… Christmas?!

I know it seems to start earlier and earlier every year but, as foodies, there are surely a few things we need to get ready and planned ahead of time?

Firstly, there’s the Christmas cake. I like to make mine in good time and feed occasionally with brandy. It’s good to know this is out of the way and ready to decorate before the big day.

Then there’s the Christmas pudding. Stir up Sunday is fast approaching and the children love to make a couple every year. Anyone got a good recipe they can recommend?

Next there’s the planning. Who do we need to feed and when? Not to mention the mince pies that need to be on hand for unexpected guests!  I’ve saved endless magazine clippings of recipes I want to try out and Christmas always seems like a great opportunity to do that.

And, of course, there’s the gifts. If you’re going to make up hampers then now is the perfect time to start making those chutneys, jam and pickles. Make a few over the next few weeks and you’ll have some delicious gifts stored up in no time.

I have to say, secretly, that I do get rather excited this time of year! I’m just a big child at heart. I love planning the food we’re going to eat, what gifts I’m going to make and how we’re going to decorate the table.

Have you started making plans yet? Is your cake sat waiting for its decoration next month? Or is it still just too early to even utter the word?