Spiced Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Christmas has passed but yesterday we used some left over cranberry sauce with some meatballs and I was reminded how delicious it is.  I thought I'd post up the recipe I used for Christmas day as it keeps really well in the fridge and would be great in ham sandwiches and on crackers with cheese. Yum.

Image from Holistic Woman

Spiced Cranberry Sauce

• 3 cardamon pods
• 250g fresh or frozen cranberries
• 50 ml of white wine, I used sweet desert wine
• Juice of 1 orange
• 1 tbsp of sliced peel
• 50g light brown soft sugar

1. Crush the cardamon pods to split the husks and put in a saucepan.
2. Add all the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
3. Once the mixture has boiled, simmer and stir for 10 minutes until most of the cranberries have burst.
4. Take the sauce off the heat and leave to cool in a bowl or jar.
5. Enjoy.

Elfing Around with Center Parcs

Here we have my wonderful Christmas 'helper'.  I think it may be stretching the truth to say he has been helpful in terms of Christmas tasks but he has been excellent inspiration for the festive season.  As you all know I was selected some time ago to be a Center Parcs family Blogger and they have set us a series of tasks related to some of the many many activities that you and your family can get up to there.  At this time of the year, it's all about the festive spirit.  Did you know that they even have an Elf Academy!?

Here's my festive Elf poem -

An Elf is the person who helps wrap the presents,
cutting the sellotape and paper into segments.

He's always looking down the list with a beady eye,
selecting the gifts carefully and waving them goodbye.

When the work is finished and the sleigh is prepared,
he's helping the reindeer to fly unimpaired.

Finally adorning the world with a cheery smile,
he's off on his way with just the wink of an eye.

- I hope you've all had some lovely time with your family.  We are back at work on the Kitchen here and it's safe to say it has not gone quite to plan.  But we shall strive through the challenges and look forward to catch up with you all soon.

- Jenni

Nye's First Christmas

What a wonderfully special day we had today.  It was so overwhelming Nye went to sleep at 4.30 and has been in bed since then.  I think he's perhaps recovering from him mammoth feast of roast turkey with all the trimmings. And now, it is time for bed, an early night as far as it goes, and for once no kitchen building!

Thanks to everyone for dropping by the blog throughout the last year, I hope you've all had a fab day.

Stylish Sunday

The festive season just isn't the same without some new cosy comforts in the cupboard.  I so love waking up to new things to wear on Christmas Day and pajamas are such a good way of livening up your wardrobe.  Perfect for comfortable indulgence as Christmas day goes on and why not lounge around on Boxing day also.  Here are my favourites that will give you that warm cosy feeling without putting you in the red.

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and get some time to enjoy some relaxation and good food with family and friends.

Now off I head to the kitchen where we currently have a fair few floorboards missing.  Fingers crossed we'll have a working sink by the morning!

Holiday Gift Ideas for Mom

Today I have a very special gift for you; a lovely guest post from across the pond directed at your lovely husbands and partners. So men of the interweb take note!  I'm so fond of the great tips that Jen has picked out including a link to a great website called tinyprints who sell gorgeous personalised cards and designs.  I'd not heard of them before and they ship stuff in the UK so there are just perfect.  There are some other great ideas for you to see below and even some practical tips on keeping note of those hints that we might give about what we'd really like.

Firstly, here's a little more about our lovely guest poster:

Jen L. is a freelance writer and aspiring blogger. She enjoys writing about parenting, cooking (especially cupcakes!) and crafting. Jen is happily married to her college sweetheart and a mother to two beautiful little girls. If Jen's not at home, you can find her at Whole Foods! 

"When it comes to gift giving many men know what they want to buy, know where to get it and want to do it as fast as possible on their way home from work. But here is a little secret guys. Women know exactly how much time and thought goes into everything you do. Almost every  woman puts the intention before the cost. Involving your children into the gift giving process will not only amplify your forethought but it also displays family values in you that will be appreciated beyond measure. You are showing your wife how important she is, while instilling in your kids how you truly feel.

Another great idea - ask the kids. Speak candidly with your children and ask them what they think Mommy would really like for Christmas. You may be surprised at what you hear. I guarantee you will not hear the word earrings. You will probably hear vacation, housekeeper or Nanny. You may hear of a designer bag that you were never aware of because you’re a guy and never watch Fashion Police or Wendy Williams. There may be a new fragrance, cashmere accessory or a pair of Italian designer boots. Kids are around Mom at times when you are not and have the tendency to remember everything they hear, even when she is speaking to a friend on the phone. If she loves to read, have her favorite book ready to go on an e-reader as a virtual stocking stuffer. Never, ever rule out a piece of fine jewellery. Just be certain it fits her style and taste and is something she will always treasure.

Keep in mind, Christmas gifts don’t have to wait until December 25 to be received. A thoughtful gesture a husband can do is to volunteer to take on some responsibilities that are usually delegated to Mom during the holidays. Aside from shoveling snow, stringing lights, and hauling in the Christmas tree, men can help in other ways, too!

One way would be to begin early, sit with the kids, go online, and design some personalized holiday cards using websites like Tiny Prints. You can select family photos and compile a collage card design. Your wife will be grateful to know that tedious task is completed. While you have the kids designing photo cards online, you can also use those pictures to make other personalized items for mom off the same website, such as mugs or a custom iPhone case, which  make perfect stocking stuffers.

With all the toys and items cluttering your house, memories from an activity will last longer than any gift will. Planning a day trip or activity is one of the best gifts, in my opinion. Cloud9Living is a phenomenal resource to find exciting, affordable experiences in your area. Imagine giving your wife the gift of a hot air balloon ride or a candlelight dinner from a personal chef. Experiences together can mean so much more than any physical gift.

My last piece of advice is the best anyone can give. Pay attention to what your wife says! Keep a mental note of any hints she may drop, such as a vacation, or things she wants to do. Utilize apps on your smartphone, like Evernote, to help with this. Can you imagine the look on her face when she receives a gift from you, based on something she mentioned during the summer? The greatest gifts are the ones that show true thought and dedication."

- Good luck everyone, the race is on to get everything ready for the holidays!  What do you think?  Is there anything in particular that you are eyeing up?

Stylish Sunday

So today I displayed my work for the first time in a shop.  You can now buy a full range of my Ginger Bisquite cards and gifts at Jill, Pop Up shop in Sydenham until Christmas.  I've tried my best, with limited time, to create new Christmas designs which I hope are extra special cards to send to friends and family.

I'm currently sitting at the computer designing our Christmas cards for this year.  Naturally I have dressed Aneurin in some rather fetching festive gear (Neil thinks it's practically child abuse, boo)  I shall post up the design when everything is printed and sent so that it doesn't ruin the surprise for friends and family.  But for now here's a little sneak of my uber cute baby boy.

and on with the Christmas style parade... (the last thing our house needs right now is more clutter.  Up with the kitchen, then out with the festive decorations) Practical, Yes! But I can't cope otherwise.  Here's a lovely link to my Christmas Pinterest Board which includes stylish decorations, home made gift ideas and a few festive printables.  Do let me know if you have any good Christmas Pinterest links :)

My Christmas Craft & Inspiration Pinterest Board