A few of my favourite recipes for the festive season

I waited until December to do this post because if you are anything like me you would have already started planning your Christmas feasts. I’m a fan of traditional food like roast turkey, gammon and Christmas pudding, but it’s also wonderful to mix it up. I also enjoy having the odd Christmas party for friends in the lead up to the 25th, and these occasions tend to be a little more relaxed. Here are a few of my favourite recipes for Christmas and the festive season in general. We are right in the mix of it already so happy party days to you all.

My favourite fruit & nut cake

This is a light cake with that is loaded with dried fruit and nuts. I like to make it in October and feed it brandy for at least 6 weeks.

Apple & mince pie crumble bars

I find these so much easier and nicer than mince pies.

Pear mince pies

The pear added to a classic mince pie fruit mix gives these pies lighter touch

Easy stout fruit cake

I adapted my maternal grandmother’s easy fruit cake recipe and this one is a keeper. Friends made it at their annual Christmas cake bake-off and loved it.

Pink berry & white chocolate rocky road

This is one of my favourite things to make over the festive season and I use up an dried fruit I have lurking around that didn’t make it into the cake. I also buy chocolate in bulk as you need a lot here and these make the perfect gift.

Christmassy baked apples with brandy soaked fruit

All the Christmas flavours in a fruity dessert without any cake.

Duck à l’Orange

A delicious and classic dish that is perfect for Christmas.

Beetroot salmon gravadlax

This is the perfect starter for a Christmas feast.

Peruvian ceviche

Light seafood dishes are the perfect way to start off a Christmas feast or to serve with drinks and I’m obsessed with this recipe for Peruvian ceviche. Its so easy to make in advance and is set to impress.

How to make cranberry jelly and preserve it

This is a must-have accompaniment for turkey and so much nicer than any store bought version. Frozen cranberries are easily available in South Africa and when you preserve half the batch, you will make for next years Christmas

The best ever chicken liver pate

I always associate chicken liver pate with the festive season and all the summer picnics. This is really the best recipe I’ve found and so many people have told me so. Serve with marmalade or on a slice of fruitcake to take it next level.

Boozy cherry and Christmas pudding strudel with chocolate

This one would be illegal at any other time of year. Its OTT decadent but so festive.

Bacon wrapped chipolata sausages with rosemary and honey

Perfect to have on the side of your roast turkey or as a party nibble with mustard to dip.

Salmon & cucumber rolls with lemon, ginger & soy dressing

If you are wanting to keep your snacks light this festive season this is the perfect recipe for you. Salmon is so festive and these are the perfect partner to a glass of bubbly.

How to make the best ever roast potatoes

This is my tried and tested method of making the best roast potatoes and essential for any festive spread.

Raspberry souffle

If you don’t like Christmas pudding, make this raspberry souffle.

Spicy caramel popcorn

The perfect festive party snack trust me on this one.

Spicy buttercrunch brittle

Or along similar lines, this spicy buttercrunch brittle

Chicken breasts stuffed with pork, sage & apple

A very festive take using chicken instead of turkey

Pomegranate and ginger spritzer

This is the most Christmassy cocktail on DrizzleandDip and Pomegranates seeds make a very pretty and festive looking garnish.

Toffee, salted pretzel and chocolate bark

This is lovely to make for gifts.

Christmassy ricotta hotcakes with orange syrup

Add some of the leftover Christmas mince to these fluffy pancakes for a festive breakfast treat

Purple plum torte

Plums are in season and this is the torte I make every year. The plums form little jam-like pools in the cake and its the perfect slice to finish off a meal.