I’m still without my lap top. In between studies, Miss Arabella kindly lends me her computer and that’s been a huge help. As today is Day 4 and as there had been no word, I gave the repair company a call and asked what time today my computer would be ready for collection. The reason […]
The Christmas Production
February 8, 2014 By 32 Comments
For 11 years I wrote and directed a Christmas Production that was performed by children and had a cast of over 100 in acting roles, dancing roles or singing in the choir. While you can’t go past the opportunity to tell the greatest story ever told, what I loved was seeing children being able to […]
A Christmas Down-Under
December 30, 2013 By 33 Comments
I thought I would show you how we celebrated Christmas Day. It was held in my parents’ home. The idea was for casual outdoor seating under the shade of the pergola and while the adults sat around talking, the younger generation could be burning off their sugar-high in the swimming pool. But alas, for the […]
Radicchio, Watercress and Witlof Salad with Pomegranate Dressing
December 29, 2013 By 25 Comments
When I was preparing our Christmas Eve dinner where glazed ham and crispy potatoes roasted in duck fat were two compulsory menu items, I needed something to bring a little colour. And I knew pomegranate seeds could do just that. I’ve always loved the taste of pomegranates but I’m even more impressed with the […]
Frozen White-Chocolate Christmas Bombe
December 27, 2013 By 29 Comments
Thanks for all your comments about how you spent Christmas. I loved reading how you celebrated. As promised, here is my mother’s white chocolate bombe recipe. I’m not sure how long she’s been making this but I’m sure it’s been on our table every Christmas for at least 25 years. Back then my mother was […]
A Christmas Eve Dinner
December 26, 2013 By 37 Comments
I hosted a dinner party on Christmas Eve with those members of my family who were able to be there. There were 14 of us in all, 15 if you count five-week old Freddie who had flown in from the US. The days leading up to Christmas were sweltering to the point where I was […]
Merry Christmas, 2013
December 25, 2013 By 34 Comments
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas. May you have a day filled with peace, love and joy. Here’s the photo I printed on my Christmas cards. It could have been better but finding five minutes where three children and two dogs were under the same roof was challenging. Best wishes of the season and […]
Reindeer Poo, a Christmas Cake and a Fairy-Bread Christmas Tree
December 23, 2013 By 41 Comments
How’s everyone holding up? Here at Hotly Spiced Headquarters we (mostly me) feel we’re drowning. With just one sleep to go before Christmas Eve and about 10 days of preparation to do, I’m clutching my worry beads. One of the things we had to fit into yesterday’s schedule was a trip to Terminal 2 at […]
Two Decades with Santa
December 20, 2013 By 42 Comments
I’ve now been taking my children to see Santa for two decades. I never thought I’d spend 20 years lining up in lengthy queues with hyped-up children who couldn’t stand in line for five minutes let alone the two hours it’s often been. I thought I would share with you the interesting and varied and […]
Spiced Cranberry Sauce
December 16, 2013 By 58 Comments
I would love to be bringing you my mother’s cranberry sauce recipe but unfortunately and despite my very best efforts, I’m unable to. You see, it has to be made with either fresh or frozen cranberries and while that might seem simple enough, it actually isn’t – not in this part of the world, anyway. […]
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