Things which are time consuming relating to the Christmas Lunch are far better done early and the advantage of a good sized freezer makes preparing for Lunch extremely simple indeed.I like to serve two stuffings. One meat, and cooked separately from the bird, and one to stuff in the neck cavity, to take on the … Continue reading The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Getting ahead with Christmas, a Duo of Sublime Stuffings
I have always been a great supporter of the 'Full English Breakfast'. It is one of the few meals that can be almost entirely locally sourced, at any time of the year. A legacy of the great Country House breakfasts which were at their height in the 19th and early 20th century, these were full … Continue reading The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: The Big Festive Breakfast
Every year, I do my utmost to avoid Mince Pies until, at least, the second week of December. The description 'warm mince pie' always sounds far better than the factory produced supermarket offerings which frequent gatherings, events and parties at Christmas.I believe that making your own is simple, far more satisfying and, it will certainly … Continue reading The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Variations on the Mince Pie
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 … Continue reading The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Down Memory Lane
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 'Special … Continue reading The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: The eternal quest for the best Hot Chocolate!
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 … Continue reading The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Easy Entertaining.
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 … Continue reading The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Stories of Stilton
