by Lea Hogg
Vol au vents are easy to make and even easier when you use the ready made packs that are precooked. Valentine’s is a day for entertaining and this is a perfect option for a starter or a little nibble served with drinks.
+ Bars and Slices, Celebrations, Christmas, Desserts, Food, Lactose Free, No Bake, Reduced Fat, Reduced Sugar, Uncategorized, Vegan, Vegetarian
by Lea Hogg
The Maltese Christmas log is an unbelievably easy to make. It is a no-bake, fuss-free quick recipe and it will always taste wonderful as long as you use a good quality chocolate to coat it. It is usually made with condensed milk.
I think every can relax and enjoy their favourite sweets at Christmas but for a healthier, vegan, no added processed sugar version, try this recipe !
by Lea Hogg
‘As an alternative to those who do not enjoy dried fruits and/or nuts, here is the recipe for a traditional Christmas Tunis Cake.
The history of this cake intrigues me because it has no association with Tunis. It appeared on the supermarket shelves in the 70s when it was commercially produced by McVities. In recent years it seems to have become popular again.’
by Lea Hogg
‘This cake has no added refined sugar and I use ground almonds instead of flour. I love the taste and texture. If you prefer it sweeter add some stevia.
by Lea Hogg
These chocolate muffins are so quick and easy to make and they are so soft and delicious that I think most people will not be able to resist a second one.
During Christmas week or a weekend in December they are ideal a any tie of the day and a good start to the weekend as a late breakfast too with a cup of coffee. Thick, dark and silky chocolate gives you an instant lift and you can also omit the icing and sprinkle oats, museli or your favourite seeds on top before baking.
by Lea Hogg
‘Every year I save some of my Christmas Mincemeat to use the following year. The flavour matures and the taste improves over time and once we start to approach the beginning of November I like to use it up and make this egg free mincemeat loaf which is absolutely effortless but starts to remind me that Christmas is only round the corner. I made a variety of two different loaves this week, one in real time during the tv show.
by Lea Hogg
‘biscotti made with mincemeat and studded with colourful glace cherries will spice up any Christmas gathering. I use almond meal [or ground almonds] mixed with the flour. For a gluten free option use gluten free self raising flour.’ You will need: 1 cup mincemeat [mincepie filling] 2 cups self raising flour 1 cup almond flour 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda a pinch of salt … Read More How to make Christmas Biscotti using mincemeat
by Lea Hogg
‘Make your dried fruit mini-log long and slim; it will look great on a Christmas cheese board served with fresh fruit, Maltese Galletti, chutney and pickles.
by Lea Hogg
‘ For me the Swedish celebration of Santa Lucia symbolizes the arrival of Christmas. Having been an expatriate within very mixed international communities, we always welcomed the arrival of the pretty flaxen haired girls with the candles. Good memories of another lifetime.’ I made Santa Lucia saffron buns this week. The taste is very distinctive and do not overdo it with the saffron. … Read More No Knead Santa Lucia Saffron Buns
by Lea Hogg
Sicilian Cuccidati make a welcome addition or alternative to mincepies. Like most people I adore mince pies but I usually like to add this Sicilian version to my Christmas baking. Traditional cuccidati recipes require the filling to be cooked and in this recipe I have removed refined sugar and left simply blended all the ingredients for the filling in a food processor with an amazing result in texture and flavour.
by Lea Hogg
‘I have not yet met anyone who does not like these most amazing Greek cookies. This recipe was passed on to me by Maria, my dear neighbour in Limassol ..’
