Christmas isn’t complete without good food. But this year, let’s make it about more than just eating—let’s turn cooking into a grounding ritual. Here are some simple, festive recipes to try:
Mulled Wine
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- A handful of cloves
- 2 tbsp honey
Simmer everything in a pot (don’t boil!) until the smell fills your home. If you have a slow cooker, it works well in there. Serve in a mug and savour it slowly.
Spiced Nuts
- 2 cups mixed nuts
- 2 tbsp honey/maple syrup
- Knob of butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Sprinkle of chilli
Toss everything together, roast in the oven for 10 minutes, and enjoy as a warm, festive snack.
NB: You can do this with chickpeas too! Just drain a tin and dry on a little paper towel before coating and roasting
Vodka Cranberry Sauce
- Add a punnet of fresh cranberries with some white sugar to a pan.
- Cover with water, bring to the boil and have a little taste test of the liquid for sweetness
- Remember it will go more tart as the cranberries cook down, but you can’t take the sugar out. So use your judgment till you find out what works for you.
- Once your happy with the taste, reduce to a simmer and leave to cook down on a really low heat for a few hours
- Stir every now and then, check the sweetness, and smush the cranberries as they soften
- Finish with a good glug of vodka to your taste
Cooking can be sensory therapy—notice the smells, tastes, and textures. It’s all about being present in the moment.
Which recipe will you try first? Tag me when you do—I’d love to see your festive kitchen in action!