Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat
Please put a penny in the old man’s hat
If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do
If you haven’t got a ha’penny, then bugger you!
There is another more polite last line to that rhyme/ carol. I can’t remember what it is.
Home made gifts are always welcome at Christmas and the more Christmas items you can make the more economic you can make your Christmas. Chutney is a firm favourite – you can make your own to fit your dietary requirements to serve at Christmas time or give it as a gift. Chocolate truffles, delicious and normally expensive and fully of dairy – not the FriFran version!
Now is also the time to start to think/ panic about what to serve at Christmas and when guest pop round. Keeping it simple works. Buffets brimming with salad, small tarts, crispy potatoes, chutney, dips and what ever you fancy are always successful – guests can serve themselves to what they like the look of. Desserts and puddings for free-from diets can sometimes feel daunting. Don’t be daunted. Christmas Cake and Christmas Pudding are the stand-out standards. The new and unusual gluten free, vegan sweets: baked alaska, Pavlova, trifle…
I have already shared my Gluten Free, Vegan Christmas Cake recipe with you. Look out for more Christmas recipes and ideas in the coming weeks.