Researchers surveyed 2,000 Britons to reveal the most unsavoury acts, when it comes to serving up a traditional festive lunch. Overall, 66 percent profess to having been disgusted to witness someone adding baked beans to their plate.
While over half (59 percent) have balked at being served undercooked turkey, and 59 percent have witnessed a family member smother their lunch in KETCHUP. Leaving the giblets in the turkey (50 percent) and being served lumpy gravy (41 percent) are also considered crimes, according to the survey. As is serving a side of chips (45 percent), sweetcorn (34 percent) or a Yorkshire pudding (13 percent), according to those polled.
One in ten (11 percent) believe serving mashed potatoes is wrong, while 14 percent said using a packet bread sauce is a crime, when you can make it yourself. Packets of frozen roast potatoes (19 percent), mushy sprouts (35 percent) and hot sauce (38 percent) also made the list of items which should never grace the Christmas lunch plate, according to the survey by Thermapen.
Jason Webb, Managing Director of Thermapen:
“The survey shows the top Christmas lunch crimes, according to the nation, including an undercooked turkey in second place and a dry turkey coming in at number seven. Both of these situations can be avoided by using a meat thermometer to minimize stress and ensure you end up with tender, succulent meat for the family to enjoy.”
Overall, the average Brit will consume THREE full festive lunches over the month of December. The survey also revealed some of the bizarre things some Brits confess to adding to their Christmas lunch, with 14 percent having added a side of mac and cheese and 18 percent saying they have whipped up some potato croquettes to go on the side.
Mayonnaise (13 percent), hash browns (11 percent) pickled onions (7 percent) a fried egg (7 percent) and even curry sauce (5 percent) emerged as some of the weird and wonderful additions. When it comes to the big sprout debate, 52 percent said they were a lover, while 26 profess to hating them and 22 percent said they could take them or leave them.
Christmas Dinner Crimes
- Adding baked beans – 66 percent
- Serving an undercooked turkey – 59 percent
- Adding a dollop of ketchup to your plate – 59 percent
- Leaving the giblets inside the turkey – 50 percent
- Serving a side of chips – 45 percent
- Serving lumpy gravy – 41 percent
- Serving a dry turkey – 38 percent
- Adding hot sauce t your plate – 38 percent
- Serving mushy sprouts – 34 percent
- Serving sweetcorn – 34 percent
- Using frozen roast potatoes – 19 percent
- Using packet bread sauce – 14 percent
- Serving a Yorkshire pudding – 13 percent
- Mashed potatoes instead of roasties – 11 percent
- Using packet stuffing – 8 percent
