December 2016 Favourites List

Dear Readers

Apologies for a short and early monthly favourites list from me. Life has been very busy, hectic and emotional recently. Don’t worry, I am coming through it all, but I just wanted to say why December’s list is not as packed with goodies as usual.

This month’s pictures are my final selection of pictures from Japan. The gardens I saw during my trip were breathtakingly beautiful, with different vistas forming with almost each step. 

This month’s selection of links have a very festive feel, as Christmas fast approaches.

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope you enjoy good food, great company and memorable times. I hope you won’t find the preparations stressful, and that you take time to enjoy the spirit of the season.

I would like to wish you a Happy New Year in advance. May 2017 bring you every success, joy and new experiences and horizons. 

With lots of love

Snigdha

Recipes:

A showstopping dessert for Christmas or NYE for baking enthusiasts. It's complicated, but author Angela advises you can make it in stages in advance. http://www.patisseriemakesperfect.co.uk/chocolate-chestnut-dome/

 

Festive party starter or canape, root vegetable and feta bruschetta: http://www.today.com/recipes/root-vegetable-feta-bruschetta-recipe-t104683

 

How to make the perfect roast potato, by Ishan Kolhatkar: https://medium.com/@kolhatkar/roast-potatoes-7c92f06e92c1#.vp64wwtvn

 

Love cheese but fancy something different this Christmas from the regular cheese board? Kavey Eats has a new recipe for you - Kavey's Cheeseboard and Chutney Quiche: http://www.kaveyeats.com/2016/12/cheeseboard-chutney-quiche.html

 

Simple marinading and oven cooking for a fish based weekday dinner dish, just serve with rice and steamed veggies. https://www.schoolofwok.co.uk/tips-and-recipes/haddock-with-soy-and-ginger

 

Love or hate Brussels Sprouts? Here are some recipes which might convert you to loving them or just cement your devotion: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/recipes/the-best-brussels-sprouts-recipes/

 

Whole grains keep you feeling fuller for longer and are packed with fibre. Farro, cauli and proscuitto make a comforting and substantial salad. http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/farro-salad-fried-cauliflower-and-prosciutto

 

Articles:

Top lawyers Sean Jones QC and Professor Dominic Regan select the best wine bargains for the Christmas season: https://www.counselmagazine.co.uk/articles/review-christmas-wine-0

 

The Telegraph's Christmas wine guide: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/wine/the-ultimate-christmas-wine-guide/

 

What you might have missed at Snig’s Kitchen:

Food At 52 is a charming little place running brilliant cooking courses for foodies. Read about how I learned about cooking with Parma Ham there! http://snigskitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/cooking-with-parma-ham-at-food-at-52.html

 

Manitoba Tigella is an exciting new place near Tottenham Court Road station, bringing authentic Tigella stuffed breads from Emilia Romagna to London diners. Great ingredients, wonderful dishes, caring service and the most amazing original cocktails. http://snigskitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/manitoba-tigella-restaurant-review.html

 

Music:

Haley Bonar – Impossible Dream

Thee Oh Sees – A Weird Exits

Michael Kiwanuka – Love and Hate

Neil Young – On The Beach

Please note: as with every monthly Favourites List, all of these items have been selected by me simply because I love them. I do not receive any money, benefits in kind or other incentive for posting these links or recommendations.