It’s nearly here! We’re only a few days away now from presents and treats, a feast and, for an alcohol free me for the last five weeks, a much longed for glass of champagne on Christmas Eve. We’re hosting a champagne afternoon tea for our mothers.
I’ve wrapped half of my presents. Every year I vow to wrap as I buy, or at least a few weeks before Christmas. Every year I fail!
During December there have been visits to National Trust properties. Festive markets, beautifully decorated garden centres and treats shared with friends and family. I’m feeling so grateful and appreciative for good health and the opportunity for all of these good things. I’ve put together a little selection of photos to share with you.
This year has been challenging, I’ve lost two close relatives and there have been lots of difficult times. Quiet moments like these; walking up a frosty driveway and finding bright berries on a holly bush to remember and reflect have been good. Christmas is Christmas because of the people around us, not the money spent, the presents, the turkey, or even the glitz and sparkle. It’s being with people we love and who love us. On Christmas Eve we will be raising a glass in remembrance to those who are no longer with us. Join me in spirit, if you would like to?
“To celebrate the Coronation year, we are displaying two works by acclaimed artist Ann Carrington (b.1962).
The Pearly Queen of Shoreditch (2004) was made to mark Queen Elizabeth Il’s 80th birthday and combines an image familiar from postage stamps, with the Pearly Kings and Queens of London’s East End.
The Pearly King (2023) is a new commission for HM King Charles’ Coronation, on display for the first time.” Waddesdon Manor
A Scottish friend shared this recipe with me: Christmas Shortbread I’ve seen her annual photos for years, on Facebook, and as I recently made shortbread I asked if I could please have it. (This is for cooking in an aga, I baked it at 160° fan (180°) for 25 minutes.
I had made some Good Housekeeping mag cranberry mincemeat last year. (Buttery, no suet.) According to the recipe it’s only meant to be kept for a week. Over a year later later I still had three jars. Fortunately it was still smelling and tasting absolutely delicious. I must’ve had a heavy hand with the bottle when I made it, it’s definitely a recipe to keep forever. I’ve got one precious jar left. I’m wondering what to use it for, maybe more mince pies next week?
Have you done any Christmas baking? What are your plans this weekend? 🎄
The Little Room of Rachell 
Lovely wintry pictures. I plan to bake tomorrow. I have been painting and stitching Xmas cards and “printing” brown parcel paper with red acrylic paint – just for fun.
Thanks Jane.
Your crafting sounds fun and very relaxing.
What are you planning on baking?
I was going to bake mince pies from a recipe by Josceline Dimbleby that I have had years but i want to try your mincemeat shortbread . And I have to make chocolate fudge, (my Mother’s recipe) for my son.
It’s super! I hope you enjoy making and eating.
Chocolate fudge sounds good. I haven’t got a sugar thermometer, do you need one? Or test it in water / by hand …?
Just reading your post eating a piece of the Stollen I made. Normally make two: one for me and one for my son. He made the mince pies this year but complained on eating them that the shop ones would have had sweet pastry. Must look out the pate sucre recipe you mention for him.
So sorry you have had a rough year. You have been to lots of interesting places though. Since COVID, I realise I that I hardly go anywhere I don’t need to go. Must change this.
I’ll send the recipe to you via email to pass on now.
Stollen is delicious! Must make some one day.
Just about to take another batch of lebkuchen out of the oven.
Have a lovely relaxing Christmas Jane.
Made vanilla fudge and dark chocolate fudge for Christmas hampers. Also fruit gin, fruit brandy and nanny’s winter cordial. Added jars of hedgerow jelly, marmalade, and lemon curd. Jams etc made during the year not all at once
All sound fantastic! I love giving foodie gifts. One of mine is getting spiced nuts and my traffic light chilli jelly.
Hi Rachel. Sorry, my original comment didn’t post. I thought I’d give it another attempt. I wanted to say that all of your pictures are so lovely and festive. And a champagne afternoon tea sounds just perfect. I know both of your mothers will enjoy it. I had a champagne afternoon tea in NYC at The Plaza Hotel a few years ago and it was lovely and so much fun. Good memories from our trip.
I just finished wrapping all of my gifts. I was glad to check that off my list. I still have some last-minute baking to finish this evening. We will be going to my brother’s house for dinner tomorrow evening. I haven’t felt especially festive this year for whatever reason. I think some years you feel more festive than others. Hopefully, gathering with all of my family tomorrow evening will put me a bit more in the festive spirit.
I’m also so grateful and appreciative to have good health and to be able to do all the things. My mother has had a very challenging health year and it’s been difficult to see her struggle, even though she hides it well. She hasn’t had the energy to do so many things she wants to do. We believe she is turning the corner and that next year will good and healthy one for her. She’s reminded me to never take a good doctor’s report and your health for granted.
I hope you have a happy, peaceful Christmas! All of your baked goods look delicious by the way.
Julia
threecottage.blogspot.com
Thank you Julia. What a thoughtful respons. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family and a very Happy New Year
Well here I am, Christmas eve with a homemade Christmas cake to ice, presents still to wrap etc etc.. But I have been out and about with family having a great time! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.
I’m in the kitchen, just taking a brief pause. Lots happening here (and with everyone I imagine) enjoy your last minute prep and have a lovely day tomorrow. Merry Christmas!