Christmas Chutney or Why I’ve Been Quiet for So Long!

I am still here, really! It’s been a while since the last post principally because I’ve been making jam and chutney like it’s going out of fashion. I somehow ended up responsible for making for/with the kids in my children’s lower school enough jam and chutney to sink a reasonably large ship. Unsurprisingly, this has […]

Madeira cakes in all sizes!

I have had a request for a scaled up version of my madeira cake recipe for a wedding cake. The texture of madeira cake is firm enough to cope with ornate icing which makes it a good choice for wedding cakes. However, you do have to remember that it does not keep like a fruit […]

Spiced Apple Punch

This is totally alcohol free, but has all the flavour of an alcoholic punch. I have had people unable to believe that it really is completely safe for the drivers at a party.

You will need a large preserving pan for this.

Recipe: Spiced Apple Punch

Summary: A non-alcoholic fruit punch

Ingredients 4 boxes […]

Mulled Wine

While there can be no doubt that mulled wine is non-dairy, to paraphrase slightly, “Christmas isn’t Christmas without mulled wine” and this recipe tastes superb so I thought I’d tuck it in. It isn’t as ferociously alcoholic as many versions, but tastes a great deal better because of all the fruit and you really don’t […]

Mince Tart

Like a mince pie, but better!

This makes a great party offering: it looks fantastic and isn’t hard to do! Much more impressive than mince pies for the end of a dinner party, less effort and very Christmassy with a little twist of originality. Enjoy!

You will need an 11″ / 28cm loose […]

Mince Pies

The traditional accompaniment to a glass of mulled wine during the Christmas season.

For this recipe you will need 2 sizes of pastry cutters (wine glasses will do in an emergency), 2 tart trays, a pastry brush and a wire cooling rack.

Recipe: Mince Pies

Summary: Can’t have Christmas without mince pies! Here’s how […]

Traditional Fruit Cake

All ready for decorating

My mother has been making this cake for Christmas and special occasions in the family for about thirty years. It is truly delicious: moist but not sticky. It isn’t cheap because of all the fruit, but it is well worth the effort for a traditional Christmas cake. Do note […]

Christmas White Sauce

This goes superbly with Christmas Pudding and is really fairly straightforward.

For this recipe you will need a heavy bottomed saucepan which is NOT non-stick, a pint jug and a balloon whisk.

Recipe: Christmas White Sauce

Summary: What would Christmas pudding be without a traditional rum sauce?

Ingredients 2 tbsps cornflour 1 tbsp demerara […]

Christmas Pudding

This is the recipe which has been used in the family for almost as many years as I can remember. It is lighter in texture than a very traditional pudding, but the flavour is absolutely traditional. I’m afraid I don’t go in for weird and wonderful variations on Christmas recipes; the tradition is all part […]

Madeira Cake

This cake makes a great Christmas cake alternative for people who don’t like dried fruit. If, as in our family, you end up doing both fruit and madeira, try making this one square for a different look:

For this recipe there are two alternative methods: with and without a food processor. Both ways give […]