Mulled Wine Inspired Christmas Martini

‘Tis the season for Christmas parties & a little festive tipple!

Mulled-wine inspired Christmas Martini ● Christmas cocktail recipe ● Cake + Whisky

And in that field, things don’t get any better than a tangy Christmas Martini.

Mulled-wine inspired Christmas Martini ● Christmas cocktail recipe ● Cake + Whisky

I first tried them at the Borough Kitchen Christmas press do, and they immediately became a seasonal staple.

They are a modern take on traditional mulled wine and a real Christmas cracker of a drinks recipe!

Mulled-wine inspired Christmas Martini ● Christmas cocktail recipe ● Cake + Whisky

Super easy, quick and completely delicious, I have it on good authority that Mr & Mrs Claus enjoy a few of these on the run up to Christmas eve.

Just make sure you drink them responsibly… ‘elf & safety first, promise?!

Mulled-wine inspired Christmas Martini ● Christmas cocktail recipe ● Cake + Whisky

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More festive inspiration & recipes

The A to Z of Christmas in London

Cranberry & turkey sausage rolls

Christmas orange salad (VE)

DIY Christmas bingo cards

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Mulled Wine Inspired Christmas Martini

Spiced chocolate truffles

The plan for this year’s festive recipes was to give old favourites a fresh twist.

But despite having won bit battles on the brussel sprouts, snacking nuts and dessert fronts, there are still some classics I’m reluctant to let go off.

Spiced chocolate truffles | Cake + Whisky

Every year for as long as I can remember, my family’s Christmas feast has started with a plateful of oysters, continued with smoked salmon in one form or another, and finished with a cup of coffee and a couple of homemade chocolate truffles.

And if I’m not really big on the first one, the other two are absolute Christmas must-eat in my eyes.

Spiced chocolate truffles | Cake + Whisky

So this year, much like last year, I will be making a few versions of my failproof recipe besides the obligatory cocoa- and coconut-coated ones.

Spiced chocolate truffles | Cake + Whisky

Super easy to make, delicately spiced, and utterly irresistible, these cinnamon spiced chocolate truffles are sure to make an appearance!

What can I say, that’s just how I r-ho-ho-oll!

Spiced chocolate truffles | Cake + Whisky

Spiced chocolate truffles (makes about 25)

Ingredients:

  • 200g good quality baking chocolate (I usually go for Nestlé’s or Green & Black dark baking chocolate)
  • 100ml crème fraîche (about 3 big tbsp)
  • a little knob of butter (about 20g)
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp cinnamon powder (or any other powdered winter spice of your choice)

1. Chop the chocolate and tip into a large bowl. Place the bowl atop a pot of boiling water (double-boiler) and stir the chocolate until fully melted.

2. Take off the heat, then add in the butter, cream and half of the cinnamon. Mix well, then add the egg yolks and mix thoroughly.

3. Pour the chocolate batter into a bowl, cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 2h.

4. Mix together the cocoa powder and the remaining cinnamon powder. Shape the truffles using your hands or a spoon dipped in hot water, then roll each of them in the cocoa and cinnamon mix until evenly coated.

Store the chocolate truffles in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.

What are your Christmas food essentials? Anything you simply can’t do without?

Spiced chocolate truffles

DIY Christmas Bingo cards

THE CHRISTMAS COUNT DOWN HAS STARTED!

(sorry about the all caps, but not sorry because OMG SO EXCITED!!)

Time to get wrapping & sticking & enveloppe licking, hosting, toasting & turkey roasting, baking, dishing & mistletoe kissing… and then some!

Christmas Bingo cards | Cake + Whisky

Because as much as I LOOOOVE the festive season, there’s just SO MUCH to do before Christmas Day!

Christmas Bingo cards | Cake + Whisky

Decorate the tree, wrap the presents, fill the stockings… the list goes on and on and managing to get it all done is often a challenge.

Unless of course you turn the whole thing on its head and into Christmas Bingo cards!

Christmas Bingo cards | Cake + Whisky

Because what’s more satisfying than popping golden stars onto a beautifully festive card and shout BINGO! once you complete a vertical, horizontal or diagonal line? Nothing. Exactly.

I pre-filled them with festive chores & treats and left some polka-dotted spots empty for you to fill with your own Christmas traditions.

DIY Christmas Bingo cards | Cake + Whisky

Save the image above, print a bunch of Christmas Bingo cards and share them at home, at work, between friends… After all, there’s no gift like the gift of festive productivity (plus this one is free!).

Christmas Bingo cards | Cake + Whisky

…so get gold-star-sticking and don’t forget to shout BINGO! (and maybe treat yourself to a couple of chocolate truffles) as soon as you have marked five consecutive squares on your card!

DIY Christmas Bingo cards

Festive Brussel Sprout Slaw

‘Tis the season of red cups, festive (ugly) jumpers start popping up everywhere (some more succesfully than others…) and the main conversation topic in the office has moved from the usual weather-politics combo to Christmas plans…. so I suppose it’s about time to get planning from the festive season ahead!

Festive Brussel sprout slaw | Cake + Whisky

With Thanksgiving in just a few days, and Christmas no all that far behind, I’m sure you have a plethora of parties to look forward to.

The only issue with festive parties though? The. Same. Damn. Food. Every. Damn. Time. Turkey, ‘tatoes, Brussels sprouts, roast and repeat.

Festive Brussel sprout slaw | Cake + Whisky

I’m all for traditions but eating the same damn meal every other day or so for the next two months? Not quite so much so.

Festive Brussel sprout slaw | Cake + Whisky

That’s why in the build-up to the holidays, I’ll be sharing fresh twists on classic festive dishes, starting with this Festive Brussel Sprout Slaw.

Festive Brussel sprout slaw | Cake + Whisky

Light, crisp, textural and vibrant, this recipe features many elements of a traditional festive side dish (Brussel sprouts, citrus, nuts, cranberries…) but prepared in a not-quite-so-conventional way.

A new take on the classic, if you will…

After all, there’s no reason why Santa should have the monopole on surprises this festive season!

Festive Brussel sprout slaw | Cake + Whisky

Festive Brussel Sprout Slaw (serves 4)

Ingredients:

  • 500g Brussel sprouts
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 4 tbsp Greek yoghurt
  • 4 tbsp grapefruit vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds
  • 1 tbsp pecan nuts or walnuts, crushed into small bits
  • 1 tbsp dried cranberry
  • salt, pepper

1. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, shred the Brussel sprouts very thinly.

2. In a bowl, combine the mayo, Greek yoghurt, vinegar and poppy seeds.

3. Add the cabbage and season to taste.

4. Sprinkle with the crushed walnuts & cranberries and serve immediately.

Festive Brussel Sprout Slaw