The 12 Flavours of Christmas: Steenbergs’ Little Ingredients for Big Festive Flavour

Christmas cooking is full of big moments, but sometimes it’s the smallest ingredients that make them memorable. 

A pinch of spice in a biscuit, a splash of vanilla in cream or a smoky twist on a party snack can bring a little extra magic to the table.

North Yorkshire family business Steenbergs specialises in premium, organic and ethically sourced herbs, spices, seasonings and baking ingredients. Here are Sophie and Axel Steenberg’s 12 ideas for adding festive flavour with minimum fuss.

1. Organic Mixed Spice

The scent of Christmas in a jar. Stir a teaspoon into mincemeat, Christmas cake, cookies or apple crumble for a fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.

2. Organic Fairtrade Vanilla Extract

A splash transforms softly whipped cream for mince pies, pudding or pavlova. Steenbergs’ extract is made with vanilla from Madagascar and contains no added sugar.

3. Organic Cinnamon

Sprinkle over French toast, porridge or stewed apples for a cosy Christmas morning. Cinnamon quills also make lovely stirrers for hot chocolate and mulled wine.

4. Organic Star Anise

Add a star to warming mulled wine or a festive cocktail. It looks beautiful, too, floating in a punch with orange slices and cinnamon.

5. Organic Smoked Paprika

Give roasted nuts and sea salt a smoky makeover for drinks-party nibbles. It also adds savoury depth to roast potatoes, vegetables and dips.

6. Organic Nutmeg

Freshly grate a little over bread sauce, cauliflower cheese or a creamy gratin. A delicate dusting also brings warmth to festive coffee and hot chocolate.

7. Organic Cardamom

For a fresh, aromatic twist, add a pinch to buttery shortbread or lemon biscuits. Cardamom pairs especially well with orange, coffee and chocolate.

8. Organic Stollen Spice Mix

This warming family-recipe blend of allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon and clove is made for traditional Stollen. Try it in festive buns, fruit cake or enriched breads, too.

9. Organic Christmas Chai Spices

Cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, clove, cardamom and orange peel make a comforting alcohol-free warmer. Simmer with tea, milk, water and sugar after a winter walk.

10. Mulled Wine Spices

Add a sachet to gently heated red wine and let the aromas fill the kitchen. Cloudy apple juice makes a delicious non-alcoholic alternative.

11. Organic Ginger

Bring a little heat to gingerbread, sticky cake or chocolate brownies. It’s also lovely sprinkled over pears before roasting.

12. Organic Rosemary

Crush with sea salt for roast potatoes, or mix with garlic and olive oil for a simple roast-seasoning rub. It can perk up Boxing Day leftovers, too.

Small jar, big flavour: a few well-chosen ingredients can make festive cooking easier and more delicious.

Explore the range and find Christmas recipes at steenbergs.co.uk.