In addition to playing Father Christmas this year, I also thought I’d don my Martha Stewart hat and make a few festive goodies – for no other reason than I can.
(British) Tradition has it that every Christmas should be accompanied by a Christmas cake ( a rich fruit cake covered in marzipan and royal icing for those stateside). We’ll, a really good fruit cake should be made months in advance and I wasn’t that organized plus no-one in our family is a huge fan of the icing. So this year, I thought I’d break from tradition and make Dried Fruit Cookies. I saw Ina Garten make them on Barefoot Contessa months ago and I figured they were just ‘Christmas in a cookie’. I made a few amends to the recipe by also including some nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger – the ultimate festive spices. And they are pretty good I have to say. Next time, I’ll let the fruit needs to soak in a little more liquid, and/or add a little more at the mixing stage.
I also made my first attempt at chocolate truffles. And they were so easy I can’t believe I haven’t made them before.
Basically put 50g butter and 284ml of cream into a saucepan and heat until cream is at simmering point. Pour mixture over 280g of broken/chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth (and add flavoring such as brandy/rum if you like at this stage too) and refrigerate for at least for hours. Once chilled, use a melon baller (dipped in warm water) to shape. Cover the truffles in shredded coconut and chill once more. Then serve. Delicious.
Merry Christmas!
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