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Elizabeth's Kitchen Diary

cooking up a storm at the edge of the world

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Christmas Recipes

Image of turkey Wellington with a slice out of it showing the layers of roast turkey, stuffing and crisp pastry.

Turkey Wellington with Cranberries & Hazelnuts

April 5, 2024 by Elizabeth

This festive season, why not impress your dinner guests with a showstopping Turkey Wellington recipe? This recipe features a perfectly moist butterfly turkey breast wrapped in pork sausage stuffing flavoured with cranberries and toasted hazelnuts; all encased in a crispy, golden, mouthwatering puff pastry. Prep Time: 1 hour Cooking Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate An …

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Gingerbread Cookies image - gingerbread men biscuits with decorated icing and sprinkles

Ugly Christmas Sweater Gingerbread Cookies

December 3, 2019 by Elizabeth

No Christmas cookie decorating skills? No worries! The uglier, the better with these ugly Christmas sweater gingerbread cookies! Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Difficulty: Easy Ugly Christmas sweaters – do you love them or hate them? I’m not going to lie; my cookie-decorating skills are not the best, especially when it comes …

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Shetland Croft Gingerbread House

Shetland Gingerbread Crofthouse Recipe (with printable template!)

December 19, 2018 by Elizabeth

This Shetland Croft-style gingerbread house is made using a (slightly adapted) Norwegian pepperkakehus recipe. It’s a delicious, sturdy, easy-to-work-with gingerbread recipe and includes the printable template. This recipe was featured on BBC Radio Shetland’s Shetland Larder and in issue #190 of the i’i Shetland magazine. A Shetland gingerbread crofthouse – the inspiration This is, officially, the …

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Pressure Cooker Christmas Cake

Pressure Cooker Apricot & Almond Christmas Cake

October 22, 2018 by Elizabeth

This pressure cooker apricot and almond Christmas cake is incredibly delicious and moist, ready in just 2.5 hours! With no soaking and no feeding needed, it’s perfect if you need a last-minute homemade Christmas cake (or two!).  Prep Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 1.5 hours Difficulty: Easy A Christmas cake in a pressure cooker! I …

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Medovníky: a Slovak Spiced Honey Cookie Recipe

December 23, 2017 by Elizabeth

Medovníky are deliciously spiced, decorated gingerbread-style cookies flavoured with honey, cinnamon and cloves. These festive cookies are often served at Christmastime in Slovakia decorated with white icing swirls. Prep Time: 1.5 hours Cooking Time: 12 minutes Difficulty: Easy Christmas baking – something new I love experimenting with new recipes, and recently, I had a notion …

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Potato Canapés with Bacon and Asparagus

July 13, 2016 by Elizabeth

Experience the tastiest potato canapes with bacon and asparagus! Learn how to make these mouthwatering bites, perfect for any occasion. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Difficulty: Easy Mayonnaise, for more than just sandwiches I confess when I was growing up in Canada, mayonnaise was not one of those things that regularly appeared …

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White Chocolate and Clementine Ice Cream Bombe

White Chocolate and Clementine Bombe

December 9, 2015 by Elizabeth

This white chocolate and clementine bombe with real gold flakes is a decadent dessert featuring a smooth, creamy white chocolate ice cream encasing a vibrant, zesty clementine sorbet centre. This delightful combination perfectly balances sweetness and citrus, making it a luxurious treat for your Christmas dinner table. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes …

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Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Star Anise

November 21, 2015 by Elizabeth

This recipe for braised red cabbage with apples and star anise offers a tender and flavourful side dish. Sweet red cabbage is enriched with the warm, aromatic essence of star anise, cinnamon and other herbs, complemented by red wine vinegar and dark muscovado sugar. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 70 minutes Difficulty: Easy This …

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Whipped Shortbread Cookies – A Christmas Essential!

December 16, 2013 by Elizabeth

Get ready for the holiday season with whipped shortbread cookies. Learn how to make these delicious treats from scratch. These delicious, melt-in-the-mouth whipped shortbread cookies are topped with little dollops of frosting and a tiny glace cherry. They’re super easy to make, too. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 12 minutes Difficulty: Easy One of …

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The Easiest Spiced Cranberry Sauce Recipe

October 15, 2013 by Elizabeth

This is the easiest spiced cranberry sauce recipe. Just throw the seven ingredients into a saucepan, simmer for 10 minutes, chill, and serve! Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Difficulty: Easy I love cranberry sauce. A Thanksgiving or Christmas meal isn’t complete without it, in my opinion. Cranberry sauce is the accompaniment which …

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Chocolate & Chestnut Torte

December 25, 2012 by Elizabeth

This chocolate and chestnut torte strikes a perfect balance of flavours. The rich, dark chocolate pairs seamlessly with the sweet, nutty chestnut puree, while the cinnamon-scented hazelnut and pecan base add a satisfying, warming crunch. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a sophisticated dessert with a nutty twist. Prep Time: 15 minutes Chilling Time: …

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No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Balls

December 10, 2012 by Elizabeth

Whip up these easy, no-bake chocolate coconut balls (aka Norwegian sjokoladekuler/sjokoladeboller) in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a festive sweet treat! Prep Time: 15 minutes Chilling Time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy What are Norwegian sjokoladekuler? Norwegian sjokoladekuler, or chocolate balls, are a beloved festive treat in Norway that combines simplicity and indulgence. These no-bake snacks …

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Kransekake: a Norwegian Celebration Cake

November 26, 2012 by Elizabeth

Kransekake is a traditional Norwegian celebration cake made with ground almonds, egg whites, and icing sugar. It has a light texture and nutty flavour, quite similar to marzipan. Prep Time: 3 days Cooking Time: 15 minutes Difficulty: Moderate Christmas traditions This recipe comes from my children’s Norwegian grandmother, and every few Christmases, I make one for …

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Pepperkaker – Norwegian Gingerbread Cookies

November 26, 2012 by Elizabeth

Pepperkaker are traditional Norwegian gingerbread cookies. They are a deliciously spiced, slightly sweet festive treat and make perfect edible gifts for friends and neighbours. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 36 hours Difficulty: Easy What are pepperkaker? Pepperkaker translates as ‘pepper cakes’. They are traditional Norwegian gingerbread cookies made at Christmastime. They are gently spiced …

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“Never underestimate the power of your own story. Life may have taken unexpected turns, but it’s never too late to weave new threads of adventure into your tapestry. Keep spinning those yarns, my friend.

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Image of turkey Wellington with a slice out of it showing the layers of roast turkey, stuffing and crisp pastry.

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