20 December 2023

Cookery writer and presenter Colleen Ramsey has made a special, festive episode of her cookery series Colleen Ramsey: Bywyd a Bwyd (Wed 20th Dec, 9pm) to kick off S4C's Christmas programming.

Featuring Colleen's husband, Wales' football team captain Aaron Ramsey, her mother and sister, the programme shows Colleen preparing a feast for her favourite time of year.

"Who doesn't love Christmas? It's the most wonderful time of the year," says Colleen. "Celebrating Christmas at home means the world to me and my family. From choosing a tree to decorating the house and wrapping presents – everything excites me."

And Christmas Day itself is no different.

"Everyone comes to my house and I love that because I want to be Mrs Christmas. On the day it's a military operation, everyone has a job to do."

In this special programme, Colleen shares her recipes for prawn and smoked salmon cocktail, crispy Christmas treats for the kids, canapés and a clever twist on mince pies. "I've tried a lot of mince pies," says Colleen. "I have an idea of what we can do differently with them".

Colleen also makes a Christmas stuffing to compete in her family stuffing-off as judged by Aaron himself, and a tiramisu trifle which she makes with her sister Roisin.

Don't expect any lighter options, says Colleen. "I feel like every Christmas recipe starts with loads of butter. It's Christmas, come on!"

The whole programme is a family affair, reflecting how the family always celebrate.

"Mam and Dad help me in the kitchen – I say they help me, they'd say I'm helping them. It's hard to know who's boss," says Colleen.

"Aaron's job means that sometimes we have to celebrate birthdays or even Christmas Day on a different day. Sometimes we have Christmas sooner or later. It doesn't really matter when we have it, as long as we celebrate it together and we're all round the table."

S4C's Christmas schedule is sponsored by Welsh Beef.