The “C” Word (Part 1)

Yes, it’s that time of year when the dreaded (or maybe not) “C” word crops up. Christmas. It’s really not long to go and so the preparation begins.

I am not religious and therefore Christmas holds no special relevance for me. However I do like to have certain days in the year which are unlike all the others. Whether new traditions are created, celebrated, new foods made, or it is a day for spontaneity. Life can drag us all down, and to have a few days here and there where your routine is different, you eat different food, and have something to look forward to is a good thing in my book.

So, back to Christmas. I enjoy the tinsel, the glitter, the lights and I love the food. Christmas cake (which will be my part 2 of “The “C” Word” and Christmas mincemeat are the two food items which need to be prepared in advance. Long in advance. And, before you ask, no, I don’t do Christmas pudding. Not in the traditional sense anyway. But watch this space for part 3…….!!

Mince pies are lovely, home-made mince pies are even lovelier, and so, too, I have discovered is home-made mince.

I found a recipe I liked and have only done minor tweaking here. This one is a VERY boozy Christmas mince.

With raisins, currants, cranberries, sultanas, almonds, lemon, Bramley apple, dried candied citrus peel, cinnamon, mixed spice, Demerara and dark muscovado sugars, rum, brandy and Amaretto………..sigh.

Now I just need the willpower to leave it for a few months.