I really don’t know where this recipe came from, but whenever I make it, it feels very homey English country house to me. Maybe I picked it up when I lived in England. It’s a fruitcake, which the British are very fond of, but it is nothing like the traditional Christmas variety. It’s sweet, but also a little savory, with big, crunchy hazelnuts running through all that fruit. … [Read more...] about Fig, Fruit and Hazelnut Loaf with Whipped Stilton
cranberries
Gingerbread Baked Apples
For my family, Christmas day brunch is part of our tradition. A nice, big spread with biscuits and jam, grits and egg casserole, maybe country ham or bacon or homemade sausage. Maybe a French toast casserole, or one with hashbrowns. And fruit. Sometimes a baked fruit casserole with canned fruit, sometimes a fresh fruit salad. I like to mix it up a … [Read more...] about Gingerbread Baked Apples
Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins
The holidays are filled with so much sweet and sugary (not that I’m complaining), so sometimes it’s nice to have a treat that’s seasonal and festive, but not as cloying or overly sweet. These muffins hit the spot. Hearty with oatmeal and moist from yogurt, these muffins are filling and comforting with a nice holiday kick. Perfect for a Christmas morning buffet or as a little … [Read more...] about Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins
Egg Nog Bread Pudding with Hot Buttered Rum Icing
You have to love a dessert that ticks all the holiday entertaining boxes – feeds a crowd, can be made ahead and is full of festive flavor. And this dish does that in spades. Not to mention that is easy to prepare, but impressive in taste and presentation. And I’ll be honest with you, it’s hard to mess this up. I made it once thinking I’d be so smart and set the oven to a timed … [Read more...] about Egg Nog Bread Pudding with Hot Buttered Rum Icing
Wild Rice Pilaf
Thanksgiving is all about tradition. I would be ejected from my family if I didn’t serve certain things on the holiday table (sweet potatoes, corn pudding, cranberries). I think most families have that feeling – a special dish you may eat only on Thanksgiving, but the holiday simply wouldn’t be the same without it. And I know it can sometimes be the source of some tension (the … [Read more...] about Wild Rice Pilaf
