BLOGGER'S FAVOURITE TREATS & DESSERTS for Christmas 2022

From spectacular through lower-cal to everyday delights: memorable beautiful treats and desserts for the festive season...

Merry Christmas all!

Some of these recipes are so easy the kids can make them, and some healthily vegetarian or vegan but so good you wouldn't know it!  And for the time-challenged, there are 'cheats' treats using supermarket friends.

Enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas!

Many posted Prices do not reflect recent inflation; note the dates on the indidividual posts. 

1.  SPECIAL OCCASION -- Pure Indulgence

Egg Nog Truffles: boozy, creamy rich indulgence, surprisingly easy to make

 

Choco-Mint Croissant Bread & Butter Pudding: Truly To die for.  Households have  been known to make one for Christmas Mass supper and another for Christmas Day.  Rich, light, gooey, with a crispy top, the intensity of chocolate sends guests into raptures.  Cook's Delight: its made 3 days before it's needed and and forgotten until it's time to bake.

Triple Chocolate & Cointreau Shortbread, melts in the mouth, warms as it goes down!

Upside Down Cheesecake: Adapted from Heston Blumethal's mother, this sensational classic cheesecake doesn't take long to put together but the cooling/wait time is virtually all day!  It is so worth every minute -- it's skinnier and lower in fat, and the crust is served separately to accommodate gluten-phobics

Triple Chocolate Truffle Brownies, WOW!

Orange & Cointreau Cheesecake:  No-bake, gorgeously creamy with a delicate layer of alcohol, this sophisticated healthier indulgence won't break the bank; lower-fat options

Blackberry Whiskey Ginger Cheese-cake:sophisticated, with kid's version

2.  FESTIVE FABULOUSLY FRUGAL & WALLET-FRIENDLY 

Creamy Pineapple Glazed Pudding, thrifty, easy

PENSIONERS' /SMALL HOUSEHOLDS CHRISTMAS DELIGHTS

(SAVE FOR DECEMBER WHEN 67GOINGON50 TAKES A BREAK) 

These recipes are aimed specifically at pensioners & small households, whose requirements for the Christmas season - if they're not dining elsewhere - differ from the usual.

Some are indulgent but wallet friendly; frugal recipes are also included.

Many are the Blogger's favourites from over the years.  Quite a few are easily prepped; some are make/prepare ahead.  Nearly all are low-fat/cholesterol.

And obviously, they are all  utterly delicious!

Merry Christmas!

Many posted Prices do not reflect recent inflation; note the dates on the indidividual posts. 

CANAPES:

  

Wallet-friendly double smoked-salmon dip: not everyone has deep pockets for the best smoked salmons; this is a delicious wallet-friendly compromise which is also low-cholesterol

Festive lower-fat sausage rolls (Palmiers): a different shape and texture but guests love them all the same.  Frozen puff pastry makes life easier.  Freeze half for another occasion.  

MAINS:  

Turkey leg/thighs: at markets, independent butchers and some large supermarkets in a size suitable for two or more; roast as you would any turkey joint or be adventurous with low-carb Stir-fried with cabbage & corn

Armagnac Partridges with Apple: boozy, fruity & fanciable: partridges are small meaty & lean; this recipe produces succulent flesh with scrumptious juices; slow cooker

Easy prepare-ahead One-stop chicken dinner: prepping ahead means all you have to do is turn on the oven, baste now and again, rest & serve.  Oh, and it tastes really good!

Exquisite Barbecued Pork: wonderfully tasty, tender, nearly fat-free indulgence;  lower-sugar & salt, easy-peasy; make ahead

 

HEALTHY CHRISTMAS DRINKS FOR ADULTS & KIDS

Apart from Egg Nog, these fruity low-sugar drinks have been designed to serve  with alcohol OR carbonated water.  It allows those who do drink alcohol to imbibe less without embarrassment, if they want to.  And it gives those who don't drink, and children, an opportunity to flash something pretty and appealling in their glasses.

Cheers!

ADULTS

Fabulous Egg Nog: creamy, boozy, no raw eggs; safe for oldies; slips down like a dream (here with Sophisticated Mocha Butter Cookies)

Cherry Cordial: no sugar syrup; bright as a Christmas bauble

Pomelo & Lemongrass Cocktail: mellow, mysterious & magical; low-sugar; alcohol-free option but sensational with champagne

Raspberry, Mango & Ginger Smoothie: Add vodka or champagne for a sublime cocktail 

SUGAR-FREE FIZZY DRINKS FOR KIDS

USE CARBONATED WATER, NO SUGARY FIZZY LIQUIDS 

AVOIDING SEASONAL MELTDOWNS

 Don't forget to have a look at Welcome to the Blog (Nav Bar)

Don't let this be you!!

What with the cost of living crisis, Ukraine and threatened blackouts, meltdowns are a threat to domestic life.  But  planning and preparation make life a lot easier.   

From 67goingon50's Christmas Archive, the following practical advice will help keep minds and bodies in your household in good nick.

PLANNING HELPS

• make Christmas Eve the day everyone gets involved in next day's preparations 
• be prepared for meltdowns
• reduce the risk of meltdowns (including cutting out sugary fizzy drinks) 
• maintain a healthy lifestyle despite the season

1.  GET THE FAMILY INVOLVED 

• Warn everyone they will have to help prepare the meal on Christmas Eve, starting in the morning
• On Christmas Eve MORNING, make a lovely breakfast of prep-ahead no-knead soft or cinammon rolls, with hot chocolate & marshmallows for the kids and Irish coffee for adults.  You will need lots of help this day and need to be in everyone's good books or they may resent being asked to help.  On the other hand, you could just threaten them -- get involved or no Christmas din-dins!

• Christmas Eve day is vegetable prep day; peel or clean carrots, parsnips & potatoes, remove tough outer leaves from sprouts - quarter or shred as per your recipe.  Chop or quarter carrots & parsnips if not leaving whole, oil & season and bag up dry. Bag up sprouts 
• If you like, start roasties today; par-boil potatoes 8 mins max, drain and shake to rough up the edges. Cool & refrigerate. See Jaimie's Roasties

• Set the table 

• Tidy 

2.  CHRISTMAS DAY

1. First thing after you get up, make a big jug of No-Added-Sugar Breakfast Smoothies (with oatmeal & nuts) to keep everyone going - especially the Commander-in-Chief.  Drink a small glass of this before you do anything else, even before coffee!  Dilute for kids. 

• Don't bother with a big-deal breakfast - everyone will be too excited.  After (or in some households, before) opening presents, a small bowl of granola porridge or a bit of toast might be in order.  If lunch is later than 1 pm, provide a few cheese straws, sausage rolls, mince pies, etc. (made and frozen earlier in the month or from supermarket)

• Find some willing competent kitchen helpers for salad prep, last-minute chores and service, if needed 

• Have on hand a large bottle of Rescue Remedy (most chemists and health food shops) for tears, tantrums, arguments, anxieties or general sulks - whatever the age of the sufferer

• If there's room, set aside a space in the house for tears, tantrums, arguments...see above.  It will be a kind of trauma room.  If you're lucky it won't be needed and adults will sneak into it for quiet 'me' time

• It's ok on Christmas Day to slump in front of the telly or play games after the Christmas meal but on Boxing Day, fit in a good long walk - at least 45 mins to an hour.  

• Have a read of this guide from the Daily Telegraph: Family Christmas without a breakdown

3.  STICKING TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

During the Festive season, eating healthily can be a struggle; overindulging will affect your mood and body.

BLOGGER'S FAVOURITE MAINS FROM 67goingon50 CHRISTMASES PAST

Christmas Poinsetta

The recipes in this post are the Bloggers' personal favourites.  Most of them are for the Christmas table, maybe a little spectacular and  

financially indulgent.  But others are for times when it's just family or close friends and are deliciously comforting and thrifty.

All of them are tasty and satisfying.

Come with me to explore the pleasures of Poultry, Beef, Pork, Fish and Vegetarian Vegan Christmas dishes.

The prices do not reflect recent inflation; note the dates on the indidividual posts.

POULTRY

Turkey Tips: Most of the things you need to know... 

Armagnac Partridges with Apple: boozy, fruity and fanciable

The Blogger had never eaten much game before before being introduced to it by friends.  This recipe, chock full of lardons of bacon and slices of apple, has a rich  armagnac sauce.  It's relatively low cost, low cholesterol and easily made-ahead. 

Lower-fat Peking Duck 
Whoever would have thought you could turn a normally rich & fatty favourite into a low-calorie treat.  But, yes, 67 did!  The duck does require advance prep but the steps are simple and the results so worth it.  It's a cleaner, leaner version of an old favourite at half the price of a Chinese restaurant.

Easy Christmas Dinner 

Designed for novice cooks tackling a poultry Christmas dinner for the first time.   The one-stop operation has step-by-step instructions.  Prepared in advance, all you'll have to do on the day is turn on the oven, keep track of timings and baste the bird occasionally.  Two flavourful rubs are available, one rich with paprika and orange, the other with orange, 5-spice and hoisin.  

Lightly spiced roast chicken; baked white & sweet potatoes; mixed veg  
 Extras: pineapple dessert & pull-apart fan rolls 

Thrifty: 

Chicken/Turkey Escalopes: Extremely popular family dish, but who wouldn't love a thin layer of tender poultry encased in crunchy batter?  One chicken breast makes 2 escalopes.  Families love working on the prep together.

Chilli Con Turkey: low-cholesterol, low-salt, frugal party dish that goes over a storm.

One of 67's first frugal, healthier crowd-pleasers that continues to appear regularly on buffet tables.  It's still, even at today's prices (11/2022), under a tenner (not including extras).

Pheasant with Mid-Eastern spices and Orange: during pheasant season, find a butcher/market stall with access to fresh pheasant, and freeze

A selection of sassy Chicken Wings:

Chicken wings have always played a role in the Blog's Frugal section; they're incredibly budget-friendly, high in protein and take easily to different flavours.  Usually offered as footie snacks, they are also great with rice or chips and salad for lunch or supper 

:

BEEF

 Luxury Steak, Potato & Onion Pie: one of the few recipes from my Dad's repertoire; a wholly indulgent not-healthy guys' favourite; tender beef with fried potatoes in plenty of gravy; serve in small portions

Brisket, Melt-in-the-Mouth with rich tomato sauce: One of those bung-it-in-the-slow-cooker, cover-it-with-sauce-and-ignore-it treats; budget friendly, low-fat

Beef & Black Beer Stew : an early 67goingon50's signature dish; needs long, slow cooking in oven/slow cooker but otherwise exceptionally easy, works with the cheapest cuts of beef; skinnierfr

Korean-style Spicy Seared Beef: deliciously spicy, sweet & tender; from an early foray into unfamiliar cuisines; works with both frugal & expensive cuts of beef 

Thrifty: Hamburger Soup, another multi-generational winner from across the pond; easy; makes lots of hearty bowlfuls of tender beefyness.

LAMB

Luscious Lamb & Red Wine Stew: one of the most sublime meat casseroles; slow-cooker, oven or stovetop; make ahead

Lamb Mongolian Style: authentic flavours; crispy or casseroled or both; gutsy  dish with reduced fat levels; 'Clean' eating! 

 

Lamb Koftas:  Saving electricity?  Fire up the barbie for these superior lamb koftas with tantalising Tahini Dressing; both can be prepped ahead.  Also works in air fryer/grill or oven.

  

        Flash-fried Lamb & Green Beans: tasty quick & easy meal for singletons/small  households returning home after a day in the office 

   

THRIFTY 

Irish Stew:  ambrosial intensely flavoured dish that's quintessentially Irish.  Neck of lamb, lamb bones, vegetables and hours of simmering produce an exquisite broth thick with meat and veg.

Crispy Lamb with Hummous: easy and elegrant, contrasting layers of creamy, crunchy and crisp conjures up images of souks, blue-stained arches & cupolas embroidered with graceful Arabic calligraphy.   

FISH

Spiced Oriental Salmon: A simple baking hack produces very moist succulent salmon, whether fresh or defrosted.  Sensational spicing and sugar-free; simple easy prep. There should be leftovers for Salmon & Rice Oriental Salad but no guarantees!  (check current prices)

Scallop & White Bean Potage: unusual but gorgeous wallet-friendly pairing, soothes after over-indulgence 

 

Festive Fish Pie in White Wine Sauce: It's the creamy slightly boozy sauce that makes this pie so special.  Go indulgent with fresh mixed fish or thrifty with frozen; top with choice of golden croutons (pictured) or mashed potato or puff/shortcrust pastry.  Lower fat.  Super-thrifty side Lettuce Wedges & Thousand Island Dressing saves even more pennies.

Seafood Pasta with Cream & White Wine Sauce: Christmas Italian-style for households not interested in traditional Christmas dinners but want soomething else that's utterly indulgent and delicious.  Mouthwatering & easy; the pasta has an option for no common wheat, is wallet-friendly and provides lots of extra sauce for other dishes. 

Also see Updated Wallet-friendly fish. Prices do not reflect inflation; note date of posts

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

Nut Loaf, Irresistible: still a Blogger's favourite; makes you forget every boring nut loaf you've ever had; even carnivores love it.  Make it the day before Christmas and reheat; serve with lashings of vegetarian gravy and sharp Cranberry & Red Wine Sauce.  Makes great Boxing Day sandwiches. 

Coulibiac Pie: Extremely popular show-stopper with vegan option: stuffed with delicious layers of rice & veg; fgives simple step-by-step instructions; make-ahead; carnivores love it!

Vegetarian Pate & Mushroom Dome: Carnivores love this rich, warming scrumptious  pie even though its dense (in a good way!) filling has no meat!  (But they'll probably still want turkey on another occasion!)  It's lower-fat and wholesome, served with Vegetarian Red Wine Gravy and piquant Cranberry & Red Wine Sauce. 

Sensational Spinach Roulade: special occasion; lower-fat pillowy green roulade layered with cream cheese and taramasalata; vegan opt.

Thrifty:

Moussaka, Marvellously Meatless: sensational low-fat casserole; takes a bit of time but much is prepped ahead.  And it's so worth it!  Makes enough to store future meals in the freezer.

Vegan Wholemeal Pasta with Mushrooms, Peas & Chive Oil: Option for no-common-wheat: delicious & multi-textured with layers of gorgeous flavour; nutty & surprisingly filling. 

Spiced Lentil & Vegetable Potage: Triple Duty, for when your tummy needs a rest from all the rich festive flavours 

Please also see: How to...on the Nav Bar above for more Christmas dishes; it's about 2/3 of the way down the page

Note from the Blogger:

Looking back at Christmases since the blog first launched in 2015 gives me a great deal of pleasure.  

Starting the Blog way back in 2015, watching its growing success and international reach, and the recent publication of my first cookbook 'Fabulously Frugal from 67goingon50', have been an exciting, rewarding and encouraging odyssey.  

Which isn't finished yet. 

THE BRAND NEW COOKBOOK FOR A COST OF LIVING CRISIS & SCARY TIMES

'FABULOUSLY FRUGAL from 67goingon50' 

 

Not just a mouthwatering, sassy budget recipes, also a pathway to better health & graceful ageing whatever your years or income.

AUTHOR: BONITA LEE

PUBLISHER: Apple Books (Digital; print version coming) 

PRICE: £5.99 

STORELINK:https://books.apple.com/us/book/fabulously-frugal-from-67goingon50/id6443309798?ls=1

EARLY COMMENTS: 

• 'I've seen many cookbooks and this is the best yet.  It's beautifully designed.'  Creative Advisor
• 'It makes me want dinner. Or lunch.  Or a snack.' Techie
• 'The author is determined - in a good way - to educate us about healthy budget food and make us want to eat it!'  Community/Political Activist

Even the worst experience -- the hacking of the Blog in 2017, which brought weekly hits down from 6,000+ to 1,000 in just two days -- had a silver lining.  

It showed the Blog's raison d'etre  - to encourage people, whatever their age or income, to grow older gracefully, healthily & with sass, on a budget - met a need.  

You may wonder why, then,  the blog has so few followers listed.  

It's because the Blogger actively discouraged readers not to become followers to spare them the nasty images planted in the hack.  

Since then the Blog's audience averages +/-1,000 a week, the geographic spread widens month by month and its Twitter feed  (blee@BrightSunEnter1) remains popular.

 

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This recipe has been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  It may not be reproduced without the author's written permission.