Good Things festive favourites - December 2017

One last communiqué, and a confession, before I sign out for 2017. I confess that I haven't been so adventurous in the kitchen lately. With the painting and redecorating underway, I've been relying on fresh, fast and tasty old favourites. The good news is that the courtyard garden is almost complete and, even if I do say so, it's looking rather spiffy! Weather permitting, we'll finish painting the stuccoed walls of the house, which face in to the courtyard, in the cool of the early morning before Christmas.

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With Christmas festivities in mind, I've bookmarked some interesting recipes that have been doing the rounds on social media, and thought I'd share a few of the best with you, along with some foodie news:

• I adore this cinnamon star bread created by my friend and fellow blogger, Laura, from Tutti Dolci.
• This grape, leafy greens and pine nut salad from Sydney Markets has me salivating. Perfect with chopped leg ham, apparently. A tasty way to use leftovers.
• New Idea shared this stunning pavlova wreath with passionfruit custard. Yes, yes, yes!
• The people at Good Food know a good thing, judging by this crowd-pleasing Slablova. 
• Cheesey Christmas trees by Foodiful look and sound delicious. 
• Roasted vegetables with ginger maple glaze are just the ticket for a festive feast. Thank you A Little Bit Yummy for the FODMAP friendly recipe.
• It seems like forever that I've been wanting make Crinkle Cookies. This recipe from Food52 is a keeper.
• Apparently you only need two ingredients for duck fat potatoes. Yum!
• These no-bake  Irish Cream Nanaimo Bars are from the popular Rock Recipes. How yummy do they look?
• Kick back on Christmas Day with a cherry rosé sangria from Taste.
• Maggie Beer created this exquisite Dark Chocolate & Vino Cotto Caramel Parfait with Hazelnuts.
• If you're looking for some inspiring cookbooks to add to your collection, seek the guidance of my friend and fellow blogger, Amanda, from Lamb's Ears and Honey. 
• For those who have left it too late to make a pudding, this Good Food good pud guide will be of interest. Good Food sought out the best puddings in the country, along with everyday puddings available from supermarkets...  and ended up with 15 puddings in all. 
• One of my favourite blogs, Katie Crackernuts, provides the garden advice you need for a bumper crop of tomatoes.
• Cin cin with the gin daisy cocktail from my friend and fellow blogger, John, at Kitchen Riffs.
• Definitely going to try my hand at making homemade cherry liqueur, using this recipe from my friend and fellow blogger, David, at Cocoa and Lavender.
• My friend Vivine, an artisan chocolatier, has just launched her new Chocolate Chilli Mango website. Wow, her chocolates are exquisite!
• Lastly, I'm feeling even more inspired about Christmas after reading this lovely post by my friend and fellow blogger, Celia.

Of course, if you're seeking further inspiration, you'll find a selection of sweet and savoury recipes here on the blog. Everything from edible gifts, to salads and sides, mains, desserts and beverages.

​In closing, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your friendship and support throughout the year. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and best wishes to you and yours. 

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So, dear readers. Are you ready for the festive season? Will you be travelling somewhere special, or spending time at home with your loved ones?