Table of contents for 2021 in Simply Christmas

Your cover gift - ideal for festive décor & crafting It’s never too early to start thinking about the festive season ahead and, as last year was such a difficult time for many of us, we are hopeful that we can plan in the things we love most for Christmas 2021. Having the time to consider and prepare for December 25th and all the celebrations that surround it is a joy in itself. Everything you see in this year’s Simply Christmas has been hand-picked to inspire and help you, from decorating your home and buying gifts, to crafting, cooking and baking. This year, more than ever, the focus is on sustainable and planet-friendly ideas, with lots of ways to use fresh and dried foliage as décor and gift wrap. And…

FOUR WEEKS Before Christmas Create your gift list. It doesn’t have to be detailed, but make sure you know who you’re buying for and start jotting down notes about what they might like to help stay focused when you head out to the shops or make online purchases. Start by browsing our gift guides from page 116. Determine your budget for present-buying (then try to stick to it!). Begin your Christmas shopping. The earlier you start, the better chance you have of getting good deals and not doing any last-minute panic buying. Where possible, try to buy from independent shops, especially those that sell antiques. A one-o gift that can’t be bought elsewhere is all the more special, and has the added bonus of being more environmentally friendly. Time to…

There are many simple ways to be more sustainable at Christmas without scrimping on style. And there’s an ever-growing list of luxury brands who are shifting their focus to include more sustainable materials in their products, as well as ensure ethical practices and planet-friendly manufacturing are being upheld. “Sustainable design goes hand-in-hand with luxury at Christmas from wrapping paper to decorations,” says John Lewis Christmas Buyer, Jason Billings-Cray. “We are always working on new ways to offer designs and products that will be kinder to the planet. It’s about finding the balance between treasured pieces that will last a lifetime, like beautiful baubles or a table runner, and easily recyclable or reusable options for cards and wrapping.” For main Christmas shopping destinations such as John Lewis, allowing customers to make…

TRUE BLUE This elegant recycled glass bauble will add plenty of style to your tree, £7, www.nhmshop.co.uk GLAM UP Bring eye-catching colour into your home with this fabulous peacock bauble, £22, www.rajtentclub.com VIOLET DELIGHT A truly luxurious honeycomb decoration in a rich aubergine shade, £35, oka.com IN THE FRAME For a truly opulent colour scheme, choose jewel-tone decorations with gold detail, from £3, www.matalan.co.uk TURQUOISE SPLENDOUR Dazzle with decor in gorgeous blues and greens, from £8, www.johnlewis.com OCEAN INSPIRATION Add a beautiful twist to the tree with these turtle-y gorgeous decs, £13.99, www.giselagraham.co.uk FEATHER YOUR NEST This vivid peacock-style wreath is a flamboyant seasonal showstopper, £12.99, www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en GLITTER SHOW Let the glamour fly with these stunning sequinned hummingbird decorations, £12 each, www.ellajames.co.uk RICH PICKINGS Deep purples, reds and blues with…

Decorating our homes at Christmas with flowers and plants has long been a festive tradition, but you can also try putting aside the holly, ivy and poinsettia to make space for dried flowers. In the last few years, dried flowers have made something of a comeback with sales increasing 115% in the UK during 2020, with no signs of slowing down in 2021. So why the recent surge? “Over the past few years, the fashion industry has seen the rise of 70s trends and this has been reflected in the interiors market,” says Katherine Whit church from Shida Flowers (www.shida.florist), a business that specialises in preserved and dried-flower arrangements. “Dried flowers were once a staple in 70s homes and they’ve now made a contemporary comeback.” The trend was also fuelled…

LIGHT UP! A cute and colourful way to add light to a cosy corner, £6, direct.asda.com/george/home LUCKY STRIKE Arrange these piñata-style letters to spell out maximum fun this Christmas! £30, www.noths.com TREAT TIME Treat someone special to this beautiful box of bauble biscuits hand-iced by Biscuiteers, £35, www.biscuiteers.com AS PROUD AS A PEACOCK Bring all the beauty of vibrant peacock shades to your tree with these brilliant baubles, from £4, www.dobbies.com DO THE TWIST This mesmerising rainbow twist bauble offers many shades in one pretty package, £4, www.quinceandcook.co.uk COOL CONFETTI These gorgeous mains-powered confetti lights are sure to wow wherever they shine and shimmer, £36, www.potterandmooch.co.uk BRIGHT IDEAS Go for it this Christmas with decor that dares to be noticed, www.anniesloan.com TROPICAL TRIO Have a tropical Christmas this year with…

For many of us, it’s family time that makes Christmas special. Whether it’s a quiet one with parents or a chaotic multiple-household event, make sure you plan in the moments you treasure most. If you have younger family members at home, why not create some new traditions that they’ll remember forever, such as fun day trips seeing the lights at Kew and sister site, Wakehurst, or laying out special crockery like these from John Lewis. And let’s not forget our pets, they also love having all the family around (plus the extra treats too) – we celebrate some adorable canines with a collection of portraits.…

X Rocker Monsoon RGB 4.1 Gaming Chair £299, www.menkind.co.uk Pre-2000 kids wouldn’t have dreamed of this kind of comfort while playing videogames. This seat has multi-colour LED lights, sound and vibration. Miko2: My Companion Interactive Robot £295, www.hamleys.com With face detection, conversational skills, academic knowledge and even video calling, Miko is the perfect interactive companion for little learners. Renegade UTV-MX Electric Buggy £369, www.kidscarstore.co.uk This 24V ride-on buggy is a rugged and powerful off-roader with chunky tyres, MP3 connectivity and leather upholstery. Razor E100 Electric Scooter £169, www.razor.com This snazzy e-scooter runs for up to 45 minutes between charges. (For use on private land only, restrictions apply). Bee Ball Ultimate Full Size Basketball Stand £269,www.biggamehunters.co.uk Teens will love transforming the patio into a basketball court with this fancy full-size basketball…

At the beginning of Christmas, we are all full of good intentions. However, as things go on, and time runs out, and to-do lists are long, real life can get in the way of opulent wreaths. This is the one you need when you have about five minutes between putting the potatoes in the oven and your visitors arriving… MATERIALS 01 Find a base for your wreath. This could be a fine brass wire wreath, a rough vine base, such as akebia (chocolate vine), or even a wire coat hanger. 02 Pick a focal point in the wreath – asymmetrical works better (think 5pm on a clock face) – and wire the foliage at this point. Because the ring is quite thin and possibly slippery, make…

01 Select some tips of pine branches and strip into two equal-sized bundles. Secure with an elastic band or twine, then wrap with natural-coloured bindwire, and create a hanging loop. Use more bindwire to attach it to the gift, making a bow for decoration. 02 Place foliage in an attractive way onto a plain-wrapped gift – textured leaves or tactile evergreens work well. You can now bind this to the parcel with twine using a criss-cross or wrapped around, as shown. 03 Make simple folded bags out of kraft-paper envelopes – ideal for awkward-shaped gifts! Pop the gift inside and fold the paper over the top, making holes with a hole-punch. Tie twine bows through the top and decorate with dried kumquat wreaths or mini herb posies of thyme, rosemary…

Cider roast turkey Succulent, cider-roasted turkey, with tender glazed apples and pear makes the ultimate centrepiece for your Christmas table SERVES 8 PREP 15 mins COOK 4 hrs approx for a 4.5kg bird FOR THE TURKEY 4½-6kg turkey 450g stuffing2 leeks, trimmed and halved2 carrots, halved50g butter, softened300ml dry cider FOR THE GRAVY 300ml dry cider600ml chicken stock2 tbsp quince or redcurrant jelly 1 Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Wash and dry the turkey, removing any feathers. Pull out the giblets and neck, then set aside. Lift up the skin that covers the neck opening, then stu the stu ngupandundertheskin, securingtightly underneath with a skewer or two cocktail sticks. Weigh the stu ed turkey, then calculate the cooking time, allowing 40 mins per kg. 2 Put the leeks…

MAKES about 400g PREP 5 mins COOK 20 mins ½chopped onion300g cranberries1 cinnamon stick2 star anise5 cardamom pods½tsp ground ginger100ml red wine vinegar150g caster sugarA pinch of salt 1 Cook chopped onion in a drizzle of oil until translucent, about 8 mins. 2 Add 300g cranberries, cinnamon stick, star anise, cardamom pods, ground ginger, red wine vinegar, 1caster sugar and the salt. Bring to a simmer and bubble for 10-15 mins until thick. Leave to cool, then transfer to a jar and store in the fridge until needed.…

MAKES 10 PREP 45 mins plus 1 COOK 25-30 mins-2 hrs rising 2 eggs plus 1 yolk1 tsp vanilla paste or extract500g plain our2 x 7g sachets easy-bake dried yeast100g caster sugar½tsp salt200ml warm milk200g soft butter140g mixed dried fruit100g mixed candied peelMilk, for brushing1-2 tbsp aked almonds 1 Beat the eggs and yolk with the vanilla. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar and tsp salt. Add the warm milk and egg mixture, then beat to a soft, sticky dough with a wooden spoon. Cover with cling film and leave in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size. 2 Drop large muffin wraps into 10 clean, 200g size cans (or use a muffin tray), or line them carefully with baking parchment so that the…

VEGAN SPONGE 480g plain our280g caster sugar4 tsp baking powder2 tsp bicarbonate of soda480g soya yogurt180ml sun ower oil2 tbsp golden syrup2 tsp pure vanilla extract300g/10½ oz (approx. 3) very ripe bananas, mashed 35g banana chips/dried banana slices Icing sugar, for dusting (optional) BUTTERSCOTCH 60g/2¼ oz vegan butter90g Demerara sugar½tsp aked sea salt50ml soya milk1 tsp pure vanilla extract SERVES 20 PREP 45 mins COOK 1hr-1hr10 1 Grease a 23cm/9in (1¼-1¾ ⁄-litre/50–60fl oz) Bundt pan. 2 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. 3 Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the sugar, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda, and mix with a spoon to combine. Make a well in the middle. 4 Put the yogurt into a bowl with the sunflower oil, golden syrup and vanilla extract. Mix with…

MAKES 12 slices 12 slices of baguette3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil300g Gorgonzola12 canned anchovies PICKLED RADICCHIO 300ml apple vinegar1 generous tbsp runny honey1 tsp fennel seeds1 small, long radicchio, sliced 1 To pickle the radicchio, pour the apple vinegar into a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Boil for a couple of minutes, then add the honey and fennel seeds. Turn the heat down and bubble for 5 minutes. Drop the sliced radicchio into the vinegar, cook for 1 minute, then turn on the heat. After 4-5 minutes, remove the radicchio and fennel seeds with a slotted spoon, transfer to a mixing bowl and cool. 2 Brush the baguette slices with the oil and toast on a hot griddle/ridged stovetop pan until golden (or bake in an oven preheated…

Cranberry sea breeze punch Serve up this refreshing party punch, packed with fruity cranberry-filled ice cubes SERVES 8 PREP 10 mins plus 3 hrs freezing 100g fresh or frozen cranberries1 litre cranberry juice500ml vodka (or alcohol-free version)400ml grapefruit juice2 limes, cut into round slices Ice cubes 1 Using two ice cube trays, put one or two cranberries in each square, fill with water and freeze until solid. This can be done a week ahead. 2 Pour the cranberry juice, vodka and grapefruit juice into a punch bowl or large pouring jug and add the lime. Add some ice and half the cranberry ice cubes. Divide the remaining cranberry ice cubes between the glasses, then pour in the punch.…

MAKES 2 PREP 5 mins 2 ripe passion fruits (they should have a crinkly appearance), halved60ml vanilla vodka30ml Passoa1 tbsp lime juice1 tbsp sugar syrup Prosecco, to serve Scoop the seeds from one of the passion fruits into the glass of a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, Passoa, lime juice and sugar syrup. Add a handful of ice and shake well, strain into two martini glasses, top up with prosecco, then add half a passion fruit to each. Serve immediately.…

SERVES 1 90ml Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur30ml dark crème de cacao15ml vodkaDark chocolate shavings, to garnish Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker, add a handful of ice cubes and shake until frosted. Strain into a chilled Martini glass, sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings and serve.…

FOUR WEEKS Before Christmas Ensure the turkey is ordered from your local butcher or farm shop, plus any other special items you might need – such as sausage meat for stu ng, vegetables or special baked treats. Stock up on booze, mixers and soft drinks for the big day, or try your hand at making homemade sloe gin or liqueur. If you’re an online shopper, book your supermarket delivery slot and start planning your order. Pick plenty of supplies that won’t spoil, such as dried goods, partbaked rolls and chutneys. Some supermarkets offer eco-friendly delivery slots, oryoucould try ordering a food box from a local supplier. Batch cook some emergency freezer meals in case of unexpected visits from friends and family. Shepherd’s pie, wintery stews and soups always go down…

The highest high. Lochaber Geopark has a wealth of geological treasures with some of the deepest lochs and the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. It is a place of wonderment and awe for slow travellers, and irresistible for adventurers. Take your pick of geo-trails to discover the underside of the magni cent scenery (www.lochabergeopark.org.uk). The enchantment of Mull. “Here the biting cold of a true winter’s night is invigorating,” says Paul Murton, author of The Highlands (published by Birlinn). “For a couple of years I lived on the Isle of Mull and have a clear memory of sledging with my wife under a canopy of stars. The islanders celebrate the traditional ‘old new year’ – a festival kept alive in remote corners of the Highlands. When the old Julian calendar…

There are now more pet canines in Britain than there are children under ten. What led to so many households taking on the responsibility of a puppy during the pandemic, in spite of the night-time wake-ups, daily walks and little accidents? Christine Chau, owner of luxury dog beds brand, Charley Chau (www.charleychau.com), thinks it’s all about the quality of the company. “Dogs are amazing companions. They never question, never judge, and are always pleased to see you. Plus, they’re great for mental and physical wellbeing, which can only be a good thing for all members of the family.” However, Christine is also mindful of the rescue centres that are already dealing with a rise in the number of dogs being re-homed, and are looking at new ways of providing support…

Getting creative at Christmas is always one of the loveliest parts of the season, so we’ve put together some festive makes that crafters of all ages can get involved with. This beautiful cutlery set is just one of the stunning makes in our table settings project. Turn the page for six super-easy ways to use the wooden shapes in your cover gift set (or any laser-cut decorations), as well as wreath makes, eco-wrap ideas and a run-down of crafting workshops that will make great gifts (or something to pop on your own wishlist!).…

Navy table linen will make gold accents stand out For many of us, this Christmas will be all about embracing the beauty of nature. Taking inspiration from the great outdoors, we asked stylist and photographer, Emily Quinton (www.allsortsoflovely.com), to create a table setting for a relaxed festive gathering with family and friends. Her sustainable styling combines masses of fresh greenery with delicate metallic details and twinkling fairy lights. This is also a purse-friendly way to make your home look pretty in time for the festive season with your choice of seasonal foliage, as well as giving old cutlery an impressive upgrade – find plenty of Emily’s styling tips on page 102. SPARKLY CUTLERY MATERIALS PLACE - CARD WREATHS MATERIALS…

Taking time out to gift-wrap a present for someone who’s special to you can feel very symbolic, as well as mindful. And while many of us enjoy wrapping gifts and can make any present look exquisite, for others, wrapping is just one more chore that needs to be done (and is usually rushed through once everyone is asleep). Either way, once the gifts are opened, there’s usually a mountain of paper to deal with afterwards. But if you look to nature, leftover packaging or fabric to inspire this year’s Christmas coverings, you may come up with some surprisingly easy and cheap ways to keep it eco-friendly. “If you’ve cleaned up after a present-opening session, you’ll know just how much paper gets taken to the recycling,” says Penny Fussell, an interior…

Sparking creativity all round, giving the gift of an experience for Christmas is positive in more ways than one. A crafty class or workshop has many bene ts ranging from lifting mood and aiding mindfulness, to providing a bonding opportunity between loved ones, plus it also offers new skills that can be taken out into the world. And, of course, it’s environmentally friendly. “More and more people are giving experiences rather than material things, and a craft workshop is the perfect Christmas gift,”says Amy Buchanan, designer and owner of The Edinburgh Craft Club (www.theedinburghcraftclub.co.uk). “And, after the buzz of the festive season is over, you still have your wonderful craft workshop to look forward to in the new year,” she continues. If you have a friend who’s always expressed an…

The joy of giving isn’t a cliché, it’s a magical part of our Christmas celebrations. Our gift guides are full of thoughtful items, including affordable stocking fillers for kids and adults alike. We’ve also compiled plenty of fabulous suggestions for crafters, gardeners, pet lovers, foodies and those who like a fancy tipple, so sit back, relax and enjoy browsing our selections. And, while you’re choosing what to buy, don’t forget to pick up some sustainable wrapping paper such as these styles from Nancy & Betty.…

SERVES 6 PREP 20 mins COOK 2-3 hours Olive oil, to fry100g smoked streaky bacon, nely chopped1kg braising steak or beef shin, cut into 2.5cm/1in chunks2 heaped tbsp plain our2 large onions, thinly sliced2 red peppers/bell peppers, deseeded and sliced3 garlic cloves, crushed5 juniper berries, crushed2 bay leaves1 tbsp sweet smoked paprika tbsp hot paprika2 tsp caraway seeds2 tbsp tomato purée1 tbsp red wine vinegar1.2 litres beef stock300g waxy potatoes, cut into chunks2 beetroot, cut into chunks Sea salt and ground black pepper Freshly chopped parsley and sour cream, to serve 1 Heat a good layer of olive oil in a flameproof casserole or large saucepan and fry the bacon over a medium heat until starting to colour. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. 2 Dust the beef in…

1 tbsp olive oil1 yellow onion, very thinly sliced½tsp salt1 tbsp water2 x 227g packets plain vegan cream cheese¼ tsp garlic powder¼ tsp onion powder½ tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for topping 1 Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and season with the salt. 2 Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. The onion should be light golden brown and soft at this point. 3 Add the water to the skillet to rehydrate the onion and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 10 minutes. When done, the onion should be deeply caramelised and very soft. Remove from the heat and transfer the onion to a cutting board. 4 When cool enough to handle, chop the…

SERVES 2 PREP 5 mins 2 tbsp coffee grounds5 cardamom pods, bruised (plus 2 to garnish)strip of lemon peel2 cloves1 cinnamon stick20g egg whites75ml spiced rum25ml lemon juiceAngostura bitters (optional) 1 Put the co ee in a pan with 250ml water. Add the cardamom pods, lemon peel, cloves and cinnamon. Bring to the boil, then strain though a sieve lined with kitchen paper. Leave to cool. 2 Pour 50ml of the co ee mixture into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, then add the egg white, spiced rum and lemon juice. Shake hard for 1-2 mins then double strain into 2 coupe or martini glasses. Decorate with another cardamom pod and a few drops of Angostura bitters, if you like.…

Christmas 2020 definitely happened, but as that entire year is a bit of a blur, it’s wonderful that we have a brand-new festive season to look forward to and get excited about. And this year we’re hoping to celebrate with nearby and far-flung family and friends, raising a well-earned toast to the last year. THE JOY OF LISTS Before you delve into the practicalities, take a trip down memory lane to previous Christmases and jot down what makes the season enjoyable for you, or what you think it’s been missing – a candlelit carol service, a trip to see Santa with the little ones, a frosty walk, a cosy dinner party or a lively DIY cocktail party (we can help with that on page 170!)? Plan in these special times…

FOUR WEEKS Before Christmas Grab the ladder and take a peek in the loft to remind yourself of what you have. Existing decorations can be given a new lease of life with some care and the addition of natural greenery. Or for whole new look, see our pick of the latest trends starting on page 28 – opulent, rustic, mono and bright. Advent calendars are great fun but for something more sustainable, look for wooden or glass frames that you can refill with treats each year. Or go for a charity calendar such as www.adventofchange.com, which tells you each day what great things your donation is doing. A handmade wreath of flowers, berries and foliage for your front door is a true tradition. If you prefer to use a local…

While some people love the familiarity of bringing out the same decorations each year with the occasional new bauble in the mix, others enjoy trying whole new colour schemes and themes, such as this frosty pastels scene by Lights4fun. So grab a cuppa and browse our four hand-picked trends for this year and take a tour of two beautiful homes to see how they use accents and decorations to complement their traditional interiors in different ways. Plus, over on page 63, you can also take winter inspiration from the Scottish Highlands.…

SMOKIN’ HOT Add these smoky recycled-gla your tree for a subtle shimmer, from £16.95, www.nkuku.com SCENT OF THE SEASON Nothing says cosy like Atelier 38’s scented Christmas candle – your guests will love it too, £18, www.atelier38.co.uk AT MIDNIGHT This pretty glass decoration knows when it’s time to celebrate! £3.99, www.giselagraham.co.uk SHINE ON Bringing out the best silver with this simple, understated look from George by Asda, decorations from £8, direct.asda.com HOPPY TO SEE YOU Have a cute Christmas with these adorable hand-carved wood bunnies, £10, www.knowandlove.co.uk KICK BACK THIS CHRISTMAS Accessorize the mono look with a Moda Aviator armchair (£159), draped in faux fur. www.cultfurniture.com PENGUIN POWER Made from Perspex and faux-suede this little cutie is cool in every way, £9.99, www.iszidesigns.co.uk SNAP TO IT! We love this smart…

Use up fabric leftovers or unwanted clothes Furoshiki is the Japanese art of using cloth to wrap a gift. Iron the fabric rst for a super-smart look, then cover the gift, knot the top and add a homemade gift tag. Your recipient can then keep the fabric and use it again. Make wrap from discarded artwork Whether it’s your own doodles or the kids’ masterpieces, creating your own wrap designs makes it truly unique. For extra fun, ask kids to choose their favourites and glue them together at the edges to make one large piece of paper. Use this to wrap a large present or cover the outside of a gift box. Use tote bags Hands up who has a bunch of inexpensive tote bags in the corner waiting to…

Cooking, baking and sharing festive food and drink is at the heart of why we love the festive season! The experts at BBC Good Food share three delicious ways to do turkey and for a real centrepiece, serve up a colourful nut roast wreath too. You’ll also find plenty of inspiration for warming dinners, glorious bakes, party bites and fancy cocktails. And it’ll be easy to cater for everyone, as we’ve also included vegan and alcohol-free options. We finish with an expert mixologist’s guide to throwing a DIY cocktail party. So raise a glass and get stuck in!…

SERVES 6 with leftovers PREP 35 mins COOK 1 hr 50 mins-2 hrs plus resting 2-2 ½kg turkey crownOlive oil10 thin slices streaky bacon/pancetta Small rosemary sprigs1 large onion, cut into 8 wedges3 whole garlic bulbs, halved horizontally1 lemon, cut into 6 wedges FOR THE STUFFING 4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle2 medium onions, chopped3 garlic cloves, nely chopped50g pine nuts85g parmesan, grated6-8 slices pancetta, chopped280g breadcrumbs (1 small loaf ciabatta)4 tbsp at-leaf parsley, chopped1 tbsp rosemary, nely chopped1 lemon, nely zested2 eggs, beaten FOR THE GRAVY 4 tsp plain our175ml medium-sweet marsala850ml turkey or chicken stock 1 Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Rinse the turkey, then pat dry. Weigh to calculate the cooking time, allowing 20 mins per kg, plus 70 mins (or 90 mins…

Nut roast wreath This nut roast has plenty of texture from pulses and nuts, and flavour from roasted veggies, herbs and spices. You can make it vegan by swapping the eggs for 1 tbsp ground flaxseed, soaked in 70ml water for 5 mins before adding to the mixture. SERVES 8-10 PREP 25 mins COOK 1 hr 45 mins 4 carrots (300g), chopped into chunks4 parsnips (300g), chopped into chunks200g butternut squash, peeled and chopped into chunks3 tbsp rapeseed or olive oil, plus a drizzle for the tin2 red onions, finely chopped2 sprigs rosemary, leaves stripped and chopped4 sprigs thyme, leaves stripped and chopped6 sage leaves, chopped, plus a handful to serve400g can chickpeas, drained 400g brown lentils, drained 180g pouch cooked chestnuts2 eggs1 tsp ground mace2 tsp ground cumin75g dried…

Starry mincemeat slices These treats are easy to make using sheets of ready-rolled pastry and a small star cookie-cutter SERVES 12 PREP 20 mins plus chilling COOK 30-35 mins Butter, for the tin2 x 410g jars mincemeat175g grated Bramley apple squeezed to remove excess juice2 x 375g packs ready-rolled shortcrust pastry sheetsWhite caster sugar, for dredging 1 Butter a 30x20x2.5cm baking tray. Mix the mincemeat and grated apple. Unroll the pastry sheets and lift one into the tin so it lines it and the excess hangs over the sides. Spread the mincemeat mix over the sheet evenly. 2 Leave the other sheet on its wrapping, but lightly mark the size of the tin onto it. Stamp out stars, spaced apart – don’t go outside the markings. Carefully invert on top of…

VEGAN CHOCOLATE SPONGE 480g cups plain our5½ tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 280g caster sugar5 tsp baking powder1½ tsp bicarbonate of soda480g soya yogurt180ml sun ower oil2 tbsp golden syrup TOPPINGS 500g vegan butter, cubed and softened2 tsp pure vanilla extract1kg icing sugar170g dark vegan chocolate, broken into pieces50g vegan black cherry conserve150g fresh cherries SERVES 20 COOK 30 mins PREP 1hr 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Gas 4. 2 Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda, and mix with a spoon to combine. Make a well in the middle. 3 Put the yogurt into a bowl with the sunflower oil and golden syrup. Mix with a spoon until fully combined. Pour into the well of dry ingredients.…

Santa hat pizza bites Serve up a festive twist on these savoury pizza treats with this cool idea that kids will love MAKES 24 bites PIZZA BITES Pizza dough275ml pizza sauce24 mini mozzarella balls24 slices pepperoni TO SERVE 1 large mozzarella ball16 pearl-size mozzarella22 mini mozzarella balls 1 To make the pizza bites, preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. 2 Unroll the pizza dough and cut it into 24 even squares (about 2 cm x 2 cm each). Gently stretch each square and press it into a muffin cup. Place 1 tsp of pizza sauce into the dough in each muffin cup, then add a mini mozzarella ball and a pepperoni slice. 3 Bake on the middle rack…

MAKES 4 slices 4 slices of baguette1 garlic clove, cut in halfApprox 2 tsp wholegrain mustard (or Dijon or English)A few rocket leaves12 slices of cured duck breast 1 Toast the slices of baguette, then rub the warm bread with the cut side of the garlic clove. 2 Spread some mustard on each slice of bruschetta. Arrange a few leaves of rocket on the top and layer the slices of cured meat over the top. 3 If your bruschetta slice is larger than bite-size, or if you’re not eating it with a knife and fork, cut each slice of cured meat into 2 or 3 smaller pieces. Serve immediately.…

French 75 Pour 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp sugar syrup and 50ml gin into a cocktail shaker then fill up with ice. Shake well then strain into a champagne flute. Top with a little champagne, leave to settle (as it will bubble) then fill up with more champagne. Swirl gently with a cocktail stirrer then garnish with a strip of lemon zest. Mango bellini Peel and chop half a ripe mango and put in a blender with 100ml champagne, blend to a purée then divide between 2 champagne flutes. Top with more chilled champagne, pouring it slowly. Mimosa Pour 25ml fresh clementine juice and 50ml fresh orange juice into a champagne flute. Top with 100ml chilled champagne and serve. Sgroppino Put 2 tsp lemon sorbet into the bottom of…

SERVES 1 25ml vodka15ml Limoncello25ml pomegranate juiceChilled Prosecco, to top upPomegranate seeds, to garnish (optional) Put the vodka, limoncello and pomegranate juice in a cocktail shaker and add a handful of ice cubes. Shake sharply and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass or tumbler. Top up with Prosecco and serve. Throw a DIY COCKTAIL PARTY! Page 170…

MAKES 1 50m sloe gin25ml lemon15ml gingerbread syrupGinger ale or champagneCandied ginger Shake the ingredients with ice in a shaker, then strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with ginger ale or a splash of Champagne if you’re feeling particularly festive! Garnish with candied ginger on a cocktail stick. For Neil Donachie’s tips on how to throw a DIY cocktail party at home turn the page.…