December Top Tips

A DIY Christmas!

Whether you like it or not, it’s that time of year again and we’re all getting ready for Christmas. At the Spicery we’re firm believers that Christmas and spices belong together - we’re not necessarily suggesting you tandoori your turkey, Bombay your roast potatoes or pickle your sprouts (although that might be really good!) but with subtle use spices can work fantastically well around the festive period. Think warming mulled wine, piquant chutneys and pickles to pair with cold ham and cheese as well as the traditional Christmas pud, mince pies and Christmas cake. Whether using your own secret recipes, one of our Countdown to Christmas kits or buying a readymade spicy delight we definitely think that Christmas would be a duller place without that bit of spice! Whilst not always a money saving exercise it’s a lot of fun to make your own gifts and it’s a bit more personal than a pair of socks or an M&S voucher! Edible treats such as chutneys and biscuits are always a good idea. You can wrap them beautifully and get the kids involved to keep them out of trouble! For the ultimate Christmas gift try making this triple colour, triple flavour chocolate truffle extravaganza. If you make the whole recipe you’ll end up with about 40 - 50 truffles so packaged up prettily you could probably get a few presents out of it (unless you eat the whole lot while making them!) In each case warm the cream to boiling point then quickly stir into the finely chopped chocolate along with the spices until all the chocolate has melted. Cool the mixture then using a spoon or small melon baller scoop the truffles into balls (have a cup of very hot water on the side to dip the spoon in between scoops). Coat the truffles in either melted chocolate, cocoa powder, ground pistachio or desiccated coconut. Milk chocolate and Christmas spices - 150g milk chocolate, 75ml double cream and the contents of this months free sample of Christmas biscuit spices White chocolate and hibiscus - 150g white chocolate, 75ml double cream and 1 tbsp of ground hibiscus which gives an amazing colour and fruity red berry flavour Dark chocolate and chilli - 100g dark chocolate, 100ml double cream, 1/4 tsp ground cayenne or chilli powder   Happy Spicing!