Photo by Lis Parsons
I’ve been waiting for this moment — for today’s the day nigella.com puts the Christmas decorations up and goes fully festive! I must say, I’ve been particularly longing for it this year — though I always make myself hold out till December — and I am now happily aglow with flickering tea lights and twinkling tea lights, feeling cosily bolstered against the short days and long dark nights ahead.
And, of course, there’s the food to look forward to. If I gave in to the excited impulse to list every one of my recipes that celebrate the season we’d still be here by the new year, so let me — with noble restraint — just give you, to start off with, links to take you to my Christmas Cocktails and drinks, Christmas Canapés and other good things to pick at, Christmas main courses, seasonal side dishes, Christmas desserts and sweet treats and, should you want the whole shebang in one go, here’s a link to All Things Christmassy!
Festive inspiration
But I’d like to dwell awhile on a couple of recipes that, while not new, have come to the site for the first time, namely my Breakfast Trifle, a fresh and fruity way to greet the day, and especially useful if you have guests staying, and my Winter Wonderland Cake, ideal for those who want to celebrate the season with chocolate! And having mentioned chocolate, I just have to remind you of the joys of the Chocolate Salame and Christmas Rocky Road, old favourites whose appeal never fades. In my house, it wouldn’t be Christmas without them — and they’re brilliantly portable, so an ideal present to take if you’re visiting friends over the season. And it wouldn’t be fair not to nudge you towards an especial favourite of mine, the beautiful Bûche de Noël, aka Yule Log which, incidentally, is flourless which makes it gluten-free, should this be a concern for you or those you’re feeding.
If pale and interesting is the way you want to go, then I suggest the always-elegant White Tiramisu and you can forgo the unseasonal raspberries that accompany the pud in the photo, of course. My White Chocolate Cheesecake surely deserves a mention and at this time of year I often feel the urge to top this with chopped pistachios and pomegranate seeds. And, of course, there’s the majestic simplicity of my Vanilla Layer Cake with Ermine Icing though if you wished to add a jaunty touch by scattering red, white and green Christmas sprinkles on top, there’s nothing to stop you! I should also tell you that this cake is our December Cookalong, and you can find out how to enter for a chance to win a personalised and signed book of mine on this link. Though before I move on to savoury fare, I feel (having been prompted by telling you about the White Tiramisù) I just have to remind you of that solidly seasonal favourite, my Irish Cream Tiramisù — there’s more to Bailey’s than just drinking it! And while we’re on the subject of holiday drinks, it behoves me to bring my No-Bake Advocaat and Ginger Cake to your attention.
I know I say this every year, but Christmas Day for me means unswerving adherence to my time-honoured menu of Spiced and Superjuicy Turkey with Allspice Gravy, Gingerbread Stuffing, Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, Chestnuts and Parsley, Maple-Roast Parsnips — though I do need to put a plea for an alternative offering of Roast Quinces too), Redder than Red Cranberry Sauce, My Mother’s Bread Sauce and, of course, a platter of immodestly but accurately named Perfect Roast Potatoes. Other seasonal feasts may call for Roast Rib of Beef with Port and Stilton Gravy, Norwegian Pork Ribs and ham in the form of my Slow-Cooked Black Treacle Ham, Ginger-Glazed Ham, or — how could I miss it out — my Ham in Coca-Cola! And should you have vegans at your table, then there is nothing better than this glorious Roast Stuffed Pumpkin with Gingery Tomato Sauce.
Having said I’d be brief, I find that I have, characteristically, wittered on at great length after all. Still, Christmas is not a time for restraint! What it is time for though is the annual nigella.com Christmas Pudding Hunt. I know that many of you are regular entrants, but those of you who are playing for the first time can find out what’s involved here. This year we have a fabulous prize for our lucky winners: this gleamingly beautiful star-handled, Christmas-tree green Le Creuset casserole. Runners-up will get a personalised, signed book of mine — and everyone gets the fun of playing along.
I shall not use up any more of your time, but cannot leave you without wishing you all a heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year!
