I'm dreaming of a chocolate Christmas, as usual!
You know, it’s pretty undeniable, there is definitely an air of Christmas around. The lights are up in many places, and there is a slight panic going on as to whether we have ordered an appropriate turkey yet. For me, Christmas is also an excuse for cooking up some sweet treats, for eating and for gifting, for sharing and for midnight feasting. Here’s my choice of 5 that might help that along:
1. I’m Dreaming of a Chocolate Christmas by Marcel Desaulniers- Christmas and chocolate, does it get any better or to be a more perfect match? And Marcel Desaulnier is king of chocolate desserts, which he shows to great effect in this book. I love the chapter titles, especially Been Nice Sweets and Been Naughty Sweets. The mind boggles!
2. Christmas Cookies from the Whimsical Bakehouse by Kaye and Liv Hansen - this is a new book to my shelves for this Christmas and I am really looking forward to baking from it. There are fabulous recipes and amazing decorating ideas. Although the fairisle sweater may be a little beyond my capability, not to mention my patience! Great recipes here for gifting opportunities, and I think a box of homemade cookies is always welcome.
3. Christmas Cookies, Candies and Cakes by Woman’s Day - something for everyone in this, from traybakes to cookies, choccies to candies. Stylish and tasty, this will give you plenty to work through and plenty of choices for every kind of sweet tooth.
4. Christmas Sweets by Georgeanne Brennan – whilst the title might make you think this is just sweeties, there is a huge variety of stuff in here including baked goods, frozen desserts and candies. There are also projects to do with children, which is part of the fun for me. I have no idea what a Candy Acorn Kissing Ball is, but I fancy giving one a go!
5. Cookie Craft Christmas: Dozens of Decorating Ideas for a Sweet Holiday by Valerie Peterson and Janice Fryer- I would love to turn out cookies like these, they all look so beautiful. I would suggest this is a great book for experienced decorators, or someone looking to up their game a bit and push themselves. I have to say if I am honest I would probably order a tinful from Biscuiteers, although I can’t choose between the Christmas shapes or the Luxury Baubles.
So stock up now, and get busy baking and making. In this big year of the credit crunch, I think homemade gifts will be even more welcome than ever, particularly when treats are going to be this tasty.
Hurray for National Baking Week! // Oct 19, 2011 at 6:48 am
[...] new bakers like Baking Buddha and Edd Kimber, and old school like Mary Berry. There was baking for Christmas, baking for Easter, even baking for Halloween, which was definitely one of my [...]