Well with time evaporating ever faster for my Parents in the unrelenting build up to Christmas, times clearly called for some diversification in the present arena. This was not felt more profoundly than in the contents of my stocking - yes we still do this little family tradition. The normal cosmetic and confectionery items were present but quite unlike my previous festive experiences a dried fruit substance revealed itself from beneath glossy reindeer adorned gift wrap. Dried Cranberries.
Baffled not to say the least. Ta Mum, they're err great! But enough jest, this dried fruit is really versatile and totally awesome to create any number of student friendly food options. That is not to say that I am well acquainted with such recipe gold, but internet really does come to our aid not to mention a plethora of TV chef offerings. Cranberry sauce with real and dried cranberries? Soak them in your preferred tipple (I'd suggest not necessarily vodka - a stalwart though it seems to be in student accommodation) and then add to a fairly bog standard jar of mincemeat. A much more personal approach to quick mince pies - shop bought pastry and mincemeat and all the hard work is done. See, homemade festive fayre is affordable and easy!
But it is now January and although my cravings for mince pies and mulled wine haven't quite yet been put to bed for another year, I want to do something else with my cranberry gift... Quite fortuitously a friend of mine received a white and chocolatey christmas present and this confirmed for me the fate of my dried fruits. Stay tuned for some White chocolate and Cranberry cookies in the month of January. Fresh for the new year, but still comforting enough to cheer those grey wintry days.
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