Christmas Reads and Reels

I’m clinging to every December day, yearning to stretch its moments and bask in the magic of the fleeting holiday season. I like to immerse myself in the festive spirit by indulging in captivating Christmas reads and the timeless charm of both classic and contemporary holiday films.

I‘m enjoying two new book releases this holiday season: Say Yes To Everything by Michele E. Northwood and Mama Christmas Rose by Cathleen Maza. These Christmas treasures are festive, well-crafted Christmas tales.

Available at Goodreads, and Amazon

Available at Goodreads and Amazon

2023 Christmas Movies

I’ve discovered some incredible movies on Netflix that brought me a rollercoaster of emotions—from heartfelt laughter, tears, and cheers. Three gems that stood out are Family Switch, Christmas as Usual, and The Best Christmas Ever, streaming now on Netflix for the holiday season.

Family Switch

The Best Christmas Ever

Christmas As Usual

Reading-Inspired Christmas Desserts

Christmas is a time for cozying up with a good book or movie and indulging in delicious desserts. If you’re a bookworm and a foodie, why not combine your passions with this reading-inspired Christmas dessert? Take a break from your favorite stories and treat yourself to a delectable treat of mince pie.

I haven’t had mince pies often, but after reading Say Yes to Everything, I’m suddenly in the mood for this festive, spiced dessert. Mince pies, also known as Christmas Pies or Mincemeat pies, are a classic British dessert. I’m excited to bake a homemade version of this timeless dessert for holiday celebrations.

Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Mincemeat:

1 cup chopped suet
2 cups mixed raisins and sultanas
1 cup currants
1 cup chopped apples
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Zest and juice of 1 orange
1/4 cup brandy or rum

For the Pastry:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg, beaten
2-3 tablespoons cold water

Instructions:

For the Mincemeat:

In a large mixing bowl, combine suet, raisins, sultanas, currants, chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon zest, orange zest, and the juice of both the lemon and orange.
Mix well and let it sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Add brandy or rum to the mixture and stir until well combined.

For the Pastry:

In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and add the cold, diced butter. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Stir in the powdered sugar and add the beaten egg. Mix until the dough starts to come together. If needed, add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball.
Divide the pastry into two portions, one slightly larger than the other. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Assembly and Baking:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the larger portion of pastry on a floured surface and use it to line a muffin tin, forming the pie crusts.
Fill each pastry case with the prepared mincemeat mixture.
Roll out the remaining pastry and cut out lids for the pies. You can use a star-shaped cutter or a simple circle.
Place the pastry lids on top of the mincemeat-filled cases, pressing the edges to seal.
Make a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
Allow the mince pies to cool slightly before removing them from the tin.

Serve the mince pies warm or at room temperature. Enjoy this delicious holiday treat!

If you’re interested in baking mince pies for your holiday, check out the videos below.