Forget Tradition – Go Vegetarian This Christmas

Be bold, be innovative, be different this Christmas. Do you dare? That's the challenge set by Sharon Meijland, Chef and Owner of the award-winning Rainbow Café in Cambridge. In her quest to prove how delicious, varied and healthy vegetarian food can be, Sharon has devised the following meat-free Christmas menu.

Most of the menu can be prepared on Christmas Eve to take the stress out of Christmas Day, and allow you to be the perfect host – that will please the eye, tantalise the most discerning taste buds, and create a memorable feast:

Starter: Green Pea, Cardamom & Thyme Soup (Vegan)

Main Course: Christmas Stargazy Pie & Chestnut-Stuffed Roast Potatoes

Dessert: Roulade de Noël (Gluten-Free)

The Green Pea, Cardamom & Thyme soup will taste its best if made the day before to allow the spices to develop a fuller flavour. Serve piping hot to warm you up and start your meal with a glow. The Christmas Stargazy pie brings some festive fun to the menu and tastes so rich and meaty that carnivores won't notice that in fact it's meat-free. Lastly, the Roulade de Noël is a delicious blend of vegetarian mince meat, double cream and almond flavours that will have dessert-lovers shouting its praise and asking for more.

The above menu can also be served in place of High Tea on Christmas day – another way to give an interesting twist to your festive day – while not diverging from the traditional main meal.

Sharon Meijland's Rainbow Café aims to offer something for everyone – from vegetarians and vegans, to those with special dietary needs (such as gluten-free eaters) and even the most dedicated of carnivores. That's why her Christmas challenge is sure to please all those who dare to start a new tradition and vary it with vegetarian.

Rainbow Café is located at 9A Kings Parade, Cambridge.

For more information, log on to Rainbowcafe.co.uk.