Barbara Kendall and Caitlin Regal - Fuel up for training

A Kiwi Christmas is all about opening up a present on Christmas Eve, playing a family game of beach cricket, or eating pavlova after a few too many courses of beef and lamb. But with New Zealand becoming increasingly multicultural, Regina Wypych took the opportunity to look at the place of traditions at Christmas-time, while reflecting on the traditions in her Polish family.

Whether you're using a slow cooker, or cooking in a casserole dish in the oven, there are a variety of beef and lamb cuts available which will produce tender, juicy and succulent family meals that are good for you too; meals cooked slowly retain maximum nutrition as well as developing a delicious depth of flavour. Don't let the time put you off; the preparation is quick and easy then the oven or slow cooker takes care of the rest.

Called the Butter of the Gods, roasted bone marrow sounds a little gourmet but is incredibly easy to do at home. It is the gelatinous middle of a bone and is filled with calcium, collagen, and healthy fats. It’s a special occasion dish for sure, but we’re allowed to indulge once in a while.