It's the time of the year again where everyone looks forward to receiving presents and eating great food. Worried about bursting your budget and being unable to cook? HOOKED shares with you how to whip up a delectable Christmas meal within a constrained budget with tried and tested recipes and of course with that tinge of warmness from dishes made from the heart.

For starters, have a tinge of Spain with Sangria. It is easy to make and is a great dinner accompaniment.

Sangria

Ingredients:
1 liter of red wine
2 oranges
1 can of peaches (optional)
5 spoons of sugar (you can add as much as you like, depending on how sweet you like your sangria
2 pieces of lemon skin

Steps:
1. Put the wine into a bowl, add the sugar, and stir until it has dissolved.
2. Slice the oranges and press it with a fork to get the juice out. Add the orange peels and stir the juice into the bowl.
3. Drain the syrup from the peaches and add them to the bowl. (Apples can be added too if desired.)
4.  Put the jug into the fridge for at least an hour to enhance the taste. Sangría should preferably be served chilled. If you want to reduce the alcohol concentration, add ice cubes and slices of lemon. If you want to increase the alcohol concentration, add a small amount of cognac or rum.

For the main course try the exotic Australian kangaroo burgers that are humongous and a sheer delight to eat. (No worries, kangaroo meat is not used here!)

(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
8 Burger buns
2 large tomatoes
8 slices of cheese
8 eggs
lettuce

For Patty
1  kg minced meat
2  eggs
1  cup breadcrumbs
1  tablespoon garlic, crushed (less if desired)
1  large brown onion, finely diced
1/4  cup tomato sauce
1/2  teaspoon ground black pepper
1  large carrot, grated

Steps:
1. Thoroughly mix ingredients for the patty together in large bowl.
2. Form into 8-12 burgers as desired and fry or grill, turning several times. It is a fairly crumbly / low-fat burger so turn over carefully.
3. Serve in toasted hamburger buns with cheese, tomato, lettuce and the patty.

Alternatively, one can never go wrong with a can of instant Pegro pasta sauce and pasta as a main course!