Kitchen Projects: 12 Days of Christmas

Launching the 2024 Recipe Advent Calendar

While the traditional 12 days of Christmas might traditionally begin on Christmas, Mariah and I are in agreement that this is far too late. This is especially true when food and drink is concerned. Since launching this newsletter, this is the very first time that our publishing day - Sunday - has landed on the 1st December. So, what better to launch into the month of eating, drinking and being merry than with our very own 12 days of Christmas?

Starting today, I’ll be sharing a recipe per day for festive treats for KP+ subscribers. With the help of some fabulous contributors - Cissy Difford, Brian Levy, Rose Wilde, Camilla Wynne - KP+ subscribers will be receiving a little food and drink pick-me-up direct to their inbox. It’s an advent calendar of sorts with all the festive recipes.

From peppermint marshmallows to gloriously giftable red wine prunes to hot cocoa mix, there’s a mix of little projects that help you meet the season. And, of course, the annual biscuit bonanza will be arriving mid-way with a whole new host of characters for 2024. I can’t wait. All you need to do to get the recipes is sign up to KP+.

What’s KP+? Well, it’s the level-up version of this newsletter. By joining KP+, you will support the writing and research that goes into the newsletter (including the commissioning - and fair payment - of all the writers), join a growing community, access extra content (inc., the entire archive) and more. Subscribing is easy and only costs £6 per month or £50 for the whole year. Why not give it a go? Come and join the gang!

With this festive occasion starting today, I’m excited to share a recipe to kick things off: Florentine Millionaire’s Shortbread.

am i obsessed with these? yes.

Combining two of my favourites, I simply adore the combination of crumbly shortbread, a rich sticky caramel layer with all the best bits of a florentine, and a slick chocolate top. You could keep these in an airtight container for a week, in the fridge for two or in the freezer for a month!

BUT… because I can’t leave you empty handed (though I hope you’ll join us over on KP+ - it’s good over there!)... Here's a few gorgeous Christmas baking projects and recipes from the past few seasons to keep you occupied.

Christmas Pudding

Stir-up Sunday was last weekend, officially, but I won’t tell anyone. Now is a great time to make your pudding. I will admit - this is the only Christmas pudding I’ve ever liked - I trust Camilla with anything fruit! Click here for the recipe.

Candied Fruit

Another Camilla Wynne hit - her book, Nature’s Candy, is surely on your Christmas list (ADD IT NOW IF NOT!) but for a taste of what she’s about you can read my interview with her here. Click here for the recipe.

Mince Pies

A classic, to be sure! Whether you make your own mincemeat, this classic recipe will see you through the season. The mince pie comparison chart is particularly handy to inspire your own recipes! Click here to make them.

Mince Pie thins

If, like me, if you are rather childish about Fruit mince and christmas flavours then join me in this mostly pastry, small amount of mince meat crisp biscuit. Click here to make them.

Pistachio Amaretti

Susan Spungen has featured the pistachio amaretti from SIFT on her newsletter Susanality. I’m honoured to be featured on there and I love this recipe. If you have the book, you can also turn to page pg 188 for the recipe. Click here to read it.

Mulled Wine jellies

Two tone jellies that are a lot of fun to have around this season. You need to buy powdered pectin, but I find that it is available in most supermarkets now. I use the tate and lyle brand. Click here for the recipe.

Truffles

Thanks to Octavia Lamb, learning how to make your own truffles is fun anytime of the year, but especially useful at Christmas. Could also be a fun festive group activity - invite your friends over, glove up, and go to town! Click here for the recipe.

Quince things

From pickles to jellies, jams to pastes, this edition will take you from poaching the season’s most resplendent fruit, all the way to packaging it for the seasons to come. Click here for the recipe.

Chai spice Batched Negronis

Mix once, enjoy for the rest of the season. Keep it in your freezer to be extra pro! Click here for the recipe.

Mince Pies Egg Nog

Infused with mince pies (!!!), let this recipe be your first foray into eggnog. You also get a recipe for Christmas Morning buns, quite gorgeous. Click here for the recipe.

Christmas Cake, or cookies

Since Camilla Wynne seems to be the patron saint of Christmas here on the newsletter, it seems only right to share her recipe for Christmas Cake again (though you might be a touch late making it!) and, of course, the cookies. Click here for the recipe.

Cookbook Gift Guide

This is from last year, but a classic is a classic! My favourites here.

P.S. SIFT got picked as an amazon black friday deal - you can get it for just under £15! AND, if I could ask if you wouldn’t mind giving SIFT a review on amazon when you have a mo, i’d be very grateful.