Kat Riach is passionate about cooking, seasonality and local produce.
On the farm the cattle and sheep have verified the change in the season – we were amazed to see recently that their consumption of haylage almost doubled – keeping them in food has now become a twice daily, chilly, task.
One day closer…
Inside, we are enjoying our advent candle, which takes pride of place on the kitchen table. For the kids, it is of the utmost excitement to watch as the flame gradually burns through the numbers and brings them one day closer to Christmas. One simple dinner recipe I have turned to a lot recently is homemade baked beans – we have these alongside baked potatoes and cheese for dinner. The leftovers also make a great breakfast, with the beans piled inside a tortilla wrap, topped with cheese, folded, and lightly toasted in a pan. A great way to start the day on a frosty morning.
Home-made gifts
This year I am aiming to make as many Christmas gifts as possible and preparations are well underway. My gingerbread pre-dough is in the cupboard, where it will have three weeks to mature and develop before I use it to bake chocolate-dipped gingerbread hearts. I have filled jars with apple, pear and ginger mincemeat, mince pies to follow. Last week I made Christmas-spiced salt, beetroot and ginger chutney, and honeyed fig vinegar, and just before Christmas I will make some sweet festive treats, peanut brittle and mini Christmas pudding truffles.
Music to cook to
My absolute favourite Christmas song is Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea. My mum and I used to enjoy this song together when I was younger.
