Family Entertaining: Festive Recipes and Ideas for Celebratory Gatherings

The festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with your nearest and dearest? Whether you're planning a cosy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, creating a memorable experience is key. From delectable dishes to entertaining activities, here are some delightful ideas to make your celebrations truly special.

1. Festive Feasting

First things first, let's talk about food! A spread of delicious dishes is the heart of any gathering. Consider serving up traditional British favourites with a twist, such as succulent roast turkey with cranberry and chestnut stuffing, or a rich and flavourful beef Wellington. For vegetarians, a hearty mushroom and chestnut Wellington can be equally satisfying.

Accompany these mains with a selection of vibrant side dishes, like roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta and balsamic glaze, or honey-glazed carrots sprinkled with fresh herbs. Don't forget the roast potatoes – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they're an essential part of any festive feast.

Finish off your meal with indulgent desserts that will leave your guests swooning. Classic Christmas pudding with brandy sauce is always a winner, or why not try your hand at a decadent chocolate Yule log? For a lighter option, a refreshing berry trifle layered with creamy custard and sponge cake is sure to impress.

2. Creative Cocktails and Mocktails

No celebration is complete without a selection of tantalising drinks to toast to the occasion. Get creative with festive cocktails like mulled wine, spiked eggnog, or a sparkling cranberry gin fizz. For those abstaining from alcohol, offer a variety of mocktails such as virgin mojitos or cranberry spritzers garnished with fresh mint and citrus slices.

Set up a DIY drinks station complete with an array of garnishes, flavoured syrups, and festive decorations. Encourage guests to mix and match ingredients to create their own customised beverages – it's sure to be a hit with both adults and children alike.

3. Entertainment for All Ages

Keep the festivities going with a range of entertaining activities for all ages. Set up a festive photo booth complete with props and accessories for silly snapshots that will create lasting memories. Alternatively, organise a friendly competition with games like charades, trivia quizzes, or a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt.

For the little ones, consider setting up a crafting station where they can decorate gingerbread cookies or make their own Christmas ornaments to take home as keepsakes. And of course, no celebration would be complete without a soundtrack of festive tunes to set the mood – cue up your favourite holiday classics and get ready to dance the night away!

4. Thoughtful Touches

Finally, don't forget to add some thoughtful touches to make your gathering feel truly special. Set the scene with twinkling fairy lights, scented candles, and festive decorations in classic hues of red, green, and gold. Consider providing cosy blankets and cushions for guests to snuggle up with as they relax and unwind.

Above all, remember that the most important ingredient for a successful celebration is the company you keep. Cherish these moments spent with loved ones, and revel in the joy and warmth of the festive season.

With these festive recipes and ideas for celebratory gatherings, you're sure to host an unforgettable event that will be talked about for years to come. So gather your nearest and dearest, raise a glass to good times, and let the festivities begin! Cheers to creating cherished memories with those you hold dear.

New Choco Cakes Launch in the UK

Just about everyone loves chocolate cake. So That's Food and Drink is pleased to be able to share the news that St. Michel, France's favourite cake and biscuit brand, brings its much loved Choco Cakes range to the UK: a selection of Choco Muffin, Choco Waffle, Choco Donut and Choco Burger are now available in Tesco* and Waitrose stores plus online at Ocado with a rrp £2.00 per box. 

Made in France using French wheat, cage-free eggs and absolutely zero palm oil, the Choco Cakes range contains no artificial preservatives. You can learn more here www.stmichel.com/uk/en  

Available in handy boxes of six, each delicious cake is individually wrapped in foil, making them perfect to pop in to lunch boxes or as an afternoon treat at home or on the go, guaranteeing freshness and that unbeatable, authentic French taste.

Choco Burger is a delightful soft cake made of two slices of airy biscuits filled with chocolate mousse.

Choco Donut is a fun and light sponge cake, made in a donut shape and coated with irresistible, thick milk chocolate.

Choco Muffin is made of scrumptious fluffy dough, dipped in milk chocolate giving a tasty topping.

Choco Waffle is an exquisite little sponge cake with three soft squares filled with smooth chocolate. 

Founded in 1905 St. Michel has a tradition of excellence: all of its products are made in France to traditional recipes using the finest quality ingredients. The Choco Cakes range is the latest family friendly addition to the St. Michel portfolio.

*Choco Muffin, Choco Waffle and Choco Burger only available at Tesco stores nationwide. Range availability in store may vary by location, so please check.

 

Empowering Little Chefs: Teaching Your Children to Cook

In today's fast-paced world, where ready meals and takeaway foods and deliveries are easily available, the art of cooking at home is gradually fading away, according to some people. 

However, instilling cooking skills in children from a young age can have numerous benefits, ranging from fostering independence to promoting healthier eating habits. 

Teaching your children to cook not only equips them with an important and valuable life skill but also strengthens family bonds and encourages creativity in the kitchen. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider teaching your children to cook, along with practical tips to get started.

Why Teach Children to Cook?

1. Promotes Healthy Eating Habits:

Teaching children to cook empowers them to make healthier food choices. By involving them in meal preparation, you can introduce a variety of nutritious ingredients and educate them about the importance of balanced nutrition.

2. Develops Independence:

Cooking requires a blend of skills like planning, organisation, and problem-solving, all of which contribute to a child's independence. As they learn to follow recipes and experiment with ingredients, they gain confidence in their abilities.

3. Fosters Creativity:

The kitchen can be a canvas for creativity. Encouraging children to experiment with flavours, textures, and cooking techniques can spark their imagination and helps them develop a deeper appreciation for food.

4. Strengthens Family Bonds:

Cooking together offers valuable opportunities for bonding and creating lasting memories. It provides a shared experience where family members can collaborate, communicate, and enjoy each other's company.

Practical Tips for Teaching Children to Cook:

1. Start with Simple Recipes:

Begin with easy-to-follow recipes that match your child's age and skill level. Simple dishes like sandwiches, salads, or scrambled eggs are perfect for introducing basic cooking techniques.

2. Safety First:

Emphasise the importance of kitchen safety rules, such as washing hands, using oven mitts, and handling knives and hot surfaces with caution. Supervise younger children closely and gradually introduce more complex tasks as they demonstrate competence.

3. Make it Fun:

Turn cooking into an enjoyable activity by incorporating games, storytelling, or music. Allow your child to choose recipes that interest them or let them decorate dishes with colourful toppings to unleash their creativity.

4. Encourage Exploration:

Encourage your child to explore different cuisines and ingredients. Take them grocery shopping and involve them in selecting fresh produce and pantry staples. Teach them about the origin and characteristics of various foods to cultivate their culinary curiosity.

5. Be Patient and Supportive:

Remember that learning to cook takes time and practice. Be patient with your child's progress and offer encouragement along the way. Focus on the fun and rewarding aspects of cooking rather than perfection.

6. Celebrate Achievements:

Celebrate your child's cooking milestones, whether it's mastering a new recipe or successfully preparing a meal independently. Praise their efforts and showcase their creations to boost their confidence and sense of accomplishment.

Teaching your children to cook is a gift that will benefit them throughout their lives. By instilling cooking skills from an early age, you empower them to make healthier choices, develop independence, and cultivate a lifelong passion for food. Embrace the journey of cooking together as a family, and savor the joy of creating delicious meals and cherished memories in the heart of your home.

Culinary Traditions: Preserving Family Recipes and Passing Down the Flavours of Generations

In a world characterised by constant change and innovation, there is a timeless and cherished aspect of our lives that remains rooted in tradition - culinary traditions. 

These are the threads that weave the fabric of our cultural identity, connecting generations through the aromas, tastes, and shared experiences of family recipes.

Here we will  explore the significance of preserving family recipes and the art of passing down the flavors that have defined our heritage.

The Importance of Family Recipes:

Family recipes are more than just a collection of ingredients and cooking instructions; they are a repository of memories, stories, and the essence of familial love. These recipes often represent a unique blend of cultural influences, regional flavours, and personal touches that make them irreplaceable. Preserving these culinary treasures ensures that the legacy of our ancestors and the flavors of our childhood continue to thrive in the kitchens of today and tomorrow.

Connection to Cultural Heritage:

Culinary traditions are a gateway to understanding and celebrating our cultural heritage. Each dish carries the history of a community, the evolution of its people, and the fusion of diverse culinary influences. Whether it's the hearty stews of Eastern Europe, the aromatic spices of South Asia, or the soul-warming comfort food of the American South, family recipes serve as a link to the past, reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging.

The Role of Family Gatherings:

One of the most potent catalysts for the preservation of family recipes is the tradition of gathering around the table. From Christmas family feasts to casual Sunday dinners, these occasions provide the perfect backdrop for the transmission of culinary knowledge. 

Grandparents, parents, and children come together, not only to share a meal but to pass down the secrets of their signature dishes, ensuring that the recipes endure for future generations.

The Art of Handing Down Recipes:

Preserving family recipes involves more than just writing down a list of ingredients and instructions. It's an art that requires hands-on experience, storytelling, and a deep connection to the culinary heritage. Often, these recipes are shared in the form of an oral tradition, with the older generation guiding the younger one through the cooking process, emphasising the nuances that can't be captured on paper.

Adapting to Modern Lifestyles:

While the essence of family recipes remains unchanged, the way they are passed down and incorporated into our lives has evolved. In the fast-paced world of today, families may need to adapt traditional recipes to fit modern lifestyles, dietary preferences, or health considerations. The key lies in striking a balance between preserving the authenticity of the dish and making it accessible to the current generation.

You can preserve them online as family blogs, as a YouTube channel, or have them available as e-books or as printed books. Incidentally TikTok and YouTube baking expert B. Dylan Hollis utilises old cookbooks to bring to life recipes of previous generations and is well worth watching. I will include one of his videos for you to check out and learn more about how one man is saving the recipes of yesterday.

Culinary traditions are a living testament to the shared history and values that bind families together. Preserving family recipes and passing down the flavors of generations is not just about the food on the table; it's about preserving a connection to our roots, creating lasting memories, and honoring the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage. 

As we savour the familiar tastes of our family recipes, we celebrate not only the art of cooking but also the timeless bond that transcends time and generations.

A Hearty Tradition: Unraveling the History of the Traditional British Sunday Roast Dinner

The traditional British Sunday roast dinner is more than just a meal; it's a cultural institution that has stood the test of time. 

Rooted in history and infused with familial warmth, this culinary tradition has been a staple in British households for centuries. 

Join us on a journey through time as we unravel the fascinating history of the Sunday roast, exploring its origins, evolution, and enduring significance.

Origins of the Sunday Roast

The roots of the Sunday roast can be traced back to medieval England, where the English population played a crucial role in shaping the tradition. Historically, Sundays held a special place in British culture as a day dedicated to rest, reflection, and communal gatherings. Early in its inception, the Sunday roast was a communal affair, where families and communities gathered after church to enjoy a shared meal.

The choice of meat for the roast varied depending on the region and the wealth of the household. Wealthier families could afford larger cuts of meat, such as beef or lamb, while those with more modest means might opt for pork or chicken. Regardless of the meat selection, roasting was the preferred cooking method, with the centerpiece being slowly cooked to perfection over an open fire.

The Victorian Era and the Rise of the Sunday Roast

The Victorian era saw the Sunday roast solidify its place as a beloved British tradition. Advances in cooking technology, such as the introduction of closed ovens, made roasting more accessible to a wider population. This led to increased popularity and the standardisation of the Sunday roast as the quintessential Sunday meal.

In addition to its practicality, the Sunday roast became symbolic of familial values and the importance of gathering around the table. The meal served as a time for families to connect, share stories, and reinforce the bonds that held them together.

The Evolution of the Sunday Roast

Over the years, the traditional Sunday roast has evolved to accommodate changing tastes, dietary preferences, and lifestyles. While the classic roast beef with Yorkshire pudding remains an iconic choice, other meats like chicken, lamb, and pork have found their place on the Sunday table. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives have also gained popularity, reflecting the diverse dietary preferences of modern society.

Accompaniments and side dishes have evolved as well. Roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy continue to be staples, but contemporary variations may include more adventurous elements, showcasing the culinary creativity of chefs and home cooks alike. For example, many families now include cauliflower cheese with their Sunday roast. 

Revitalisation in the 21st Century

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional culinary practices, and the Sunday roast has experienced a revival. Many restaurants and gastropubs now offer their unique twists on the classic dish, incorporating local and seasonal ingredients to elevate the dining experience.

The history of the traditional British Sunday roast dinner is a testament to its enduring appeal and cultural significance. From its humble origins in medieval England to its evolution in the modern era, the Sunday roast remains a cherished tradition that brings families and communities together. 

As we continue to celebrate this culinary heritage, the Sunday roast serves not only as a delicious meal but also as a reminder of the timeless joy found in sharing good food with loved ones.

(Image courtesy of Robert Owen-Wahl from Pixabay)

Tesco is first UK supermarket to give kinship carers same support as adoptive parents

Tesco, the UK’s largest private-sector employer, has granted colleagues who have a Special Guardianship Order to care for relatives’ children equal rights with colleagues who adopt – giving them both 26 weeks’ leave on full pay.

The kinship leave, which will apply to grandparents or other relatives who take on a child of a family member, is intended to help kinship carers to be able stay in the workforce, while managing their extra responsibilities. 

The new policy, which makes the grocer one of the first UK retailers to support these carers, is among a raft of family-friendly policies Tesco announced that will benefit more than 300,000 colleagues from this week. 

Tesco also announced: 

Improved maternity leave to 26 weeks with full pay 

Up to 12 weeks paid neonatal leave 

Fertility leave extended to partners as well as birth mothers of up to 5 days paid leave per treatment cycle 

Adoption leave improved to 26 weeks on full pay, and 

Paid leave for two weeks for the loss of a baby pre 24 weeks of pregnancy 

The charity Kinship, which has been campaigning for kinship carers to have the same rights to paid leave as parents and adopters, has welcomed the move by Tesco. There are 152,000 children in the UK growing up in kinship care and they estimate that hundreds of kinship carers work for Tesco. 

The pioneering new policy will apply to Tesco colleagues who have obtained an SGO from a family court, which allows a child to be brought up by people such as grandparents, relatives or family friends while maintaining contact with birth parents. 

Lucy Peake, CEO of Kinship, the leading national charity for England and Wales, said: “We are really thrilled that Tesco is stepping up for kinship carer Special Guardians in its workforce by introducing paid kinship care leave on a par with adoption leave.  

“Tesco’s new policy will really make an enormous difference to many Special Guardian kinship carers across the country, who will now be able to take paid time off when to support children who have often experienced trauma and focus on their needs, knowing they will have a job to return to.  

“We’re very proud to be working with Tesco as they implement this industry-leading support for Special Guardians and hope over time it can extended to all kinship carers. We urge other retailers to follow their lead and will soon be launching our Kinship Friendly Employers scheme to encourage employers of all sizes to better support kinship carers in the workforce” 

Taylor Kershaw, who works in the Employer Brand team at Tesco, found her life turned upside down when she stepped up at the age of 25 to look after her brother’s newborn daughter.  

Taylor was able to raise awareness of the issue facing kinship carers with colleagues in the Tesco People team, which led to the new policy being introduced. 

Taylor said: “This is a gamechanger for all colleagues who are facing up to such a major life change. I was just 25 years old when I stepped up to become a guardian to a child that was only five days old. 

“I was heartbroken for my brother and his partner, but suddenly I had to navigate becoming a guardian while still living at home and working full-time. This leave would have taken a lot of pressure from my shoulders and given me time to bond with baby and settle into my new role.” 

In addition, the grocer has improved its maternity and adoption leave benefits substantially, increasing from 14 weeks with full pay followed by 14 weeks half pay, to 26 weeks with full pay.  This is a significant improvement for over 2000 colleagues a year at Tesco who take maternity leave. 

Tesco is also introducing paid neonatal leave for the first time, ahead of Government legislation due to come into force in 2025. The retailer will allow colleagues whose child has been unwell and spent seven days or more in hospital during their first 28 days since birth, to extend maternity or shared parental leave by up to 12 weeks on full pay. 

Tesco also recently agreed new flexible working rights giving more than 300,000 colleagues the right to request a flexible working pattern from their first day in the job, rather than having to wait six months. 

In July, Tesco announced a new benefit for colleagues and their immediate family - unlimited appointments with a virtual GP, seven days a week to give them added flexibility in managing their health. Tesco colleagues are also able to access to sleep therapists, nutritionists, counsellors, exercise coaches and physiotherapists to support their wellbeing.

This expanded focus on colleague wellbeing comes after Tesco made its biggest-ever investment in colleague pay over the past year, with an increase totalling a more than 15% pay rise to bring the hourly rate to £11.02. Tesco also gives colleagues a 10% discount on groceries, which increases to 15% every pay day weekend. 

James Goodman, Tesco UK People Director, said: “We've been really focused on our colleagues’ wellbeing this summer. As well as improving maternity leave for thousands of colleagues, we've  introduced a raft of new benefits to help colleagues strike a healthy work-life balance. 

“Relatives who take on the care of a child often feel forced to reduce their hours or even leave their jobs as they try to juggle extra responsibilities, and we wanted to really step up to offer kinship carers the same support as colleagues who adopt a child.”

Daniel Adams, USDAW National Officer said: “Following ongoing discussions between Tesco and USDAW, we are pleased that the company is making these improvements which will provide valuable, additional support for our members when they need it most.” 

www.tesco.com