Christmas

Please note

  • All eggs are large, free-range
  • All dark chocolate is 70% cocoa solids minimum
  • All baking ingredients are room temperature unless stated otherwise
  • Recipes containing raw or partially cooked eggs should not be served to those with weak or compromised immune systems.
  • Please be sure to read a recipe through before starting,
  • Also, remember that a recipe is only a blueprint. Enjoy the experiment, eat, and repeat until it is your own.

ChristmasCategories
All CategoriesBreakfast  ChristmasCrowd PleasersDrinksEveryday EasyFeel Good FoodSimply SidesSlow SensationsSweet Things
Bread SauceBy danieldiverA simple and delicious sauce that is the perfect accompaniment to turkey or chicken.
Brie & Cranberry Sausage RollsBy danieldiverA favourite evening snack that is also fantastic for using up the leftover Christmas cheese and cranberry sauce.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip CookiesBy danieldiverI have made a lot of cookies in my time in the kitchen. These brown butter chocolate chip cookies have gone through a lot of testing until I got them as close to perfect as I think possible. I know cookies are a very personal things some like them thin, some chewy, some crispy for me I like a fairly fat cookie that is fudgy in the centre with a crisp exterior and it must be loaded with chocolate chips almost an excessive amount. These cookies have such a fudgy texture and flavour, the combination of molten chocolate chips and the almost nutty flavour of the brown butter is heavenly. This recipe makes 12 cookies, but since there is usually just two of to eat them. I scoop out the twelve cookie cook one batch and freeze the other six balls of cookie dough. When they have froze I transfer them to a zip lock bad and you can cook them straight from the freezer just give them an extra two minutes in the preheated oven.
Cheese & Onion StrataBy danieldiverStrata is essentially a savoury bread pudding. This version is cheese & onion. I make it often at Christmas when I have bits and pieces leftover from cheeseboards. It can be made ahead and sit around in the fridge for up to 24 hours then only needs 40 minutes in the oven and you will have a carb satisfying meal to indulge in. Note: if making from leftover cheese what is good to keep in mind is that in total you are looking for 350g of cheese. Some of my favourites to use are mature cheddar, red leicester, Emmantel, Gruyère, Parmesan & brie
CherrytiniBy danieldiverI do like a cocktail or two over the festive period and as the years pass my repitoire of cocktail recipes grows. The latest addition to that range is my cherrytini. It boozy but of course doesn't taste it. Note: Should you be unable to get cherry juice you could use pomegranate juice or even cranberry instead.
Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry & White Chocolate)By danieldiverThis is such a seasonal cheesecake and even white chocolate haters will love it. The tartness from the ruby red cranberries cut the sweetness of the white chocolate giving you harmonious flavoured cheesecake.
Christmas French ToastBy danieldiverThis has been my Christmas morning breakfast for many years now. I make my Christmas French toast out of the sweet star shaped Italian bread Pandoro. It typically comes in a large box like a present. It's sweetness lends itself well to French toast. I simple dip it in an eggy mixture with a little cinnamon before proceeding to fry it over a low heat until the entire house is scented with the Christmas aroma.
Christmas Pudding Ice CreamBy danieldiverTurn leftover Christmas pudding into a creamy delicious ice cream with simple no churn ice cream recipe.
Coconut MacaroonsBy danieldiverThese coconut macaroons are very easy to make and require very few ingredients. I often make these as a simple sweet treat for a party. I leave a few kilnear jars of them dotted about the room so guests can eat the little coconut bonbons as they please.
Deviled EggsBy danieldiverA retro party favourite, add a little fun and heat to your party with these festive eggs.
Espresso Caramel Ice CreamBy danieldiverA delicious soft serve ice cream, creamy and luscious. The combination of strong coffee and sweet Carnation caramel make for a velvety textured ice cream. Note: Should you require a alcohol free version you can leave out the brandy. It does make it a firmer ice cream, but still extremely delicious. I also so often when I am making this reserve two tablespoons of caramel and double cream and when ready to eat I warm it together, in a tiny pan. To make a warm runny caramel sauce to pour over as I eat.
Hazelnut NegroniBy danieldiverMy seasonal twist on the Negroni. Traditional it consists of equal measures of Campari, Red vermouth and gin. I actually came upon this version during lockdown one evening when I felt like a Negroni and had run out of gin, due to limiting shopping trips i thought I'd add a splash of Frangelico. It was heavenly. It is strange that this drink conjures tastes of chocolate orange to me even though it doesn't contain chocolate whatsoever. I believe it comes from the butter hazelnut flavours imparted by Frangelico. Frangelico is a hazelnut liquor from Italy that has a warm buttery hazelnut flavour. I think of it as Nutella in liquor form. It works so well in desserts or stirred through a hot chocolate for a cosy nightcap.
Honey Roast ParsnipsBy danieldiverI don't think Christmas dinner would be complete without these sweet earthy glazed parsnips. Although, I think they are a great accompaniment to a roast dinner at other times of year too.
Honey Roast Spiced NutsBy danieldiverWhether it's weekend drink or an informal get together with friends and drinks are involved these spiced nuts are a must. They are sweet, spicy, fragrant and salty. What better to nibble on with a cold beer in hand?
Maple Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta & ChestnutsBy danieldiverI promise you that you won't be disappointed with these sprouts, I have even converted some sprout loathers with these. The sweet and saltiness of the pancetta and maple syrup work in partner with the chestnuts and sprouts to give you a side dish that frankly I could eat as a main in itself.
Mincemeat PinwheelsBy danieldiverOver the seasonal period I must have a lot of mincemeat. I mean who could blame me? That gorgeous sweet filling is divine. I make lots of mince pies, I think one can never have too many. I make these mincemeat pinwheels so often as a leisurely treat for brunch at the weekends. Although, they are fantastic served warm with ice cream or for the ultimate treat with my no - churn Christmas pudding ice cream as a simple and delicious dessert. Think warm strudel with flaky pastry. Good, right? But I'm very happy to eat them with nothing more than a mug of tea.
Mincemeat Puff Pastry ParcelsBy danieldiverMini puff pastry parcels with a mincemeat filling. These wonderful parcels will scent your home with that warm cosy christmas smells as they cook.
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