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
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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
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
I am laughing as I type. I have written so many different headlines to this piece. I settled on Christmas advice. Why? I mean come on, who am I to give advice about Christmas? I am about to celebrate my first Christmas as a divorced mother. My kids will not wake up on Christmas morning to enjoy both their mother and father watch them opening their presents. Instead they will call their Dad to tell him what Father Christmas delivered. Then on Boxing Day they get Christmas Day Take Two. They will never again have a Christmas like they used to. And that is my fault. As in, that was my decision. And my goodness there is a huge amount of guilt that goes with that. One of my sons will likely not remember a Christmas where we were all together. Is that better or worse I wonder? I just don’t know. Shall we talk about all of this? Do you want to? 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
Happy Boxing Day! I am on The Saturday Show on Channel 5 today at 9am making this recipe along with a few others. This is a lower fat version of pulled pork and a damned sight more exciting than turkey curry in my humble opinion. Once the marinade is assembled this is about as easy as it gets when providing food for a crowd. READ MORE
Holly Bell 