The Christmas season is a time for traditions, and for many of us in the UK, those traditions include the unforgettable holiday treats that filled our stockings and our hearts in the 70s and 80s. These sweets weren’t just for snacking; they were part of the magic that made Christmas feel like the most wonderful time of the year.
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A Rainbow of Festive Treats
What’s Christmas without a splash of colour? Fruit Pastilles, Black Jacks, and Fruit Salads added vibrance and flavour to our holiday bowls. Each candy brought a burst of fruity sweetness, filling the house with a rainbow of festive cheer. Who could resist the thrill of unwrapping a Black Jack or the tang of a Fruit Salad on a winter’s day? The Chocolate Tin Tradition Every family had its tin of Quality Street, Roses, or Heroes. The unwrapping, the careful selection, and sometimes a little family “negotiation” over the last caramel or strawberry cream – these tins were a treasure trove of flavours that we’d wait all year to enjoy. Find out more about the history of Quality Street and why they are individually wrapped on Wikipedia.
The Zesty Appeal of Terry’s Chocolate Orange
No holiday was complete without the ritual of “tap, and unwrap” a Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Each slice of orange-flavoured chocolate offered a bit of Christmas magic, its zesty flavour bringing a unique and unmistakable twist to the season. Last year, I created chocolate orange covers in the shape of Christmas Puddings and Gnomes. You can read more about the history of the chocolate orange here on Wikipedia.
The Sophisticated Side of Christmas
Some chocolates, like Ferrero Rocher, Elizabeth Shaw mints, and Matchstick chocolates, felt a bit more grown-up. Whether as a gift or saved for after-dinner treats, these sweets brought an extra touch of elegance to the holiday, making us feel like Christmas was, indeed, a time for a bit of indulgence. Who can forget the ambassador's party and the Ferrero Rocher?
Lost but Not Forgotten: Meltis Fruit Jellies, Artful Chocolate Boxes, and Chocolate Liqueurs
And then, there were the rare delights: beautifully soft and sugar-coated Meltis Fruit Jellies, chocolates in boxes adorned with classic art, and memorable chocolate liqueurs filled with a splash of spirits. These treats were more than just a taste; they were a visual and sensory experience, adding a touch of elegance and mystery to the holiday spread.
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When it comes to Christmas, few things bring as much joy as a delicious cheese board or a thoughtfully selected cheese gift. Cheese adds that perfect, indulgent touch to holiday gatherings, whether it’s served on a festive platter or gifted to a fellow foodie. So, if you're thinking about adding some cheesy goodness to your Christmas season, you’re in the right place! Let’s explore all the delightful ways to enjoy cheese this holiday. In this blog, I'm looking at cheese and its role at Christmas. Want to hear the extended blog? Then, you can listen to it on my podcast. Just scroll to the end of this blog to go to the recording
Why Cheese Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift
Christmas is all about joy, warmth, and celebrating togetherness, and cheese embodies all of that! Cheese gifts are great because they offer variety, are easy to personalise, and can feel wonderfully luxurious. Think of it as a gift that appeals to almost everyone. Artisanal cheeses, in particular, make a thoughtful present because you can find a flavour, texture, and style to suit any palate. Here are a few gift ideas:
Do remember to let the recipient know that their present needs to go in the fridge and avoid unpleasantness when they open it weeks later to mouldy cheese!
Creating the Perfect Christmas Cheese Board
A holiday cheese board is a work of art that will make your Christmas table look stunning. Aim to mix flavors and textures to keep things exciting. Here’s a quick guide to building a festive cheese board:
A Spotlight on Goat's and Sheep’s Milk Cheese
As more people become aware of lactose intolerance, alternatives like goat's and sheep’s milk cheeses have become popular. These cheeses tend to be gentler on the digestive system and often have unique flavours and textures that are perfect for adding variety to a cheese board.
The Gift of Cheese and JoyCheese is more than just food; it’s an experience. This Christmas, whether you’re gifting a beautifully aged cheese, crafting a stunning cheese board, or selecting a unique alternative for those with dietary needs, there’s a special kind of joy in celebrating with cheese. For more on creating the perfect cheese-filled Christmas, be sure to tune into this week’s podcast episode, where I chat about my favourite cheeses, pairing tips, and holiday traditions.
Every few minutes, today, someone has walked past with their dog, partner and / or children. Everyone is happy and out with a purpose as the shops are closed, so they are either visiting someone or just enjoying being outside. It's at times like this that I miss my mum the most. I would collect her and my father on Christmas Eve, at the crack of dawn, then drive them to our house. My father would be a sour and bitter as ever, but my mum would be like a small child. She would giggle and laugh as my husband joked with her. They would have long conversations on German Flying Aces of WWII (when my father lost his sight he decided my mum would read to him rather than have audio books, so she became quite the authority on different subjects) and she would nurse a glass of sweet wine for most of the day. But, around 10am, when I would put the meat on to cook, and my father was dozing on the sofa, Hubby would take the opportunity to read a book and mum would sneak out to be with me whilst we peel, chopped and prepared the veg. I have one wonderul memory of her at our house in Bicester. The kitchen was not designed to have two people in it so whilst I was in and out of the oven, she sat in the door way of the kitchen, on the stairs, peeling and preparing sprouts with a glass of bucks fizz (mainly orange juice and a little champagne) on the step beside her.
All through the prep she giggled and chatted about everything and anything. Now as I stand in my kitchen, putting little cross cuts in the base of my sprouts, just as she always did, I'm back there, 12 years ago, with her, preparing the vegtables for our dinner, hearing her laugh and missing her so very much. |
Why the Christmas Lace Notes?Wow - 2024 marks the third year of the Christmas Lace Notes and this year, we have podcasts too! The Christmas movie a day all kicks off on 15th November. One a day, every day until Christmas. Archives
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