Alternative Christmas Dinner Ideas

Alternative Christmas Dinner Ideas By Brian Maidment Head Chef At The Belsfield. Hello friends.

Love A Bit Of Cake: Wordless Wednesday Link Up

Love A Bit Of Cake: Wordless Wednesday Link Up. Hello, friends. I am just trialling out a new linky if you are interested in joining us?

Love A Bit Of Cake: Wordless Wednesday Link Up:

Love A Bit Of Cake: Wordless Wednesday Link-Up.

The Wordless Or Not So Wordless Wednesday Link- Up Guidelines: Please only link up family-friendly posts!

Please follow your host Claire Justine by Blog, Email, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook Page, Pinterest, or Bloglovin. 

Let me know how you have followed me so I can follow you back. 

Please link back to The Wednesday Link Up in your posts to spread the word of this party.

Share some midweek blog fun and please try to stop by a few of the blogs that have linked up here today. 

Please tweet me any links you have added to the link up to me @clairejustineo using the #WednesdayLinkUp hashtag and I will favourite, retweet and reply.

It would be great if you would follow along on any social media channels in some way? Let me know if you decide to, so I can follow you back. 

Now over to you, what have you been snapping away at this week?

This Linky Has Now Closed.

This Linky Has Now Closed. 

You Can Find Me Here: Pop Over And Find Me On Claire Justine Too.

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How To Celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week At Home: 

Firstly, to celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week (12th – 18th August 2019), Simon Bradley, Head Chef at De Vere Cotswold Water Park.

A stunning hotel situated amongst the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and surrounded by 152 lakes - has shared his top tips on how to enjoy the traditional British pastime at home. How To Celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week At Home.

A Twist On A Classic - Caribbean Afternoon Tea: 

Secondly, we had a mini heatwave here in the UK yesterday. I spent all afternoon in the garden yesterday, getting the grass cut and get table and chairs out of storage. All ready for eating outside in the garden.

New research revealed today has found that Caribbean cooking is the least tried cuisine in the UK, with only 27% of Brits having tasted Jamaican food and only a handful having tried dishes from other islands including Dominica (3%), Barbados (2.5%) and St Lucia (2%). A Twist On A Classic - Caribbean Afternoon Tea.

Festive Afternoon Tea at Laura Ashley The Tea Room: 

Thirdly, a *Guest Post*.  Love afternoon tea? 

Fancy having a Festive Afternoon Tea at Laura Ashley The Tea Room? 

So yummy. Festive Afternoon Tea at Laura Ashley The Tea Room.

Halloumi And Watercress Brunch Salad (Vegetarian):

Fourthly, lazy weekends are the ideal time to make the perfect brunch.

So, if you’re looking for a recipe for a leisurely repast, and one which is nutritious and delicious too, these three new watercress recipes are certain to appeal. Halloumi And Watercress Brunch Salad (Vegetarian).

10 Afternoon Mini Cake Recipes:

10 Afternoon Mini Cake Recipes.

Fifth, so indulge in a sweetness delight with my collection of 10 delicious afternoon mini-cake recipes. 

From Small And Pretty Cupcakes to rich Black Forest Cupcakes. What is not to love.

Discover these 10 easy-to-bake treats perfect for your afternoon cravings. Step up your afternoon tea game with these delightful mini-cakes! 

10 Afternoon Mini Cake Recipes. So many ideas. If you like this post, why not follow along so you never miss a post?

I hope you have enjoyed today's post. So if you like, you can also share your thoughts here in the comments below.

Dietitian Jo Travers Reveals What To Eat Over The Festive Season To Beat Tummy Troubles

Dietitian Jo Travers Reveals What To Eat Over The Festive Season To Beat Tummy Troubles, For Love Your Gut.

With an abundance of festive feasts and fizz-filled parties. The period through Christmas and New Year is when many of us indulge in larger portions and sweet and salty treats.

Winter Trifle With Blackberries

Winter Trifle With Blackberries: Afternoon Tea Recipes.

For those who love celebrating with food but also want to look after their gut over the Christmas period, Dr Joan Ransley has created two new festive delicious dishes that are full of flavour, colour and gut-healthy ingredients - a Brussel Sprout, Chestnut and Sage Risotto, which serves as an ideal vegetarian or vegan option, and a sweet Winter Trifle with Blackberries. You can find Brussel Sprout, Chestnut and Sage Risotto, recipe here.

Brussel Sprout, Chestnut And Sage

Brussel Sprout, Chestnut And Sage Risotto (vegetarian/vegan). With the festive season often brings an array of rich food and drink, it can spell a less than merry Christmas for those who suffer from a sensitive gut.

For those who love celebrating with food but also want to love their gut over the Christmas period, Dr Joan Ransley for Love Your Gut has created two new delicious dishes that are full of flavour, colour and gut-healthy ingredients.

I'm At A Pay Phone Trying To Call Home

I'm At A Pay Phone Trying To Call Home.

Happy Wayback Wednesday today I'm listening to Maroon Five ' I'm at a Payphone' and looking at fun photos from Wayback in July 2017.

These photos are of me and my Daughter having fun taking photos in Nottingham outside a red phone box!!.

I’m at a payphone trying to call home.
All of my change I spent on you.
Where have the times gone, baby it’s all wrong.
Where are the plans we made for two ♯♭

{ Lyrics from song Maroon 5 – Payphone }

Five Clothes Shops To Take Your Daughter In Oxford Street London

Five Clothes Shops To Take Your Daughter In Oxford Street London.

Hello friends. A few weeks ago my daughter and I hopped on the train to London in search of some new clothes for my Daughter. A few hours later we arrived at St Pancras Internation Train Station. What an amazing station this is too!

OK, I never want to grow up. A trip to the Disney Store for a treat for me!! A Cheshire Cat teddy for my Alice in Wonderland themed dining room I am planning.

Granola, Berries And Yogurt Parfaits

Granola, Berries And Yogurt Parfaits For Parfaits Day. Hello friends, love a nice and tasty breakfast?

Do you fancy making some Granola, Berries, And Yogurt Parfaits For Parfaits Day?

Granola, berries, and yogurt parfaits are a delightful combination that you can create a bowl of wholesome indulgence. 

With each layer, you can create a symphony of flavours and textures that tantalise the taste buds and nourish the body. 

The crunchy goodness of granola pairs perfectly with the juicy sweetness of berries, while the creamy yogurt adds a luxurious touch to every spoonful.

Whether enjoyed as a nutritious breakfast, a refreshing snack, or a guilt-free dessert, these parfaits offer a perfect balance of freshness, crunch, and creaminess that satisfies cravings and leaves you feeling energised. 

With endless possibilities for customisation, granola, berries, and yogurt parfaits are a delicious way to start your day or treat yourself any time.

This post also contains affiliate links. So this means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. You will not be charged any additional fees if you purchase through an affiliate link. Affiliate links will be marked with a *.

Granola, Berries And Yogurt Parfaits For Parfaits Day:

Granola, Berries And Yogurt Parfaits For Parfaits Day. 

Celebrate Parfait Day in style with the delightful combination of granola, berries, and yogurt parfaits! 

These delicious treats are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a celebration of health and indulgence. 

Layered with crunchy granola, vibrant berries bursting with flavour, and creamy yogurt, each spoonful offers a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. 

Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light dessert, granola, berries, and yogurt parfaits are a versatile and satisfying choice. 

So grab a Parfait Glass*, layer on the goodness, and raise a spoon to the joy of Parfait Day!

Granola, Berries And Yogurt Parfaits For Parfaits Day:

Granola, Berries And Yogurt Parfaits For Parfaits Day. 

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 50g Strawberry Granola Crunch Cereal* or sugar-free granola
• 50g Blueberries
• 50g strawberries, washed, hulled, and cut into quarters
• 150g Natural Greek yoghurt
• A spoonful of honey optional

Granola, Berries And Yogurt Parfaits For Parfaits Day. 

Method: 

1. Grab a nice glass jar of your choice to serve your granola in. It could even be an old recycled jam jar, cleaned out. I love using my Ball Mason Jars*
2. In a couple of little bowls weigh out all your ingredients.
3. Layer up the ingredients inside your serving jar a few spoonfuls at a time.
4. Enjoy.

Ball Mason Jars:

Balls glass jars are the perfect glass to serve and create stunning yogurt parfaits that not only taste delicious but also look visually appealing. 

With their sleek design and transparent clarity, these jars allow you to showcase the beautiful layers of granola, berries, and yogurt with elegance. 

The wide mouth of the jar makes it easy to layer ingredients precisely, ensuring each spoonful is a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Additionally, the airtight seal of the jar keeps your parfait fresh and ready to enjoy on the go or as a convenient snack at home. 

Whether you're preparing breakfast for busy mornings or hosting a brunch with friends, Balls glass jars add a touch of sophistication to your yogurt parfait creations, making them as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Granola, Berries And Yogurt Parfaits For Parfaits Day:

Granola, Berries And Yogurt Parfaits For Parfaits Day. 

So what do you think of this breakfast idea? Do you fancy trying it? Granola, Berries And Yogurt Parfaits For Parfaits Day.

You Might Also Like These Breakfast Ideas:

Speedy Granola Parfait: Using Sugar-Free Granola:

Firstly, Speedy Granola Parfait: Using Sugar-Free Granola. 

Are you looking for some new breakfast recipe ideas? Or something a little different. 

Adding fruit to your breakfast gives you a nice healthy start to the day. 

Also, a lot healthier than sugary cereals. Frozen fruit is good too. 

Simply take out the frozen berries out of the freezer the night before and defrost them overnight in the fridge. Speedy Granola Parfait: Using Sugar-Free Granola.

Crispy Crunch Fruity Snack:

Secondly, Crispy Crunch Fruity Snack. 

This tasted amazing. The children and I loved making these up. We layered our favourite crispy crunch cereals with natural yoghurt, strawberries, banana, and pineapple. 

It was delicious! Crispy Crunch Fruity Snacks.

Granola And Fruit Breakfast:

Thirdly, Granola And Fruit Breakfast. 

A yummy granola and fruit breakfast. I usually like a Weetabix, muesli or granola topped up with fruit for breakfast.

Before my run, walks with Mollie The Border Collie also for a trip to the gym. 

It gives me a little energy boost!! Sometimes I like them with milk, other times natural yoghurt. 

It depends on my mood! Granola And Fruit Breakfast.

National Peanut Butter Lovers Day Recipes:

Fourthly, National Peanut Butter Lovers Day Recipes.

Love peanut butter? If so, happy National Peanut Butter Lovers Day.

Are you also looking for some recipe ideas for today? There are endless possibilities for using peanut butter in recipes! 

So here are some ideas to get you started. National Peanut Butter Lovers Day Recipes.

How I Wear Pearls:

Fifth, Shabby Chic Style China Cups And Pearls, Real Pearls. 

How I Wear Pearls. I love old china cups and buy plenty from the charity shop and the pearls are so vintage too. But how do you really wear pearls? 

You may be wondering? I mean real pearls!! How Exciting!! 

Let's start with the real pearls first! So beautiful, aren't they? How I Wear Pearls.

You Can Find Me Here:

Pop Over And Find Me On Claire Justine.

Let’s Get Social: Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram.

5 Simple Healthy New Year Resolutions

5 Simple Healthy New Year Resolutions with dietitian Sian Porter. Hello friends, today I have a guest post to share with you on how to be a little bit healthier in the new year.

Many of us will make a resolution to be healthier in some way in the new year, but with most of us short on time, it can be tricky to keep them up. To keep us on track, dietitian Sian Porter has teamed up with California Walnuts to suggest five simple New Year resolutions for a happier and healthier 2020.

Festive Afternoon Tea at Laura Ashley The Tea Room

Festive Afternoon Tea at Laura Ashley The Tea Room. *Guest Post* Love afternoon tea? Fancy having a Festive Afternoon Tea at Laura Ashley The Tea Room?

Walnut And Cherry Yule Log: Christmas Recipe

Walnut And Cherry Yule Log: Christmas Recipe. How yummy! If you are looking for some yule log recipes to try out this year, you have come to the right place. Fancy making a classic yule log recipes with a modern twist?

Christmas Nut Loaf With California Walnuts

Christmas Nut Loaf With California Walnuts. Hello friends. Are you looking for Christmas recipes?

How about making a Christmas Nut Loaf? Today I am sharing one of California walnuts recipes with you.

Walnut And Chestnut Sausage Rolls: Afternoon Tea

Walnut And Chestnut Sausage Rolls. Hello friends, fancy making some Walnut And Chestnut Sausage Rolls? Great for any parties you might be planning this Christmas. Perfect for any afternoon tea too.

Baked Figs, California Walnuts, And Camembert

Baked Figs, California Walnuts, And Camembert. Hello friends, so how are you today? all good I hope? over the next few days I will be sharing some tasty recipes from California Walnuts. They have created some new Christmas recipes, which all look delicious.

Mixing Fashion And Fun Together: Stripes And Red Cardigan

Mixing Fashion And Fun Together: Stripes And Red Cardigan. Hello friends, how are you keep? I love this fun look for Autumn. I have had these boots and cardigan for years and still love them. The t-shirt and the jeans are some freebies off my Daughter that I rescued from the charity bag!! Reuse & Rewear ;)

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Friends T-shirt, Pink Marks & Spencer's Skirt And A Memory. Hello friends. How was your weekend? I love it when Facebook shares a memory to me. Here is the one I just got:

Throwback Thursday Flowered Joe Brown's Dress

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Hello friends. Today, I got this message on Facebook: Your Memories on Facebook. Claire, we care about you and the memories you share here. We thought you'd like to look back on this profile photo from 5 years ago.

Watercress Welsh Rarebit: Breakfast And Brunch Recipe Ideas

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Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder With Salt-baked Potatoes And Watercress

Slow-cooked pork shoulder with salt-baked potatoes and watercress. Hello friends. I have a tasty dinner recipe idea to share with you today. Fancy a slow-cooked pork in the oven recipe to try out.

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Hello friends. The school holidays are over and time to get back to school and work for most of my children next week. Alright for some as we had to work all Summer!!

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Chestnut Mushroom And Watercress Stroganoff With Giant Wild Rice

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Baked Pumpkin and Watercress Fondue: Autumn Comfort Foods

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Chorizo, Cheese and Watercress Toastie

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6-a-Day Smoothie: Back to School with Watercress

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Not only are they simple and speedy to prepare, but they are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that will give your little ones a much-needed boost throughout the school day.

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Happy Sunday, would you like to come on a stroll with me around A Walk Around Wollaton Hall In Nottingham? It is such a lovely place to visit. Wollaton Hall is a beautiful Elizabethan country house of the 1580s standing on a small but prominent hill in Wollaton Park, Nottingham, England.

Ginger Pumpkin Pie

Ginger Pumpkin Pie. A Great Recipe For Autumn And Halloween. Hello friends, so how are you today?

We couldn’t resist adding just one sweet recipe, but we think you’ll be pleased we did! 

Don’t worry too much about getting rid of all those seeds. Once cooked the roasted pumpkin is pushed through a sieve, to make a silky smooth, spiced filling.

 

You could also use butternut squash and enjoy ‘pumpkin’ pie all year round.

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How To Make Salmon with Sticky Ginger Sauce. How tasty does this sound? The ginger cordial makes a great base for a teriyaki sauce and served with simply stir-fried broccoli and carrots make a really tasty family meal that’s healthy too.

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Chicken with Lime And Lemongrass Sauce

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Fun and Simple Mini Quiches: Back to School with Watercress.

Fun and Simple Mini Quiches: Back to School with Watercress. Hello friends, so how are you today?

Kids’ Layered Lunch Pots: Back to School with Watercress

Kids’ Layered Lunch Pots: Back to School with Watercress. Hello friends, so how are you today?

Kids’ Layered Lunch Pots featuring watercress are an innovative and nutritious option for back-to-school meals.

They are designed to keep kids excited about healthy eating. How cool!

These colorful, portable pots layer vibrant, fresh ingredients to create a visually appealing and delicious lunch that’s easy to pack and enjoy.

Also, they make great grown-up lunch boxes, too! What is not to love?

The base layer often includes cooked macaroni pasta, providing a hearty foundation.

This is topped with a yummy tuna mayonnaise, and an array of crunchy vegetables, including bell peppers, and sweetcorn. 

The star ingredient, peppery watercress, adds a burst of flavour and a powerful dose of vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health and energy. 

Finished with some salt and pepper, these layered lunch pots offer a balanced, wholesome meal that kids will love. 

Perfect for busy school days, they ensure children get the nourishment they need in a fun and appealing way.

Fancy making some of these Kids’ Layered Lunch Pots too?

Healthy Kids’ Bento Box: Back to School Recipe's

Healthy Kids’ Bento Box: Back to School with Watercress. Bin the soggy sandwiches and get creative with these wonderful watercress recipes for kids’ lunchboxes.

Lady In Red: Red Summer Dress With Yellow Sandals

Lady In Red: Red Summer Dress With Yellow Sandals. 

Hello friends, have you had a good weekend? It is all go here as I am doing some decorating. I have noticed over the last few mornings when I get up early that there is a little chill in the air. I hope Autumn is not on its way yet as I have lots of Summer clothes I still need to wear yet!!

Baked Egg Avocado And Watercress Boats

Baked Egg Avocado And Watercress Boats. Hello lovelies, so how are you doing? Fancy making some Baked Egg Avocado And Watercress Boats? Great for brunch.

Are you looking for some nice and healthy brunch recipes? If so, why not try this recipe for Baked Egg Avocado And Watercress Boats? You might also like a nice and tasty Halloumi And Watercress Brunch Salad too.

Baked Egg Avocado And Watercress Boat:

Indulge in the perfect harmony of flavours with these Baked Egg Avocado and Watercress Boats. 

Halloumi And Watercress Brunch Salad (Vegetarian)

Halloumi And Watercress Brunch Salad (Vegetarian).

Lazy weekends are the ideal time to make the perfect brunch. So, if you’re looking for a recipe for a leisurely repast, and one that is nutritious and delicious too, these three new watercress recipes are certain to appeal.

Halloumi and Watercress Brunch Salad; Baked Egg Avocado Watercress Boats; and Chorizo, Cheese and Watercress Toastie are easy to prepare, quick to cook and are bursting with flavour. Using watercress, grown in flowing spring water in beds from around Hampshire and Dorset, the recipes are nutritious as well as delicious. The peppery leaf contains over 50 essential vitamins and minerals and gram for gram more calcium than milk, more folate than banana, more vitamin c than oranges and more vitamin E than broccoli – it’s the original superfood.

But what makes watercress especially good for brunch is that its packed full of antioxidants, ideal to mop up the free radicles produced as a result of the night before! It’s also high in fibre, iron and vitamin C without which the body cannot effectively absorb plant-sourced iron. Everything you need to start the day well, which after all, is what brunch is all about, often after an excessive night before!

So, whether you’re brunching with friends, enjoying a romantic brunch with your partner, getting together with the family, or treating yourself to some ‘me’ time, brunch is a time to pause for breath after a frantic week. Simply take time to enjoy the flavours of these recipes and discover that brunch time is the best time!

How To Make Halloumi and Watercress Brunch Salad (Vegetarian):

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 x 85g bags watercress
• 1 block halloumi, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 1 large avocado, halved and sliced
• 4 tomatoes
• 4 free-range eggs
• 50ml distilled malt vinegar (malt vinegar and white wine vinegar could also be used)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Mixed seeds, i.e. pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, pine nuts

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180ᵒC. Halve the tomatoes and place onto an oven tray. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place into the oven and roast for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
2. Place a large pan of water on high heat and add in the vinegar. Bring to the boil. While the water boils prepare your other ingredients.
3. Place a frying pan over medium-high heat and add in a splash of oil. Once the oil is hot throw in the halloumi and pan-fry, moving occasionally so that the cubes are golden on all sides.
4. Crack the eggs into mugs or ramekins, then reduce the boiling water to a simmer and gently tip in the eggs. Cook for 3 minutes 30 seconds, then remove from the water with a slatted spoon and allow to drain on a kitchen towel.
5. Toast the sourdough, then place a slice on the side of each of the four plates. Place half a bag of watercress onto each plate, then arrange the tomatoes, avocado and halloumi on top. Top with a perfectly poached egg, then scatter over with mixed seeds and nuts and serve!

Recipes courtesy of Watercress. For more recipe inspiration and to find out more about the health benefits of watercress, visit Watercress.

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Cream Cheese And Radish On Sourdough Toast- Make this simple speedy dish with just a handful of healthy ingredients. Using new radish bites, available in Tesco, it’s the perfect fresh lunch. Cream Cheese And Radish On Sourdough Toast.

Radish, Ham And Ricotta Pizza Breads- These flatbreads are bursting with clean, bright flavours. Combining creamy ricotta with fresh crunchy radishes for a dish with flavour and zing. Radish, Ham And Ricotta Pizza Breads.

One Pot Stovetop Mac And Cheese With Shallots And Chilli- This creamy stovetop mac and cheese is a real indulgence you can whip up quickly and enjoy by itself or with a simple salad. A simple one-pot midweek meal that the whole family will enjoy. How To Make One Pot Stovetop Mac And Cheese With Shallots And Chilli.

You Can Find Me Here Too:

Pop Over And Find Me On Claire Justine And Fashion On A Shoestring Too.

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