And just like that, the festive season is in full swing and the countdown to the holiday begins. It’s wonderful to see the finish line but panic has also hit as there is still so much to do. On the 3rd of December Drizzleanddip.com turned 13 and officially became a teenager. In the digital world that is pretty old. I have published well over a thousand recipes on this tiny corner of the internet and planning on doing a thousand more. It’s been an incredible journey and I am still learning and growing so much.
I promised a festive newsletter, so this is what it will be.
Where I’ve been
Last month I traveled to the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve to shoot the food at the most incredible luxury lodge - Cheetah Plains. It was a dream assignment and I worked with a team of photographers and videographers to capture the essence of this beautiful property. It’s always special to spend time in the bush and the game viewing is amongst the best you will find in South Africa. The images are still under wraps but I hope to share more about this next year.
What I’ve been cooking
I made these easy deep-filled mince pies with the best Christmas fruit mince with cherries. The pastry is like shortbread - exactly how I like it, and no rolling is required.
Air fryer zucchini and cheese phyllo pies
These are perfect for the festive season and can be made in advance. They are a delicious variation of spinach spanakopita.
I cracked the code on an easy lemon loaf cake with lemon drizzle recipe, another one that was a little trickier than expected.
Festive recipes
Party Food
You can find a comprehensive roundup of all my party food recipes for the holiday season here. There is something for everyone from three delicious vegan hummus recipes to three delectable phyllo pies, crostini, sausage rolls, caramelized onion, goat’s cheese tartlets, and more.
Included is my all-time favourite crispy flatbread recipe which is perfect for dips, spreads, and cheeseboards. Make a big batch and thank me later. It’s so good.
Don’t these tomato and basil crostini with whipped goat’s cheese look so festive? Entertaining doesn’t not easier and I’m all for fuss-free.
My baked Camembert with sundried tomatoes, garlic, and thyme is probably my favourite easy no-fuss delicious party snack recipe. I have it on repeat.
Baking
A Christmas will not go by without me baking my apple and mince pie crumble bars. They are a combination of shortbread, an apple, and mince pie - simple and so delicious.
My easy stout fruit cake with cherries is the lowest-effort fruit cake recipe I know and almost makes itself.
If you feel like something more extravagant you can find my ultimate indulgent fruit cake.
Cherries are in season and I can’t get enough of them. My cherry galette is effortless to make.
The main event
For starters, I like something light and fishy so this year I want to make this Norwegian salmon salad with goat’s cheese but use local and more sustainable trout. I’m also going to be making this Peruvian ceviche somewhere during the festive season.
Gammon cooked in a Rooibos and ginger beer broth with herbs and aromatics is the only way I cook a gammon. I do it in my Instant pot but include instructions to do it on the stovetop too.
My best roast potato recipe is always a winner and this is my standard. (Use sunflower or canola oil if you prefer - they are almost as nice).
Confit duck legs with cherry sauce is a luxurious alternative to roast turkey and can easily be made in an Instant Pot.
My panettone ice cream bomb Alaska is the ultimate show-stopping dessert. Another fuss-free option, where the whole dessert can be made in advance, with the meringue being added just before serving. I use store-bought chocolate babka as an option rather than the pricier panettone.
My recipe for berry Eaton mess with pistachios is a perfect summer Christmas dessert that can also be made in advance.
You can find ALL my recipes in my Index. I know it’s a bit overwhelming as there are so many, but I am planning on doing a website update next year. I am going to arrange them in a more visual way.
You can also have a look at my previous round-up of festive recipes for Christmas, and another one here. Keep an eye out for my blog with more festive roundups next week.
Christmas cookbook gifting
Ina Paarman’s My Favourite Recipes is a beautiful hardcover book featuring 100 of her all-time favourite recipes. It will make the perfect Christmas gift. Buy it directly from her online shop and it will be wrapped, signed, and sent to you.
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Thank you for being here this year and for all the likes, shares, and support. Next year is set to be filled to the brim with ongoing delicious recipes (kicking off with a few healthy ones). Please like or reply to this newsletter to make sure it comes straight to your inbox. I hope you have an incredible festive holiday season and merry Christmas if you celebrate.
Sam x