Christmas 2020 Christmas Magazine Number Four - Good Housekeeping Christmas Collection

It is a wet damp day very overcast here in Peterborough and I am in need of some Christmas Spirit.  Well not literally although I may have a tot of dark rum in a coffee a little later on.

Many of you will probably have this magazine already.  However, I thought I would still share as there are some lovely ideas in here and with the current situation throughout the country we all need a chance to try and brighten up our lives a bit and do what we can for ourselves.  After all another big part of  Christmas is the food and the feasting.

This magazine really is about Christmas recipes and celebrating. Now there are some really lush recipes in this magazine, which again I love.

There is a recipe for a simple Christmas pudding which is not complicated, and one I would urge beginners to try.  It  is a relatively easy recipe especially for someone who has never made a Christmas pudding before. It relies on simple ingredients.  The school that I went to was a secondary school and it had very well balanced facilities and our Domestic Science kitchens were second to none.  Previous years before ours had made a Christmas cake one year and then a Christmas pudding the following.  Because the year I was in was last year Secondary Modern, First Year Comprehensive we missed out on doing this and the first cake and pudding I made was my first Christmas that I was married.  I learned how to do this from a book and a little intervention from my mum.  I still remember the sense of accomplishment after my first attempts.  So go on have a go it is not as complicated as what you think it is.

An Italian inspired Christmas cake also looks and sounds promising. It is fed with either sweet Marsala wine or Brandy.

There is also a recipe for Sherry Mincemeat which I am also going to have a go at whether it will beat my usual recipe remains to be seen but it does look juicy.  There is also an accompanying recipe for ultimate mince pies.

There are also recipes for Spiced Plum and Fig jam, Cranberry and Tomato Chutney and Merry Berry Liqueur which is quite quickly made as it uses frozen mixed berries and either white or dark rum.  One for the tipples shelf or trolley.

There are loads of ideas for celebrational drinks including Champagne and Grand Marnier  Fizz/Kir, Mulled Cranberry and Raspberry punch, Prosecco, Passionfruit and ginger, Spiced Blackberry Kir Royale and Clementine Rosemary Gin and Tonic. There are lots of lovely recipes with in many instances make ahead instructions incorporated within the recipe.  There are so many recipes in this magazine and I hope to test drive quite a few before Christmas. At Christmas I always have compote available and there is a lovely recipe for an Almond and Apricot cake which uses compote. There is also a section on how to oomph up bought products including some solutions to issues such as what to do if the Turkey is still pink. A section on how to use up the leftovers.

A very useful get ahead section for the freezer with recipes for Venison pie, Aubergine, Chickpea and sweet potato curry, Spiced chicken stew, Spicy Butternut Squash soup, Cheese and Chive Tart, Spinach and Riccotta stuffed pasta, Banana and white chocolate Blondie tart, Pecan and Cranberry Freezer cookies, Ice Cream Layer cake, French Onion soup, cheese and bacon puffs, smoked Salmon swirls, Rich Beef casserole, Broccoli, Gorgonzola and walnut quiche.  Puddings include Hazlenut and Raspberry Meringue cake, chocolate orange cheesecake.

One of the puddings I have quite taken a fancy to, a Sloe Gin and Plum trifle.  I am definitely going to test drive this one well before Christmas. OH is not a trifle fan (well at least with any spirit in it) so might just have to make a small one for myself.

I am also going to make some Marmalade and Bay gin.  There are no end of lovely recipes and ideas in this magazine.  Well worth the money.

Lots of inspiration for me in any event.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

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