The Time Honoured British Tradition of Serving Figs, Dates, and Dried Fruits at Christmas

When the festive season rolls around, British households are steeped in traditions that have been handed down through generations. 

Among the most enduring and evocative customs is the serving of figs, dates, and dried fruits during Christmas. 

These sweet, chewy morsels have long been a staple of yuletide celebrations, offering a taste of history alongside the indulgence of the season.

A Tradition Rooted in History

The tradition of enjoying dried fruits at Christmas can be traced back to the Middle Ages. During this period, dried fruits such as figs, dates, and raisins were prized commodities.

 Imported from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, they were considered luxurious treats, reserved for special occasions like Christmas. 

Their long shelf life made them ideal for the winter months when fresh fruit was scarce or even completely unavailable except for royalty and the very, very wealthy.  

Dried fruits also played a symbolic role in medieval Christmas feasts. They were often included in elaborate dishes like mincemeat pies and plum puddings, both of which were rich in spices and sweetness. These ingredients were not only a sign of wealth but also a nod to the exotic origins of the Magi—the three wise men who brought gifts from afar.

The Evolution of Christmas Sweets

As the centuries progressed, dried fruits remained central to British Christmas traditions. By the Victorian era, the serving of figs, dates, and other dried fruits had become a festive ritual. Queen Victoria herself is said to have enjoyed figs as part of her Christmas celebrations, helping to cement their place in the national consciousness.

Victorian households would often display bowls of dried fruits alongside nuts and sweets. These were not only a treat but also a way to welcome guests and offer them something indulgent during the holiday season. The sharing of these delicacies became a symbol of hospitality and goodwill.

Modern-Day Celebrations

Today, the tradition of serving dried fruits at Christmas continues, albeit with modern twists. While some households still serve simple bowls of figs and dates, others incorporate them into contemporary recipes. Fig and almond tartlets, date-stuffed biscuits, and dried fruit compotes are just a few examples of how these age-old ingredients have been adapted for modern palates.

Dried fruits also play a starring role in Christmas classics like fruitcake and Christmas pudding. These dense, flavourful desserts are packed with raisins, currants, and candied peel, carrying on the legacy of medieval feasting traditions.

A Taste of Nostalgia

In a world that often rushes towards the new, the tradition of serving figs, dates, and dried fruits at Christmas offers a comforting connection to the past. Each bite is a reminder of simpler times, of the warmth of a crackling fire, and of the joy of sharing food with loved ones.

So, this Christmas, why not embrace this old British tradition? Whether you enjoy dried fruits as a standalone treat, incorporate them into a festive recipe, or simply place a bowl of them on the table, you’ll be honouring a custom that has brought sweetness to the season for centuries.

Go Nuts for Christmas!

As the festive season is upon us, it’s time to indulge in the little traditions that make Christmas truly magical. 

One such tradition is the humble yet delightful act of cracking open a bowl of nuts with loved ones. 

So, this year, why not go nuts for Christmas and stock up on a variety of delicious nuts to enjoy?

A Nutty Feast for Everyone

Nuts have long been a part of Christmas celebrations, and for good reason. They’re not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. 

From creamy cashews to crunchy almonds, there’s a nut to suit every palate. Here are some must-have nuts to include in your festive spread:

Walnuts: Perfect for baking into Christmas cakes or enjoying on their own.

Hazelnuts: A classic choice for pairing with chocolate or roasting by the fire.

Almonds: Ideal for snacking or making marzipan treats.

Pecans: A rich, buttery nut that’s wonderful in pies or sprinkled over salads.

Brazil Nuts: A Christmas staple with their distinct flavour and satisfying crunch.

Pistachios: Their vibrant green colour adds a festive touch to desserts and savoury dishes.

Don’t Forget the Nutcrackers!

Cracking open nuts is as much about the experience as it is about the taste. There’s something nostalgic and satisfying about using a traditional nutcracker to get to the treasure inside. Make sure you have a sturdy nutcracker (or two) on hand to avoid any festive frustrations.

Nutcrackers also make wonderful decorative items or stocking fillers. From classic wooden designs to quirky modern styles, they add a charming touch to your Christmas décor.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Nuts This Christmas

Festive Snack Platters: Combine nuts with dried fruits, cheese, and crackers for a show-stopping Christmas platter.

Homemade Gifts: Roast nuts with festive spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, then package them in pretty jars for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Baking and Cooking: Use nuts in cookies, cakes, and stuffing to add a delicious crunch and festive flavour.

Cocktail Garnishes: Candied nuts make a delightful garnish for holiday cocktails.

A Nutty Tradition to Treasure

Including nuts in your Christmas celebrations is a simple way to bring people together. Whether it’s the laughter of cracking open stubborn shells or the joy of sharing a bowl of mixed nuts by the fire, these small moments create lasting memories.

So, this Christmas, embrace the nutty tradition and treat yourself to a wide variety of nuts. It’s a delicious and wholesome way to celebrate the season. And remember, a good nutcracker is your best friend—don’t let the nuts have the last laugh!

The Perfect Christmas Cheeseboard: A Selection of Cheeses, Crackers, Biscuits, Fruits, and Nuts

Christmas is a time for indulgence, and no festive feast would be complete without a beautifully curated cheeseboard to round off the meal. 

A well-balanced cheeseboard is a celebration of different flavours and textures, creating the perfect harmony between savoury and sweet, creamy and crunchy. 

Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a cosy family gathering, here's a guide to crafting the perfect traditional Christmas cheeseboard.

The Cheeses: A Variety of Flavours and Textures

The foundation of any cheeseboard is, of course, the cheese. A perfect selection offers a variety of styles to suit all palates, from mild and creamy to strong and tangy. Here are five essential cheese types to include:

Soft Cheese – Think brie or camembert for a luxuriously creamy option. The rich, buttery flavour of these cheeses works well with fruit and nuts. A baked brie with a drizzle of honey and sprigs of rosemary can be a showstopper.

Blue Cheese – Stilton is a classic British Christmas cheese, known for its strong, tangy flavour and crumbly texture. Pair it with something sweet like ripe pears or fig jam for the perfect balance.

Hard Cheese – A well-aged cheddar, such as a mature farmhouse cheddar, brings a sharp, nutty flavour. You could also opt for Red Leicester or Double Gloucester for a softer, more mellow option.

Goat’s Cheese – For something lighter, a fresh goat’s cheese adds a tangy, earthy note. You might choose a mild, soft chèvre, or go for an aged goat’s cheese with a firmer texture and stronger flavour.

Washed Rind Cheese – For the adventurous, a washed-rind cheese like Époisses or Taleggio can provide a punch of flavour. These cheeses are pungent but mellow, often developing complex fruity notes.

The Crackers and Biscuits: A Mix of Crunch and Flavour

Crackers and biscuits are the perfect vehicles for cheese, and it's important to offer a variety that complements your selection.

Water Crackers – Simple and neutral, these crackers allow the cheese to shine, providing a crisp texture without overwhelming the flavours.

Oatcakes – A traditional Scottish addition, oatcakes bring a rustic, nutty flavour that pairs especially well with cheddar and blue cheeses.

Seeded Crackers – These add an extra layer of flavour and texture, with the seeds offering a delightful crunch. They’re perfect for soft cheeses like brie or camembert.

Digestive Biscuits – A slightly sweeter option, digestive biscuits work surprisingly well with tangy blue cheeses or a sharp cheddar. They add a touch of sweetness that balances out stronger flavours.

Sourdough Crispbread – For something a little more artisanal, sourdough crispbreads bring a unique, tangy crunch that works well with creamy and soft cheeses.

Fruits: Sweet Complements to Savoury Cheese

Fruits are a must for adding sweetness and balancing out the richness of the cheese. Here’s a mix of fresh and dried options:

Grapes – A classic pairing, grapes bring a refreshing sweetness and juiciness that works with almost any cheese, particularly soft and blue varieties. For an added zing, try freezing the grapes beforehand.

Figs – Fresh or dried, figs add a rich sweetness that complements tangy blue cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort. Their earthy flavour also pairs beautifully with goat’s cheese.

Apples and Pears – Crisp and sweet, apples and pears offer a refreshing contrast to creamy cheeses. A tart Granny Smith or a sweet Conference pear are great choices.

Dried Apricots – Their chewy texture and intense sweetness pair well with sharp cheddar or an aged gouda, providing a delightful contrast.

Quince Paste – Also known as membrillo, quince paste is a traditional accompaniment to cheese. Its sweet, floral flavour works particularly well with manchego or any hard, aged cheese.

Nuts: A Crunchy Finishing Touch

Nuts provide a crunchy texture and earthy flavour that elevates the cheeseboard experience. Be sure to include a variety:

Walnuts – Their slightly bitter flavour pairs perfectly with blue cheese and goat’s cheese, enhancing the tangy notes.

Almonds – Roasted or raw, almonds add a mild, nutty crunch that goes well with almost any cheese, particularly creamy varieties.

Hazelnuts – Their sweet, buttery flavour is a natural fit for hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda.

Pistachios – These add a lovely pop of colour and a rich, slightly sweet flavour, perfect for soft and creamy cheeses.

Pecan Nuts – With their sweet, buttery flavour, pecans are a great match for blue cheeses, balancing the tang with their natural sweetness.

Finishing Touches: Jams, Chutneys, and Honey

A cheeseboard isn’t complete without a few sweet or savoury accompaniments. Jams and chutneys help balance the flavours, and honey can add a luxurious sweetness to the overall experience.

Fig Jam – A must-have with blue cheese, its sweetness offsets the tanginess of the cheese beautifully.

Onion Chutney – A rich, caramelised onion chutney adds a savoury, slightly sweet element that pairs well with hard cheeses like cheddar.

Honey – Drizzle over soft cheeses like brie or goat’s cheese for an indulgent touch of sweetness. You could also serve a pot of honeycomb for a visually stunning addition.

Bringing It All Together

Arranging your cheeseboard is an art in itself. Place the cheeses first, ensuring each has enough room to be sliced easily, and arrange the crackers and biscuits around them. Scatter fruits and nuts throughout the board, filling any gaps with bursts of colour and texture. Be sure to include small bowls or dishes for chutneys, jams, and honey, and don’t forget to provide separate knives for each cheese to avoid mixing flavours.

With the right selection of cheeses, crackers, fruits, and nuts, your traditional Christmas cheeseboard will be the star of your festive spread. Enjoy the mix of sweet, savoury, crunchy, and creamy flavours as you celebrate the holiday season in style.

Go nuts over Christmas with Wonderful Pistachios Roasted and Salted!

Thinking about boosting your Christmas snacking this year? Then look no further than Wonderful Pistachios Roasted & Salted!

California grown Wonderful Pistachios are absolutely perfect for every Christmas occasion; from sharing at your Christmas party, enjoying with colleagues at a relaxed works or office Christmas event, or adding some flavour and texture to your favourite festive recipes, and of course, for those all-important Christmas movie snacks! (Our favourite is the 1951 Scrooge!)

And with added health benefits, Wonderful Pistachios are the snack that really keeps on giving! 

• Wonderful Pistachios contain 21 grams of plant protein per 100g

• … They are a source of potassium 

• … Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

• … Vitamin B6

• … And contain 10 grams of fibre per 100g!

So, if you want a unique and delicious snack that the whole family can share, pick up a bag of Wonderful Pistachios Roasted & Salted from Asda, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. 

Wonderful Roasted Salted Pistachios 220g RSP: £5.00

• £4.00 at Ocado until 27/12 and Waitrose until 01/01 (£1 off)

Wonderful Roasted Salted Pistachios 115g RSP: £2.15