Ham maker to the Queen reveals the secrets behind his brilliant Boxing Day Brunch recipe (and yes, leftover brussels sprouts DO feature!)
- Neale Hollingsworth’s brunch is made from previous day’s roasties and sprouts
- His traditionally-cured ham was awarded Royal Warrant by the late Queen
- Founder of ham maker DukesHill, his recipe has been in his family for 30 years
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The ham maker to the late Queen Elizabeth has revealed his favourite food of the year is a Boxing Day brunch – made with leftover brussels sprouts.
Neale Hollingsworth revealed his secret recipe for a late breakfast featuring leftover Christmas ham and a bubble and squeak made from the previous day’s roast potatoes and sprouts.
Neale received the ultimate seal of approval when his traditionally-cured ham was awarded the Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth – and has been enjoyed at the palace every Christmas for almost a quarter of a century since.
And now for the first time, Neale, founder of ham maker DukesHill, has publicly sharing the festive dish that’s been a family favourite – and secret – for almost 30 years.
The ham maker to the late Queen Elizabeth has revealed his favourite food of the year is a Boxing Day brunch – made with leftover roast potatoes and brussels sprouts. The recipe has secretly been in his family for almost 30 years
Neale Hollingsworth’s traditionally-cured ham was awarded the Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
‘My favourite meal during the whole Christmas period bar none is a Boxing Day brunch of a poached egg, on a warmed slice of DukesHill York ham with my take on bubble and squeak – made from Christmas lunch roast potatoes and brussels sprouts – served with a generous dollop of chutney. It’s leftovers with a luxury twist,’ he said.
‘There’s nothing quite like it the day after slaving over Christmas lunch – it’s quick, deliciously simple and provides the perfect excuse to enjoy your Christmas Eve ham once again.
‘It just sets the whole family up for the day ahead – whether you’re going out for a bracing walk or spending the day relaxing on the sofa, it really is my star dish of Christmas.’
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 just as much as the Christmas Day turkey and trimmings.’
For years after DukesHill received the Royal Warrant, Neale would personally deliver the festive order every December to The Sandringham Estate – always stopping to chat to staff and sometimes to the royals themselves too.
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He said: ‘Going to Sandringham became a much-loved Christmas ritual for m. And just as that became part of my Christmas, so our hams became part of theirs.
‘I understand Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth was particularly fond of our York ham for breakfast with a poached egg, just like me. Though I’m not sure if she ever tried brussels and squeak!’
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