The Christmas period is renowned for its delicious dishes and food spreads and is the perfect time to indulge – we deserve it this year after all. Are you struggling to think of some festive recipes to impress your family members? Here are our top recipes to get you and your family in the festive mood – and to get their taste buds tingling!
5 Delicious Recipes for the Festive Season
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
There is no better time of the year than winter for a warm bowl of soup, and why not switch it up and try Roasted Butternut Squash? This 4-step recipe requires two main ingredients – Butternut squash and potatoes and will result in a delicious one pot dish that the whole family can enjoy (remember to serve with some fresh bread too)!
The Ultimate Hot Chocolate
Nothing will warm you up more than a festive Hot Chocolate in front of the fire. Simply heat some milk in a saucepan until almost boiling and hot or use your microwave for 2-3 mins. Meanwhile mix drinking chocolate powder, grated chocolate, and a pinch of cinnamon in a heatproof jug until well combined. Bring the milk to the boil, pour it into the jug and stir with a wooden spoon as you do. Now it’s time to pour it into your favourite mug, squirt a swirl of cream over the top and serve with gingerbread biscuits as an extra treat!
Mince Pies
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a mince pie would it? It’s hard to resist throwing a box of mince pies into your basket during the festive shop but give making your own a go and get the whole family involved! Start with mastering the pastry - mix some butter into the flour and stir in golden caster sugar and a pinch of salt until firm. Follow this 6 step recipe to make 18 mince pies (so there is plenty to go around this Christmas) and ENJOY!
Salted Caramel Christmas Cake
Bring a Christmas Showstopper to the table this year by adding a little twist to your traditional Christmas Cake. Filled with toffee, dates and the secret ingredient, salted caramel, we can guarantee it won’t stay around for long. Follow BBC Good Food’s Salted Carmel Christmas Cake recipe to gather everything you need before you hit the kitchen!
All-the-trimmings Tray bake
Got some leftovers from Christmas Day that you’re planning to use on Boxing Day? Put them to good use and create a delicious one tray side dish filled with carrots, parsnips, pigs in blankets, Brussel sprouts and whatever else you have left over. Add some herbs and roast in the oven for 30 minutes. This dish has all-the-trimmings and will be the perfect companion for your tasty roast potatoes!
What is your favourite festive recipes? Let us know using the hashtag #SmarterLiving on our Facebook and Twitter pages.