Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2019 i Woman's Weekly Living Series

Whether you’re young or old, this is a magical time of year – and one of our favourite parts is putting together our 2019 collection of delicious food ideas and clever makes for you all. This year we’ve got gorgeous gift ideas, whether you’re a cook, knitter, crocheter or craft fan. There’s something for every skill level too – from a simple Christmas stocking (p10) to pretty sweet treats (p12). When it comes to your festive food requirements, we’ve got everything you could possibly need, from exciting new recipe ideas to the best supermarket buys to make life easier and impress your guests! From all of us here at Woman’s Weekly...…

Home & Craft Editor Esme Greet guests with a fresh flower Christmas wreath hung on your front door Time to make: 2hours You will need:  Spruce and pine Eucalyptus parvifolia Ivy or holly or ruscus Myrtle or pistache foliage Five large red roses Spray roses Red berries Florist’s scissors Buckets Cut-flower food (optional) Oasis wreath ring (31cm) Craft knife Green florist’s wire Wire cutters Mini gold baubles Stockists:Oasis Green Hobby Wire, 70p, and Oasis Floral Scissors, £8, both Hobbycraft. Gold baubles, £3 for 30, Dunelm. Wizard (on cover), and Midnight Hour (seen here) matt emulsion paints, £15 each, both Wilko. All foliage sourced from New Covent Garden Market in London. Conditioning the flowers and foliage 1 Remove all packaging and ties from the foliage and flowers. 2 Snip away the…

Chocolate truffles A welcome gift for any chocoholic. MAKES 50 250ml (8fl oz) double cream 100g (3½oz) light muscovado sugar 250g (9oz) good-quality dark chocolate For the toppings: 30g (1oz) cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting your hands 30g (1oz) hazelnuts, chopped 30g (1oz) chocolate nibs, chopped 30g (1oz) freeze-dried raspberries, chopped 1 Heat the cream, sugar and a large pinch of salt together gently in a saucepan until just simmering. Allow to cool slightly. Chop the chocolate into small pieces, then place in a bowl and pour over the warm cream. Allow to stand for a few mins, then stir to combine. You should have a smooth, glossy ganache. Chill for around 1 hr, until the mixture is set. 2 Place each topping in a separate bowl. When you’re…

Gingerbread star snowflakes Perfect for decorating your Christmas cake and tree or for giving as gifts to loved ones. MAKES: 100 APPROX 600g (1lb 7oz) plain flour ½tsp salt ½tsp bicarbonate of soda 1tbsp ground ginger ½tsp ground cinnamon ½tsp ground nutmeg 200g (7oz) unsalted butter, softened 200g (7oz)soft light brown sugar 150g (5oz) golden syrup 1 egg, plus 1 egg yolk (save the white for later) To decorate: 250g (9oz) icing sugar 50g (1½oz) dark or white chocolate You will need Star biscuit cutters, varying sizes if preferred Baking trays lined with parchment paper Piping bag and icing nozzle 1 Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Sift the flour, salt, bicarbonate of soda and spices into a large bowl. 2 Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup in a…

Figgy pudding with brandy butter The original Christmas pud is so good they made a song about it… Gold stars and sparklers add the final note. SERVES 6 250g (9oz) sultanas 250g (9oz) dried figs, chopped 250g (9oz) dried apricots, chopped Zest and juice of 1 lemon Zest and juice of 1 orange 100ml (3½fl oz) amaretto 3 eggs 75g (2½oz) light muscovado sugar 75g (2½oz) softened butter, plus extra to grease 75g (2½oz) flaked almonds, toasted 50g (2oz) self-raising flour 75g (2½oz) fresh white breadcrumbs 1tsp ground cinnamon 1tsp ground coriander 1tsp ground ginger Brandy butter, to serve Edible gold stars, to serve 1 In a large container, mix the dried fruit, citrus zest and juice, and amaretto. Leave to soak overnight or for up to 2 days. 2…

MEASUREMENTS Approximately 20.5 x 16cm/8 x 6¼in. MATERIALS 1 x 100g (200m) hank of Rico essentials cotton DK (100% cotton) in Fuchsia (14)*. Size 4mm crochet hook; removable stitch markers or contrast thread; 1 large button. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk. TENSION 18 stitches and 10 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over pattern, using 4mm hook. ABBREVIATIONS St(s), stitch(es); ch, chain; dc, double crochet; tr, treble crochet. NOTE Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate. Instructions in square brackets are worked as stated after 2nd bracket. BAG (1 piece) With 4mm hook, make 38ch. Foundation row (right side): 1dc in 2nd ch from hook (counts as 1 st), [miss next 2 ch, 5tr in next ch, miss next 2 ch, 1dc in next ch] 6 times,…

Time to make: 2 hours You will need: • White watercolour paint • Kraft card blanks • Green patterned paper • White card • Paintbrush • Sewing machine • White sewing thread • Star punch • Hot glue gun Stockist: Star punch, £3, Hobbycraft 1 Water down the white watercolour paint to a runny consistency. Working on a protected surface, splatter the paint onto the card blank by tapping the end of the paintbrush. Allow to dry completely. 2 Cut three triangles from green patterned paper – these can be a variety of sizes. 3 Position the three triangles on a card blank and stitch each one down the centre to secure in place. 4 Using the star punch, cut three identical star shapes out of the white card. 5…

MEASUREMENTS Approximately 26cm/10¼in high and 43cm/17in wide. MATERIALS Bear: 4 x 25g (85m) balls of Sirdar Snuggly Snowflake DK (100% polyester) in Milky (630)*. Oddments of DK yarn in Black. Pair of 3mm (No. 11) knitting needles; washable toy stuffing. Scarf: Small amount of DK yarn in each of Red and White. Pair of 4mm (No. 8) knitting needles. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk. To claim a 10% discount on the yarn, turn to page 41. TENSION 26 stitches and 36 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over stocking stitch, using 3mm needles. ABBREVIATIONS K, knit; p, purl; st, stitch; tog, together; inc, increase (by working twice into same st); dec, decrease (by taking 2 sts tog); ss, stocking st (k on right side and p on wrong side); skpo, slip…

Ski slope Christmas cake A British Christmas just wouldn’t be complete without a Christmas cake on the table SERVES 20 100g (3½oz) glacé cherries, chopped 100g (3½oz) mixed peel, chopped 225g (8oz) currants 225g (8oz) raisins 225g (8oz) sultanas 45g (1½oz) mixed nuts, chopped 10tbsp medium or sweet sherry, to give a good soak, plus extra for feeding 250g (9oz) butter, softened 250g (9oz) caster sugar 5 large eggs 250g (9oz) self-raising flour 1tsp mixed spice 2tsp grated nutmeg grated zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon 2tbsp black treacle You will need: 20cm (8in) round cake tin, approx 7.5cm (3in) deep, the base and sides lined with baking parchment Brown paper and string to tie around the tin 1 Thoroughly wash the dried fruit before soaking. Put the glacé…

Woodland Yule Log, £15, M&S This chocolate cake is hand decorated with leaves, holly and a little toadstool. It has a velvety smooth milk chocolate ganache and is a great alternative for those who don’t like Christmas cake. Vegan Elderflower, Raspberry & Blackcurrant Jelly, 550g, £4, Waitrose This vegan jelly blew us away! It is light, fruity and looks the part too – a great alternative to the traditionally rich Christmas desserts. Irresistible Shimmering Salted Caramel Pudding, 500g, £5, Co-op Co-op have embraced salted caramel with this gooey, melt in the middle pudding that’s best served with cream or ice cream for added indulgence. Specially Selected Luxury Christmas Cake, £10.99, Aldi Generously studded with lots of rich fruit, this boozy Christmas fruit cake won the entire team over on account…

Light mocha soufflé-style mousses These have the appearance of an impressive soufflé without the hassle of serving them straight from the oven. SERVES 8 Oil, for greasing 6 large eggs 100g (3½ oz) caster sugar 4 gelatine leaves 175g (6oz) dark chocolate, chopped 2tbsp coffee extract or strong espresso 2tbsp Kahlúa or Tia Maria 125ml (4fl oz) double cream To decorate: 125ml (4fl oz) double cream 1tbsp icing sugar 1tbsp coffee extract Cocoa, and gold edible glitter for dusting 1 Tape a folded strip of oiled baking parchment around eight ramekin or small dishes, ensuring it comes around 6cm above each rim. Put the eggs and sugar into a bowl, and whisk for 10-15 mins until pale and doubled in volume. 2 Put the gelatine in a heatproof bowl with…

Time to make: 3 hours You will need 45 x 108cm cream cotton fabric Scissors Matching sewing thread Hand-sewing needle Three A4 sheets grey felt Small side plate White pompom trim Cricut machine (optional) Sewing machine 43cm square cushion pad Stockists: Linen and cotton blend fabric in ivory, £11.99 per m; A4 acrylic felt sheets in silver grey, 69p each; pompom fringe trim, £1.59 per m, all minervacrafts.com. Cricut smart cutting machine, £379.99, amazon.co.uk 1 From the cream fabric, cut two 31.5cm x 45cm rectangles and one 45cm square. Turn one of the long edges on each rectangle under by 1cm, and then another 1cm. Pin and top stitch in a matching thread to secure. 2 From the grey felt sheets, cut out 60 small leaf shapes using the Cricut…

You will need Tracing paper and pencil Wooden broom handle Hacksaw 10 x 30cm rectangle of wadding Drill with 4mm drill bit Fabric glue Two 6cm diameter wooden wheels One 6.5cm M4 machine screw Two nuts and plastic washers to fit machine screw 50cm of 112cm wide yellow patterned cotton fabric 15 x 25cm rectangle of coordinating turquoise patterned cotton fabric Black stranded cotton embroidery thread Two 2.1cm black toy safety eyes Matching sewing threads Dressmaker’s pencil 9 x 36cm strip of thin card 50g cream chunky knitting wool 4cm of 6mm wide white cotton tape Washable toy stuffing 220cm of 2cm wide fringe trim 85cm of 2cm wide turquoise grosgrain ribbon Four 2cm cream buttons Suppliers:6cm wooden toy wheels, 98p each, Hobby’s (020 8761 4244; hobby.uk. com). Cloud 9…

Time to make: 30 minutes, plus drying time You will need: White air-drying clay, £3.75 for 1kg, Hobbycraft Rolling pin Star or tree cookie cutters Needle Alphabet stamps, £6 for a set of 26, Hobbycraft Black watercolour pencil Small paintbrush Brown wrapping paper, £4 for three rolls, Ikea Twine, £2 for three rolls, Ikea 1 Roll out the clay to 3mm thickness. Using a star or tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out a couple of shapes, or copy our tag shape by cutting out a rectangle with a blunt knife. Create a hole in the top of the tags with a needle. 2 Stamp the recipient’s name or initial onto the festive shape or tag and set aside to dry for 24 hours. 3 Once dry, use a watercolour pencil to…

Mincemeat palmiers A delicious alternative to mince pies. MAKES 20 410g (14½oz) jar of mincemeat 30g (1oz) pecans, chopped 45g (1½oz) dried apricots, chopped 2tbsp Amaretto or sweet sherry 425g pack (15oz or 2 sheets) puff pastry 1 egg, beaten Sugar, for dusting YOU WILL NEED: 2 baking trays lined with baking parchment 1 Mix the mincemeat, pecans, apricots and Amaretto or sherry in a bowl. Unroll 1 sheet of pastry on a lightly floured work surface with the short end facing you. Spread over half the mincemeat mixture, leaving a 2.5cm border along the edge furthest away from you. Brush this pastry edge with the beaten egg. 2 Roll up the pastry tightly, away from you, like a Swiss roll. Press down the pastry edge. Wrap in cling film…

Time to make: 2 hours You will need 50cm x 60cm hessian fabric 50cm x 60cm neutral cotton fabric 22cm x 22cm red stripe fabric Red twine Matching sewing thread Hot glue gun 1m cream ricrac Red felt Cricut maker (optional) Stockists: Luxury hessian fabric, £5.99 per m; plain ivory cotton, £11.99 per m; ticking stripe cotton canvas in Cherry, £10.99 per m; ricrac trim in natural, 79p per m; A4 acrylic felt sheet in Cherry Red, 69p each, all minervacrafts.com. Cricut maker smart cutting machine, £379.99, amazon.co.uk. Note: Use 1.5cm seam allowances throughout. 1 Photocopy the template by 300%. Using the template, cut out two stocking shapes from the hessian and two from the ivory lining fabric. For the cuff, cut out two from the red ticking fabric. 2…

Handy tote bag Use pretty fabrics to create a lovely tote to keep everything you need in the same place Time to make: 3 hours You will need 50cm of 110cm-wide patterned fabric 30 x 20cm rectangle of contrast patterned fabric 60cm of 90cm-wide lightweight wadding 30cm of 112cm-wide plain fabric 1m 20cm of 2.5cm-wide ribbon 1m 10cm of 2.5cm-wide bias binding 2cm button Matching sewing thread Bodkin or safety pin Note: Take 1.5cm seam allowance, unless stated otherwise. Join pieces with right sides together and edges level. Cutting out Cut two 52 x 29cm rectangles from patterned fabric, wadding and plain fabric for the bag. Cut two 18 x 14cm rectangles from contrast patterned fabric for the pocket. Cut two 45 x 10cm rectangles for the handles and one…

Rockin’ robin Knit as many snowballs as you want to scatter around this wintry scene MEASUREMENTS To fit ages 2-3 (3-4) (4-5) (5-6) years. Actual chest measurements 67 (71) (74.5) (78) cm/27 (28¼) (30) (31¼) in. Side seam 23 (26) (28.5) (31) cm/ 9 (10¼) (11¼) (12¼) in. Length to shoulder 36 (40) (44) (48) cm/14 (15¾) (17½) (19) in. Sleeve seam 22 (25) (28) (31) cm/8¾ (9¾) (11) (12¼) in. MATERIALS 6 (7) (8) (9) 50g (104m) balls of King Cole Merino Blend DK (100% wool) in Slate (Slate Blue 96); 1 ball in each of Scarlet (09), Chestnut (3089), Platinum (1762) and White (01)*. Pair each of 3.25mm (No. 10), 3.75mm (No. 9) and 4mm (No. 8) knitting needles; 2 stitch holders. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk. TENSION…

Rack of rosemary lamb with roasted vegetables Serving a rack of lamb always looks very impressive but this recipe is very easy to prepare. SERVES 6 4tbsp olive oil 2 racks lamb, each with at least 6 chops 2tbsp sun-dried tomato paste 3 sprigs rosemary, chopped 2 red onions, peeled and cut into wedges 2 red and 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks 250g (9oz) cherry tomatoes, halved 175ml (6fl oz) white wine 1 Preheat the oven to 200C/ Gas 6. Heat 1tbsp oil in a large frying pan and sear the lamb, fat-side down, until brown. Mix together the sun-dried tomato paste, rosemary and 2tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and spread evenly all over the lamb. 2 Place the vegetables in a roasting tray,…

Frosted pine cones You will need Small wooden tray Small, medium and large pine cones White, silver and glitter spray paint Silver beads Three chunky candles Hot glue gun Large silver beads Stockists: Wooden tray, £5.50; assorted pine cones, £3, both Hobbycraft. Lugga candles, £5 for set of three, Ikea. 1 In a well-ventilated room, and with the work surface protected, lightly spray-paint a selection of pine cones in white, silver and glitter. Coat some completely and only spray the tips of others. Allow to dry fully. 2 Position the candles on the base of the tray at equal distances apart. Use a hot glue gun to secure each candle in place, once you’re happy with their position. 3 Arrange the larger pine cones on the base of the tray,…