Okay, okay, this isn’t a ‘recipe’. I know that, you know that, but it’s almost Christmas, so give me a break. READ MORE
Candy Cane Hearts
Okay, okay, this isn’t a ‘recipe’. I know that, you know that, but it’s almost Christmas, so give me a break. READ MORE
We’re almost there. The tree is up (hopefully), some of the presents are ordered. Maybe some are wrapped. I’m hoping you at the very least have partaken in a little glass of mulled wine with a mince pie chaser by now. READ MORE
Well that’s crept up on us, hasn’t it? I’m not ready. Well all the necessary stuff is done but the pretty, enjoyable stuff, not so much. I am dedicating proper time to doing nice crafty things from now until the big day. READ MORE
When pregnant with my first son, making homemade Christmas tree decorations is something I really thought I’d do every year as a family tradition. I also thought I’d use bamboo nappies and make my own yoghurt. What can I say, I am not that mother. Not that I judge those women who do. We all use out time as we wish. READ MORE
Tiny little gingerbread houses together make a village, which makes me happy. I’ve always had a slight issue with the lone gingerbread house. It’s all a bit Hansel and Gretel to me. I worry about who might jump out of the woods. READ MORE
How could anyone not be happy to receive a jar of something called Christmas chutney? This is the bejewelled stuff of dreams. Red as Rudolf’s nose, lightly spiced and teeming with sweet onion. Pretty jars help this on its way to being the perfect gift, when accompanied with a truckle of something strong. READ MORE
We’re almost there. Less than a week to go. So today I give you my cashew pesto. Shall I tell you how I came up with this recipe? Well, I was given a lot of very fiery basil by my pal Lynne some years ago. It was wonderful stuff. We just couldn’t get through it though. And I happened to have some cashews knocking about, and so, well, the rest is history and now we all love this cashew pesto. It makes such a great edible gift, as most people expect sweet treats at this time of year, or chutney. But this is just divine and a little bit different. Only give it to those you love. Or very good teachers. READ MORE
These are Christmas biscuits. There’s no point in making them at any other time of year. They’ll just make you feel a bit depressed and nostalgic. Maybe even start you off on out of season cravings for Quality Street. So make them this week. Enjoy them. Then bookmark for next year. READ MORE
Before I get onto these chocolate shortbread stars I need to talk to you about Christmas. And ageing. And how one helps the other. READ MORE
Brined turkey is an absolute must have for Christmas in my book. Turkey has such a bad reputation for being dry, tasteless and frankly, a bit of a let-down. But if you use my brined turkey recipe I promise you it’ll be juicy, delicious and ever so lightly spiced. The salt solution (brine) works its way into the turkey meat, making it swell and retain moisture without making it taste like seawater. The sugars in the brine even result in a picture book style deep brown glossy skin. And unlike some heavily spiced brines, this one suits 90 year old Nanna as well as 2 year old Laurie and everyone in between. There’s a hint of orange, a little waft of star anise, but nothing that knocks your socks off. You can of course increase all the brine flavourings if you wish; you know your audience. READ MORE
Holly Bell 