christmas

I normally have the Christmas cake made and stored by now but this year I already have a spare fruit cake. I made a square wedding cake thinking that it would be easier for cutting up at the reception but my daughter in law preferred (demanded!) a round one so I made another one. The original...

When the Christmas movies start airing on TV there are a few I look for: My all time favorites: #1 It's a Wonderful Life Jimmy Stewart 1946 I much prefer the original, black and white version. #2 A Christmas Story 1983 We watched this the first year it aired. George was kicked...

Yep, I know its odd, but for some reason, in Australia there is a 'tradition' of celebrating Christmas in July and it is called "Christmas in July". It is now July and fast approaching the middle of winter and time to celebrate! Don't believe me...

This year Christmas day will be just the 2 of us. We have a particular ritual we like to observe. We have smart table mats, best cutlery and smart crockery which always come out at Christmas. We have 3 candle holders each with decorations at the base also set up home on the table, this year we...

I've got a friend with some really interesting dietary restrictions that mean she is having to make her own mincemeat for mince pies this Christmas. By her own admission she's not a natural cook, so switching out some ingredients with other's does not come naturally for her. she's after a...

My wife and I are the join of two large families, and between us and our immediate family members (brothers, sisters and their kids) there are 38 of us! :eek: Whilst it is great to see everyone and get together at Christmas, we have a tradition in our house of just having Christmas dinner to...

Figures compiled for BBC News suggest the average cost of a typical dinner for six has risen by 14% since 2015. Spending £64.25 on one meal will be out of the reach of many but, whether you can afford it or not, what's the best way to get a good deal ahead of the big day? BBC News spoke to food...

Hello everyone, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for 2017. I have really enjoyed developing CookingBites and wish the community all the best for continued growth in 2017, but changes in my personal circumstances mean that I have to reduce...

On the first day of Christmas, My true love said to me: “I’ve bought a a big fresh turkey and proper Christmas tree” On the second day of Christmas, much laughter could be head As we tucked into our turkey – a most delicious bird. On the third day of Christmas came the people from next door...

I've got an emergency. I am about to cook my Christmas cake. Literally about to assemble all the parts, everything is weighed out, fruit has been soaked overnight after being picked over, sugar and marg creamed, eggs not yet cracked, flour and ground nuts mixed with spices, lemon rind and...

Has anyone got a tried and tested favourite Christmas pudding recipe? I could just look online or google it but I want something that people have tried and actually use. Thanks

Hello, For Christmas I have learned I am cooking for an additional 14 (!) people for dinner, we are having lamb as the main roast. My oven is not big enough to take a large joint of lamb in one piece but could take two smaller joints, one above the other. My question is, aside from rotating...

As per the title really. I have been asked what I want for Christmas and my birthday. I couldn't initially come up with anything until I realised I have been putting together a cookbook list of those I want. And suddenly it occurred to me. How dense can I be? I have this list and people are...

It's that time of year again. Time to make the Christmas cake. Only this year is a challenge as well because not only have I got to find my dedicated Christmas cake tin, some greaseproof paper but also half of the ingredients are going to be a challenge add all. Little things like dried...

As you may have guessed, my OH and I are leaving the country tomorrow. So last night at his parents' home, with all but one of the family present, a Christmas cake I made for Christmas 2014 was finally opened. Now I usually make this fruit cake around October time and leave it to mature, well...

We'd like to wish all of our members and guests a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thanks to all of your contributions we have had our best year yet, and we're looking forward to growing our community with you in 2016. Enjoy the holidays and don't forget, if it tastes great, ask for...

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Everyone has their own traditional way of spending Christmas day. How do you spend yours? There are those who like to stay at home and have family over for lunch or dinner. Then there are those who just like to stay at home and enjoy the day relaxing without entertaining anyone. They just...

Ingredients: 700g (1 1/2lb) mixed Christmas leftovers such as turkey, ham, sausagemeat, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, stuffing, carrots, peas – even sprouts if you wish! - cut into bite-size pieces 75g (3oz) grated Cheddar or another hard cheese 6tbsp Wholeberry Cranberry Sauce 10 large eggs...

I make these every year and I thought some of you might like the recipe. It's taken me ages to get it just right to work with a Sawa biscuit maker (like an oversized icing tube) but you can roll out the dough and use a simple cookie cutter. Ingredients: 6oz butter 6oz plain flour 2oz icing...