It’s time to plan a holiday-season menu. Do a rough plan.

Food and Treats

Do you have family over for dinner or brunch? Or would you like to catch up for a coffee somewhere? So that’s food and social on the to-do list. If you would like, foodie gifts are acceptable gifts or small gifts as a gesture, the secret is in the presentation. 

Decorations

Some decorations? My Dad has been in and out of the hospital this year, with family using my front door like a vinyl turntable, so I’ve decided to keep it creative but low-key. That means no giant tree, but some outdoor and indoor lights, a few small decorations around the place. That way, I get the cheer without the stress. Do what works for you. There is no challenging exam due on January 1st for this.

A small gesture, like a foodie gift, is a simple way to show that you care.

Baking & Preparation

I personally recommend Brandy for soaking fruits and Christmas baking due to its light fruity flavour and sweetness. It also has fine notes of vanilla, oak and spices which harmonise perfectly with this season’s recipes. Cooking does eliminate alcohol, but you can check for your personal recipes. 

Christmas baking was a serious business in my family and social circles. But in a nutshell, it looked like this;

My Mother soaked her Christmas fruits in brandy, baked Christmas cake (including decorating the cake) and Christmas fruit mince pies. Made her own custard. 

My Grandmother used my Mother’s Christmas fruit mix for her Christmas pudding and Christmas fruit mince pies. 

My bestie’s Mother soaked her Christmas fruits in brandy and made pudding and fruit mince pies. She also made her own custard.

When soaking fruits, these are dried fruits. When you do your baking, adding a bit of fresh fruit is a secret to baking. Robertsons’ secret to their recipe is 25% peel-free grated apple.

Robertsons’ is, without a doubt, the best fruit mince in the world, but it isn’t gluten-free, though, and you would need to check for additives and allergens.

Below is an example of making the fruits. When soaking, you can soak for 2-4 weeks if you like. My mother stirred it twice a week. If you are soaking for under 2 weeks, stir your dried fruits every 2 days. Depending on the recipe, it needs a rating of 4.5 or higher. 

The video below is probably using Australian measurements, double check and convert for you, and you’re good to go.

For Small Quantities

If you only want to bake 12 fruit mince pies or 1 pudding that serves about 12, then you only need 1-2 jars of Robertsons’ to suffice; however, it isn’t gluten-free. For more treats that is when making your own bespoke mixture will cover you to New Year’s Day quite nicely.
Make it your own by adding a small bit of an extra something, some freshly grated peel-free apple or wax-free orange zest will give it a lift.
What spice to use? I have a brand of mixed spice blend that I purchase from the supermarket, which is a lovely blend of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. I love their blend and have always been happy with the outcome. 
Icing sugar. Icing sugar is a fantastic cheat to make everything that comes out of your kitchen look like your personal touch (even if it isn’t, it will be our secret). Store in an airtight container and use a stainless steel kitchen sieve to sprinkle over. Practice this a couple of times before the day.

Finding A Recipe

YouTube and Google will produce what you need. Put in what your dietary requirements are and have a look at what ingredients they are using that suit you. Read the feed back before you proceed to save some heartache. Ratings are gold.

Final Thoughts

Decorating can be fun too, that was my family’s specialty, they loved decorating cakes and puddings and fruit mince pies, well anything that wasn’t pinned down really. Make this time your own. Would you like to catch up with friends or coworkers? Do you want some time to yourself? Put these times in your calendar and have a good time of year.

N.B. This isn’t a paid advert for Robertsons’ it is just my personal experience and opinion.