Nov 30, 2023 4 min read Newsletters

Christmas Ready - Issue #44

Fruit cake ready to enjoy this festive season.

Hey there, Foodie Friends!

Can you believe we're already at the end of November? Every year, I decide I'll be more organized with Christmas gifts the next year, but it always seems to sneak up on us! On the bright side, the food part is always on point ;).

We've got something exciting in the works - a video that'll show you just how ridiculously easy it is to whip up a show-stopping Christmas table centrepiece. Think glazed ham - and the best part? You only need the ham and two more ingredients. Can't wait to drop that video next week!

Speaking of wrapping up November, if you haven't already, it's high time to get that Christmas cake in the oven. I've linked to an older video with Christmas cake icing tips, so be sure to check that out and cross another item off your Christmas to-do list!

Lastly, in this edition, I had fun creating a simple fruity Christmas tree. With all the sweets and chocolates flying around this time of year, sometimes you crave something festive on the healthier side. Take a peek down below!

In this issue:

What’s in the pipeline? - Glazed Ham
Video throwback - Christmas Fruit Cake Decorating (+Recipe)
Inspiration from my kitchen - Fruity Christmas Tree

What's in the Pipeline?

Have you ever gazed at a gorgeous glazed Christmas ham and thought, "I could never pull that off, it seems too complicated?" Well, it's absolutely not as tricky as it looks!

We've been putting together a video that shows just how straightforward it is to achieve that glazed perfection. Whether you prefer your ham hot or cold, we've got you covered with tips on how to glaze it in the video. The best part is you only need 2 ingredients for a basic glazed ham.

If that's not enticing enough, we'll also guide you on how to present it in style, making it the star of your Christmas table. Keep an eye out for this video next week.

Video throwback - Christmas Fruit Cake Decorating (+ Recipe)

Many people have their tried and tested delicious fruit cake recipe that's been passed down through generations and gets pulled out at this time of year. Making the cake is the easy part, but sometimes we get a bit stuck with the decorating side of things.

I've linked back to an older video where I share a few tips that'll make it so much easier for you to cover your cake in fondant and give it a professional finish. I've also included an easy fruitcake recipe below if you're new to the fruit cake making game. It's the only cake I make where I get to lick the bowl ;).

Easy Fruitcake Recipe

Ingredients for fruit mix:

675g (24 oz) mixed fruit, peel and cherries. You can either use a fruitcake mix or make it up with raisins/sultanas/other dried fruit of your choice
180g (6 oz) dried dates
1 cup (250g) apple juice (or orange juice) or (1/3 brandy and 2/3 juice)

Method for fruit mix:

Mix together and leave overnight to soak, or microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds and leave for about an hour to soak.

Ingredients for cake mix:

115g (4 oz) butter
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oil
3 tablespoons golden syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
1 2/3 cup flour
3/4 cup nuts of choice (I used walnuts)

Method for cake:

Beat butter and sugar together until it is smooth, creamy and pale.
Add the oil and golden syrup and beat to combine.
Add the salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, mixed spice and baking powder and beat to combine.
Add one egg at a time and beat until just incorporated.
Stir in the flour and nuts.
Stir in the mixed fruit and remaining liquid from soaking.
Pour into an 8 or 9" round, lined cake tin.
Cover with tin foil and fan bake at 140 degrees Celsius (285 degrees Fahrenheit) for 3 hours 15 minutes.
Uncover and bake for another 45 minutes.
Leave in the tin for approximately 20 minutes and then tip out onto a wire rack.

Inspiration from my kitchen - Fruity Christmas Tree

Festive fun doesn't need to be unhealthy sweet food. Sometimes it's the way you arrange the food on the plate that can give it a festive touch. You can plate so many different foods into a Christmas tree or wreath shape for a very quick and easy presentation.

I had fun putting together this fruity Christmas tree the other day for the kids afternoon snack when they got home from school. I was so surprised - they completely devoured it within a few minutes!