Christmas may be a little different this year but that doesn't mean we can't make room for some easy festive party treats. I've chosen some great party nibbles that's are just right for sharing with a few friends and family.
Welcome to #CookBlogShare the weekly linky for all things foodie, hosted here on Recipes Made Easy the last Tuesday of the month, at Lost in Food on the 2nd Tuesday of the month and with our guests hosts on the remaining Tuesdays.
Its the place where food bloggers can share their latest posts and for you the reader to find new food blogs and recipes to enjoy.
November in a Nutshell
Regulars will know I like to start my #CookBlogShare hostings sharing a little of what I have been up to both in real life and on my blogs over the past month.
It's hard to believe that we are almost at the end of November and unlike earlier in the year the weeks seem to be flying past in a flash.
November has been a bit of a month for change. My birthday is at the beginning of the month and this year it fell just a couple of days before the 2nd lockdown in England. I could have still gone out to celebrate, but instead spent the day helping to move my son and his girlfriend from our house where they had lived during lockdown into the first place of their own.
In the evening they cooked me dinner in the new pad which was a lovely way to end the day. So for the rest of November my lockdown has been much more like many peoples first experience of it, ie., home alone (Mr B still goes out to work).
I have to confess that in the past I didn't think much about Christmas until December at the earliest but with the blog that is just not practical, and I start making some plans in October. So come November it was time for me to do some updating of my earlier festive recipes including my Christmas pudding just in time for stir up Sunday this weekend past.
Christmas pudding recipe was one of the very first recipes I posted on the blog, whilst it was still experimental and I had not told anyone about it. I knew nothing of SEO and the pictures were taken on my old iPhone 5. As a result the recipe has just sat a little ignored over the years so I thought this year it was time to give it a complete overhaul with some new images and lots of helpful hints and tips.
An upside to my son moving out is that I have regained my dining room table (previously taken over as a home office during the week by my son and partner ) which has meant I was also able to start writing and shooting some new festive recipes. Now I just have to find time finish write the rest up and post them! It's going to be a busy December!
Easy Festive Treats
Of course I'm not the only one writing or updating festive posts and last week saw some delicious treats shared. While none of us knows exactly how we will be able to celebrate Christmas this year it does look like the restrictions will be eased a little to allow us at least some socialising.
Any parties will be small this year, with just a few guests, but I think that's all the more reason to make a few festive treats.
Toast topped with something yummy can be a simple and easy party nibble to make and as the Gluten-Free Alchemist points out they also make great TV snacks too and she shares lots of tasty topping ideas which will leave you spoilt for choice.
or for a festive theme bruschetta try my Christmas crostini topped with gammon, brie and cranberry sauce.
Puff pastry is great for making easy party bites
Pesto is a staple in our house and we always have a pot in the fridge which is handy for making my puff pastry pesto Christmas tree which is another is a fun festive treat.
Cheesy biscuits are always a good choice and The Peachick Bakery shared their recipe for an easy vegan version.
I don't know about you but I'm a little bit partial to a sausage on a stick and my party sausages three ways are always popular with the family.
A few nuts are always great to nibble with drinks.
Dips are always popular at parties. No double dipping! You could serve them in small individual bowls rather than one large dish.
For more substantial party food you could cook a gammon, it is traditional at Christmas and can be served hot or cold.
or this Cheese bacon and Turkey quiche (also great to use up left over turkey after Christmas day).
For a sweet treat you could make a plate of homemade mince pies or for something a little different try these Cranberry and Marzipan pies.
And finally for a little festive tipple try this festive gin – Cheers
Kate - Gluten Free Alchemist
Every year I struggle to find good quick snacks... Loads of inspiration here. Thank you.
And thank you for including my pastry bites and toasts too xx
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie
Oh I love your before and after of the Christmas pud! It's amazing what a difference a few years practice makes. I've been re-doing some of my oldies recently... and I am constantly marvelling at the difference. (And I didn't have the benefit of all your years food styling when I first started!) Eb x
Magdalena Marsden
It's never too early to start on Christmas baking, if it was down to me, I'll start in August! I love the new picture of the Xmas pudding, by the way - the pudding looks delicious.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Gosh you are keen! and thank you im pleased you tink the pudding looks good
Choclette
You've got me sorted. I'll have a glass of your cranberry and clementine gin with the feta dip and crackers. Will keep me happy for a while.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Great choice!
Jessica Cantoni
All these festive recipes are really getting me into the Christmas spirit.. and don't we need it this year! xx
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
We sure do.
Janice
Thanks for all these great ideas for party treats, even if we are just partying on our own we need ALL the snacks!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
I agree.
Cat | Curly's Cooking
Thanks for including my Ham 🙂 Regardless of whether we can see family or not this year, I will definitely be making party food and nibbles because it is part of Christmas I look forward to. These all look so delicious. I love looking at before and after photos! It feels like I have been updating photos of ages but I'm finally making progress.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Yes making them is almost as much fun as eating them and definitely part of the joy of Christmas. Your photos are coming on in leaps and bounds I often think what a love shot when I look at your posts now.
Corina Blum
Thanks so much for including my honey roasted nuts! It's hard to plan this year as we are not sure yet whether we'll have lots of people visiting us like most years but we'll still need some party treats! I especially like the look of the pesto Christmas tree!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
I think its safe to say there will not be lots of visitors this year but all the more reason to make some treats for those we are lucky enough to see.