25
Nov
Icecream Sundae
Directions Make caramel sauce: Place sugar, butter and cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes or until melted and smooth. Bring to a simmer. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes or until slightly thickened. Pour into a small jug. Meanwhile, make chocolate... Read More
25
Nov
Mince Pies & Cream
Directions MAKE THE MINCEMEAT IN ADVANCE In a large pan, dissolve the sugar in the ruby port over a gentle heat. Add the apples and stir. Add the cinnamon, ginger and cloves, currants, raisins and the zest and juice of the orange. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for... Read More
25
Nov
Eggnog
Christmas isn’t Christmas without eggnog! Directions Place the milk, eggs, sugar and vanilla pod in a medium pan and heat gently, without boiling, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. The eggnog can be chilled at this stage or served hot. To serve divide the... Read More
24
Nov
Crudités and Dips
Directions Sour Cream Dip: Lightly mix together all the ingredients. Don’t over-stir, as the dip becomes runny quite quickly. This can be prepared the day before the party and kept in the fridge. Hummus: In a blender, chop the garlic. Pour the chickpeas into the blender, reserving about a tablespoon... Read More
24
Nov
Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups
Directions Spread each slice of smoked salmon with cream cheese. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup dill and pepper, if desired. Carefully roll up each slice. Chill until ready to serve. Place rolls on a platter with capers and garnish with fresh dill.
24
Nov
Smoked Trout Pate
Directions Puree the smoked salmon and trout, cream cheese, butter, Cognac, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and dill in a food processor. Add lemon juice, a few drops of hot sauce, salt and pepper, and pulse. Transfer to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
24
Nov
Meze Platter
Antipasto or Meze plates are simply colourful offerings of marinated vegetables— roasted red peppers or pickled garlic – salty olives, rustic artisan breads, natural deli meats, small bites of seafood delicacies cheeses. With antipasto, it’s always best to keep things simple. Narrow your choices down to two or three items,... Read More
24
Nov
Tempura Prawns
Directions To make the batter, sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda into a medium bowl. Add the water and egg and briefly whisk until just combined but still lumpy (do not over mix). Place the bowl over a large bowl filled with iced water. Add enough oil to a... Read More
24
Nov
Mediterranean Vegetable Phyllo Parcels
Directions Preheat oven to 200°C. Toss vegetables with half the oil and season. Spread out on a baking tray and roast for 12 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are caramelised and tender. Lay a phyllo pastry square on a board or clean... Read More
24
Nov
Jalapeño Poppers
Directions Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the pith and the seeds inside of the peppers. In a bowl combine cream cheese and cheddar cheese, stir until well blended. Use a spoon to fill each pepper half with the cream cheese blend. Prepare seasoned... Read More