Christmas Cooking

Hi Guys,  Lately I've been feeling under the weather and something that always helps me feel a little better is baking something delicious as a sneaky treat. I thought I would share some of my quick and easy Christmas Drink recipes and some sweet snacks to match.  I have started with the easiest ones and worked my way down to my most advanced recipe (this one takes a little preparation time). I hope you  all enjoy the recipes and any recreations I would love to see them so catch me on Instagram my link is to the side. Happy Baking  xx

Apple and Cinnamon Crisps - 5 minutes.

• Apples (as many as you like).
• Ground cinnamon.
• Brown Sugar.
• An oven for grilling.

1. Step one take you apples (my preference are the red ones as they are sweeter in taste) you will need to slice these as finely as you can and place them on a backing tray.
2. Mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together and sprinkle of the apple slices.
3. Place the baking tray under the grill allowing the apples to heat up once they start to curl slightly your crisps are ready. 

I think these are great on there own but for an extra treat try dipping them in toffee sauce.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate - 2 Servings. 7 minutes.

Mmmm.

• 2 Cups of Milk ( I use lactofree semi skimmed as I am lactose intolerant).
• 8 teaspoons of Hot Chocolate mix/1/2 bar of baking chocolate.
• 1/4 to 1/2 of Peppermint syrup.
• Marshmallows.
• Whipped Cream (I skipped this one).
• A Candy Cane for decoration.

1. Using a sauce pan gently heat the milk on a low heat.
2. Add the hot chocolate mix or baking chocolate and peppermint syrup stir the mixture until all chocolate has melted or dissolved.
3. Once the milk mixture is hot remove from the stove and pour into your favourite mug.
4. Top your hot chocolate with the whipped cream and marshmallows and place the candy cane in as a stirrer.

A great alternative if you don't want to purchase peppermint syrup would be to purchase the options mint hot chocolate it doesn't taste as rich but your still get that sweet peppermint flavour. This is so tasty for hot quick it takes to make and is great for a cosy evening watching your favourite Christmas movie any guesses for which one that will be? 

Chai Latte - 2 Servings. 7 minutes.

My favourite drink.

• 2 Cups of Milk (again mine was lactofree).
• 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon.
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Ginger.
• 1/4 Teaspoon of all spice.
• 1/4 Cup of Brown Sugar.
• 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract or Syrup.
• 1 shot of Espresso or 2/3 Teaspoons of Instant Coffee.

1. Add the milk, cinnamon, ginger, all spice, brown sugar and vanilla into a saucepan and heat on a medium heat until warm.
2. Add the coffee into a glass of choice and once the mixture is heated pour onto of the coffee this will give your coffee that ombre effect mine does if an espresso shot is used. If you used an instant coffee make sure you stir the mixture well until all coffee is dissolved.
3. Top with whipped cream and nutmeg for that extra Christmassy touch.

This drink smells amazing and will all of the natural ingredients included it is said that these drinks can help prevent cold and flu, maintain blood circulation, improves absorption of nutrients and even can be used to cure morning sickness (less the milk).

Sugar Cookies- Approx 36. 1hr 30 minutes.

• 3 1/2 Cups of All Purpose Flour.
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Powder.
• 1 Cup of Butter (128g).
• 1 Cup of Sugar.
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt.
• 2 Eggs.
• 2 Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract.
• 1/2 Icing sugar
• Water
• Peppermint Extract (optional).

1. Add the butter, sugar and salt into a bowl and mix for 3 minutes. Once mixed add the eggs and vanilla.
2. Before adding the powder and flour make sure to sieve them. Then mix for another 2 minutes until a dough is formed.
3. Half the dough and flatten place into the fridge to chill for 1hour.
4. After chilling roll out the dough onto a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick and cut out any shapes. I went for the festive Christmas as I though these would be the best to decorate. Place the cookies onto a greased baking tray and place back in the fridge for a further chilling.
5. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees whilst the cookies chill. the chilling process is there so that the butter does not melt and is kept even distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Once your oven has heated place the cookies on the top and bottom shelves and bake for around 15 minutes until golden (you may have to cook them in two separate sessions).
7. Transfer the cookies onto a wire rack and allow to cool for atlas 5 minutes before adding icing.
8. I went for a simple icing this time. Mix the icing sugar and water until desired consistency is met, add any flavouring at this point.
9. Place into a piping bag or decorate as desired. 

 These cookies tasted great dipped into my peppermint hot chocolate for brunch time snack. Hopefully my decorating skills will improve by the next time I make these.