Roasted Chestnuts – Iconic London Christmas Staple

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping on your nose, Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, And folks dressed up like Eskimos……. Ahh… this 1945 classic by Bob Wells and Mel Tormé is the most sung Christmas song and the most famous recording is by Nat King Cole. The song is full…

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Nargisi Kabab – Original Indian Version of Scotch Eggs For Holiday Appetizers

The Scotch Egg, originally called Nargisi Kabab or Kofta goes back hundreds of years to the Mogul Empire of India. Although the London department store, Fortnum & Mason, claims to have invented Scotch eggs in 1738, clearly the inspiration came from the Mughlai dish Nargisi Kabab, which the British must have encountered as they claimed…

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Old Fashioned Chocolate Doughnut Cakes for the Holidays

It’s the last night of Hanukkah and I had promised last week to provide a variation in doughnut recipes which is a bit easier and chocolatier. I think Old Fashioned Chocolate Doughnut Cakes are simply divine in the winter time to enjoy fresh out of the oven with hot chocolate or a cup of warm…

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Smoked Salmon Filled Yorkshire Pudding for Christmas

This week we have been doing a lot of Hanukkah celebration ideas, however, today it’s time to get back to how the Brits party during the holidays, particularly Christmas.  I think todays little party starter appetizer is a great selection because it involves salmon which also plays into the Hanukkah festivities.  Besides salmon being a Jewish…

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Flaming Tea For Hanukkah

It’s the fourth night of Hanukkah. We are half way through the 8 nights of Hanukkah, have you integrated any new creative ideas into your traditions?  Why not bring back an Old Russian Hanukkah tradition to your evening celebration? Hanukkah being the Festival of Lights, symbols embodying the use of light for the festivities are…

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Infused Olive Oil Gifts for Hanukkah

Hanukkah commemorates rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire and the Biblical miracle of a small amount of sacred lamp oil meant for one day that lasted eight days and kept the Temple lit. It was sacred pure olive oil and as such, oil…

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Hanukkah Sufganiyot

Last night at sunset marked the start of Hanukkah. This year the eight night Festival of Lights, Hanukah, is from December 6th to December 14th. I know you are not here to learn the history or facts about Hanukkah, but rather to find recipes and creative ways to celebrate Hanukkah, so I will get right…

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Individual Picadillo Shepherd’s Pie Great For Holiday Parties

Shepherd’s Pie is a homely and one of the coziest comfort foods on a wintry night. I think that is why it translates well into holiday time food. Served to school children in dormitories and to the wealthy in restaurants, such as The Ivy it appeals to all tastes. Shepherd’s Pie is originally known as…

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