Festive

Swedish Glögg (mulled wine)

Glögg is a crucial part of the lead up to Christmas in Sweden with parties thrown throughout Advent and always served on 13th December, St Lucia day. Many Swedes attend several glögg parties every weekend in December! Glögg is the Swedish version of mulled wine, but it is not quite the same as mulled wine, the spices differ…

Chocolate Truffle Selection

There is nothing like receiving a handmade gift! Choosing the right present for your a friend or relative can be difficult, particularly when you’re shopping for somebody who seems to have absolutely everything already! The last thing you probably want to do is spend money on something that’s going to sit on a shelf, unused. …

Christmas Saffron Wreath with Cranberries and Orange

The countdown is on! Only 17 days left to go, sorry don’t want to stress you out but what will you be baking this Christmas? Maybe you don’t fancy making mince pies this year and want to try something a little different. I want to share this with you in case you’re looking for any…

Beetroot & Horseradish Cured Gravad Lax

Gravad lax these days is so readily available, the lightly cured salmon with a scattering of chopped dill, I find the commercial versions often taste incredibly similar and the accompanying mustard sauce can be too acidic and intense. The salmon I ate in Sweden, prepared by my mother and grandmother always tasted so fresh, with…

Ris à la Malta (Swedish Rice Pudding)

It wouldn’t be Christmas in my house without ‘Ris à la Malta’ A lightly sweetened rice pudding, infused with vanilla and cinnamon served with fruit. My Mother and Grandmother always used to serve it with a cherry compote, an appealing festive red next to the pure white of the rice looked so pretty. It’s traditionally served after the…

A Festive Cocktail with a Citrus Zing

It goes without saying that winter’s citrus makes us want to celebrate. Yes, it’s the sunshine in a season otherwise filled with vegetables grown underground, citrus is also worthy of our praise because it’s incredibly versatile. Citrus in all its forms brings much to the party: Quarters are muddled, peels are zested, oils are extracted, and wedges are…

Festive Christmas Canapés

It goes without saying that we all want to be organised at Christmas so if you have unexpected visitors or you’re planning a party you’ve got something prepared ahead or something stashed in the freezer. These festive bites are excellent to prepare ahead, even freeze and pull out when needed. Do remember that when you prepare…

Simple and Light Spiced Pears

During the festive, season I find that there is an abundance of rich food, the Christmas pudding with brandy butter is not a favourite of mine so I always like to offer an alternative lighter option. With their juicy flesh and mellow fruity personality, pears take well to slow simmering in flavoursome liquids such as a fruity red wine or…

The Ultimate Chocolate and Beetroot Cake

Beetroot is one of my favourite winter vegetables, oven roasted or sliced raw in salads with goats cheese and walnuts are delicious but have you tried it in a chocolate cake? No matter how you feel about this vegetable this cake will not be an acquired taste. Grated beetroot is a great way to make…

Lucia Saffron Buns (Lussekatter)

Lussekatter (Lucia saffron buns) are traditionally eaten on the day of Lucia. Each bun is shaped into an S-shape, which is supposed to resemble a cat’s tail. Nobody knows for sure the origins of the shape and the connection with Saint Lucia, but it seems likely that they were originally called djävulskatter (the devil’s cats). …

Festive

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