Hello December!

There's always something so magical about this time of year - even the rainy, grey days seem to hold a little extra promise. Kitchens begin to warm with the scent of cinnamon and ginger, strangers greet each other in the streets like in days gone by, and the bright lights and sparkle bring a little bit of excitement to each day.

Whether you are getting ready to celebrate Christmas, St Nicholas Day (6 December) or celebrating Hanukkah, I hope that this month is bringing some time for relaxation and fun alongside all the planning and preparation.

I'm enjoying decorating and spending more time in the kitchen, making recipes that bring my family and I comfort and joy.

In My Kitchen

A Little Taste of Christmas Tradition

Family recipes bring more than flavour to the table - they carry memories, family stories and a sense of continuity and connection from one generation to the next. As promised in my last newsletter, this week I brought my late Mom's Suet-Free Mincemeat recipe to the website.

Click here for the recipe → Easy Suet-Free Mincemeat

Mom created this treasured family recipe, adapted from my Grandma's traditional mincemeat, when she needed to find lower-fat versions of her favourite Christmas treats. It's wonderful in mince pies and tarts, but it also shines in some of the cakes we love to bake at this time of year, including one of my absolute favourites - Mincemeat Cake with Brandy.

Mincemeat Cake with Brandy

If you are looking for a festive bake that feels wonderfully old-fashioned without the fuss, my Brandy and Mincemeat Cake might be just the thing. It's quite easy to make and it smells amazing while it is cooking. This is the perfect recipe for people who love the flavours of Christmas but are not keen on traditional Christmas Cake - or to enjoy while you are waiting for your Christmas Cake to mature!

It's also a lovely way to use the mincemeat you have made - or any good quality store bought mincemeat you have on hand.

Get the recipe → Mincemeat Cake with Brandy​

A Cosy Christmas Chat - My Podcast Conversation with Claire Melvin

I'm delighted to share that my episode on Claire Melvin's Discovery Corner podcast has just been released. I really enjoyed our warm, thoughtful conversation, full of gentle inspiration.

We spoke about:-

✨ Creating a Christmas that feels good for you

✨ Celebrating unconventionally (and why that is more than okay)

✨ Much loved traditions and simple joys

✨ Finding comfort, connection and a little sparkle along the way

If you enjoy listening to something uplifting while you bake, walk, decorate or wrap gifts, I would love for you to join us.

🎧 Listen to “A Cosy Christmas Chat – Episode 4​

Comforting Weeknight Suppers

...perfect for busy evenings, and the leftovers taste great too!

Beef and Barley Stew Pure comfort food, frugal, delicious, nutritious and a great way to serve a crowd. Get the recipe

Vegetable and Barley Stew Prefer a vegan alternative? This version of the recipe provides all the flavour and comfort but it's purely plant-based. Recipe here

Christmas Gift Inspiration

Holiday Shopping Tips & Gift Ideas Make holiday shopping easier, less time consuming and maybe even save some money too! Click here for inspiration

If you are looking for even more holiday gift inspiration, please visit my Amazon Storefront*.

Links marked with an asterix (*) are affiliate links - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This week I'm...

Working on my latest project, a culinary memoir shaped by the recipes and stories that have travelled with me across continents and decades, curating ideas and inspiration on Pinterest, baking, decorating and planning holiday outfits.

Reading - The Christmas Companion* by Skye McAlpine, a gorgeous, gentle book full of recipes, crafts and inspiration. (affiliate link)

Watching - Man on The Inside Season 2 on Netflix

Planning - A gentle approach to the festive season - taking my time to really enjoy it. Click here to see how our house is shaping up for Christmas in one of my latest Instagram reels.

Listening to - A Cosy Christmas Chat - Discovery Corner Episode 4 - I'm chatting to Claire Melvin about all things Christmas.

Looking forward to - an at home in person iPhone photography workshop with Kathryn Fell on Sunday. I'm always trying to up my photography game so I can share better images with you!

That's all for now. Wherever you are and however you celebrate, I hope your December is filled with warmth, comfort and joyful moments. May your kitchen be a happy place, your home cosy, and your holiday traditions — new or old — bring you joy.

Thank you, as always, for being here. I’m so grateful for you.

PS - If you make any of the recipes I have shared, I’d love to hear how they turn out. Your messages and photos always brighten my day 😊