56 Articles

Welcome to Mindful Christmas, a magazine with different ideas about how we can ‘do’ Christmas. Given that it’s supposed to be the season of goodwill and happiness, why does it sometimes become the season of excess and exhaustion, of anxiety and family rows? We love Christmas, but the pressure to make it perfect can be a little too much at times. So how can we change this? How do we rediscover the joys of Christmas and make it truly the most wonderful time of the year? We’ve learned that delegation and managing expectations are skills put to good use during festive celebrations; that buying less, making more and sharing the preparing can turn chores into togetherness. We’ve asked mindful experts to create meditations to guide us through the season’s stresses…

1 min.

Our mindful Christmas wish list

✶ Make our cards or gift tags and write personal messages in them. ✶ Buy locally and sustainably. ✶ Make more gifts too – especially tasty foodie ones! ✶ Invent a new Christmas tradition for the family to adopt. ✶ Escape from the crowds and have a totally new festive experience (or a relaxing pre-Christmas mini-break?) ✶ Change our usual Christmas feast by adding tasty vegan recipes. ✶ Get the whole family to have a phone amnesty for a few hours every day. ✶ Have one-to-one conversations with the people we don’t see often – we don’t know when we’ll see them next. ✶ Keep exercising, especially when we’re eating more than usual. ✶ Do something special for others. ✶ Have some days (just a few) in December when we…

2 min.

Mindful Christmas contributors

SIAN MEADES-WILLIAMS Sian is a freelance writer living in North London, and is currently crowdfunding her book The Pyjama Myth: the Freelance Writer’s Survival Guide. She’s a big fan of funiculars, stopping to say hello to cats in the street and receiving beautiful post. twitter.com/sianysianysiany ERIN FRANCOIS Erin Francois is a styling blogger at Francois et Moi. She taps into her interior design industry experience and love of creating to empower others to explore their individual style through DIY. Erin lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Ken, her daughter, Sylvia and their cat, Gideon. francoisetmoi.com GEMMA DAVID Bristol-based Gemma is the owner of the wellbeing business The Quiet Heart. Living with a connection to the seasons is an important part of her work and the philosophy of Chinese medicine and…

6 min.

We wish you a calmer Christmas

What is it about the festive period that causes so much stress? Given that it’s the season of goodwill and happiness, why does it sometimes become a season of excess and exhaustion? Even if you love Christmas, trying to manage everyone’s expectations can sometimes make it the least wonderful time of the year. We all want to make things lovely for friends and family, and we also want to have a good time ourselves, but that can often lead to a season of anxiety. It’s been said that the stress of Christmas is up there with divorce and moving house. And it seems that these pressures are occasionally linked – more people file for divorce in the weeks after Christmas than at any other time of year. Women in particular…

7 min.

Creating your own traditions

Christmas can mean different things to different people. But for those who celebrate this festival, this time of year can be steeped in tradition, rituals and nostalgia. So much of what makes us feel the festive vibe is the familiarity of the process, leading us to often do the same things every year. In the UK, our rituals might include putting up a tree, leaving mince pies out for Santa and eating Christmas pudding. Individual families will have their own traditions too; perhaps the kids will get a special book and new pyjamas on Christmas Eve, or the whole family will visit a particular festive market or play a favourite board game after dinner. Participating in these activities every year is what develops those warm feelings of nostalgia, and carrying…

3 min.

Merry midwinter

When we told our extended family that we were giving up Christmas it was met with mixed responses. Some people rolled their eyes, while others felt it was a personal attack on them. But as the years have gone by they’ve come to see that doing things a little differently can add to everyone’s enjoyment. The year we started our alternative celebrations, my eldest child was one. We had family over for lunch on the winter Solstice and decorated our bare trees with food for the birds. Gradually we added more to our rituals as we began to understand what we needed from our celebrations as a family, and today, over a decade later, they’re a permanent fixture shaped by each of us. Solstice festivities Our Solstice celebration begins the…

3 min.

Be mindful of you

Have you bought all your gifts? How many people are you having round for Christmas Day? Have you sent your Christmas cards out yet? For some people, these questions stoke their excitement, but for others they trigger dread. With all the festivities, annual obligations, gift-buying and an expectation that we should all be upbeat, we’re often worn out in advance. If we look at where the bulk of our discomfort springs from, it’s in our expectations of ourselves. In our efforts to be a good child/sibling/partner/colleague/boss/friend, we burn out due to forgetting our needs and trying to make life live up to the picture we’ve painted in our mind. For example, even if we adore our family, it’s not a given that we want to spend every Christmas with them.…

5 min.

Rethinking Father Christmas

Santa Claus. Father Christmas. St Nicholas. Whatever he’s called in your family, he’s a good guy. Of course he is. But for some, Santa brings more than just gifts. Complications can arise for younger children who compare their loot with the gifts their friends receive, and also older kids will be on the cusp of not believing. So how can we navigate our way through the politics? Explaining why the man in red brings sackfuls of the latest toys, gadgets and games to some kids while others get a small stocking stuffed with a few cheap fillers and a satsuma isn’t an easy task… Children tend to have a straightforward view of the world and a strong sense of justice, which makes it even harder. A few years ago a…

4 min.

The power of the post

Communication defines our lives. We spend hours every day in our inboxes, we use WhatsApp constantly, and on average, collectively send 6,000 tweets a second. Efficiency is at the heart of our communication methods but they don’t always feel personal. Where are the thank-you notes at Christmas, the cards to say we’re thinking about someone, and the letters sharing our news? They’ve been replaced with status updates instantly broadcasting our most important life events to all and sundry. Our communication may be quick, but it’s undeniably lacking the personal touch. We all know the joy of receiving a handwritten letter in the post. And when we do occasionally get a thank-you note, perhaps after a wedding or when we’ve had a guest come to stay, we exclaim how rare it…

1 min.

Writing tips

Keep it short and sweet You don’t need reams of paper – just writing on the inside of your Christmas card can be enough. Buy the best stationery No one wants a letter on a tatty bit of paper. Beautiful notecards are more fun and inspiring to write on. Make it personal Don’t just make it all about you – ask questions! Don’t leave it to the last minute Even the best-laid plans can easily get quickly derailed at Christmas. Carve out your writing time early. Remember to buy stamps Don’t let your festive letters languish in your bag until January.…

4 min.

The gift of time

Ask me to describe my dream Christmas and I’d immediately reply, ‘Roaring fires, comfy chairs in cosy rooms, some rest, books and newspapers, peace and quiet’. Yet the lead-up to this time of year is often the opposite, especially when it feels filled more with endless to-do lists than with festive cheer. And so last year, for the first time in as long as I could remember, I was determined to have a Christmas break with a full fortnight away from the laptop. But before those two weeks began – with their start and end dates enforced by term times – I just wanted one day… My partner had some annual leave to take, so I managed to finish up my work, sort out the rest of the Christmas shopping…

3 min.

Winter wanderings

Tis the season. But do you love or loathe Christmas? Whatever your thoughts, there are ways to get away from home that either let you enjoy a full festive experience or leave it all behind. I unashamedly love Christmas. I love the baubles and bright colours, the ironic festive jumpers. I love mince pies and Home Alone. I’m the person who enthusiastically makes eggnog and tries to make everyone drink it at parties and sings carols out of key in the car. And I love travelling at Christmas. One of my favourite places in the world is the Christmas market in Zurich. It’s as pretty and as perfect as anything else the Swiss put their minds to, with warm yellow lights illuminating cabins selling toys, trinkets, glühwein and endless kinds…

5 min.

Find mindful moments with meditation

Whether you’re hosting a big family Christmas or having a week away from it all over the festive period, there may be times where it all gets too much. Perhaps the stress of having a house full of relatives is overwhelming, or maybe Christmas traditions stir memories of lost loved ones, leaving you feeling out of kilter with the celebrations around you. Our five meditations can bring in some calm, and have been tailored to help you manage the emotions you might feel over Christmas, so you can enjoy yourself. Mindfulness for Christmas overwhelm This practice will help you connect with your breath and invites kindness to flow through your body. It can be used at any time when you feel stress, as it sends signals to your brain and…

3 min.

’Tis the season to be yogi

The fire’s crackling, the delicious scents of pine and mulled wine fill the house, the living room is warm and glows with the twinkle of lights from the tree, and we have loved ones all around us – the festive season is here. I love this time of the year; for me it’s a time to take stock of the past twelve months and enjoy the cosiness of jumpers and hot chocolate while retreating from the cold weather with family and friends. However, there is also another side to the season – it can be a lot to organise with to-do lists, co-ordinating visitors, hosting the Christmas meal… and this can make it quite stressful, especially if it means we have less time for ourselves and our home comforts or…

1 min.

Keeping calm

COUNTING BREATHS Inhale for the count of three, then exhale for the count of three, gradually increasing the count after a few rounds. Slowing down your breath and counting disengages your fight-or-flight mode and promotes the calming of your nervous system. This is a good exercise for when you feel overwhelmed. AWARENESS MEDITATION Find a calm place to sit or lie down before bringing your attention to the sounds around you, starting with the furthest sound you can hear. Bring this awareness of sound closer and closer until it is simply you and the sound of your breath. Then relax and stay for a few easy breaths. Slowly, bring your attention back to your surroundings for a calming and centring effect. This meditation can have the power to make you…

1 min.

Six yoga poses for the season

Yoga poses to get the body moving are always beneficial. Have a go at these six simple poses, whenever you feel the need to stretch or move. Pose 1: Cat/cow This is perfect for getting the spine moving, especially if you’ve been enjoying lots of time snuggling on the sofa! Pose 2: Chair pose This pose will wake up your leg muscles and stimulate your abdominal organs. Pose 3: Forward fold Seated forward folds are a lovely way to calm the mind and stretch the back of the body at the same time. Pose 4: Easy standing-twist Twists are so good for stimulating the digestive organs and waking up the lower back. This standing version will also help wake up your brain and stabilise muscles as you balance. Pose 5:…

4 min.

Find your real winter wonderland

School’s out, the office is closed and we have a whole fortnight to spend with our loved ones. But the days before and after Christmas can often feel long, especially for kids. Luckily, this time of year offers plenty to do whatever your age. If it snows, creating makeshift sledges and snowmen is great fun, or if you prefer to stay sheltered, carol services at the local church or cathedral can be really magical, especially if they’re candlelit. Keep an eye on local papers and websites for details. There are plenty of other places where fun can be found too. Many garden centres host extra activities for the kids, with treasure hunts among the firs being a common event – and it leaves you free to choose your tree while…

5 min.

A tree for life

Evergreen trees have been part of December celebrations for centuries, dating back to pagan midwinter festivities. And, whether at home, at work or in town centres, the ritual of decorating and enjoying the tree is one to savour and enjoy. Some trees arrive through the post, like the tiny trees delivered by Bloom & Wild. Others are sent from one nation to another, like the traditional Trafalgar Square tree given to London by the people of Oslo each year. For the majority of us, though, our Christmas tree is either brought down from the loft in a box and reassembled, or netted and thrown into the boot of the car at a local market or garden centre. Pots of joy Each year, 8 million fresh trees, including the classic spruce…

3 min.

Nordic traditions

The Danish concept of hygge is particularly pertinent during the winter months. For Erin François, author of DIY and styling blog François et Moi (www.francoisetmoi.com), the philosophy is a big part of how she approaches the holidays – bringing the outdoors in, creating a cosy environment and simplifying her home as a whole. Rather than adding more to each room, Erin explains how she maintains a sense of serenity during the holiday season. “Less is more when it comes to Scandinavian décor, so I’ll often put away decorative accessories or pieces I’m not using to help curb the clutter,” she says. “I also try to stick to a limited colour palette.” Nordic roots With great-grandparents from Finland and great-great-grandparents from Sweden and Norway, Erin feels connected to her Nordic roots…

4 min.

My green Christmas

Whether it’s with traditional holly and ivy, winter displays from a florist or a poinsettia from the supermarkets, most people decorate their homes with some form of evergreenery at Christmas. But what compels us to decorate our homes with leaves? As autumn progresses into winter, the hours of daylight dwindle and darkness prevails for most of the time; plants are dying back into the earth and trees are shedding their leaves like colourful poignant rain. All around are dry husks, sere stalks and stiff leaves. It’s not surprising that our early ancestors should have felt some measure of seasonal alarm… The pre-Christians perceived divinity in the world of plants and nature. Most of the growing things around them – deciduous trees, plants and pastures – lost their leaves in the…

2 min.

Make a kissing ball

When I was a child, the kissing ball hung from the centre of the living room ceiling. Greenery was wound or tied around two hoops to form a ball and hung with tear-shaped glitter balls, gilded nuts and little apples. From the centre hung the most important item of all – a bunch of mistletoe. Mistletoe was the only thing that couldn’t be found on our own land, much as we tried to propagate it, including putting it out for the birds to eat and drop the seeds in the trees, or squashing the berries into the crooks of branches on likely hosts. A frenzied search of the local markets and greengrocery shops would be made until our coveted prize had been tracked down. Our part of the north-west of…

2 min.

Make a Mindful Moments advent calendar

Advent calendars have become part of the seasonal build-up for children and grownups alike. But the tradition of counting down the days until Christmas is thought to date back to 19th-century Germany, when Protestants lit candles and made chalk marks on doors to observe the days. Today, however, calendars are more likely to feature tiny doors that hide treats such as delicious chocolates, different types of tea and even mini beauty products. This year, why not make yourself a calendar with a difference? For many of us, the lead-up to Christmas can be busy and overwhelming, so our Mindful Moments advent calendar is designed to remind you to pause and take time out for you. Each day, we suggest a mindful meditation, observation or activity so you can enjoy the…

4 min.

Baubles and fairy tales

Building a beautiful collection of vintage glass baubles has been the focus for Tamsyn Morgans’s Christmas decorating for many years. The Norfolk-based photographer, stylist and content creator has around five boxes filled with vintage decorations that she uses every festive season in lots of interesting ways. “Not only do they go on the tree, but they can also be stacked in vintage bowls, hung with ribbon from chandeliers, or used to adorn branches,” she says. A child of the ’80s, Tamsyn fondly remembers her family’s ritual of decorating the living room with an abundance of colour and shiny things belonging to the decade. She recalls owning some beautiful glass decorations back then, which she is sure has inspired her love for them. “Although I now decorate in a very different…

5 min.

A simple setting for family feasts

There are no two ways about it: I love Christmas. I always have. I love the candlelight and carols, the scent of pine needles and fir, the mince pies and mulled wine. I love the excitement of getting the boxes of decorations down from the loft, unwrapping each bauble from its newspaper nest and hanging it on the tree. And I love having the opportunity to spend precious time with family and friends. In recent years, however, it had all started to feel a little flat. My parents, my brothers and I tried so hard to recreate the wonderful Christmasses of my childhood, when we would wake in the small hours and race downstairs to find stockings bulging with gifts, before grandparents, aunts and uncles arrived en masse for a…

1 min.

GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS

FROM ONLY £34.99 TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AND GIVE A GIFT THAT LASTS ALL YEAR Remember ordering online is safe and secure, choose from any of these payment options ORDER NOW! Subscribing online is quick and easy. Visit subscriptions.com/XM19CRAFT ✓ mobile-friendly site ✓ safe and secure ✓ easy search or call our hotline 0330 053 8660 QUOTE CODE: XM19CRAFT SEE OUR FULL RANGE OF MAGAZINES ONLINE This offer closes on the 31st December 2019 and is valid for UK delivery addresses only. The discounts shown are savings calculated as a percentage of the full shop price. For overseas rates visit www.buysubscriptions.com. All Christmas gift subscriptions will start with the first issue available in January 2020. Should the magazine change in frequency, we will honour the number…

5 min.

The art of sustainable gift-giving

There’s so much to love about Christmas – the food, the cosiness, the movies. But what doesn’t sit right is the overconsumption and the buying of things we don’t need, as well as the amount of waste that’s produced. However, adopting a sustainable approach can actually transform shopping into a more enjoyable experience allowing you to give something truly unique to the people you care about. Sustainability all wrapped up When you’re looking for sustainable gifts and ways to wrap them, consider the five guiding principles – refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rot. First, refuse to buy products that will ultimately end up in landfill, and reduce by only buying what you need rather than making impulse purchases. Ask yourself if you can reuse or recycle something you already have…

4 min.

Gifts from the past

How terrific would it be if, for just one season, everybody spent time seeking out vintage gifts rather than new ones? Think of all the energy, pollution and air miles that could be saved. Not only that, but many antiques are beautifully made and more likely to be unique rather than mass produced. It’s a good idea to start collecting Christmas and birthday presents as early as possible – what a pleasure to know that you’ll not have to fight the crowds in the big stores or spend far more than you intended because you slid into panic-purchase mode! Apart from the obvious joy of buying antiquities, the fact that they have lasted many years and are still earning their keep generations later means they were worth making in the…

5 min.

The secret of sustainable stockings

Trying to live more mindfully and sustainably in a fast-paced, consumer-led society can be challenging at any time of year, but never more so at Christmas. From the pressure to find and decorate the perfect tree, to demands for the latest toys and gadgets, it can become unmanageable, unsustainable and overwhelming – and before you know it, the real joy of the festive season has been lost. Even the humble Christmas stocking, which used to hold a couple of simple gifts, an orange and some nuts, seems to have spiralled out of control. Consumerism has replaced the traditional stocking with giant sacks, which means the presents inside need to be bigger and more expensive, or there needs to be more of them. Aside from the financial implications, trying to think…

2 min.

Gather and make

A dedicated craft party is a lovely way to combine craft and socialising. Often you can deepen friendships by making things together, whether it’s decorating the tree, creating table settings or making pretty gift boxes, tags and bags. Light the candles, place snacks in creative containers, play your favourite tunes and celebrate the season! For our gathering, we kept our palette simple in black and white and mixed in a little fresh pine, plenty of handmade and personalised elements, and the glow of warm candlelight for a welcoming, cosy mood. How to host a craft party ✶ Decide on what you will make together. Will you wrap gifts? Make ornaments? Work on a group project together? ✶ Decide how many stations you’ll need to set up. If you’re working on…

1 min.

Easy homemade decorations

Straws on paper bags Paper straws are not just for drinks. These gift bags show another way to use them. First cut to size and glue white cardstock to a paper bag. Trim a few straws to create a tree motif and adhere with a glue stick. Top the tree with a button. Fill with your gift and tissue paper. Twinkle little star Create star ornaments for your tree branches or to tie to a gift. String your beads onto some copper wire, then snip the wire at the end, leaving enough to twist and shape into a loop for hanging. Shape into a star and add a small piece of black-and-white striped ribbon to finish. Food boxes Cardboard food boxes are easy to find in craft shops, so stock…

5 min.

Time for good buys

Sometimes – particularly at Christmas – it’s easier to order gifts online and forget about the hassle of shopping in the real world. However, there are plenty of reasons to get out and about when making your purchases, especially when it comes to supporting local businesses. Shopping locally not only makes more economic sense, but you’re giving something back to your community too. “Christmas sales can account for between a third and nearly two-thirds of a retailer’s annual turnover,” says retail expert Clare Bailey. “A bad Christmas can mark disaster for a small business. It really is a case of ‘use it or lose it’.’’ We spoke to three small businesses in Bristol – each of whom sells classic Christmas gifts – about why shopping isn’t just a chore to…

4 min.

Plant-based inspiration

Chef and author Jackie Kearney found fame as a finalist on Masterchef in 2011, with her vegetarian dishes proving that there are no creative limitations to a meat-free diet. Passionate about street food and travel, she now shares this love through her cookery classes and books. Her fourth book, Vegan Christmas Feasts, is out now and is a showcase for globally inspired festive food. Jackie lives in Italy with her husband and labrador, where she’s currently building a wellness retreat (@wellnessitaly). She took time out to tell us a bit about her Christmas cooking… Have you found any challenges when creating vegan recipes, particularly ‘mock meat’ ones, such as recreating certain flavours or textures? Yes, it can be challenging to try and create good texture without the dish becoming too…

2 min.

Seasonal stuffing wreath

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Put a large frying pan on a medium heat and add 1-2 tbsp of olive oil. Add the celery and onions and sauté for 20-30 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. 2 Meanwhile, put the dried sausage mixture in a large bowl and add boiling water according to the packet instructions. Add 2 tbsp of olive oil and mix well. Set aside for 10-15 minutes. 3 Put the apples into a bowl with the lemon juice and toss to mix. 4 Blitz the bread slices in a food processor to make fine breadcrumbs. Put in a large bowl with the parsley, apple pieces (and lemon juice) and the sausage mixture. Using your hands, combine well. 5 Lay the orange slices around the…

2 min.

Chargrilled hispi cabbage with vegan XO sauce

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Remove the mushrooms from the water and roughly chop. Place in a bowl along with 1 tbsp of the sesame oil and mix together. Lay onto a non-stick baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until lightly roasted. Set aside. 2 Meanwhile, in a frying pan, add the shallots with 2 tbsp of the vegetable oil. Place on a low heat and saute, without browning, for 20-30 minutes, until translucent and softened. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for a further 5 minutes. 3 Chop the nori seaweed. Add the remaining ingredients to the pan, including the remaining sesame oil and seaweed (but not the lemon, lime or cabbages), and cook gently for 8-10 minutes. Add the…

2 min.

Celebration roast with beetroot & apple stuffing

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Lightly grease a 2lb/1 litre loaf pan with oil. Mix the garlic and onion powders with the dried herbs, then tip into the loaf pan. Shake to coat the base and sides with the herb mixture. Tip out any excess herbs and reserve for the stuffing. Set aside. 2 Rehydrate the sausage mixture with 400ml boiling water. Set aside for 10-15 minutes. Place the burgers in a food processor and blend to make a paste. Place the paste in a bowl and add the mince, soy sauce, sausage mixture and remaining herb mixture. Mix well, adding the chickpea flour. 3 Lay half of the mixture into the loaf pan. Cover with greaseproof paper and a piece of foil, then place in the…

3 min.

Bakeorama’s Limoncello trifle

METHOD 1 To make the lemon curd, add the cornflour plus 1 tbsp water to a small pan and mix to make a paste. Add the lemon juice, salt and sugar. Put the pan over a medium heat and stir until the curd has thickened. Remove from the heat and add the soy milk and vegan butter. Whisk until smooth. 2 Next prepare the Swiss roll sponge. Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas 3. In a large bowl, add the soy milk, sugar, vinegar, oil and zest. Whisk together until the sugar is dissolved. Sift the flour, cornflour, salt, baking soda and baking powder into the bowl, then whisk until the batter is smooth. Divide the between the two trays and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until cooked…

6 min.

ARE YOU SOBER CURIOUS?

As Christmas socialising swings into action, glasses will be raised in many places around the world. This is especially true for British women (we are the eighth heaviest drinkers globally), living in a country where it’s traditional to toast the festivities with a glass of fizz. But for me, there will be no festive ‘spirit’ – I am among the 22% of UK women who don’t drink alcohol. This will be my sixth teetotal Christmas and, with 43% of British women reported as saying they want to drink less, it looks like there are many others who are also considering an alcohol-free holiday season. Stay curious ‘Sober curious’ is a term that describes those who are interested in a life with less alcohol. That’s not to say these are people…

1 min.

STICKY MISO NUTS AND SEEDS

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6) • 100g cashew nuts• 100g peanuts• 100g whole almonds•100g granulated sugar• 2tsp toasted sesame oil• 2tbsp brown miso paste• 25g pumpkin seeds• 25g sunflower seeds• 3tbsp black or white sesame seeds (or a mixture)• ¼ tsp freshly ground black peppercorns 1 Heat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4. Spread the nuts on one or two shallow baking trays and roast in the oven for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown. 2 After you’ve stirred the nuts, put the sugar in a frying pan with 4tbsp of water. Warm over a low heat, stirring until the sugar has melted. Increase the heat slightly and keep swirling as it bubbles and turns to a deep golden caramel. As soon as it does, remove from the heat and swirl in…

1 min.

KALE CHIPS

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4) • Small bunch curly kale leaves (washed and dried thoroughly, stripped from stalks and torn into pieces)• Olive oil• Fine sea salt 1 Preheat oven to 190°C/Gas 5. Lay a sheet of greaseproof paper on a non-stick baking tray. Toss the kale leaves in just a little oil, barely enough to coat. 2 Lay the leaves on the tray in a single layer and gently press them as flat as you can on the baking tray so they crisp up. Sprinkle with sea salt. 3 Bake for 6-10 minutes (depending on your oven) until they are crispy and just starting to turn brown at the edges. You’ll need to keep a good eye on them. Remove and eat immediately or store in an airtight container.…

1 min.

FESTIVE CITRUS SLAW

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 2) • 1tbsp olive oil•1tsp sesame oil• 1tsp soft light brown sugar• 1tsp soy sauce 1tsp white wine vinegar• 1in piece fresh ginger, grated• 1 mild red chilli, sliced (optional)• 1 red cabbage, finely sliced• 3 spring onions, finely sliced• 1 medium carrot, coarsely grated• 1tbsp sesame seeds, toasted• 2 satsumas or clementines, peeled and segmented• Fresh coriander (optional) 1 Combine the oils, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger and chilli (if using) in a small bowl and whisk. 2 Place the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and drizzle over the dressing. 3 Toss together and serve immediately, scattered with fresh coriander if you like…

1 min.

PERSIAN-STYLE KOFTAS

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 2) • 2tbsp olive oil• 1 onion, finely chopped• ½tsp ground coriander• ½tsp ground cumin• ½tsp chilli flakes• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped• 2cm fresh ginger, grated• 180g podded broad beans• ½ 400g can chickpeas, drained• 1tbsp maple syrup• 70g wholemeal breadcrumbs• 2 soft tortillas• 2tbsp red pepper houmous• little gem lettuce, shredded 1 Heat half the olive oil in a frying pan, add the onion and cook for 5 mins on a low heat to soften. 2 Add the coriander, cumin, chilli flakes, garlic and ginger and cook for 2 mins more. 3 Boil the broad beans for 3-5 mins until tender, drain, then blend with the chickpeas, syrup, breadcrumbs and onion. Once the mixture comes together, shape into 12 balls. 4 Heat the remaining olive oil…

1 min.

ROMANESCO TABBOULEH

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4) • 200g bulghur wheat• 2 small or 1 very large romanesco• Olive oil• 100g flaked almonds• 100g shelled pistachios• Large bunch fresh parsley, leaves finely chopped• Large bunch fresh mint, leaves finely chopped• Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon• Pomegranate seeds (optional)• Salt and pepper 1 Preheat oven to 190°C/Gas 5. Put the bulghur in a bowl and pour in at least twice the amount of boiling water. Leave to stand. 2 Cut the romanesco into florets. Toss in enough oil to coat and season. Roast for 15 minutes, turning once, until just starting to crisp at the edges. 3 Put the almonds and the pistachios in a dry frying pan. Dry fry, stirring now and then until golden, then chop roughly. 4 Check the…

1 min.

SEEDED CRACKERS

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6) • 50g porridge oats• 1tsp olive oil• 1tbsp maple syrup• 100g Co-op super seed mix 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4 and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. 2 Put all the ingredients in a bowl with 60ml water and season. 3 Stir for 2 mins, or until the oats absorb the water, then transfer to the tray. 4 Press the mixture down firmly with the back of a spoon to spread out evenly. 5 Bake for 40 mins, then remove and leave to cool completely. 6 Break into shards and store in an airtight container for up to three days.…

2 min.

VEGAN RISOTTO BALLS WITH ROASTED GARLIC DIP

INGREDIENTS (MAKES 22) FOR THE GARLIC DIP •1 whole garlic bulb• 100g plain unsweetened soya yogurt• 1 lemon• 1 tsp olive oil• 15g chives, finely chopped FOR THE ARANCINI • 20g dried porcini mushrooms• 1 tbsp olive oil• 250g mushroom mince• 5 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only• 1 onion, finely chopped• 200g arborio rice• 50ml dry sherry• 250g grated cheddar-style vegan cheese• 45ml soya milk• 50g soft vegan cheese• 100g panko breadcrumbs• 2 litres sunflower oil 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/Gas 6. Place the whole garlic bulb with seasoning in a piece of tin foil and wrap tightly. Place on a baking tray and bake for 45 minutes. Once cooked and very soft to the touch, leave out to cool. 2 Add the porcini mushrooms to 1¼ litres…

2 min.

SPIRAL VEGETABLE TART

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6) • 225g plain flour, plus extra for rolling• 115g soya spread, cubed• 4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing• 1 small onion, finely diced• 2 cloves garlic, crushed• 250g butternut squash (peeled)• 4 sage leaves, roughly chopped• 3 courgettes• 3 carrots• 3 aubergines• 1 tbsp agave syrup• 1 tsp chilli or paprika flakes 1 To make the pastry, sift the flour into a bowl along with a pinch of salt. Rub in the soya spread until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add 2tbsp cold water and bring together with a knife. 2 Turn out on to a lightly floured surface and bring together with your hands. Wrap the pastry in clingfilm and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Grease a 22cm tart tin and preheat the…

1 min.

SPICED SWEDE CAKES

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4) • 1 swede, peeled and cut into 2-3cm dice• A few splashes of olive oil• 1 onion, finely chopped• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped• 2 tsp ground cumin• 1 tbsp mustard seeds• 1 tsp ground ginger• 2 tsp turmeric A pinch of chilli powder• A handful of finely chopped parsley or coriander• 2 mugs of breadcrumbs• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper 1 Heat your oven to 200°C/Gas 6. Warm a large roasting tray. Toss the swede with olive oil, salt and pepper and tumble it into the tin. Cook for 30 mins or until golden and tender. 2 Meanwhile, fry the onions in butter or olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for a few minutes more. Measure the spices into a jam…

1 min.

INDIAN SPICED CELERIAC CHIPS

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4) • 1 celeriac• Juice of 1 lemon• 2 tbsp sunflower or rapeseed oil• 2 tsp garam masala• 1 tsp chilli powder (or just use ½ tsp for less heat if you prefer)• ¼ tsp turmeric• Coarse sea salt 1 Preheat the oven to 220°C/Gas 6. Peel the celeriac with a sharp knife. Cut into 1½-2cm slices, then into 1½-2cm thick chips. Toss in a bowl with the lemon juice as soon as you cut them, as celeriac can brown quickly. 2 Add the oil and spices to the bowl and toss together to coat. Transfer to a baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer. Sprinkle over a little salt. 3 Roast for 35-40 minutes, turning them once halfway through, until tender.…

1 min.

SPICY SQUASH TACOS

INGREDIENTS (MAKES 8) • ¼ bunch coriander• ½ lime• 2 avocados• 1 tbsp sugar• 100ml white wine vinegar• 1 red onion• 1 tbsp olive oil• 3 garlic cloves• 1 tbsp chipotle chilli paste• 1 butternut squash 1 Chop the coriander, leaving a few leaves for garnishing. Juice the limes, slice the onions, peel and slice the squash. 2 Heat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6. Combine the squash, chipotle chilli paste, garlic and olive oil in a roasting tray and roast for 35-40 minutes. 3 Put the onion in a dish. Heat the vinegar with 50ml water in a pan. Bring to the boil then pour over the onion. Let cool. 4 Crush the avocados with lime juice and coriander, and season. Spread the base of each taco with avocado. Top…

1 min.

MIDDLE EASTERN PANZANELLA WITH TAHINI DRESSING

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4-6) • 2 aubergines, cut into wedges• 2 red onions, cut into wedges• 3 tbsp olive oil• 1 tbsp fennel seeds• ½ tsp chilli flakes• 3 pitta bread, cut into shards• 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets• 3 tbsp tahini• ½ orange, juice• 1 garlic clove, finely grated• ½ x 28g pack coriander, roughly chopped• 125g pomegranate seeds 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6. Toss the aubergine and onion with 2tbsp oil, the fennel seeds and chilli, then season. Spread on a lined baking tray and roast for 20 minutes. 2 Toss the pitta and cauliflower with the remaining 1 tbsp oil; season. Stir the aubergine and onions, then nestle the pitta and cauliflower florets in between. Turn the oven up to 220°C/Gas 7, and roast for…

1 min.

PUMPKIN TEMPURA

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4) FOR THE DIP • 50ml soy sauce• 2tbsp rice wine vinegar• 1 garlic clove• 1cm piece of ginger• 1 small red chilli FOR THE TEMPURA • 1 pumpkin (approximately 1kg)• 1 litre vegetable oil• 150g self-raising flour• 1½ tbsp cornflour• 1½ tsp baking powder• ½ tsp sea salt• 12 sage leaves• 225ml sparkling water• 4 red chillies 1 Peel and crush the garlic cloves. Peel and finely grate the piece of ginger. De-seed and finely dice the red chillies. Finely chop four of the sage leaves. 2 Make the dip by combining all of the dip ingredients in a small bowl, and set aside. 3 Cut the pumpkin in half lengthways, peel and de-seed the pieces. Cut it into slices 2cm wide and set aside. 4 Heat…

1 min.

BLACKBERRY PAVLOVA

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6) • 300g blackberries• 1 tbsp icing sugar• 150ml liquid from• 400g tin of chickpeas• ¼ tsp xanthan gum• ¼ tsp cream of tartar• 225g caster sugar• 250g fresh coconut cream• 1 handful basil leaves 1 Heat the oven to 120°C/Gas ½. 2 In a food processor, blitz 150g of the blackberries with the icing sugar to make a coulis. Sieve and set aside. 3 Whisk the chickpea liquid, xanthan gum and cream of tartar for 2 mins until fluffy. Whisk in the caster sugar, 1-2 tbsp at a time. Fold in 2 tbsp of the coulis. 4 Line two baking trays with baking paper. Spread half the mix in a circle on one. Pipe mini meringues on the other. 5 Bake the large meringue for 3 hours…

1 min.

CHOCOLATE AND ORANGE VEGAN CHEESECAKE POTS

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 3) • 300g silken tofu• 110g vegan dark chocolate• 1 orange• 35g dates• 10g ground almonds• 10g shelled pistachios• 10g pecans• 10g pumpkin seeds 1 Break the chocolate into pieces. Roughly chop the dates. 2 To make the base, heat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4. Place the pumpkin seeds, pecans and pistachios on a roasting tray and bake for 10 minutes, until lightly toasted. Transfer from the oven and leave to cool. 3 Using a food processor or hand blender, blitz together the nuts, pumpkin seeds, ground almonds, dates and half the zest. Divide between three serving glasses and press down firmly. 4 To make the mousse, melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. 5 Using a hand blender, blitz the tofu…

1 min.

SPICED APPLE PANDOWDY

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6) • 1½kg cooking apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunky wedges• 150g light brown soft sugar• 3tbsp golden syrup• 1tsp ground cinnamon• ½tsp ground ginger• 1½tbsp plain flour, plus extra for dusting• 375g pack puff pastry, ready rolled• 1tbsp sunflower oil• 1tbsp demerara sugar• 250ml coconut cream, chilled and whipped, to serve (optional) 1 Toss the apple, light brown sugar, golden syrup, cinnamon, ginger and flour together. Tip into an ovenproof pie dish and set aside. 2 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4. Unroll the pastry onto a lightly floured surface, then cut into 5-10cm squares/rectangles Lay the shapes on top of the apple wedges. Brush the pastry with the oil and sprinkle over the demerara sugar. 3 Bake for 45 mins, then increase the temperature to…

1 min.

CHRISTMAS CLEMENTINE SPICED CHAI MIX

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6-8) • Peel from 6 clementines• 2 cinnamon quills• 4 star anise• 30 cardamom pods• 1tbsp whole cloves• 1 tbsp black peppercorns• 1tbsp ground ginger• Breakfast tea, to serve• Coconut drink or tiger nut drink, to serve (or full-cream milk for non-vegans)• Honey or maple syrup (optional), to serve 1 Preheat your oven to 100°C/Gas ¼. Take the clementine peel and cut the pith away before spreading the peel onto a baking tray and popping in the oven. Bake for 1½-2 hrs until the peel has dried out and has started to curl up at the edges. 2 Crumble the peel into a bowl, along with broken-up cinnamon and star anise. Tip in the cardamom, cloves, peppercorns and ginger and stir. Store in a sterilised jar. 3 To…

1 min.

MULLED TEA PUNCH

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 2) • 2 hibiscus tea bags• 1 star anise• 2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra to garnish• 5 cloves• 2 cardamom pods• 4 orange slices• 120m orange juice• 120ml pomegranate juice (pure, not from concentrate)• 2tbsp runny honey 1 Bring 500ml water to boil in a pan, add the tea bags and spices, and very gently simmer for 10 minutes. Then add the orange slices and both juices. Simmer for 15 minutes. 2 Strain the tea to remove the spices and tea bags, and pour back into the pan along with the orange slices. Sweeten with honey to taste, then serve in glass mugs with the orange slices and cinnamon sticks.…

1 min.

ROSEMARY FIZZ

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 1) •2 large orange wedges• 1 spring rosemary• Soda water• 1tsp pomegranate seeds• 1 cinnamon stick, to serve 1 Put the orange and half the rosemary into a highball glass. Muddle well, then fill with ice. 2 Top with soda water, stir to mix, and garnish with pomegranate, cinnamon and the remaining rosemary. olive Both the recipes and photographs on this page are courtesy of olive magazine. For more recipe inspiration, head to www.olivemagazine.com…

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