Welcome to this site's Twelve Days of Christmas...

(stay tuned: New additions every day)

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We'll bring you tidings of quick and easy cooking, stocking stuffers...

...and a peep at what others are doing around the world

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TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - here we are!

It's CHRISTMAS DAY.

We made it!!

Wishing everyone the happiest holiday season or Christmas. 

Enjoy every moment of the food and fun and family!

Happy Christmas everyone!

ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Aussie-style Christmas lunch

It doesn’t get more Australian than this: cooking your Christmas turkey and ham on a barbecue. Appliances Online’s (Australia’s largest online retailer) barbecue Product Expert, Russell Crosdale, gives his tips and tricks to cooking the perfect Christmas turkey and ham and reveals why more Australians should use BBQ to cook their festive meals.

By using the barbecue, you get to stay outside with the family and enjoy the company and a drink while it all happens.

See how to do it HERE....

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Last-minute Hacks

A car door slams outside, and you realise you have unexpected pre- or post-Christmas guests - what do you give them? These!

Find out how easy they are....

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Festive chicken roll

Sliced cold on a platter at lunch time this is Christmas chicken-with-stuffing in a new southern hemisphere way.

Give it a try.....

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Xmas sauce

Do this well before the Christmas. Bottle it and leave in the fridge, then dig into it for a super-quick and luscious topping for almost anything: shortbread, ice cream, meringues, French toast, waffles...oh, anything you like, really...to make a sensational dessert or something special for afternoon tea.

There is no set recipe. Put dried fruits, flaked almonds, dried cranberries, some chopped crystallised ginger if you like, and mixed spice and cinnamon in a large bowl. Soak it with a little water so the fruit can absorb it and the tastiest liquors you have (sherry, brandy, rum, port etc) or use orange, pomegranate, blackcurrant juice for a non-alcoholic mix. 

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Instant crumble

Have you ever heard of crumble topping that you don't have to bake? We're joking...right? No, it's easily done in your sandwich press.

Make your favourite crumble mix (or mix 1 cup self-raising flour, 1/2 cup castor sugar, 60g melted butter, 1/8 teaspoon allspice, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon). Use a length of kitchen paper that will cover both plates of your sandwich press, and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly on the bottom plate. Shut the lid and cook for about two minutes or until fragrant and golden. Store in an airtight jar or freeze in a ziploc bag until needed.

Sprinkle the crumble over any stewed or fresh chopped fruit and serve with ice cream or cream - or both - AND try not to snack on it!

TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS 

Not wrapped in Christmas!

This is for those whose fingers tie in knots when it comes to wrapping presents. Here is a basket of gift ideas you don't need to wrap.

Here's how to put the back into Xmas gift-giving!

I don't know about you, but I am all thumbs when faced with rolls of wrapping paper and ribbon and sticky tape? I hate all that business with labels and cards and bows and ribbons and - fuss. Mainly because I am just so awful at doing it.

So I came up with a solution which won't make the wrapping paper people happy – but they don't have my schedule and commitments to deal with, either.

Read all about the options....

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Serve some 'crack'

It's not what you might think. This crack is legal - although it is quite addictive!

Have it ready when the house smells like Christmas Day, but you don't want little (or big) fingers getting into the goodies too early.

Chocolate crack is fast to make, yet delicious enough for any festive table. It makes a good 'neighbour-gift' too.

See the step-by-step directions, HERE....

NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

How the world celebrates

Not every country celebrates Christmas, and even those that do, don’t always agree on the date. Some, like Holland, have it on December 5, St Nicholas Day, and many Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany on January 6th or 7th.

Find out how our world's neighbours celebrate Xmas....

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On the Hanukkah table

Hanukkah, an important Jewish festival celebrated with lights, family, presents and food, this year it occurs between December 22 and 30.

(Photo by Tara Donne, Food and Prop Styling by Diana Yen)

If latkes (above) those crunchy potato cakes everybody loves, come to mind for Hanukkah, that's because they are a top favourite during this festival. However Hanukkah has many more specialties to offer and cooking website  Epicurious has come up with many more dishes (86, in fact) to make that Hanukkah table groan with goodies.

Read all about them here.......

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For Sydney-siders during December

This Hanukkah (Chanukah), inspire your taste buds with Shuk Bakery's wildly imaginative donut (sufganiya) with flavours inspired by the famous and colourful Israeli scene.​

The classic Chanukah sufganiya — a light and puffy fried donut made with enriched dough, filled with jam and topped with a generous dusting of powdered sugar has been taken a step or two further at the four Shuk Bakery outlets around Sydney.​

Keep up-to-date....

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Weird & wacky Xmas traditions

AND if you want to know some truly unusual worldwide Christmas traditions...read on.

EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Christmassy chocolate roulade

No one will believe how easy this stunning Christmas buche is to make.

Its most endearing angle is that there is no need to fill and roll it in the usual rather tricky timeframe that most sponge roll recipes require - just after it leaves the oven. This classy little friend is happy to rest overnight or all day (chilled, if the weather is hot) until you are ready to finish it.

Expect applause!

See for yourself how simple it is......

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While on a chocolate theme - a gift for next year

Sometimes, we just need to be patient and plan some of the bigger gifts.

Slip a card under the tree on Christmas Day, inviting a (chocolate-loving) friend to join you at the Eurochocolate International Chocolate Exhibition, in Perugia, Italy, between October 16-25, 2020.

In April 2020, Costa Crociere and Eurochocolate present the first Eurochocolate Cruise, a sweet and tasty itinerary entirely dedicated to chocolate. On board Costa Pacifica, sailing from Civitavecchia on April 16, 2020 and then continue to Genoa, Barcelona, ​​Palma de Mallorca, Malta and Catania, it will be possible to live the unique experience of the most important international event dedicated to the king of sweetness, thanks to a series of “chocolate” themed initiatives: courses, tastings, workshops, show cooking, meetings with great chocolate masters, guided tours, artisan creations and special menus.

Find out more....

SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Stay cool with Dippin' Dots

These pretty tiny balls look like confectionary, but they are way more chilled than that.

It was a hot day back in 1987 in Kentucky, U.S.A., when Curt Jones, a young microbiologist, decided to experiment with the homemade ice cream he was making for his friends. His knowledge on cryogenic freezing gave him an idea that hit him like a brain freeze in summer. If he could flash freeze the fresh ingredients of the ice cream, then it would retain its rich flavour as well as its nutritional value.

Today, 40 million servings are produced annually, supplying all 50 states in the U.S. and 20 countries worldwide.

In these facilities, fresh dairy products are mixed together with natural fruity flavours, chocolate and other tasty ingredients, resulting in over 40 different Dippin' Dots flavours.

The ingredients are flash frozen at - 210° F and turned into fresh round beads which are packaged and stored in special low temperature freezers in order to maintain their freshness and flavour. Eat them one by one, or by the handful, they are super-cool way to enjoy ice cream.

Read more about them.....

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Make your own ice cream for the holidays

There is hardly an easier ice cream recipe than this. Based on a recipe by Nigella Lawson, you can change around the flavours to suit your own tastes.

Here's the recipe....

SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Coffee takes another step forward

Coffee lovers - are you looking for something more?

Have you ever considered cascara - the dried skins of the coffee cherry? It is a relatively unknown product in Australia but you can learn more in this video, as Gypsy Espresso head barista Simon Gautherin lets you in on all the details. 

Watch this video about cascara....

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Less then a week now until Christmas Day!

With Christmas still six days away, it's too early to start to prepare for the main meal. Some cooks may have already baked the Christmas cake and mince pies, even though many younger members of families seem not so keen on these super-sweet foods.

One thing that nobody can resist, though, is chocolate, and this Gourmet Rocky Road will be hugely popular.  It is very easy to make, and perfect to have on hand for pre-Xmas drop-in visitors. It also makes and ideal treat to share with neighbours and friends when you drop in to wish them Merry Xmas.

See the recipe here....

FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

So you think you know your cheeses?

Leftovers party-time

While we're talking about cheeses, let's think about ways to use up leftover chunks from the cheese platter...

...and many other little bits that are far too good and tasty to throw out, but which are not large enough to serve on their own.

Ham bits, slices of sausage, breads and crackers, fruits and salad ingredients - it's amazing what can be repurposed to make other tasty dishes.

See even more ideas....

FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Cherry berry-misu

Tiramisu is a lovely Italian dessert, now served all over the world. Despite this, it is a quite recent addition to the menu, possibly created by a chef at Le Beccherie, in Treviso, in the Veneto region of Italy, around the 1960s.

So creating a spin-off is not seriously endangering traditional Italian cuisine. 

Using just a few ingredients, it is hard to believe that this stunning dessert is so quick ansd easy to make.

See for yourself - here is the full recipe.....

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Brave ice cream lovers ~ unite!

While we're talking about luscious desserts, let's move on to something even colder and more devilish....

Believe it or not, this Respiro del Diavolo (Devil's breath)  is the world's hottest ice cream! Conceived at the Aldwych Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor in Glasgow, Scotland, it has become a top - or you could say, hot - favourite with local patrons.

It may look innocuous, but the star ingredient is much scarier: Carolina Reaper peppers, some of the hottest in the world.  

Find out more about some other truly whacky ice cream flavours....

THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Celebrate with an Aussie special

I wish I could say that I am clever enough to have thought of this. Nor did I make it. ALL the credit goes to my lovely friend, Lorraine Elliot, who is the genius behind my favourite cookery blog Not Quite Nigella. She blends top kitchen skills with the most inventive brain I know.

Just look at this lovely way to celebrate Australia's special day and go to her site HERE for the recipe and instructions.

Go on - amaze your friends with an all-Australian special!

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Gifts for the health-conscious

Anyone looking to get into fermentation—whether they’re concerned about gut health or just really into kimchi—needs a solid Fermentation Crock. This one is big enough to make a few weeks’ worth of sauerkraut or a few months’ worth of pickles, but small enough to live on a kitchen counter.

See more healthy ideas to gift yourself or others....

SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Give yourself a very easy Christmas....

The tricky thing about Christmas (aka Stressmas) is that it takes up more than just one day. Apart from the BIG EVENT on December 25, there are all the other occasions: parties, drop-in guests, food gifts, a brunch or two... and so it goes. 

Here are some ideas to take some of the stress out of those little drinks parties that seem to happen all the time in the lead-up to Christmas.

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Jalapeno Balls

A tasty nibble to go with drinks or as a starter. Make them beforehand if you like, and freeze, then reheat briefly in the oven or a frypan. 

Here's the recipe...

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Parmesan Crisps

All you need for these is a Cafe (Sandwich) Press and some grated parmesan cheese. Use a sheet of baking paper to cover the top and bottom plate of the Cafe Press and put spoonfuls of grated parmesan well apart. Close the press and cook until the light goes on and they are crisp are golden. The crisps are fragile, but a lovely garnish to a salad or fruit platter.

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Grappole

This has to be one of the easiest chocolate delights you can make. Get creative and add anything you like: chopped crystallised ginger, glace cherries, sultanas, dried cranberries.....

Make these as decadent nibbles for a party, or wrap them as gifts for friends.  

Here's the recipe....

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Fruit fondue

This is the ideal casual help-yourself dessert. Just as good for lunch on The Big Day as it is for drop-in guests.

Check out the recipe and add your own variations....

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 See many more ideas here....

DAY 1

Stained glass window cake

Great as a gift, or just to enjoy with coffee or tea.

You know the feeling, I'm sure - wanting to get on with Christmas, but it is still ten days or more away. Too early to cook the turkey or ham, yet it would be good to feel you are getting things under control.

Drum-roll!

If dropping in a tasty gift to your neighbours is on your To-do list, these little loaves are perfect to make ahead, as they keep well too. The mix is done in a few minutes and they look (and taste) sensational.

Find the very-simple recipe here...

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Fast and fabulous eccles cakes

In the antipodes Christmas seems to come at the wrong time of year. Even though I've grown up in Australia, the hot summer just doesn't suit heavy Christmas puddings, Christmas cakes, mince pies and the many dishes people believe we need for Christmas lunch. 

Yet my palate craves the taste of Christmas. You know, all those rich spices and dried fruit, the scents that make the house smell wonderful and set the tone for the festive season. 

Well this year, I think I've reached a happy medium - currants, pastry, spices - easier than making my own fiddly mince pies and infinitely better than store-bought ones. Add grated orange rind or mixed peel to the mix too, if you like the flavour. 

Check out the recipe here..... and read to the end for the cheat's version.

Shop this!

Christmas is not all about cooking, though. It is also about buying and gifting - whether you do it online or in a store.

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For Junior chefs

Whether they are three years old or 13, kids love to get into the Christmas spirit and cook something. Just like adults they get pretty specific about what tools they need too.

Stay clean!

Any little aspiring chef will be delighted to get his personalized baking set and matching apron. Having a customized chef uniform to fit them can only make them proud and eager to get busy. The apron set is suitable from age three and includes wooden utensils such as a rolling pin, chopping board, pastry brush, and spatula.

Better still, the spatula, spoon, and board can be laser engraved with words of your choice and they come in a cotton drawstring bag, which also can carry the child’s name. 

There are many styles of customable aprons for girls and boys to choose from at Etsy.

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Roll it out!

All passionate home cooks have their own rolling pin, and there are no exceptions either when it comes to age. 

Kids love to play with dough and luckily there are many rolling-pin models that leave all kinds of imprints. Cookies will look awesome and dressed to fit any occasion or holiday. Pastry is easily imprinted with animals or vehicles, seasons or abstract patterns. 

This is the Christmassy version.

Christmas 3-er set of children’s pasta woods....

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See more ideas for young chefs here...

K is for Kakadu Plum

Did you know Australia has over 5000 native bush food varieties?

Australia has the oldest foods on earth grown in our own backyard. Sadly, they came close to being lost. 

Kakadu Plum believes in an Australia where Indigenous people and culture thrive and is celebrated every day. 

"We want to change perceptions. We want to change behaviours," they say. "We want to celebrate our traditional bush foods and bring them into the homes of all Australians and the world."

"My old people knew this tree had very special medicine," says Kakadu Plum owner, Bruno Dann who was part of the 'stolen generation', but no one could keep him away from his traditional land and wilderness heritage.

For thousands of years Indigenous Australians have used bush foods for their medicinal and health properties. Kakadu Plum Co. is a social enterprise that celebrates this Indigenous culture through food. 

Kakadu Plum, or Gubinge, a native Australian superfood, has long been considered a gift of the Dreamtime. Kakadu Plum. Kakadu Plum continues to expand the company's range with wattleseed, lemon myrtle and a collection of bush teas.

Read more about its story, connection to community and social impact.

 Kakadu Plum, or Gubinge, a native Australian superfood, has long been considered a gift of the Dreamtime. The plums are picked, then dried and milled into a fine powder, making thee company's Kakadu Plum Powder. 

Send a bright Christmas card that celebrates this venture.

Find out more...

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Please, come back tomorrow for more holiday season goodies....

Please note: All editorial on this page is included only because of its interest and possible value to readers. None of the places or products mentioned above has paid to be included. Text and pictures are used with permission.

No liability is accepted for any of the items mentioned in this article. It is the responsibility of users of this site to undertake their own research and make their own decisions.