Christmas Bread & Baking at River Cottage

From £150.00 you can take part in a Christmas bread-making and baking cookery school at River Cottage HQ.

To find out more, click here.

Festive Bread

Fancy waking up on Christmas morning and tucking into some festive bread, rather than your usual loaf? If so, then this recipe is for you.

Festive Bread

Ingredients
1 ¾ cups flour
2/3 cups brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs
1/3 cup butter
½ cup chopped nuts
1 jar (10 ounce size) maraschino cherries

1) Lightly grease a 9-inch loaf pan and pre-heat the oven to 350F (180C, Gas Mark 4).

2) Drain the cherries, reserving 4 tablespoons of juice, and roughly chop.

3) In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt and mix well.

4) In a separate bowl cream together the butter, sugar, eggs and the 4 tablespoons cherry juice. Mix well until fully combined. Add the butter and sugar mix to the flour mixture and mix well. Then gently fold in the chopped cherries and nuts.

5) Scoop the batter into the loaf pan, and spread evenly.

6) Bake bread for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden and baked through. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.

What is Myrrh Anyway? at Ealing's leading Art and Craft fair

Just a reminder that I will be at St James' Art and Craft Fair tomorrow - Saturday 7 November - between 10.00am and 4.00pm, selling - and of course signing! - copies of What is Myrrh Anyway? Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Christmas.


I also have a limited number of copies of the brand new American edition of the book Christmas Miscellany available, as well as some of my latest Fighting Fantasy adventure gamebook Stormslayer.


Admission is free, so if you're in the area, why not pop along and say "Hello"?

Forthcoming Events

There are a couple of events in November at which I shall be making a personal appearance.

The first is the Ealing Arts and Crafts Fair, where I shall be selling (and signing) copies of What is Myrrh Anyway? The fair is being held at St James' Church on Saturday 7 November, and I'll be there between 10.00am and 4.00pm, apparently in a marquee outside - so pray for good weather for me!

And then on Tuesday 10 November I shall be appearing at the Beyond Words Festival, at University College School from 2.30-3.30pm. I shall be talking briefly about the how I came to write What is Myrrh Anyway? and will then be hosting a fun - but challenging - Christmas quiz, as well as signing copies of my books. To reserve your ticket for this event, ring the UCS Box Office on 020 7433 2219.


Maybe I'll see you at one or the other? If you do pop along, say "Hi!" and tell me the blog sent you!

Have an Exceedingly Merry Christmas

If there's one person you should invite to stay with you and yours this Christmas, it's Mr Kipling.

Nothing signifies the start of the Christmas season quite like a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine, and last year Mr Kipling produced 60 million mince pies? That's enough to stretch from London to Greenland! (He must be a very busy man.)

But he doesn't only make mince pies, he makes exceedingly good Christmas Cake Slices as well, along with Cranberry and Orange Mini Classics, Christmas Pudding Slices, Winter Warmer Lattice Tarts and Festive Bakewells to boot!

Did you know...?

Over the three key Christmas months retailers sell around 60 packs of mince pies per minute - that’s six mince pies sold per person per year in the UK. A whopping 1,900 tonnes of mincemeat goes into Mr Kipling mince pies each year; that’s the equivalent weight of 317 full size elephants! In one mince pie season, Mr. Kipling uses 190 tonnes raisins, 300 tonnes sultanas and 2,184 tonnes pastry to create these popular festive sweet treats!

But the largest mince pie ever to be baked wasn't one of Mr K's. It weighed 1.02 tonnes and measured a huge 6.1m x 1.5m. It was baked in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire on 15 October 1932.

Ealing's leading Art and Crafts Fair

I will be at St James' Art and Craft Fair on Saturday 7 November between 10.00am and 4.00pm, selling - and signing! - copies of What is Myrrh Anyway? Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Christmas.


Admission is free, so if you're in the area, why not pop along and say "Hello"?

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me... eight maids a-swimming!

Some people believe that the carol ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is one of the so-called catechism songs, with the list of gifts acting as a coded message to represent significant elements of the Catholic catechism.

In this case, the eight maids a-milking stand for the eight beatitudes mentioned by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, as follows:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses the land.

Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

However, for some the eight maids a-milking address two of the major themes of fifteenth and sixteenth century English celebrations and parties during the Christmas holidays – those of food and romance.

Until the advent of refrigeration, milk was not a common drink because it spoiled quickly. However, milk based products that did not spoil, such as cheese, sour milk and custards were prized treats. Cheese and sour milk are the result of processes that expose milk to so-called friendly bacteria which convert the milk to a state where it can be preserved for a longer period and is also tasty. Custard is similar but this involves the cooking of the milk, which kills the harmful bacteria thereby extending the period during which it can be safely consumed.

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The maids, of course, refer to the women who would milk the cows to obtain the milk in the first place. In times past, the milking of cows or goats was typically a job for women. However, the term maid is also the shortened form of maiden which is a young, unmarried, woman. By combining the images of maiden and milk, it is easy to see how this particular gift possibly has more to do with romance than with cows!

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me... seven swans a-swimming!

Before the arrival of the turkey in the British Isles, poultry was already an important part of the Christmas menu. There were, after all, plenty of native British birds to dine upon, everything from peacock, plover and pheasant to capons, woodcock and swan!

Roast swan, was a popular dish among the aristocracy that was presented as if the bird were still alive, sitting up on the platter just waiting to be eaten. There were many different ways of preparing and serving swan, and here's just one of them:

Roast swan

1 swan
Olive oil

First clean and gut your swan, then cover the outside of the bird with olive oil. Roast it on a spit or, failing that, in the oven. Baste frequently with its own juice and when it is done carve and serve in pieces.

However, before heading off down to the local butcher’s to ask for swan, you should bear in mind that all swans are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. The mute swan is even better protected because the species is owned by the Crown, and has been ever since 1482. A small number of shooting licences are granted to farmers each year, if they can prove that swans have damaged their crops, but in all other cases it is an offence to be in possession of a swan carcass, even if the bird died of natural causes!

16 December - What is Eggnog anyway?

Eggnog is a popular drink throughout the Americas, and is usually associated with winter celebrations such as Christmas and New Year, funnily enough. But what exactly is it?

To put it scientifically, it is a sweetened dairy-based beverage made with milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs (which gives it a frothy texture) and flavoured with ground cinnamon and nutmeg. However, to most it is simply a tasty alcoholic festive drinks that warms the cockles of the heart on a cold winter's night.

The drink originated in Europe in the 1700s. To keep them warm during the cold winters people developed a drink that mixed warm milk and eggs with Sherry or Brandy to keep the chill at bay. This was served in a noggin - a small, wooden mug - and, as a result became nicknamed 'eggnog'.

During the 1800s Eggnog became hugely popular in England, especially at Christmastime. It was served as a classic punch, in large volumes to all holiday visitors. It was served both warm and cold to anyone who came calling during the winter season.

Did you know...?
American President George Washington loved eggnog and made up his own recipes.

If you're a fan of Eggnog yourself or you've never tried it before and would like to give it a go, then why not try out this simple recipe from Sarah Rutledge's The Carolina Housewife (1847)?

Eggnog

6 eggs

2 pints of milk

Half a pint of brandy

6 table-spoons of sugar

Beat the yolks and sugar together, and the whites until they are very hard. Mix in the brandy, then boil the milk and pour it into the mixture. 19th century Eggnog - done!

Did you know?

Eggnog has long been believed to be an excellent source of magnesium.

14 December - God Jul!

Christmas is a favorite time of year in Scandinavia. After all our modern Christmas is in part inspired by the ancient Norse Yule.

The countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden experience the darkest time of the year during the Christmas season when the nights are longest and the greater part of winter is still ahead.

'Jul' - or Yule - was celebrated long before Christianity came to Scandinavia. At that time it was an observation of the winter solstice, that from then on the days would become longer and darkness gradually recede. It was a celebration of light returning. Plants are on the windowsill and cut flowers in profusion on tables do much to dispel the gloom.

In Sweden, Christmas begins with the Saint Lucia day. The Saint Lucia ceremony takes place on December 13. Christmas Eve is known as Julafton in Swedish. After the festive Christmas Eve dinner, someone dresses up as Tomte (Christmas gnome) who is believed to live under floorboards. Find out more about Christmas Traditions in Sweden!

Did you know...?

Swedish Christmas home decorations include red tulips.

In Denmark, the mischievous Danish elf Nisse plays pranks on people during Christmastime. On Christmas Eve, many Danish families leave some rice pudding or porridge for him so that he is nice to them. Children are not allowed to see the Christmas tree until dinner time on Christmas Eve (known as Juleaften) and parents decorate it secretly with home-made baubles. Find out more about Christmas Traditions in Denmark!

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Norway also has an elf called Nisse, but with the features of a goat (Julebukk in Norwegian.) The idea of Julebukk is a very old one and was probably known by the Vikings. There is a special Norwegian holiday cookie called Sand Kager. In the afternoons, children go from door to door to ask for treats and goodies. Find out more about Christmas Traditions in Norway!

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When you spend Christmas in Finland, you will see that Finland shares some of its Scandinavian Christmas traditions with its neighbour Sweden - but then there are Christmas traditions in Finland that you'd never guess! Fancy a Christmas Day Finnish sauna, anyone?
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Iceland has many old traditions during the Christmas season. For a start, you can expect no fewer than 13 Icelandic Santa Clauses! The origin of these 'Santas' is centuries old, and each has its own name, character and role. A special custom for Icelandic children is to put a shoe in the window from December 12 until Christmas Eve. If they have been good, one of Iceland's 'Santas' leaves a gift. If they've been bad they get a potato! Find out more about Christmas Traditions in Iceland!

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Glögg is the Scandinavian form of mulled wine. Made from red wine, spices and sugar, it can also have stronger spirits such as brandy, akvavit or vodka added to it. It is served with raisins, almonds and gingerbread biscuits. Sometimes almond biscuits are served instead.

Here's a traditional recipe for Glögg, followed by one for Scandinavian almond biscuits.

Glögg

1 bottle of red wine
25 g dried orange zest

25 g cinnamon sticks

20 cardamom seeds

12 cloves

200 g blanched almonds

200 g raisins

225 g brown sugar

70 ml brandy
A cheesecloth

Bring the wine close to the boil in a pot. Put the orange, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves in the cheesecloth, tie it into a bundle and boil it in pot for 15 minutes. Add the almonds and raisins, and cook for another 15 minutes, before removing the pan from the heat. Add the brown sugar and brandy, and stir them in. Then remove spice bundle. Serve hot.

Scandinavian almond biscuits

125 g butter
1 cup (220 g) white sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon almond essence
1¾ cups (220 g) plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (60 g) slivered almonds
2 tablespoons (40 ml) milk
for the icing
1 cup (155 g) icing sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond essence
1/4 cup (65 ml) milk

Preheat the oven to 165 degrees C. In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add egg and almond essence; mix until fluffy. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt; mix well. Divide the dough into 4 pieces, and roll each one into a log about 30cm long. Place 2 logs per cookie sheet 10-13cm apart. Flatten each roll by hand until it is about 3 inches wide. Brush flattened roll with milk and sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Bake in preheated oven 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are slightly browned. While the cookies are still warm, cut them crosswise at a diagonal, into slices about 2cm wide. When cool, drizzle with almond icing if you like.

To make the almond icing, in a small bowl, stir together powdered sugar, almond essence, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cookies.

13 December - Eat, drink and be merry

Tired of the same old Christmas fare year after year, looking for a twist on a familiar favourite, or are you simply wanting to do what you've always done, only better? The the television is the place for you over the next couple of weeks.

You could enjoy a River Cottage Christmas with Hugh Fearnley-Eats-it-all, master of the ten bird roast, pay a visit to Willie Harcourt-Cooze's wonky chocolate factory to experience Willie's Perfect Chocolate Christmas, or join champion of healthy home cooking on a budget Mr Oliver for Jamie Cooks Christmas, all on Channel 4.

And over on the BBC this week you have the domestic goddess of TV cookery (who, like a good whiskey, seems to get better with age) inviting us into Nigella's Christmas Kitchen.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding,

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding,

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer!

Meet Radio 5 Live's Christmologist - at Acton Christmas Fair

I will be at Acton Christmas Fair, this Saturday, 6 December, from 11.00am until 6.00pm, selling and signing copies of my book, What is Myrrh Anyway? Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Christmas.

I will also be happy to (try to) answer your Christmas questions. And you can hear me doing just that on Christmas Day, at midday, on Radio 5 Live's Dom and Danny Do Christmas.

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So, maybe I'll see you there.

Ealing 135 Group Christmas Fair

Apologies for the late notice on this one, but I shall be appearing at the Ealing 135 Group Christmas Fair this evening.

The event is being held in the Victoria Hall at Ealing Town Hall, Uxbridge Road, London, and runs from 8.00pm - 10.00pm.

As well as me, selling and signing copies of What is Myrrh Anyway?, my brand new book which answers all your questions about the festive season, you will also find a fabulous and unusual range of gifts and products, mostly hand-made. There's jewellery, hand-made baby clothes, toys, bags, ceramics, photo albums, home produce and loads more.

Mince pies and mulled wine will be available and there will also be a raffle, with all proceeds going to charity.

Entry is £1.00.

Acton Christmas Fair

Just to let you know, I will be taking part in the Acton Christmas Fair, on Saturday 6 December, from 11.00am until 6.00pm, selling and signing copies of my book, What is Myrrh Anyway?

If you happen to be in West London for the day (or don't live too far away) why not pop over to Acton Town Hall and say 'Hi!' or 'Merry Christmas!' or whatever else takes your fancy?

As well as a personal appearance by yours truly, as you browse the many market stalls, looking to make a start on your Christmas shopping with the all the arts, crafts and one-off quirky Christmas gifts (as well as more traditional holiday treats) that are on offer, you will be entertained by various choirs, carol singers, bands and buskers.

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So why not come along? Maybe I'll see you there.

St James Church Ealing, Christmas Craft Fair

If you live in the vicinity of West Ealing, London, then why not pop along to the Christmas Crafts Fair being held at St James Church?



There you will find a wide range of original art, crafts and specialist goods from local artists - everything from candles and ceramics to greetings cards and jewellery.

To find out more, click this link.

Country Living Christmas Fair 2008

If you live in London but fancy a taste of country living this Christmas, then why not pop along to the Country Living Christmas Fair 2008, being held from 12–16 November at the Business Design Centre in Islington?

It's the perfect place to do all of your Christmas shopping under one roof. You’ll find everything you need for the perfect Christmas, from hand-crafted decorations to traditional toys, the latest fashion, limited-edition jewellery and a mouthwatering array of festive food and drink.

Cockington Christmas Fayre

Cockington Court, is described as the jewel in the crown of Torquay. Set in 450 acres of beautiful parkland it is home to a thriving craft centre, with tearooms and stables attached. It's open seven days a week, entry is free and on 7 and 14 December it is to be home to the Cockington Christmas Fayre.

At the Fayre you will find Santa's Grotto, traditional story telling for the kiddies, a craft fair, mulled wine and mince pies, a Christmas letterbox trail, a hog roast, face painting, festive carriage rides and even glass blowing by candle light. To find out more about this South Devon event, click here.

All the fun of the Christmas Fayre

I have just come back from a week away in the Welsh borders and as part of our family holiday we visited Ludlow and its castle for a day.

Whilst there I saw Ludlow's Medieval Christmas Fayre being promoted, and thought I would pass on the information here (for any who might live in the Shropshire area or be visiting at that time).

The Fayre will take place on Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November 2008. In 2007 over 15 thousand visitors enjoyed Ludlow's Medieval Christmas Fayre, so why not go along this year yourself and see what all the fuss is about.

And of course you get to visit Ludlow Castle at the same time, which would be, in itself, something of a Christmas treat!

If you know of any other Christmas Fayres, feasts, festivals or other celebrations, why not contact me at whatismyrrh@hotmail.co.uk and I'll promote them here on the blog.