1. Pour the oil in to a roasting tray and pop it in to the oven (Gas Mark 6 or equivalent).
2. Cut each unpeeled potato in to 2 or 3 pieces.
3. Add the potato chunks in to a pan of water and put on to boil.
4. Once the potatoes are on a rolling boil, turn the heat down so the water is simmering. Leave the potatoes to cook for another 6-7 mins.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and drain the potatoes. Pop the potatoes back in to the empty pan and add the lid. Shake the potatoes vigorously, hard enough to remove the potato skin (I love this method because it saves peeling them, thank you TikTok for the tip).
6. Carefully, take the hot oiled tray from the oven and add the potatoes in. They will sizzle as you add them. Turn the potatoes so they are evenly coated with oil.
7. Roast the potatoes for 20-25 mins then turn them over.
8. Roast them for a further 20-25 mins or until they achieve a golden brown colour.
9. Remove from the oven and place the roast potatoes on kitchen roll.
During the run up to Christmas I seen these everywhere! I found a semi circle silicon mould at the back of my cupboard so wanted to find out how difficult chocolate bombs are to make – turns out, they’re pretty easy.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
– silicon mould
– chocolate
– hot chocolate powder
– mini marshmallows
– sprinkles
Step 1 – Melt the chocolate and, using a spoon, cover the mould. Pop it in to the freezer until the chocolate has fully set.
Step 2 – Once set, carefully pop the chocolate shells out of the mould.
Step 3 – Fill one half of the chocolate bomb with mini marshmallows and hot chocolate powder.
Step 4 – Melt the edges of the unfilled half by placing it on a warmed plate for a few seconds then pop it on to the filled half.
Step 5 – Allow the edges to set. Drizzle the chocolate bombs with melted chocolate and top with sprinkles.
Step 6 – Pop the chocolate bombs in to hot milk and enjoy!
Boxing Day. The morning after the day before. If your fridge is anything like mine, it’s currently full of plates and bowls of cooked food from Christmas Day lunch. Below are a few ideas to turn yesterday’s surplus in to today’s (and tomorrow’s!) tasty meals.
Turkey Curry
Whether you cook it from scratch or using a sauce from a jar, I think there’ll be a few households tucking in to this absolute classic today.
Surf & Turf Tacos
I’ve called these Surf & Turf because we have beef and prawns leftover but, when it comes to tacos, anything goes! Fry off sliced onions and peppers with herbs and spices then add in your meat. Serve in tortillas with salad, sour cream and guacamole.
Turkey Bolognese
Add shredded turkey to a simple ragù and serve with your choice of pasta. A firm family favourite among us.
Broth
Possibly the easiest meal to make with your leftovers. Pre-soak some pearl barley. Throw your veggies, gammon and pearl barley in to stock and bring to the boil. Season and serve with warm crusty bread. The ultimate comfort food.
Turkey Chilli
Shredded turkey, kidney beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic and chilli powder – super easy, super tasty. Serve with rice or on top of nachos.
Pizza
This is a good one to get the kids involved with. Top pizzas bases (or tortillas) with tomato purée, cheese and whatever else you fancy. Bung it in the oven until the base is crispy and the cheese has melted then enjoy.
Sandwiches
If the thought of even turning the cooker on after yesterday fills you with dread, get a couple of slices of bread and make yourself the supreme snack – a sandwich!
I think we’ve all accepted Christmas 2020 is going to be a little bit different. Rather than dwell on what we’re missing out on, here’s a list of things we can still enjoy regardless of what rules are in place.
As temperatures start to drop, hunt out your hats, gloves & scarves and go for a seasonal stroll. National Trust have brilliant COVID secure measures in place with timed entries and one way systems (bookable entry slots are released every Friday for the following week).
I wonder how many more hours of video calls have been made throughout 2020 compared to last year. When we can’t see people face-to-face, video calling is definitely the next best thing.
5. Get Crafty
From wreaths to wrapping paper, hampers to snow globes. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating items yourself. Pinterest is full of ideas for homemade Christmas crafts. So, grab the ribbons & fake flowers and get the glue gun turned on.
6. Go Virtual
Most companies have had to adjust the way they operate this year and a lot have moved experiences on line. Quizzes, escape rooms, murder mystery nights, pantomimes – when we can’t have the usual Christmas night out, these are a good way to “meet up” and have a laugh (and you can do them in a PJ’s!). Last week we tried an online experience from https://thepanicroomonline.net and thoroughly enjoyed it.
7. Drive In Movie Experience
Get cosy in the car and enjoy a festive film. There’s a few Drive In Cinema Experiences popping up throughout the North East, a quick google will bring up any still with availability.
8. Games Night
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a game of monopoly, am I right? And now Evie & Harry are a little older, I don’t feel guilty playing to win! We also enjoy Cluedo, Articulate and Dobble. What are your favourite board games?
9. Keep Your Traditions
Whether its Elf On The Shelf or Christmas Eve Boxes, writing to Santa or making gingerbread houses – if you have any traditions, do them and go totally OTT with them all! If you don’t have any Christmas Customs, maybe this is the year to start one.
10. Enjoy a more relaxed pace and a less hectic December
Yes, we’ll miss seeing friends and family but the thought of not having to rush about with that feeling of panic does have a certain appeal. I’ll be fully embracing a quieter Christmas with these three 😊.
December is the ideal time of year to indulge in some special Christmas traditions and a North Pole Breakfast is a lovely way to welcome in the festive season.
You can combine this Christmas tradition with the dreaded Elf On The Shelf, many families start both of these on the same day as a way to welcome their mischievous festive friend back for another year.
Below are a few ideas for what to serve during your North Pole Breakfast – just remember, this is a special treat that only happens once a year so it isn’t going to be the healthiest but embrace and enjoy the blowout, it’s Christmas after all!
SANTA PANCAKES
Pancakes, fruit, nuts, chocolate and squirty cream – guaranteed winner in our house. I tend to serve pancakes up as a Grazing Board and let everyone help themselves – maximum effect with minimal effort.
PULL-A-PART PUFF PASTRY NUTELLA CHRISTMAS TREE
Like a giant pain au chocolat – amazing!
DIPPY EGGS AND SPECIAL SHAPE SOLDIERS
One thing I’ve found out about dippy eggs is everyone has their own way of achieving them. I’m a 5-mins-in-to-boiling-water-and-hope-for-the-best kinda girl. Nine times out of ten it works but there is the occasional fail. For a North Pole Breakfast, I serve the dippy eggs with festive shapes cut out of toast.
CINNAMON BUNS
Now, these do take time but they’re so worth it! Fresh out the oven and drizzled with water icing, these sweet bread rolls flavoured with the ultimate Christmas spice are absolutely devine!
Get creative with marshmallows and edible ink pens to make these little cuties, perfect to warm you up on a frosty morning!
If you don’t fancy spending too long in the kitchen, check out what the supermarkets have on offer – the Christmas tree crumpets are a favourite with us!
INGREDIENTS – 200g Milk Chocolate – 50g Butter – 180g Marshmallows – 100g Rice Crispies – 50g White Chocolate – Small amount of red and green fondant
METHOD
1) Place a large bowl over a pan of simmering water. Add in the milk chocolate and butter and gently melt over a low heat.
2) Add in the marshmallows and stir until melted and combined.
3) Remove from the heat and pour in the rice crispies. Mix until the rice crispies are completely coated in the chocolate mallow.
4) Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
5) Using a tablespoon, divide the rice crispie mix in to equal portions and roll in to balls. Dampening your hands with a little water will prevent the mixture sticking to you.
6) Pop the balls in to the fridge for 30 mins to set.
7) Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate and make your holly leaves and berries. Alternatively, check out the supermarket baking aisles – they usually sell pre-made festive cake decorations.
8) When the puddings have chilled, remove from the fridge and decorate with a drizzle of white chocolate and a sprig of holly.
9) The puddings will keep in the fridge for about one week.
A seasonal twist to this British classic with turkey sausage meat, sage & onion stuffing and cranberry sauce.
INGREDIENTS
6 hard or soft boiled eggs
450g Turkey Sausage Meat
100g Sage & Onion Stuffing
50g Cranberry Sauce
Plain Flour
Egg Wash
Breadcrumbs
METHOD
Peel the boiled eggs. In a bowl mix the sausage meat with the stuffing and cranberry sauce until well combined.
Divide the sausage meat mixture in to 6. Take one portion and flatten it on the palm of your hand. Place an egg in the centre of the meat then, using your other hand, encase the egg completely. Repeat with the rest of the eggs.
Dip each Scotch Egg in to the flour, then the egg wash then the breadcrumbs. The Scotch Eggs can then be fried or oven baked until the sausage meat is cooked and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
The Scotch Eggs can be eaten hot or cold and are a perfect edition to a Christmas Cheese Board.
North East Eats and Kids 