(This recipe for cranberry, orange & ginger mincemeat was also featured on Getrealirishtours.com)
When I made this cranberry, orange & ginger mincemeat , the house was instantly transformed by the festive smells. People were trickling into the kitchen and even the collection of ingredients piled on the table spoke of the warmth and familiarity of a traditional Christmas. This recipe is, however, a twist on a classic, using the tart cranberry flavour in fresh and dried forms to offset the sweetness of the orange and other dried fruits. Cranberries are so delicious and I need to use them as much as I can during their short season! I can’t resist dried figs either – they are such a luxurious touch, especially when they are all bathed together in cherry brandy. The Christmas smells really come from the aromatic fresh ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.
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Monthly Archives: January 2015
Spiced Red Velvet Bundt Cakes
Having bought mini bundt tins, Spiced Red Velvet Bundt Cakes with Baked Cream Cheese Filling seemed like an obvious option. Yes, I know, I am a little obsessed with red velvet cake, but these little beauties will help you understand why. The hint of cinnamon really emphasised the chocolate flavour while the characteristic light crumb melted on your tongue. Throw in the excitement and luxury of a baked cream cheese filling and you’re onto a winner.
Courgette, Lemon & Elderflower Drizzle Cake
Courgette, Lemon & Elderflower Drizzle Cake really is a delicious treat. The combination of courgette, lemon and elderflower in a cake is one that I hope will appeal to gardeners! I grew up on an organic farm and the realities of seasonal foods were an everyday normality for me. More than that, the relationship between the soil and the land around me with the food I ate was a natural and obvious connection. I believe that my interest in cooking stemmed at least in part from a desire to find ways to use up a glut of that eggs or make something of the crab apples growing in the hedgerows.
Crystallising Flowers and Petals
Crystallised flowers and petals are the perfect decorations I think. They have the simplicity and beauty of nature, with a little touch of glamour. Sometimes I like to just scatter the unadulterated petals on top of a cake…I love vivid pink against a dark chocolate cake, but often this gentle process of crystallising flowers and petals is the perfect finishing touch to a baked delight.
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Cranberry, Orange & Ginger Mincemeat
(This recipe for cranberry, orange & ginger mincemeat was also featured on Getrealirishtours.com)
When I made this cranberry, orange & ginger mincemeat , the house was instantly transformed by the festive smells. People were trickling into the kitchen and even the collection of ingredients piled on the table spoke of the warmth and familiarity of a traditional Christmas. This recipe is, however, a twist on a classic, using the tart cranberry flavour in fresh and dried forms to offset the sweetness of the orange and other dried fruits. Cranberries are so delicious and I need to use them as much as I can during their short season! I can’t resist dried figs either – they are such a luxurious touch, especially when they are all bathed together in cherry brandy. The Christmas smells really come from the aromatic fresh ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.