Growing up in the 1980s there were so many things which ‘made’ Christmas. One of the main questions being, were your family ‘Team Quality Street’ or ‘Team Roses’? My parents were firmly ‘Team Roses’, whilst my paternal Grandmother was ‘Team Quality Street’.Of course, this was in the day when a tin of chocolates was really…
Category: Traditions
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: The eternal quest for the best Hot Chocolate!
One of the annual traditions in our household is putting up the Christmas decorations on the first weekend in December – this is accompanied by lots of steaming hot chocolate and, of course, homemade gingerbread biscuits. I fully admit that I am a bit of a Hot Chocolate perfectionist. So often, when I order the…
The Pheasant Philsopher’s Christmas Diaries: Party Punch and Mulling
No Victorian Christmas party was complete without a gleaming punch bowl full of inhibition-removing deliciousness. In richer households, these bowls would be silver or silver gilt, with matching chased cups and ladle, in middle class houses cut glass or crystal was offered, whilst lower down the social pecking order china, wood or pewter was most…
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Easy Entertaining.
I am extremely proud of my Welsh heritage and although there aren’t many exclusively ‘Welsh’ traditions, we do have some excellent recipes to satisfy the hungriest of guests over the Christmas period. Feeding a party is quite a challenge, but sometimes, especially in the colder weather it’s nice to offer guests something a little more…
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Stories of Stilton
There are certain things that I order every Christmas, which admittedly, are rather indulgent; whole cheeses, specialist drinks, charcuterie and chocolate. These are the items which make the Christmas period extra special, impresses guests and, in their own way creates family traditions – without exception I always seek out a really good Stilton, but I…
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Day 2, The Butcher’s Order
Today I’m turning my attention to planning my Christmas butchery order. Last year I chose one of Holt-Wilson’s Monmouthshire Turkeys and I was extremely impressed with the bird – it served far more mouths (with leftovers) than recommended, and was firm and flavoursome – not gamey, but rich and a real treat! I do feel…
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Stir Up Sunday
Discover the origins of The Christmas Pudding and Stir Up Sunday – why not try making your own this year with my easy-to follow-recipe.
Seasoned with Slow from The Pheasant Philosopher 