This past week the weather has been very inclement with terrible thunder storms. I have to admit on dark afternoons it feels much more Christmassy and then of course I feel like going to do more Christmas shopping.
I’ve lived in SA since 1984 and I still miss hearing the Salvation Army playing Christmas carols in shopping centres. In the UK that was, not sure if it still is, a beautiful part of Christmas shopping. We’d rush around, trying to get the shopping finished before dark, and that was at about 16:30! We’d then meet up with friends for hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine. It’s just not the same enjoying a chilled glass of white wine with the sun beating down – what a life!! For those who know me, they’ll know I do prefer the latter but just occasionally I long for those old fashioned Christmases.
Turkey, gammon or what?
Have you decided on which meat you’ll be enjoying for Christmas dinner? Turkey is of course the traditional meat or a roast gammon but leg of lamb or roast pork can be just as delicious.
We are having a few pre-Christmas lunches and dinners this year and I’m ringing the changes with different meats. This weekend I’ve decided on a cold buffet as there will be about 17 of us, so I’m cooking gammon, corned beef and chickens. To serve with the cold sliced meats I’m making potato salad, noodle salad and a green salad. There will be creamy puddings, always a fresh berry trifle with biscuits soaked in sherry, a family favourite! To finish a cheese board, with juicy grapes, nuts and dried fruit.
Then the following weekend I intend cooking a whole beef fillet with mushroom sauce. The dessert will definitely be something delectably delicious.
Chipolata bacon rolls
These are a perfect accompaniment to serve with turkey. You will need: 450g chipolata sausages (Woollies normally sell them in December); 75g dried pears, cut in strips; 225g rundles streaky bacon.
Pre-heat oven to 190c. Pinch and twist the sausages in the middle, then cut in half. Partner with a piece of pear, then wrap in bacon. Set in a baking tray and cook for 25 minutes.
Sage and sweetcorn stuffing
Try this deliciously different mix for stuffing which is light and tasty. You will need: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion peeled and chopped, 20g sun dried tomato chopped, 2 tbsp sage and onion stuffing mix, 1 200g can sweetcorn drained, 75g couscous, 300g sausage meat (form a butcher), salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Pre-heat oven to 190c. Heat oil in medium pan, add onion and soften for about 8 minutes. Add tomato, sage, sweetcorn and couscous. Stir in 150ml boiling water and allow 3 to 4 minutes to absorb. Allow to cool, stir in sausage meat and season well. Transfer to oevn proof dish, cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes. This is delicious served with turkey or chicken.
Gift idea
Alpha Play is an online Toy and Gift Store that specializes in quality open-ended toys, games and gifts that will entertain and educate. Their products will awaken creativity, encourage curiosity, enhance motor skills, develop imagination and challenge thinking. They provide the tools to help children rise to challenges the future will hold (problem solving skills, strategy thinking, concentration etc).
The products are suitable for babies from six months up to adults (99 years). Many adults find the products challenging to them (Perplexus Original as an example). They also stock an exclusive range of plush toys and gifts for those who want to give a special gift. Visit www.alphaplay.co.za
That’s it for this week. Phone me 011 724 7000 or e-mail: juliem@caxton.co.za
Shop till you drop.
Julie
