Author: Nia

I live in Cardiff where I lug around a camera, write books and eat a lot of doughnuts. The Cardiff Cwtch is where I post my adventures.

Categories
Food

Almond and Raspberry Cake

The Crimbo Limbo, Twixtmas… whatever you call it, the gap between Christmas and New Year’s a bit of a weird one, isn’t it? It’s the one time of year where adulting officially goes out the window and – even better – nobody’s going to think any less of you for it or worry that you’ve gone a bit mad. Brilliant! I was tempted to just whack my coat on over my Christmas PJs to take Bungle for his walk this morning, but changed my mind at the last minute. You’ve got to draw the line somewhere, I guess, and for me that line falls somewhere between the neighbours seeing me in my jammies and scoffing cake for breakfast. Specifically, this Almond and Raspberry Cake…

Categories
Food

5 Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas for Christmas Day

I can count plenty of Christmases where I’ve either skipped breakfast or made do with the satsuma rolling around at the bottom of my stocking… or indulged in one of Terry’s variety in front of a film (oops!).  It’s so unlike me, because I love breakfast! It’s favourite meal of the day, and – of all the days in the year – Christmas is big one to skip, especially if you’re hosting; you need the fuel! Recipes that can be prepared ahead of time with minimal fuss and then popped in the fridge or covered with cling film are a winner (and pretty useful to have tucked up your sleeve for whenever the occasion calls for a short cut). Minimal effort, maximum impact. 😉

Categories
Food

Sunny’s Orange and Cinnamon Swirl Bread

A couple of weekends ago Sunny tore my kitchen apart making his first ever, sweet loaf – this Orange and Cinnamon Swirl Bread, which would make the perfect addition to any Christmas breakfast table. It’s a soft dough, but slices well – and the flavours kind of remind me of toasted tea cakes and cinnamon buns. Noice! 🙂

Categories
Food

Saffron and Cinnamon Knots

It took us a good couple of hours to get the decorations up on Saturday (which was two hours too long, in my opinion) – but on Sunday, I spent at least double that time happily baking away in the kitchen and whipping up these Saffron and Cinnamon Knots. They’re kind of a mix between traditional Swedish Kanelbullar and the St Lucia Saffron Buns that are traditionally eaten on the 13th of December (this Friday!). An enriched, sweet dough in a lovely shade of gold, with a sweet cinnamon filling twisted through the middle. So delicious, so moreish and perfect for scoffing in front of the tree.

Categories
Shopping

The Alternative Christmas Gift Guide

I LOVE Christmas shopping – but only when I know that I’ve found the perfect present for every single one of my favourite people. I don’t like guessing, and you’ll never catch me wandering down the 3 for 2 gift aisle – even as a last resort. For me, that’s where I draw the line – that is mindless consumerism to me.  The truth is that sometimes the best things and gifts in life are free, and a thoughtful gesture is often far better than throwing cash at expensive clutter or resorting to “stuff” bought down the gift aisle under pressure.