a la Reina reveals the secrets behind his brilliant Boxing Day brunch recipe (and yes, leftover Brussels sprouts DO count!)
- Neale Hollingsworth’s brunch is made with roasts and sprouts from the day before.
- His traditionally cured ham received a Royal Warrant from the late Queen
- Founder of DukesHill ham maker, his recipe has been in his family for 30 years.
The late Queen Elizabeth’s ham maker has revealed that her favorite meal of the year is a Boxing Day brunch, made with leftover Brussels sprouts.
Neale Hollingsworth revealed his secret recipe for a brunch with leftover Christmas ham and a bubbly and squeak made with roast potatoes and yesterday’s sprouts.
Neale received the ultimate stamp of approval when His Majesty Queen Elizabeth awarded the Royal Warrant to his traditionally cured ham, and it has been enjoyed at the palace every Christmas for nearly a quarter of a century ever since.
And now, for the first time, Neale, founder of ham maker DukesHill, has publicly shared the holiday dish that has been a family favorite—and secret—for nearly 30 years.
The late Queen Elizabeth’s ham maker has revealed that her favorite meal of the year is a Boxing Day brunch, made with leftover roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts. The recipe has been a secret in her family for almost 30 years.
Neale Hollingsworth’s traditionally cured ham has been awarded the Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
“My favorite meal over the entire Christmas period without exception is a Boxing Day brunch of a poached egg, on top of a hot slice of DukesHill York ham with my version of bubble and squeak, made with roast potatoes and brussels sprouts for lunch. Christmas cake, served with a generous helping of chutney. It’s leftovers with a touch of luxury,” he said.
‘There’s nothing like the day after Christmas lunch – it’s quick, deliciously simple and provides the perfect excuse to enjoy your Christmas Eve ham once more.
“It just gets the whole family ready for the day ahead, whether I’m heading out for an invigorating walk or spending the day relaxing on the sofa, it really is my Christmas star dish.”
He added: “I’ve served it to so many guests and friends over the years that it’s become a family tradition, and we devotees look forward to it as much as Christmas Day turkey and sides.”
For years after DukesHill received the Royal Warrant, Neale personally delivered the festive warrant each December to The Sandringham Estate, always stopping to chat with staff and sometimes royals too.
He said: ‘Going to Sandringham became a very dear Christmas ritual for me. And just as that became part of my Christmas, our hams became part of theirs.
“I understand that HM Queen Elizabeth was particularly fond of our York Ham for breakfast with a poached egg, as was I. Not sure if she ever tried Brussels and Squeak though!