I’ve recently returned (mentally, not geographically) from a staycation, exploring some areas around my home patch in West Sussex, England. For the uninitiated, please know the staycation was a fabulous holiday, eliminating all the stress and hassle of travel while still experiencing everything I enjoy while on vacation. We explored a castle, a winery, someContinue reading “Cameron Diaz Shopping While on Vacation”
Tag Archives: holiday
Prosciutto Roll-Ups
My all-time favourite festive snack, next to sausage rolls, of course. Sweet, salty and crisp, these attractive nibbles make a fabulous appetizer passed around just as they are. Or, add a pile of these to a festive grazing board for a special treat. Ingredients 1 pack of good quality, ready-rolled puff pastry Honey mustard (orContinue reading “Prosciutto Roll-Ups”
How to get Organised for Christmas
This time of year, newspapers and online portals are overflowing with well-intentioned seasonal advice about getting ready for Christmas. The trouble is, the vast majority of it really isn’t very helpful. Flavoured butters, frozen-ahead canapes and pre-mixed cocktails are all very well, but not if you never planned to do any of that in theContinue reading “How to get Organised for Christmas”
Spiced Cheddar Cheesecake
A showstopper, make-ahead appetizer, and addictive in the extreme. This would also make a really nice cheese course in lieu of dessert. To make this, you will require a 5-inch diameter springform tin, easily procured online. Make sure your cream cheese is very soft before starting, otherwise you won’t get a light, fluffy cheesecake. ThisContinue reading “Spiced Cheddar Cheesecake”
Mince Pie Twists
A twist on a Christmas classic. All you need for this recipe is shop-bought shortcrust pastry, a jar of mincemeat, an egg and some coarse sugar. Oh, and brandy cream (see tip below). This recipe isn’t about laziness, nor is it about making things into a festive shape just for appearances. (Though, it does haveContinue reading “Mince Pie Twists”
White Chocolate Cranberry Stars
A light, sweet ending to any festive meal. Normally I steer clear of white chocolate; its extreme sweetness is not my thing at all. However, when balanced with the tart cranberry, smooth cream and intense, fresh pomegranate, it really works. Ingredients 150ml double cream 75g white chocolate 4 tsp cranberry sauce Pomegranate seeds (to serve)Continue reading “White Chocolate Cranberry Stars”
Mini Chicken, Bacon, Leek & Chestnut Pies
These pies just say Christmas! Big enough to be generous, but small enough for a party snack, if I saw a plate of these beauties any time over the festive period, I would instantly know I was welcome. If homemade shortcrust pastry isn’t your thing, you can buy pre-made shortcrust pastry in most grocery stores.Continue reading “Mini Chicken, Bacon, Leek & Chestnut Pies”
In Praise of Make-Ahead Gravy
Jamie Oliver has brought many food-related joys into my life, and with the exception of that time I made his chicken liver pâté, he hasn’t let me down yet. Chief among his festive brain waves is his notion that we should all be making our Christmas gravy well ahead of time, freezing it, and simplyContinue reading “In Praise of Make-Ahead Gravy”
Warm Salad of Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, Feta and Dried Cranberries
A Christmassy salad if ever there was one. Feeds 2 as a light lunch Ingredients 500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved through the stem Olive oil Salt and pepper Handful of pecans Handful dried cranberries 50g feta cheese Method: Roast the Brussels sprouts. Meanwhile, toast the pecans by adding them to a dry frying panContinue reading “Warm Salad of Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, Feta and Dried Cranberries”
Sugar & Spiced Nuts
These nuts are the perfect standby nibble. Pile onto a cheese board and pair with a salty cheese such as stilton or chèvre, or pop a bowl of these on the counter when hungry people begin to hover. Better still, these make a fabulous edible gift. I have provided instructions for making your own ChristmasContinue reading “Sugar & Spiced Nuts”
Caroline Feeds 