Warming Spices for a Magical Christmas: How to Use Star Anise, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Ginger and Cloves in Your Festive Cooking

There’s nothing quite as comforting as the cosy, aromatic scent of warming spices filling the kitchen in December. 

From classic bakes to mulled drinks and hearty winter dishes, a handful of traditional spices can instantly transform your Christmas cooking into something truly special.

Five of the most beloved festive flavours, star anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, each bring their own character and warmth to sweet and savoury dishes alike. Here’s how to make the most of them in your holiday recipes.

Star Anise: Sweet Liquorice Warmth

With its striking star shape and gentle liquorice note, star anise adds depth and perfume to a range of seasonal dishes.

How to use it at Christmas:

Add whole stars to mulled wine, mulled cider or Christmas punch.

Infuse in slow-cooked beef or pork for a subtle sweetness.

Simmer with poached pears or spiced apples for elegant, festive desserts.

Pop one into your homemade cranberry sauce for an aromatic lift.

Star anise works best when used sparingly, it’s potent, so a little goes a long way.

Nutmeg: The Cosy, Comforting Classic

Nutmeg has a naturally creamy, warming flavour that enhances both sweet and savoury Christmas treats.

Perfect uses include:

Grating fresh nutmeg over eggnog, custard, rice pudding or bread and butter pudding.

Adding a pinch to Christmas stuffing, white sauces, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Mixing into gingerbread and fruitcake batters.

Sprinkling over a festive latte or hot chocolate.

Whenever possible, grate nutmeg fresh—it makes a remarkable difference in aroma and flavour.

Cinnamon: The Scent of Christmas

Cinnamon is perhaps the quintessential festive spice, instantly recognisable and wonderfully versatile.

Try using cinnamon:

In bakes like mince pies, Christmas cookies, stollen and cinnamon rolls.

Added to porridge, granola, or overnight oats for a wintery breakfast.

In savoury dishes such as Moroccan-style stews, roast carrots, or spiced red cabbage.

As sticks in festive drinks, from mulled wine to spiced coffee syrups.

Its welcoming warmth helps create that unmistakable Christmas atmosphere.

Ginger: Zesty Heat and Vibrancy

Ginger adds brightness and a gentle heat that cuts through rich festive dishes.

Excellent Christmas uses include:

Making gingerbread men, ginger cake, or sticky ginger puddings.

Adding grated fresh ginger to glazed ham, winter soups, or stir-fries.

Using crystallised ginger in biscuits, truffles, or Christmas rocky road.

Blending into homemade chutneys for cheese boards and leftover turkey sandwiches.

Ginger pairs beautifully with citrus too, making it ideal for seasonal desserts.

Cloves: Powerful, Aromatic and Full of Tradition

Cloves are packed with intense flavour, so a small amount adds incredible depth.

How to use cloves this Christmas:

Stud whole cloves into oranges for homemade pomander decorations that scent the home.

Simmer in mulled wine, spiced apple juice, or Christmas punch.

Add to slow-cooked meats, gammon, or baked hams.

Use ground cloves in mincemeat, fruitcakes, and festive biscuits.

Cloves have long been associated with winter celebrations, giving dishes a nostalgic, old-world charm.

Bringing the Spices Together

The real magic happens when these spices are combined. Most traditional Christmas recipes—mince pies, Christmas cake, gingerbread, mulled wine, use more than one of them to create that unmistakable seasonal flavour.

Try experimenting with spice blends in:

Spiced hot chocolate mix

Christmas granola jars (ideal for edible gifts)

Festive simmer pots to fragrance the home

Sweet spiced nuts for snacking or gifting

Balancing the warmth of cinnamon, the heat of ginger, the sweetness of star anise, and the intensity of cloves with a gentle grating of nutmeg creates a comforting festive glow in every dish.

These five spices are the heartbeat of Christmas cooking. Whether you’re baking, simmering, roasting or mulling, star anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves can turn simple recipes into festive favourites. 

Stock up your spice cupboard and let their warming aromas fill your home all season long.

Butter Bike launches limited-edition Sage & Onion Stuffing Peanut Butter

I love peanut butter and I love the taste of the savoury delights of Christmas, so I was intrigued to learn of the latest offering from Butter Bike. 

Butter Bike, the specialist producers of bold, all natural nut butters, is unveiling a new limited edition Sage & Onion Stuffing Peanut Butter. 

Deep roast, hi-oleic peanuts meet sage, rosemary, garlic, some crispy onion and just a touch of flaked salt for a distinctive seasonal spread which is perfect for gifting or savouring yourself. 

Proudly made in the UK, this peanut butter is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein. It contains no added oils (including palm oil), no artificial flavours, and no refined sugar. 

It's a stand out peanut butter for foodies, trend-chasers, adventurous cooks and toast lovers - it really is a stocking filler like no other.

Serving suggestions 

Cheese twists, upgraded: Spread on puff pastry, twist, top with Parmesan, bake.

The ultimate leftovers sarnie: Smother over bread, pile in turkey, pigs in blankets, cheese and cranberry.

Boxing Day dip: Dunk pigs in blankets straight into the jar; drizzle over a chopped salad of cold roast potatoes and sprouts.

Festive 'nachos': Lightly salted tortillas with Sage & Onion Peanut Butter, melted brie, stuffing balls and cranberry.

Sweet Seasonal Specials 

Gingerbread Peanut Butter 

£6.50, 285g (butterbike.co.uk)

Just like your favourite festive cookie: this peanut butter is generously spiced and scattered with jewels of chewy crystallised ginger. Delightfully fiery, sweet and crunchy.

Try it on French toast; rolled in crêpes with plum compote; or generously dolloped on a hot, buttered crumpet.

Chocolate Orange Peanut Butter

£6.50, 285g (butterbike.co.uk)

Citrussy and aromatic, yet creamy and rich with cocoa, this smooth peanut butter is as moreish as its foil-wrapped inspiration. Best poured liberally over porridge on a wintry morning. Delicious on hot crumpets after a cold run or cycle!

Festive Peanut Butter Gift Trio

£18.95, 3 x 285g (butterbike.co.uk)

This beautifully presented gift box brings together Butter Bike's three festive favourites - full of smooth chocolatey goodness, sweet spices and its bestselling classic crunchy peanut butter. It includes: 

1 x Rugged Peanut Butter (285g)

1 x Limited Edition Chocolate Orange Peanut Butter (285g)

1 x Limited Edition Gingerbread Peanut Butter (285g)

The ultimate Christmas gift for the foodie in your life. 

 For more information, visit www.butterbike.co.uk or follow @butterbikeco on social media.

Butter Bike is also available from Not On The High Street, DELLI, Whole Foods London, Selfridges, and a wealth of independent delis, farm shops and speciality stores across the UK.

Brandy Butter & Winter Spices: New Fresh Chocolates For Christmas From Russell & Atwell

With a rich, milk chocolate shell and luxuriously luscious double cream centre that's blended with organic butter laced with British Burnt Faith Brandy and a hint of winter spices, Russell & Atwell's new Christmas Cream chocolates are the ultimate treat this festive season.

Made from 100% real ingredients, and never with palm oil, these hand-finished fresh chocolates are created with Fino de Aroma Colombian cocoa and have Russell & Atwell's famous 'double crack' bite sensation.  

Each chocolate has a thin outer chocolate shell that once cracked open, leads to its smooth, scrumptious and creamy centre packed with festive flavours, finishing with a deeply indulgent bottom layer of chocolate.

The chocolates are a collaboration with Burnt Faith, the recently launched first dedicated British Brandy House, and continues Russell & Atwell's commitment to working with British food and drink producers.

Simon Wright, founder of Burnt Faith, said: “We're a brandy company, so chocolate is a whole new world for us, but when Russell & Atwell approached us, we were excited to explore the idea and having tasted chocolates with our brandy in, well they're something else!”

Steve Russell, co-founder of Russell & Atwell added, “We've combined two classic festive flavours - brandy butter and winter spices - into a moreish, creamy centre. It's Christmas in a chocolate!”

Russell & Atwell Christmas Cream chocolates will be available from 1st November at russellandatwell.com.

Fresh Chocolates For Christmas Also Available From Russell & Atwell

Great Taste Award Winning Seville Orange Pouch (90g), 12 chocolates, £8.00

A 2023 Great Taste award-winner. Zesty, fruity and with a hint of tartness, this festive flavour is a special limited edition for Christmas. Russell & Atwell's signature fresh chocolate envelops a super smooth Seville orange, marmalade-like centre, made from real Seville oranges. Available from mid October. 

Great Taste Award Winning Marc de Champagne Pouch (90g), 12 chocolates, £8.00

A 2024 Great Taste award-winner, these rich, dark fresh chocolates have a creamy chocolatey centre, laced with real Marc de Champagne for a touch of indulgent luxury.

Mega Monty Pack x 6 pouches (90g) of 12 chocolates, £39

What's not to love about a Mega Monty Pack?  Featuring one pouch each of Creamy Milk, Smooth Dark, Salted Caramel, Award-Winning Seville Orange, Creamy Hazelnut and Dirty Blond fresh chocolates, and Chocolate Scientist Steve's pro tasting notes, there's something for everyone!

Milk & Salted Caramel Refillable Fresh Chocolate Glass Jar Pack, £33 (160g per jar)

A special festive pack of Russell & Atwell's best selling premium glass jars of Creamy Milk and Salted Caramel. Containing one jar of each flavour, with 20 chocolates per jar, they're perfect for giving, sharing or treating yourself at home. The jars are made to be refilled and reused with their bio-degradable, recyclable Eco-Pouches, so you need never run out of chocolates again.

Chocolate Subscriptions 

Choose from a 3, 6 or 12 month Discovery gift subscription, featuring three recyclable pouches (90g) of curated combinations for Milk Chocolate Lovers (Creamy Milk, Dirty Blond and a new seasonal flavour each month) or Dark Chocolate Lovers (Smooth Dark, Extra Dark and a new seasonal flavour each month), delivered monthly to the lucky recipient in a letterbox-friendly pack.

Russell & Atwell's full range is available at russellandatwell.com or in select delicatessens including Panzers and Booth's supermarkets. 

Spice Up Your Christmas with Steenbergs and Old Hamlet

Steenbergs is a family-run, B Corp-certified spice company from North Yorkshire, offering organic spices, teas, and ingredients, all blended in-house and ethically sourced. 

They have three beautiful gifts for this Christmas. All under £50. 

Steenbergs' Arabian Spice Collection (£48.50, website, Amazon)  

Perfect for adventurous home cooks, the collection offers a delicious journey through Arabian food culture with blends for marinades, tagines, salads, and more. The collection includes a vibrant selection of organic and ethically sourced Middle Eastern spices, herbs, and treats, beautifully packed in a reusable jute tote. 

It includes favourites like Za'atar, Sumac, Ras al Hanut, Chermoula, Baharat, Dukkah, and Harissa with Rose. As well as pomegranate molasses, saffron, barberries, a fragrant green tea blend, and a lemon & mint scented candle. Inspired by the flavours featured in Ottolenghi's cookbook, this curated set draws from Persian, Moroccan, and Levantine cuisines.  

Steenbergs' Storecupboard Spice Gift Box (£30, website, Amazon) 

This Gift set includes 16 mini jars of organic herbs and spices, the perfect starter set for any kitchen. From warming cinnamon and chilli powder to fragrant basil, curry powder, and whole nutmeg, each 1oz jar is packed with flavour and quality. Thoughtfully presented in Steenbergs' signature kraft packaging, it makes a brilliant housewarming gift 

or treat for budding cooks. All spices are ethically sourced and organic, reflecting Steenbergs' commitment to sustainability and quality. This versatile collection helps stock any pantry with essentials for everyday cooking and global dishes, inspiring creativity and confidence in the kitchen. 

Old Hamlet Mulled Wine Spice Cube (20g, RRP £4.50, website, Amazon, Cotswold Fayre) includes four muslin spice bundles, each perfect for 75cl of red wine or juice. Made with cinnamon, allspice, lemon peel, and cloves, all blended and packed in the UK. Box is recyclable, muslins are home compostable and instructions are included. 

FACTFILE:

Steenbergs is a pioneering, family-run spice company based in North Yorkshire, known for its ethical, organic and Fairtrade-certified products. Founded in 2003 by Axel and Sophie Steenberg, this B Corp-certified business offers organic spices, loose-leaf teas, and cooking ingredients — all blended in-house and sourced directly from trusted growers around the world. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and doing business differently, Steenbergs puts purpose before profit in everything they do. 

Old Hamlet (one of Steenbergs' brands).  

Old Hamlet is an artisan producer of mulling spices for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. They sell hand-blended mulled spice mixes in small batches to authentic recipes, developed over the last 40 years. 

https://steenbergs.co.uk

The Best Spices and Ingredients for the Ultimate Christmas Hot Chocolate

When the festive season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of hot chocolate. 

But why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your drink into a decadent Christmas masterpiece? 

With the right blend of spices and ingredients, you can create a hot chocolate that embodies the warmth, joy, and magic of the season. 

Here are the best additions to make your Christmas hot chocolate unforgettable.

1. Rich, High-Quality Chocolate

The foundation of any great hot chocolate is, of course, the chocolate. Opt for high-quality dark or milk chocolate bars with at least 60% cocoa content. If you prefer a sweeter drink, choose a creamy milk chocolate, or mix both for a balanced flavour. Avoid pre-packaged powders when possible, as they often lack depth and richness.

2. Velvety Milk Base

Your choice of milk can dramatically influence the texture and taste of your hot chocolate. Whole milk creates a creamy base, but you can also use plant-based options like oat milk for a slightly nutty undertone or almond milk for a lighter alternative. For extra indulgence, add a splash of double cream.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the quintessential Christmas spice, adding a warm and sweet aroma to your drink. Stir a cinnamon stick into your hot chocolate as it simmers or sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for a festive touch.

4. Nutmeg

Freshly grated nutmeg lends a subtle, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Be sparing with this spice, as a little goes a long way.

5. Cloves

For a hint of spiced depth, add a pinch of ground cloves or steep a few whole cloves in your milk while heating. This spice is particularly delightful when paired with cinnamon and nutmeg.

6. Ginger

Adds the flavour of gingerbread men to your festive hot chocolate, with a touch of gentle heat.

7. Vanilla Extract

A dash of pure vanilla extract enhances the chocolate’s natural sweetness and adds a layer of comforting flavour. For an extra-special touch, use vanilla bean paste or steep a vanilla pod in your milk.

8. Peppermint

Nothing says Christmas quite like peppermint. Add a drop or two of peppermint extract to your hot chocolate for a refreshing twist, or garnish with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch.

9. Orange Zest

For a citrusy twist, grate a bit of orange zest into your hot chocolate. The bright, tangy flavour complements the richness of the chocolate and gives your drink a cheerful lift.

10. Star Anise

Star anise brings a mild licorice-like flavour that’s both unique and festive. Use it sparingly, as its flavour can be overpowering. Add a whole star anise to your milk while it heats and remove it before serving.

11. Salt

A pinch of sea salt might seem unconventional, but it enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and balances the overall flavour. Use flaky sea salt for a touch of sophistication.

12. Sweeteners

If you need to sweeten your hot chocolate, opt for natural options like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar. These add a depth of flavour that refined white sugar lacks.

13. Alcoholic Additions

For an adult twist, consider adding a splash of Baileys, Kahlúa, or spiced rum. These liqueurs complement the chocolate’s richness and add a festive kick.

14. Whipped Cream and Toppings

No Christmas hot chocolate is complete without a generous dollop of whipped cream. Top with marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder. For an extra-special touch, drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the top.

15. Spiced Syrups

Infused syrups, such as gingerbread or chai, can add layers of festive flavour to your hot chocolate. Simply stir a spoonful into your drink before serving.

The Perfect Recipe: Christmas Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

500ml whole milk (or your preferred alternative)

100g high-quality dark chocolate, chopped

50g milk chocolate, chopped

1 cinnamon stick

A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

1-2 whole cloves

½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional: a pinch of sea salt, orange zest, or a splash of liqueur

Whipped cream and toppings of your choice

Instructions:

In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm (but not boiling).

Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and nutmeg, and let them steep for 2-3 minutes.

Remove the spices and whisk in the chopped chocolate until fully melted and smooth.

Stir in the vanilla extract, sea salt, and any optional ingredients.

Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream and your favourite toppings, and enjoy!

This Christmas, transform your hot chocolate into a luxurious treat that will warm your heart and soul. With these spices and ingredients, you’ll create a drink so good, it might just become a new holiday tradition.

Creating a Festive Dessert for Christmas: A Seasonal Crumble Delight

As Christmas approaches, the air fills with the aroma of spices, the glow of fairy lights, and the promise of indulgent feasts. 

While traditional Christmas desserts like mince pies, puddings, and Yule logs hold a special place on the table, there’s always room for something a little different. 

Enter the festive crumble—a warm, comforting dessert that’s both easy to make and bursting with seasonal flavours.

Here’s how to create a festive crumble that will have your family and friends reaching for seconds.

The Base: Festive Fruits

The foundation of any good crumble is its fruit filling. For a Christmas twist, consider a medley of:

Apples: Their sweetness and texture make them the perfect base.

Cranberries: Add a tart, jewel-like burst of flavour.

Pears: For a soft, juicy contrast.

Dried Fruits: A handful of raisins, sultanas, or chopped dates can add a rich, festive note.

Spices: Mix your fruits with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves for that unmistakable Christmas aroma.

For an extra festive touch, add a splash of orange juice and a grating of orange zest to the fruit mixture. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey can enhance the natural sweetness.

The Crumble Topping: A Seasonal Upgrade

The crumble topping is where you can truly make your dessert shine. While the classic combination of flour, butter, and sugar is always a winner, adding festive ingredients elevates it to Christmas-worthy status:

Oats: Add texture and a wholesome crunch.

Chopped Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds bring a lovely nuttiness.

Spices: Mirror the filling with cinnamon and nutmeg in the topping.

Brown Sugar: For a rich, caramel-like sweetness.

Crumble Extras: Mix in crushed ginger biscuits or a handful of desiccated coconut for added festive flair.

Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, then sprinkle it generously over the fruit.

The Baking and Serving

Bake your festive crumble in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp, and the fruit is bubbling beneath.

To serve, pair your crumble with:

Custard: A classic choice, perhaps infused with a hint of vanilla or brandy.

Cream: Whipped or pouring, it adds a lightness to the rich dessert.

Ice Cream: A scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream offers a delightful contrast to the warm crumble.

A Festive Centrepiece

For added flair, consider baking individual crumbles in ramekins or a large crumble in a decorative dish. Garnish with a sprig of holly (non-toxic varieties only!) or a dusting of icing sugar to mimic snow.

This festive crumble is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your family’s favourite flavours. It’s a perfect way to bring warmth and comfort to your Christmas celebrations, leaving everyone with a sweet memory of the season.

Happy baking and Merry Christmas!