Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with some delicious festive recipes? These recipes are all simple but marvellous, and perfect for any Christmas gathering. From chocolate flavoured minced pies to an extra special mulled wine, there’s something for everyone here! Why not give them a try? Put on your Santa hat and get cooking!
Baileys Chocolate Orange Cocktail
Image and recipe source: https://www.baileys.com/en-gb/recipes/baileys-chocolate-orange-martini-cocktail
- 50ml Baileys Original Irish Cream
- 25ml Triple Sec
- 75ml Milk
- Chocolate Orange to garnish
- Ice
Tools:
Cocktail Shaker
Directions:
1) Add your ice into your cocktail shaker.
2) Add 50ml Baileys Original Irish Cream, 25ml Triple Sec, 75ml Milk (or for extra creaminess try half milk half cream).
3) Shake it well and then strain into your cocktail glass.
4) Garnish with a slice of chocolate orange or grate over the top and serve!
Nutella Christmas Tree Pastry
If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive Christmas brunch to make this year, look no further than the Nutella puff pastry Christmas Tree. This spectacular treat is much easier than it seems, with just one simple recipe! You’ll need some chocolate hazelnut spread between two layers of delicious puff pasty, which will form branches on your trees, then twist them together into position as if they were real live ones, right before our eyes – yummm!!
Ingredients:
- 1 (17.5 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread (such as Nutella®), or more to taste, at room temperature
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Directions:
1) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2) Roll out one puff pastry sheet into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface and place on the prepared baking sheet.
3) Lightly score puff pastry into the shape of a Christmas tree (triangle) with a wide base. Spread chocolate-hazelnut spread over the triangle in a thin layer with the back of a spoon.
4) Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry to a large rectangle and place on top of the first one. Carefully trace the shape of the chocolate-covered triangle underneath and cut out the Christmas tree shape and the trunk. Pull away excess pastry.
5) Lightly score 2 lines down the middle of the triangle to form a tree trunk that is narrower at the top and gets wider towards the base. Using the trunk as a guide, cut branches into the sides of the triangle.
6) Twist the branches away from you, trying to get in 2 turns on the lower branches. Continue moving up the tree, twisting away from you as you go.
7) Cut a small star out of the excess pastry; place it on top of the tree. Brush the star and the whole tree with beaten egg.
8) Bake in the preheated oven until puffy and golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Slide onto a serving plate, using a piece of parchment paper if needed.
Candy Cane Cocoa
Image and recipe source: http://mysecondbreakfast.com/candy-cane-hot-chocolate-recipe/
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (approx)
- 1 pack of fresh mint leaves
- 6 tablespoons crushed candy canes,
- 55g semi sweet chocolate
- 1 orange segment
Directions:
1) Put two candy canes in a sandwich bag. Using a hammer or a something heavy, crush candy canes until there are no big chunks left.
2) In a small pot add milk, mint leaves, and 3 tablespoons crushed candy canes.
3) Bring to a simmer and whisk so that candy canes dissolve.
4) Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.
5) Discard mint leaves and whisk in 55g of semi sweet chocolate.
6) Over a medium heat, whisk hot chocolate mixture until combined.
7) To rim your mugs, place remaining crushed candy cane on a plate.
8) Swipe an orange segment around the mug and dip into crushed candy cane.
9) Using a ladle, fill mugs with hot chocolate and garnish with a candy cane.
Chocolate flavoured minced pies!
Image and recipe source: https://www.goodto.com/recipes/chocolate-orange-brownie-mince-pies
Ingredients:
- 215g ready made shortcrust pastry
- 125g ready made mincemeat
- For the brownie mix:
- 100g dark chocolate
- 50g unsalted butter
- 125g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1tsp vanilla essence
- 40g plain flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- Zest and juice of one medium orange
Tools:
A cookie cutter
Directions:
1) Heat the oven to 180°C
2) Grease a baking tin and cut large circles of pastry with your cookie cutter. Press the circles of pastry gently into the muffin tray and place in the fridge.
3) To make the brownie mix, melt the chocolate in the microwave in short concessions, stirring in between, then set it aside for a bit to cool.
4) In a large bowl, add the sugar to the butter and mix until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the egg, beating after each addition. Add the vanilla essence and orange zest and juice.
5) Stir through the melted chocolate then add the flour and cocoa powder. Stir gently until combined.
6) Remove the pastry rounds from the fridge and spoon a small amount (around 1tsp) of mincemeat to the bottom of each round of pastry. Top the mincemeat with a large spoonful of brownie mix, making sure you don’t fill it right to the top of the pastry.
7) Place in the oven and bake for around 20 mins until the brownie is firm to the touch and the pastry is golden. Serve slightly warm with a little cream.
Luxury Mulled Wine
Ingredients:
- Wine (No need to splurge on a nice bottle get the cheapest you can find!)
- Oranges
- Mulling spices (Tend to be cinnamon, nutmeg, can also use star anrise and cloves)
- Sugar
- Brandy (to make it extra merry!)
- Garnish ideas: Cinnamon sticks, cranberries, star anrise
Directions:
1) Heat your wine on a medium level over the hob until its steaming.
2) Cut your oranges into large chunks or slices and add them to the pan. Squeeze some some oranges into the pot to to give it an extra citrus flavour.
3) Add your mulled wine spices.
4) Add your sugar/ sweetner or honey
5) Add a dash of brandy
6) Let it simmer then taste to test the flavour.
7) Serve into heat proof mugs or glasses
8) Choose your garnish to impress your guests – An orange, a cinnamon stick, some cranberries, star anise or whatever you want!
Looking for all things festive near you?
