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As we just pointed out, homemade Christmas treats are amazing. But how do you do it? What can we cook? It's funny you should mention that! Because here is part 2 of your homemade Christmas.
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house during the festive season.
As Christmas draws closer, many of us start thinking about indulgent treats, comforting bakes, and creating a cosy atmosphere that warms both heart and home.
This year, why not take your festive baking to the next level by learning to make your own breads, biscuits, and cakes from scratch?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the joys of homemade Christmas baking, offering tips and inspiration for mastering your own festive creations. With a bit of practice and some simple ingredients, you can create delicious homemade treats that will not only impress your guests but also become a cherished part of your Christmas traditions.
1. The Joy of Homemade Bread
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a loaf of freshly baked bread out of the oven, especially when you’ve made it yourself. While breadmaking might seem daunting at first, it’s a rewarding skill that can transform your Christmas meals. Imagine serving up a warm, crusty loaf to accompany your Christmas dinner or enjoying slices of homemade bread with cheese or pâté.
Basic White Loaf Recipe
500g strong white bread flour
7g fast-action yeast
1 tsp salt
300ml warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
Method:
Mix the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
Slowly add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until you form a dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and leave to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Once risen, shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf tin. Leave it to rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
This simple recipe can be adapted with different flours, seeds, or even a touch of festive flavouring like dried cranberries or cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
2. Festive Biscuits for Gifting and Sharing
Christmas biscuits are a must during the festive period, perfect for sharing with guests or giving as homemade gifts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, biscuits are a fun and easy way to bring a little Christmas magic into your home.
Classic Gingerbread Biscuits Recipe
350g plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
125g unsalted butter
175g light brown sugar
1 egg
4 tbsp golden syrup
Method:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line two baking trays with parchment.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, and cinnamon.
Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then stir in the sugar.
Beat the egg with the golden syrup and add it to the dry ingredients, mixing until it forms a smooth dough.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 5mm thick and cut into festive shapes.
Place the biscuits on the prepared trays and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
Once your gingerbread has cooled, you can decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for that extra festive sparkle.
3. Traditional Christmas Cakes
No Christmas celebration would be complete without a rich, fruity Christmas cake. Learning to make your own is a rewarding experience, and the best part is you can personalise it to suit your taste – more fruit, extra spice, or perhaps a dash of brandy for a boozy twist.
Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe
225g plain flour
225g unsalted butter
225g soft brown sugar
4 large eggs
50g ground almonds
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp black treacle
500g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
100g glacé cherries, halved
100g chopped nuts (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
4 tbsp brandy or rum or a good quality Scotch (optional)
Method:
Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C fan) and line a deep 20cm cake tin with baking parchment.
Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Sift the flour, mixed spice, and cinnamon into the mixture and fold in gently, followed by the ground almonds, black treacle, dried fruits, cherries, nuts, and zest.
If using, stir in the brandy or rum.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Once baked, leave the cake to cool in the tin. If desired, you can ‘feed’ the cake by piercing it with a skewer and drizzling with extra brandy every week leading up to Christmas.
Finish your Christmas cake by covering it with a layer of marzipan and icing, decorating with festive motifs like holly leaves or snowflakes.
4. A Homemade Christmas: The Benefits
Learning to make your own bread, biscuits, and cakes for Christmas is not only a rewarding way to embrace the season, but it also offers several benefits:
Personal Touch: Homemade gifts and treats are far more personal and meaningful. Your loved ones will appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into making something from scratch.
Customisation: When you bake at home, you can tailor your recipes to suit personal preferences or dietary requirements. Whether it’s adding more spices, less sugar, or creating gluten-free options, homemade baking gives you complete control.
Cost-Effective: Buying baked goods can add up, especially around Christmas. By making your own, you can save money and make larger batches for sharing.
Creating Traditions: There’s something special about making the same recipes year after year. These baking moments can become cherished family traditions that make Christmas even more meaningful.
Conclusion
This Christmas, why not try your hand at making your own breads, biscuits, and cakes? Whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete beginner, these recipes will help you create delicious, homemade treats that add a personal touch to your festivities. Embrace the warmth of the season, the joy of baking, and the magic of sharing your homemade creations with those you love. Happy Christmas baking!
