Sophs blog

Final food preparations for the big day With seven sleeps left till Christmas (eeek!) there's a lot to think about and a lot to prepare for this spectacular Monday we have ahead of us. Let's face it, the main thing that's on our mind is the food, how will it all come together? How will it be on time? Is my goose/turkey basted, rested and loved enough? Do not worry, I have written a small guide on how to tackle these daunting questions to make your Christmas day magical. For the next few days I would say continue your festivities however that may be. Mine include drinking a lot of mulled wine, wrapping presents, eating fondue (or any cheese), giving secret santa gifts, decorating the house, and going to as many Christmas markets as possible.  - Saturday and Sunday will probably be the main shopping and cooking days. On Saturday I'll be going cheese buying to prepare an amazing cheese board for the day. We normally go to Paxton and Whitfield since it's an ...

5 activities to do in London that will get you in the Christmas spirit I find myself in a constant battle with scrooges, grinches and variations alike about when the appropriate time to get in the Christmas spirit is. I would argue anytime in November once fireworks night is out the way is the perfect time to start getting festive. However, because a lot of people might beg to differ I have devised a list of Christmas activities that are bound to get any grinch into the Christmas spirit.  1) Lights, lights and more lights! I think I went to at least three switch ons this year and they were all as magical.  Head to Oxford Street to witness a celebratory guest (this year it was Rita Ora) turn on those magical lanterns that run all the way down London's shopping heaven.  Once you've got your insta pic of Oxford Street stop off at Carnaby Street to see what bright innovative take they have on Christmas- you can expect to find carnival themed ligh...

Boozy Christmas truffles These simple boozy truffles pack a punch and are perfect for the Christmas season. A friend suggested I make them as presents for people so I trolled through the internet looking for the perfect recipe however none caught my eye so I've devised my own.  The Ingredients are: - one pack of dark chocolate - one pack of milk chocolate - one pack of cream cheeese - one heaped table spoon of icing sugar - vanilla essence - whatever booze you want to use (I went for apricot brandy but baileys, prosecco and rum are more traditional choices) - whatever garnish you like (I used a crushed up crunchy bar but coconut, flaked almonds or white chocolate would work too) Method:  - Start by breaking about half of each chocolate packet into pieces and put in a plastic bowl. Put on top of some boiling water and let it melt in the bowl over the stove- don't forget to stir it and keep a close eye on it. - While the chocolate is melting beat yo...

As a lover of Christmas and cooking I thought it was time to make a Christmas toastie. While I love the classic turkey, stuffing and cranberry sandwich I like to save that for post Christmas blues and thought a different flavor combination should be used for the Christmas build up.  So for my Christmas toastie I've gone for an incredibly indulgent cranberry, Stilton and rocket filling; it's oozy, tangy and is the ultimate comfort food for a frosty December day. All you need is:  - two slices of bread (I use gluten free warburtons)  - margarine  - a block of slilton - cranberry sauce  - washed Rocket leaves (about a handful for the filling and a handful for the side). Start by spreading the margarine on one side of each slice of bread then turn it over and spread cranberry sauce on the other side- I like to put cranberry on both sides for extra flavor and moisture. Cut up as much Stilton as you want and place evenly on one side o...