Blackberry Cocktail & Beetroot Tartar

In the enchanting embrace of this festive season, where craftiness, late-night culinary adventures, and the soft glow of dark candle-lit evenings converge to create a haven of warmth and coziness at home, my husband and I have already immersed ourselves in the charm of a few yuletide films. As we eagerly prepare to embark on the delightful tradition of selecting our Christmas tree, we find solace in staying one step ahead of the bustling holiday calendar, savoring the days leading up to the 24th. Elevate your festive tablescape with a symphony of flavors and vibrant hues. Indulge in the enchanting fusion of a Winter Blackberry & Rosemary Cocktail, where velvety blackberries meet the aromatic dance of rosemary in a champagne elixir. Complement this libation with the exquisite sophistication of Beetroot Tartare, a culinary masterpiece that marries earthy sweetness and zesty freshness, ensuring your holiday table is adorned with culinary delights that captivate both the palate and the eye.

Let not the Christmas rush consume you; instead, relish the anticipation that envelops these moments, for it is in the sweet expectancy of it all that the magic truly unfolds. Today, I am delighted to share with you a captivating cocktail and appetizer recipe, a harmonious prelude to the festive symphony that awaits. May it ignite inspiration for your Christmas table and infuse a dash of holiday spirit into your home.

Winter's Embrace: Blackberry Elixir with a Rosemary Symphony

Embark on a journey into the heart of winter with our enchanting Blackberry and Rosemary Champagne Cocktail – a masterpiece that sets the stage for any elegant evening. The velvety, deep burgundy hue serves as a sophisticated backdrop, casting a spell of allure over December gatherings or providing a delightful escape for those seeking a touch of luxury in the midst of the ordinary.

Elevating the art of preparation, our blackberry syrup can be meticulously crafted in advance, ensuring a seamless orchestration of flavors when the time comes. The versatility of this libation extends beyond expectation; feel free to dance between berries, transforming the symphony with a switch to your favorite variation. Picture the aromatic dance of thyme gracefully replacing rosemary, adding a unique twist to your sensory experience.

The crowning touch lies in presenting this elixir in 1920s-inspired crystal glasses, each with its own distinctive style, creating a vintage champagne boat that whispers of opulence with delicate, thin edges. Allow the Winter Blackberry & Rosemary Cocktail to be your portal to an evening of refined indulgence and timeless charm.

Cocktail Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh blackberries

• ½-1 cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 twig of rosemary

• Butter & brown sugar for rimming the edges of the glasses

• Sparkling wine/champagne

• Garnish: long rosemary twig with fresh blackberries poked through stem

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients (water, sugar, blackberries, rosemary twig) to make the syrup. Bring to boil and reduce heat and cook for under 10minutes so the blackberries start to mush. Stir occasionally and let the mixture intensify into a red colour. Remove from heat, strain and allow to cool. Once cooled, place the syrup into an airtight maison jar and store in the fridge for up to a few weeks.

Rim each champagne glass with a bit of butter between your fingers. Then place some brown sugar onto a plate and press each glass rim into the sugar so it coats all around.

To make the cocktail; add some blackberry syrup to the glass, some ice and pour over some champagne or sparking wine. Give a little mix. Garnish each glass with a bare rosemary branch (except for the ends for visual impact) and pierce a few fresh berries through it. Allow it to gently rest on top of the glass. Enjoy.

Beetroot Tartar

Beetroot is a fantastic earthy compliment to a winter menu that is rich in flavour and colour. This winter root does not need much to be classic, simply paired as a salad with blue cheese, figs and walnuts is all you need to make it refined. However, a layered beetroot tartar is an exciting dish to serve at a dinner party, as it tastes wonderful. The filling is basically made from a beetroot puree and cream cheese that has some blackberries and spinach in between. You could defiantly incorporate slices of cured salmon and play around with the dimensions of flavours. For this recipe, I made the beetroot puree from scratch, but I suppose you could store by this as well.

Beetroot puree

• 5 large roasted beets (place in an oven dish, with oil, salt and pepper and roast in the oven (200c) for an hour until soft)

• 1 sweet potato roasted (place into same oven dish with beetroots to roast)

• 2 garlic cloves grated

• Butter for cooking

• About 1 dl cream

Directions

Begin by roasting the beetroot and sweet potato. Once ready, peel the skin off and roughly chop into smaller pieces.

In a large saucepan, add a generous dollop of butter and grated garlic. Stir and add in the chopped beetroot and sweet potato. Cook for about 7minutes and add in a splash of cream. This part can be left out if you prefer not to use cream, but it does a lovely taste. Let it gently cook so the cream reduces. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and pulse with a handheld blender into a puree. It does not need to be silky smooth, as it needs to be thick to hold its shape. Place into a bowl and leave it to cool. Refrigerate the puree for an hour before using so it becomes denser.

Nordic-Inspired Gift Wrapping

Embracing Elegance: A Nordic-Inspired Gift Wrapping

Step into the enchanting realm of the Finnish countryside with our festive ode to elegant and mindful gift wrapping. Drawing inspiration from the timeless charm of the Nordics, our gift-wrapping journey is a celebration of deep, natural colors and a touch of foliage, creating a cozy and tasteful aesthetic that mirrors the rustic elegance of this picturesque region.

1. Earthy Elegance: Begin by selecting wrapping paper in deep, natural hues reminiscent of the countryside landscapes. Think mossy greens, rich browns, and soft, muted tones that echo the earthy palette of the countryside. This sets the stage for a wrapping experience that exudes sophistication.

2. Foliage Flourish: Elevate your gift presentation with a touch of nature's own embellishments. Consider using snippets of pine branches, eucalyptus leaves, or even small dried flowers to adorn your packages. The subtle fragrance and organic charm will add a delightful sensory dimension to your wrapped treasures.

3. Rustic Ribbons: Opt for rustic and textured ribbons in neutral tones. Burlap, twine, or velvet ribbons complement the Nordic-inspired theme, bringing a tactile quality to your gift wrapping. Play with different knotting styles for an extra layer of visual interest.

4. Personalized Tags: Extend the thoughtfulness to your gift tags by incorporating personalized touches. Consider using recycled paper or small, rustic wooden tags for a sustainable twist. Handwrite a heartfelt note or a festive message to add a personal and intimate touch.

5. Tasteful Trimmings: Enhance the overall elegance with minimalist embellishments. Delicate ornaments, wooden beads, or even a sprig of dried lavender or rosemary can serve as tasteful finishing touches. The key is to keep it understated, allowing the natural elements to shine.

6. Mindful Wrapping Ritual: Gift wrapping is not merely a task; it's a mindful ritual. Set aside a dedicated space with soothing background music, and immerse yourself in the joy of creating beautifully wrapped gifts. Let each fold and adornment be a deliberate expression of your thoughtfulness.

This festive season, let your gift wrapping reflect the tranquil symphony of natural hues, textures, and foliage that transforms the act of giving into an artful celebration. As your loved ones unwrap these beautifully adorned packages, they'll not only receive a gift but also experience a moment of serene elegance inspired by the Finnish countryside.

Easy Winter Tea

Indulging in a heartwarming cup of homemade berry tea is like wrapping oneself in a cozy embrace, especially delightful when nestled under a blanket and immersed in the enchantment of Christmas movies. The infusion of flavors in this tea is a delightful symphony; the rich essence of black currant intertwines with a hint of citrus and a touch of honey, resulting in a delightful winter blend that warms both body and soul.

Crafting this comforting elixir is a simple yet rewarding process – just combine the ingredients in a pot, pour in boiling water, and let the magic unfold as it infuses with comforting aromas. Homemade tea, a canvas for experimentation, invites you to personalize the experience with your favorite flavors. Whether it's the tangy allure of raspberries, the sweetness of blueberries, or the vibrant burst of red currants, you have the freedom to tailor it to your taste. Elevate the infusion with the aromatic notes of mint or thyme, and perhaps add a touch of seasonal spices for that extra festive flair. This blend is not just a beverage; it's a celebration of simplicity and joy, perfectly capturing the spirit of the festive season.

Ingredients

(no need to measure anything, add according to your desires)

• Orange slices

• Lemon Slices

• Black currant berries

• honey

• rosemary twigs

• black tea

• Hot Water

For a Christmas twist add a cinnamon stick, cloves and ginger or any other festive spices to your liking.

Simple Fig Toast & Tablescape Inspo

Nestled within the embrace of a cozy cocoon while the world outside glistens under a pristine blanket of snow, our home exudes an enchanting ambiance infused with the lingering aroma of fresh pine, courtesy of our resplendent Christmas tree. With the holiday drawing near, a profound inspiration blossoms, inspired by the allure of deep, opulent colors that weave a captivating spell across our surroundings. As we transition into the realm of culinary indulgence, savoring a simple fig toast emerges as an artful and sophisticated means of elevating our morning routine. The natural sweetness of figs, delicately harmonizing with the perfectly toasted slice, yields a culinary masterpiece that effortlessly marries simplicity with refined taste. This intersection of sensory delights transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, where the magic of the season converges with the joy of palate-pleasing elegance.

The tree, standing proudly in the heart of the living room, evokes a sense of enchantment, infusing the atmosphere with a delightful festive spirit. My musings on the impending Christmas Day table setting lean towards an artistic creation—an envisaged tablescape crafted from the verdant embrace of pine and eucalyptus, punctuated by the delicate presence of hyacinths and the soft glow of scattered candles. The vision, still taking shape, hints at the allure of thick ribbons and cherished antique plates, promising a dining experience that transcends the ordinary and embraces the extraordinary.

In our festive abode, figs emerge as indispensable treasures, transforming our holiday culinary canvas into a celebration of opulence. These succulent jewels, versatile in their ability to elevate both savory and sweet dishes, become the epitome of Christmas indulgence. A mere whisper of luxury unfurls in the simplicity of a cream cheese toast adorned with velvety orange marmalade and crowned with slices of figs—a morning or evening delicacy that materializes in mere seconds. As a final touch, a sprig of fresh thyme, plucked from our herb haven, imparts an herbaceous essence to this gastronomic masterpiece. The alchemy lies in the generous union of cream cheese and jam, harmoniously dancing with the figs to orchestrate a symphony of flavors. With the fig-adorned feast savored, the scene transitions seamlessly into a cozy evening, adorned with the fragrant task of arranging hyacinths in dainty pots and the tender ritual of bathing our little one. The ambiance is further enhanced by the commencement of my husband's Christmas holidays, promising an intimate and tranquil evening within the warmth of our festive haven.

Simple Fig Toast

• Cream Cheese

• Orange marmalade

• Fresh Figs

• Thyme twig

when your hyacinths become too tall in the bulb, snip them into vases

lovely deep coloured festive flowers

Christmas Eve Table Decor

Embarking on the enchanting journey of Christmas decoration, I sought to capture the timeless allure of the season by adorning my surroundings with the natural splendor of evergreen elements. Infused with a subtle Nordic charm and a touch of French country elegance, my Christmas table became a canvas of festive joy.

Mindful Christmas Decorating

In the art of mindful Christmas decorating, the pursuit is not merely aesthetic but a deliberate journey into the soul of the season. Eschewing the allure of commercial extravagance, the emphasis is on crafting an atmosphere that transcends trends, embracing a timeless and elegant allure. Candles, gracefully flickering like echoes of bygone traditions, take center stage, casting a soft, intimate glow that transcends materialistic shimmer. Foraged greens, gathered with a gentle touch from nature's bounty, intertwine with the spirit of the outdoors, infusing the space with an organic harmony. The flower arrangements, not ostentatious but thoughtfully curated, mirror the understated beauty of the season. Each element, from the flickering flames to the verdant accents, converges in a symphony of simplicity and grace—an homage to the essence of Christmas that resonates far beyond fleeting trends, embodying a mindful celebration of warmth, connection, and the enduring magic of the holiday spirit.

various cured fish

Vendace roe- a Finnish delicacy served with sour cream, dill and red onion

The delightful festivities unfolded as Christmas Eve drew near, ushering in moments of warmth and togetherness. In the company of my husband and Lucas, the morning was gracefully marked by shared joys—savoring rice porridge, harmonizing with Christmas melodies, and relishing the joy of unwrapping gifts. Notably, the eve doubled as a celebration of Siena's third birthday, a joyous occasion that we commemorated beneath the twinkling lights of our adorned tree, basking in the glow of shared laughter and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Our holiday celebrations extended beyond the confines of our home, with Christmas Eve dinner at my husband's family and a subsequent gathering of loved ones for Christmas dinner. Yet, it was the day spent hosting my own family that held a special place in my heart, as I reveled in the joy of curating cherished memories as the gracious host.

Turning my attention to the Christmas table, I envisioned a tapestry of natural beauty. Pine branches formed a verdant garland at the center, interwoven with delicate eucalyptus twigs. Danish slim candles from Ester and Erik, in enchanting beige and olive green hues, cast a soft, intimate glow. A fusion of Tina K. plates as a base, adorned with eclectic French plates collected over the years, added a touch of personalized charm. Olive green linen napkins from H&M replaced the conventional white, imparting a gentle elegance, while hyacinth flowers delicately punctuated the tableau.

To commence our festive feasting, we crafted delectable Cointreau-based cocktails that proved to be an instant hit. The culinary symphony unfolded with white fish tartare canapés, followed by succulent scallops and a tantalizing shrimp Skagen dish. Our culinary journey continued with the traditional fish tableau, featuring an array of roe, cured fish, salads, and foie gras. For the pièce de résistance, we eschewed the conventional ham in favor of a sumptuous goose confit paired with parmesan potatoes, elevating the dining experience to a crescendo of flavor.

The atmosphere, characterized by its intimate charm, was further heightened by the exquisite weather—a stunning backdrop to our festive gathering. In sharing these glimpses of my Christmas celebration, I extend an invitation to revel in the magic of the season, where each element is meticulously curated to evoke joy, warmth, and lasting memories.

canapes with micro herbs & white fish tartare

Mini Gingerbread Cakes

Elevating the essence of festive indulgence, these individual Christmas cakes are a symphony of flavors and textures, encapsulating the warmth of the holiday season. The amalgamation cream cheese, sugar, and the aromatic seeds from a vanilla pod, harmoniously combined with the unique touch gingerbread-flavored quark, creates a blissful culinary experience. For those without gingerbread quark, a luxurious alternative of whipped cream infused with cinnamon, gingerbread spice, and cardamom offers an equally delightful substitution. Chilled to perfection in individual stainless steel cylinder molds, these enchanting cakes, adorned with black currants, a dusting of frosting sugar, and a sprig of thyme, are not merely desserts; they are a visual and culinary celebration of the season's magic. Perfectly portioned and visually captivating, these Christmas cakes transform any gathering into a memorable ode to festive indulgence.

Ingredients

Christmas cakes (makes 4 or 5 servings)

• 1 tub (200g) cream cheese

• 1 d sugar

• 1 tub (200g) gingerbread flavoured quark (if you don’t have this available in your country, whipped cream works too.)

• 3 gelatin leaves

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 vanilla pod

• black currants, frosting sugar and thyme twig for garnishing

• oil for brushing the sides of cake moulds

Directions

Individual stainless steal cylinder molds (like the ones you use for tartar) for creating the cake shape. In a large bowl add in the cream cheese, sugar, seeds from the vanilla pod and gingerbread flavoured quark. Gently mix. If you do not have quark, you can separately whip some cream until fluffy and mix that in. Flavour it with spices that you like, such as a teaspoon of cinnamon, gingerbread spice and cardamom.

Meanwhile add the gelatine leaves into a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes until they become soft. Heat a tablespoon of lemon juice on the stone and place the gelatine leaves into it. Before placing them into the lemon juice, squeeze the excess water away from them. Stir for a couple of seconds so the gelatine melts and place this into the bowl with all the other ingredients. Mix well.

Place a piece of aluminium foil on the bottom of each cake mould. Brush the sides with oil. Scoop some cake mixture into each mould. Place clingfilm on top of each one when finished. Refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, remove the clingfilm from top and place each cake on a little plate. The cake falls through the mould easily. Garnish with black currants, a little bit of frosting sugar and a thyme twig for visual affect.

Easy Lemon Gingerbread cookies

Baking Christmas gingerbread cookies is a nostalgic journey back to the simple joys of childhood, where the warmth of the kitchen and the aroma of festive spices created lasting memories. Making them from scratch, with each measured ingredient and the familiar scent of ginger and cinnamon, is a delightful endeavor that reconnects us to cherished traditions. The process is surprisingly easy, turning the kitchen into a haven of holiday magic. From mixing the dough to cutting out whimsical shapes, the simplicity of crafting these cookies from scratch not only yields delicious treats but also revives the enchantment of Christmases past, making every bite a sweet reminder of the timeless joy that comes with homemade holiday traditions.

As our Christmas tree continues to grace our home, the lingering festive spirit beckoned me to embark on a delightful venture: baking gingerbread cookies. Surprisingly, this marked my inaugural attempt at crafting my own gingerbread cookie dough, a venture long overdue. To infuse an extra layer of zest, I decided to incorporate lemon zest into the mix—an inspired addition that has now earned its perennial spot in my recipe. Crafting the dough proved to be a breeze, allowing for the luxury of whipping up a modest batch, perfectly tailored to a single baking tray, as per my preference. The crowning touch came with the decadent dip into melted Daim chocolate, imparting an exquisite flavor that elevated the cookies to a whole new realm. The aromatic symphony of sweet festive spices wafting through the kitchen as I baked these treats on the eve of Christmas Eve created an atmosphere of pure holiday magic. Our family embraced the seasonal spirit with a serene forest walk, accompanied by a thermos of hot glögi and our freshly baked cookies—a prelude to the joyous day that followed. Penning down this recipe serves not just as a sharing of culinary joy but also as a personal pledge to weave this newfound tradition into the fabric of our festive celebrations. I eagerly anticipate the day when our little one can join in this heartwarming tradition, forging lasting memories with each batch of gingerbread goodness.

Ingredients ( 1 baking tray)

• 1/2 dl syrup

• 1/2 dl sugar

• 75g butter

• zest of 1 lemon

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground Cardamom

• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 teaspoon gingerbread spice

• 1 egg

• 2-3 dl flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

Boil the butter, sugar, lemon zest, syrup and spices in a saucepan. Cool the mixture. Add in the egg. Add the flour and baking soda. Mix into an even batter. However, do not over mix the batter as this keeps the cookies crisp. If the batter seems too dry, you can add a little bit more melted butter. Place the batter into the fridge for overnight.

The following day, roll the batter out and use your cookie cutters to create shapes. Make sure to use plenty of flour so it does not stick to your surface. Place the raw cookies onto a parchment paper lined baking tray and bake in 200 Celsius degrees for about 5-8 minutes. Leave to cool on a rack and dip a corner of the cookie into some melted chocolate. I used daim-flavoured chocolate that I melted in a bowl over boiling water. Lastly I dusted the cookies with a coating of icing sugar.

Glögi & cookies out on a snowy walk

Easy Winter Apple Cocktail

Elevate Your Winter Soirée with the Ultimate Apple Winter Cocktail

As the winter winds start to whisper through the Nordic landscapes, there's nothing quite like cozying up with a delightful Apple Winter Cocktail. Inspired by the rich, spiced flavors of homemade apple juice glögi, this cocktail is a symphony of warmth, depth, and refreshment—a perfect libation for the festive season.

Ingredients:

• About 2 cups of good quality apple juice

• About 1 cup of apple-flavored soda (or experiment with champagne/prosecco)

• A splash of your favorite gin or alcohol

• Christmas spices: Cinnamon stick, cloves, dried ginger, clementine slices

• 1-2 egg whites (optional, but adds a frothy touch)

• Handful of ice

Garnish:

• Dried clementine slices

  To make dried clementine slices, thinly slice clementines and arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) for 2-3 hours, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are dehydrated and slightly crispy. Allow them to cool before using.

• Thyme

• Ice

Preparation:

1. Infuse the Spiced Apple Juice:

   • In a pot over medium-high heat, pour 2 cups of apple juice.

   • Add a harmonious blend of Christmas spices—cinnamon stick, cloves, and dried ginger.

   • Allow it to gently simmer for around 15 minutes, letting the spices weave their magic.

   • Remove from heat and let it cool for an hour to let the flavors meld. Strain the spices using a sieve.

   • Store this spiced apple elixir in a Maison jar and refrigerate until you're ready to craft your cocktails.

2. Dress the Glass with a Sugary Embrace:

   • Elevate the presentation by creating a sugar-coated rim. Dab honey around the glass rim and gently dip it into brown sugar on a plate.

3. Crafting the Apple Winter Cocktail:

   • In a cocktail shaker or Maison jar filled with ice, combine a splash of spiced apple juice, a generous splash of your preferred alcohol, and 1-2 egg whites for a frothy texture.

   • Shake this mixture vigorously, infusing it with winter's spirit, and pour it into your prepared glass or glasses.

   • Top it off with the crisp effervescence of apple-flavored soda. Adjust the ratio of apple juice to soda based on your preference for sweetness and fizziness.

4. Garnish and Delight:

   • Finish your masterpiece with a dried clementine slice and a sprig of thyme. The visual appeal is as important as the taste!

   • Consider experimenting with champagne or prosecco instead of soda for an extra touch of sophistication.

Notes and Tips:

• Tailor the cocktail to your liking by adjusting the amounts of apple juice and soda.

• For a frothier experience, include 1 egg white per serving. However, the cocktail is equally splendid without it.

• Feel free to play with the choice of alcohol, letting your favorite spirits dance with the winter spices.

Embrace the festive spirit and sip on the enchanting Apple Winter Cocktail—a delightful symphony of winter flavors that will undoubtedly elevate your holiday gatherings. Cheers to a year of warmth, celebration, and delightful sips!