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Good Things festive favourites - December 2014

21/12/2014

30 Comments

 
Spruce branch and christmas star against a wooden background - good things
'Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.'
                                                                                                   ― Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957)

Not many little windows to open on the advent calendar now, my friends and Christmas day will soon be here. With seasons eatings in mind, I thought I'd share a few delicious and delightful snippets from across the globe that caught my eye recently:

  • A peak into Christmas in the home of Karen from Back Road Journal (New England)
  • The Shady Baker, Jane, takes us from the paddock to her kitchen (far west New South Wales, Australia)
  • Faith from The Kitchn shares her idea on the prettiest way to serve olives at a party
  • Amanda at Lamb's Ears and Honey (South Australia) shares her recipe for bacon jam with bourbon
  • I've heard good things about Charlie's (Sydney) fruit and nut cake, which you'll find on Hotly Spiced 
  • Bec, the InTolerant Chef (Canberra) shares her festive, crunchy and colourful Christmas caprese salad 
  • Kellie from Food to Glow (Edinburgh) has created an orange and spice sweet potato souffle casserole
  • This Christmas panforte from Kyrstie (near Melbourne) on A Fresh Legacy looks divine
  • Love the sound of Lorraine's pumpkin spice buttermilk pancake mix on Not Quite Nigella (Sydney) 
  • Orgasmic Chef, Maureen, showcases her skills in decorating cupcakes with Christmas trees on top (Qld)
  • Salted caramels are on the agenda as edible gifts from Laura from Tutti Dolci 
  • When Santa visits Missouri and the home of John from Kitchen Riffs, he'll be in for a boozy milky treat!
  • Celia creates a mouthwatering ham and egg toastie on Fig Jam and Lime Cordial - great idea

And finally, this year’s Christmas advertisement from Sainsbury’s, which was produced in partnership with The Royal British Legion. This poignant piece commemorates the true events of Christmas Day during the first World War when, in 1914, guns fell silent and two opposing armies met in no-man’s land to celebrate Christmas. All profits from the sale of the chocolate bar, which is discreetly shown, go to the Royal British Legion. There has been some controversy over the advertisement, with mixed opinions on whether it was a good or a bad thing. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. 

May I take this opportunity to say 'Happy holidays' and best wishes to you and yours. Thank you for your support throughout the year xox

And tell me dear readers, how is the Christmas countdown going in your part of the world? Are you ready for the festive season? Will you be travelling, or spending time at home with loved ones? 
30 Comments
Amanda link
18/12/2014 09:17:46 am

Thanks so much for sharing my link, Liz, and I wish a wonderful holiday season to you, your family and all of your readers. xxx

Reply
Lizzy (Good Things)
20/12/2014 10:36:31 am

Amanda, my pleasure... Happy Holidays to you also xox

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Kyrstie @ A Fresh Legacy link
18/12/2014 10:07:05 am

Good morning Lizzy, what a lovely surprise to be included in your list. I am looking forward to reading through the others in the coming days. I am looking forward to celebrating the joy and excitement of Christmas with my two little boys and my family and switching off all media for a true break. This year the boys are very excited and the count down is well and truly in progress! I wish you and yours a wonderful, safe and happy Christmas. Thank you for your support and friendship over this year. I look forward to following along your wonderful good things next year. Kyrstie xxxxx

Reply
Lizzy (Good Things)
20/12/2014 10:37:18 am

Kyrstie, Christmas is so special when you have little people around. Happy holidays and best wishes to you and yours. Thank you for your support throughout the year xox

Reply
Liz link
18/12/2014 12:52:51 pm

I loved peeking through all your links...sure puts me in the holiday spirit! Wishing you a most magical Christmas!!! xo

Reply
Lizzy
20/12/2014 10:37:44 am

Thank you kindly, Liz. And Happy holidays and best wishes to you and yours. Thank you for your support throughout the year xox

Reply
John link
18/12/2014 02:08:27 pm

What a fun list! And thanks for including my Milk Punch Cocktail. It's perfect for Santa, don't you think? :-) I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years!

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Lizzy
20/12/2014 10:38:14 am

Oh indeed, John, I think your Santa is very lucky indeed! Happy holidays and best wishes to you and yours. Thank you for your support throughout the year xox

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Maureen | Orgasmic Chef link
18/12/2014 11:31:11 pm

Thanks for the link love, Lizzy!

I'm woefully behind. I have family coming tomorrow and a load of friends coming to watch the boat parade tomorrow night and I haven't started getting ready. Good thing they all know me.

Okay, the guest room is ready, and the house is clean but NO food is prepared. :)

Reply
Lizzy
20/12/2014 10:38:46 am

Oh Maureen, I'm with you... only I have the flu now too. Happy holidays and best wishes to you and yours. Thank you for your support throughout the year xox

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Francesca link
19/12/2014 07:16:33 am

It is a very moving piece. It reminds me of the scenery and youthful naivity shown in the film Gallipoli- so siimilar. This was a common pratice also in Gallipoli when the Australians and Turks had 'time out' and shared games and friendship.
The ad is discreet as you say.

Reply
Lizzy
20/12/2014 10:39:12 am

Francesca, thank you... I loved it too. Happy holidays and best wishes to you and yours. Thank you for your support throughout the year xox

Reply
Karen (Back Road Journal) link
19/12/2014 07:23:00 am

I appreciate that you added my post to your list of festive Christmas blogs, thank you Liz. I'm off to visit some blogs that are new to me and some old friends but before I go...I would like to wish you, your family and your readers a wonderful Christmas and great New Year.

Reply
Lizzy
20/12/2014 10:39:46 am

Karen, it is my pleasure... thank you for your inspiring work! Happy holidays and best wishes to you and yours. Thank you for your support throughout the year xox

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Kiran @ KiranTarun.com link
19/12/2014 08:09:02 am

Thanks for sharing so many fun and festive reads, Lizzy. Have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy Holidays :)

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Lizzy
20/12/2014 10:40:11 am

Thank you Kiran. Happy holidays and best wishes to you and yours. Thank you for your support throughout the year xox

Reply
Glamorous Glutton link
19/12/2014 07:36:28 pm

A lovely round up of festive posts, thanks Lizzy. I love this ad, I don't know if it's the same in Australia, but here there's massive competition amongst retailers for the best Christmas ad. Mini films start airing at the beginning of November with John Lewis usually coming out top. This year Sainsburys surprised everyone with this. Poignant and beautifully done. GG

Reply
Lizzy
20/12/2014 10:44:21 am

Hi Amanda, no, it's different here... the retailers just break their necks trying to make us spend money! Happy holidays and best wishes to you and yours. Thank you for your support throughout the year xox

Reply
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella link
19/12/2014 07:38:04 pm

Aww shucks thank you so much Lizzy for the link shout out! I'm so very honoured! Well today I am sick in bed but I've just given myself one day to be sick. I've just got too much to do otherwise! :P

Reply
Lizzy
20/12/2014 10:45:04 am

My pleasure, Lorraine... I too am unwell... best wishes for a speedy recovery. Happy holidays and best wishes to you and yours. Thank you for your support throughout the year xox

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David link
20/12/2014 03:02:43 am

Thanks for the fun list of reads, Liz!

I watched the video. Twice actually, and I will probably watch it again. I really liked it, not really caring it was an ad, but it does remains me that so often the young people fighting one another could so easily be friends. Regardless of the battle, people are people. I have heard ts story since I wasa young, and I thought the recreation was beautifully crafted. Thank you for sharing it. Wish I could buy Sainsbury chocolates!

Christmas will be quiet for us - just Mark and me. I will braise some lamb shanks, and we will open a bottle of wine. How about you and Peter?

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Lizzy
20/12/2014 10:46:05 am

My pleasure David, I too liked it very much. Your Christmas sounds fabulous... quiet us good. I've fallen ill so hopefully I'll be back on my feet for the 25th. Happy holidays and best wishes to you and yours. Thank you for your support throughout the year xox

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Hotly Spiced link
20/12/2014 08:52:04 pm

I loved that commercial - love a commercial that brings a beautiful message while under-selling the advertised product. Thank you so much for the lovely mention; I did take that cake to a function last night and it was very well received with many asking for the recipe. I loved the look into Karen's home in the USA as well - so beautiful. A very Merry Christmas to you and all your family xx

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sherry from sherryspickings link
20/12/2014 10:59:02 pm

i really like this photo. it looks really sweet. and i love the quote from laura ingalls wilder.
have a great xmas.

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El link
21/12/2014 07:06:15 am

Lovely photo and links. That is an incredible ad. We did see the film based on the story and definitely recommend it. Hope you have a great holiday season!

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Glenda link
22/12/2014 03:19:45 am

Have a wonderful festive season Liz.

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Krista link
22/12/2014 05:36:59 pm

You've collected such delicious things from your friends, Liz. :-) Wishing you a beautiful Christmas. XO

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Fiona @TIFFIN bite sized link
22/12/2014 05:47:43 pm

Well if that doesn't bring a tear to your eye, nothing will. I don't mind this as it's very timely with a major anniversary coming up and if only one person learns a little of the history of the Great War, then that's a good thing. The other popular ad that everyone is talking about is this one from John Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iccscUFY860

I know that you're not 100% again Liz so I hope you have a restful Christmas and can enjoy it. All the best. Fiona xx

Reply
InTolerant Chef link
23/12/2014 06:29:30 pm

Lots of lovely sites and goodies Liz- and just enough time to still whip some up before tomorrow! Merry Christmas dear, how you have a wonderful time xox

Reply
caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy link
26/12/2014 01:59:07 pm

hope you had a wonderful holiday!

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