Festive Feasts

Much as I dislike the excess of consumerism in all its forms at this time of the year, I do have a fondness for festive food and baking. And I love a good seasonal cookbook to get me in the mood. My plan this week was to enthral you with stories of festive food traditions and favourite recipes that have stood the test of time in our home over the years. But the week has conspired against me rather ironically because I have been busy preparing festive food for a couple of different village social events and now as I write I am making lunch for 17 people tomorrow. Well I’m not actually cooking and writing simultaneously, I’m taking a break between the pavlova going in the oven and starting on the cheesecake to at least get a few words on the page but I’m sensing this might be a mistake. Rousing myself from the sofa to start again in the kitchen could be a challenge.

As well as being involved in three different seasonal parties this week there has also been a hospital appointment and a first time outing to a memory café for me and Mum. Mum loved it which is a good thing and totally the point of going but I admit I felt like I was going doolally after the first twenty minutes. At least I didn’t have to make the cakes! And then the latest bit of excitement has been the arrival this week of a new granddaughter a couple of weeks earlier than expected. Healthy, absolutely gorgeous (yes, I am biased) and of course the best Christmas present ever. So, you will understand why you are getting the edited version of my Sunday supplement this week!

Instead of what I had planned, I’ll leave you with a couple of my favourite festive bakes, both of which come courtesy of Nigella Lawson. The first is her wonderful clementine cake, that really must be the easiest cake to make ever. It has the gorgeous texture and citrussy flavour of a drizzle cake without the fuss of making a drizzle, it keeps really well (not that it ever lasts that long in our house) and has the added bonus of being gluten free should that be a requirement. I added the cream and clementines as it looked a bit plain to bring along to a festive party this week but it doesn’t really need any adornment.

CLEMENTINE CAKE.

Another festive bake, although it’s hardly baking and only requires some melting, chopping, and stirring, is Chistmas Rocky Road. This is a rocky road adapted for Christmas with Brazil nuts (traditional – does anyone eat them at any other time of year?), cherries red like Rudolph’s nose and snowy white marshmallows. The reindeer and Christmas trees are essential of course.

CHRISTMAS ROCKY ROAD

I couldn’t go without also leaving you with my tried and tested mince pie recipe, which is the only one I’ll ever make, although I’m ashamed to say I’ve yet to make any this year (hence no photograph). We have usually munched our way through several batches by this late in the month. Maybe next week!

ALMOND TOPPED MINCE PIES

I would love to hear your favourite bakes or festive food for this time of year.

I won’t be writing next week as I can’t imagine anyone wants to be reading a newsletter from me on Christmas Eve, so instead I’m taking some time off and wishing you a happy, relaxed and restful break however you choose to celebrate the holidays.

And me… I hope to have my feet up with a slice of that rocky road, to do a little writing, maybe some knitting or reading and who knows I might even get into the studio to paint, but don’t hold your breath! See you on the other side.