So now my mind turns to grub. Every year I order a turkey crown (I am not a huge fan of turkey and this way there's less leftovers and the bird cooks much quicker) and dozens of cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon. They will be eaten with the Jamie Oliver get-ahead gravy I made last year. Smoked Salmon will come from Forman's the old London smokery opposite the Olympic Park. To be eaten on its own, or curled with some cream cheese and a spritz of lemon in croustades. If you've not heard of these, hotfoot it to the supermarket and stock up. They are the Scandinavian equivalent of blinis and are just brilliant. They can be stuffed with anything - ham and cheese, Brie and my homemade cranberry sauce or onion and goats' cheese.
This tea and fruit cake lasts for ages and is great with cheese. Even better most children don't seem to like it, so it won't get gobbled up in one sitting. If you do want to entertain little ones, then these homemade decorations are great to make with children, but making marzipan fruit still rocks my world. Really.
And as for the wreath above. It is by Donna Hay and just beautiful. My alternative Christmas pudding. I've not made mine yet (watch this space) but like a normal meringue, it can be baked and kept in an air-tight container and assembled just before eating. Hay serves hers with eggnog custard, but I think passionfruit and pineapple will cut through some whipped cream just beautifully.
What are you cooking this Christmas? Do you have come traditional favourites or are you binning the turkey for something else? (Claire cooked capon, the year before last!) Share your ideas and recipes with us. We'd love to hear them!
I would love to tell you all my favourites but we always go to my husband's family every year so never have to cook a thing other than take some mince pies.
ReplyDeleteI still make everything sweet though and we just eat it over the next month or two.
Dan Lepard Mince pies, Xmas cake (Delia's Creole) and Xmas pud via Dan Lepard again & a Heston one too!
I haven't bought any Christmas presents apart for some gorgeous Cath Kidston cupcake cases for my sister in law... Food wise, am much more prepared: have made, but not yet iced, a Christmas Cake (based on Nigella's) - am contemplating making my own marzipan, Cherry & Almond mincemeat based on a Good Food recipe from a couple of years ago, Nigella's cinammon buns for Boxing day breakfast (reheat splashed with milk and wrapped in foil...). Mum's bringing smoked mackerel pate and chicken liver pate, my brother is bringing cheese from Neal's Yard and I am responsible for the turkey (on order).
ReplyDeleteI've not tried any Dan Lepard recipes yet, although am hoping for his book the christmas. (HINT - Claire) and Nigella's cinnamon buns sound like a great idea. I made my own Christmas cake last year and was the only one to eat it! It turns out my family prefers chocolate! I am contemplating making a panettone - but only if I can hire the tin!
ReplyDeleteohgodohgodohgod is it really nearly Christmas????? aaaaaaaaaaargh. If you've done all your shopping would you like to do mine for me?? alternatively, please direct me to the best online retailers for purchase and delivery on 24th december...
ReplyDeletePS - that Donna Hay cake really is beautiful. Is it just a funny-shaped pavlova?
PPS- Much to my husband's delight, Ocado now has a Swedish/ Scandi section. Not that I'll get around to ordering any groceries anyway (and if I did, you can rest assured it wouldn't be pickled fish)
ok, hint taken, although I'm not sure I can even think about buying a present for someone who has bought ALL their Christmas presents before December. I think perhaps we're not related after all? Or maybe you got all the organised genes?
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great blog. I did my Christmas shopping early too. I just like to be organised. Having four young children and a home business means that there isn't the time to go trailing the streets. The Internet is my best friend!
ReplyDeleteWell done and thanks for all of the inspiring recipes this year. Merry Christmas to you, your families and all Crumbs food supporters.
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ReplyDeleteYou know what is the TARONCELLO? alone in my blog you will find the answer - ...
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I will follow the visit, bye