No matter how well planned in advance, most of us never get ready in time and panic sets in some days before Thanksgiving or Christmas. So why take on too much? Better you play with your animals or kids I say!
The goose will more or less cook it self, but what's for desert?
Here's a very simple "quickie" festive and serious chocolate indulgence that's always worked for me when time was short. Of course you never let on how simple this delicious desert really was to make:
You'll need:
- A bar of good very dark Chocolate - or even better rum flavored chocolate
- The best of one stick of (unsalted) butter
- 2 tablespoons of (maple) syrup
- 3 heaped tablespoons of hot chocolate powder
- A good packet (1 lb or more) orange flavored cookies, crushed
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 cup of chopped almonds (or other nuts)
- 1 cup of chopped candid cherries
- a good shot of chilled *Amarula liqueur
- Melt the chocolate and let it cool. Mix with the soft butter.
- Add all the other ingredients and last add about two ounces of the Amarula.
- Put the mixture in a lightly greased and dusted teflon bread tin and cover with wax paper.
- Throw it in the freezer and forget about it for a few hours.
For the rest of the Amarula: add some Ice cubes, put up your feet and dream of a white Christmas!........
Whenever you are ready, remove the frozen "loaf" from the bread tin. Slice it with a hot knife. Serve each slice topped with some (frozen) berries and whipped cream, topped with a little splash of Amarula.
* You can substitute any orange liqueur but only Amarula Liqueur will give your gateau that distinct and exotic flavor.
of course it's all about keeping your good resolutions....
If you gained a few pounds of "guilt" over the holidays, its good to know there is a way to start the new Year "guilt-free" : This healthy way of snacking will get you over the worst, believe me!!
To make 12 pieces you will need the following:
- 300 g pitted dates
- 200 g soaked raisins
- 4 tbsp carob powder (optional)
- 500 g Brazil nuts, pre-soaked over night in cold water
- 100 g flax seeds
- 100 g sunflower seeds
- 125 g chopped walnuts
- 125 g whole walnuts
- sprinkle of sesame seeds
- Place the dates, raisins, carob powder, Brazil nuts and two cups of water in a blender and mix until the paste is smooth.
- Stir in the seeds (except for the sesame seeds) and walnuts.
- Line a baking tray with cling film and spread on the mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top then put the tray into the freezer for one hour.
- Cut 12 pieces and serve.
These cookies will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
If it's too hard, you can always wash them down with the left over Amarula on ice and dream about an African Safari!!
