Keeping Christmas Simple + Giveaway
Every year I vow to try and minimise the stress and hard work associated with Christmas but as a general rule, I end up hyperventilating over the choice of crackers for the table and appropriate condiments for ham in the week or so leading up to Jesus Christ’s birthday. Here’s hoping this is the year I actually adopt the K.I.S.S. principle!
I actually got a good reminder the other day to go simple after reading reviews for a recipe contributed by Christina Tosi (creator of the Crack Pie) to Epicurious. Her recipe was essentially a version of the all-time American favourite, Rice Krispies® Treats. It wasn’t something super complicated and while I’ll admit to wondering if there was a twist (maybe a Crack Pie filling?), I still got something out of it since Rice Krispies® Treats are new to me. They’re similar to White Christmas but different still.
Unfortunately, a handful of reviewers weren’t backwards in coming forwards about their disappointment. How could someone as talented as Christina Tosi be associated with this simple childhood recipe that’s been made many times over in various incarnations? Surely she could (some suggested, should) have done something more… complex? Or unique? I’m not so sure.
There’s a tendency to overcomplicate things or assume that something easy can’t be as good as something that takes more time and effort, particularly where cooking is concerned. In fact, those crispy treats ended up being very delicious and I enjoyed the first bite as much as I did my first spoonful of Crack Pie. Most importantly, my kids really, really loved them. Simple rocks!
Crispy Christmas Treats – Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Add 1 cup of white marshmallows and melt until well combined with butter. Stir to smooth. Add 1/2 cup of desiccated coconut and 1 1/2 cups of Rice Bubbles and combine well. Either make shapes using moulds (I used the Wilton Christmas Tree Pop Mould, sprayed with coconut oil) or place into a square brownie tin lined with greaseproof paper. Allow to cool in fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Cut into slices if required.
‘Super’ Oreos – Using Wilton’s Cookie Candy mould (about $4 at kitchen stores) or a deep Whoopie Pie tray, line the bottom with melted white chocolate. If you wish to decorate the patterned area with coloured chocolate melts etc. please feel free. I just crushed up some candy cane and dropped some in before coating with white chocolate. You can make up some caramel and coat your Oreos with it for added decadence, but otherwise place an Oreo in the mould and cover with either more white chocolate or other chocolate. If you are not using caramel coated Oreos there will be enough room for a neat and tidy finish. Mine had a not so neat finish but the kids loved them anyway :)
Christmas Giveaway! How do you keep Christmas simple? What recipes or food/dining tips do you have to make sure you actually enjoy Christmas Day? Please leave your tips/advice here to be in the running for a Sunbeam Blender courtesy of Appliances Online. Please refer to my Giveaway page for further details.
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12 Comments
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Keeping Christmas simple this year and with the weather so hot the family and extended family, we’ve all decided to stick to BBQ, cold meat platters and salads! (Which I feel will be a nice change from the usual baked ham and turkey)
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That sounds great Jenni! Sadly my husband insists on having roast pork and a potato bake but I’ll have the cold ham and salad on board as well. A cold meat platter sounds awesome. Thanks for visiting :)
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Make as much food as possible fridge-friendly or preparable the night before, so that on the day we don’t get too stressed and become unable to enjoy our time with friends and family! Usually there’s some frozen berries and a cheesecake ready to go. Protip: Pink lemonade is always a hit to keep everyone peppy :)
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Thanks Michelle! I think I will indeed prepare as much as I can on Christmas Eve although we’re having friends over on that night too :| I guess that just means making sure I’m prepared on the 23rd which I think I’ll aim for :) I love the idea of Pink Lemonade as a refresher. Thanks for visiting!
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Stick to great quality food & don’t mess with it too much. We always get a free-range pre-rolled turkey breast roll, have an abundance of beautiful fruits and summer veggies and buy the really good versions of things like vanilla ice cream to go with our crepes and berry breakfasts and dessert. I try to do minimal cooking and just enjoy the beautiful food prepared simply.
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Thanks Megan. I think you’re right in that it’s worth investing in some lovely quality items locally sourced, than go crazy at the local supermarket! I think your lovely brownie mix is going to make an appearance as dessert on Christmas night, or Boxing Day :D Thanks for visiting.
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I think it’s all about planning a menu that doesn’t require slaving over a stove on the day! Lots of cold nibblies, cold hams and cheeses, antipasto platters, salads, etc. :)
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Thanks Amanda. Yep. I really, really need to remind myself to free up time before Christmas to do up cold platters since they can keep nicely in the fridge for a day or two beforehand. Everyone loves them too. Hmm. Next year! Thanks for visiting.
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When I was a kid, my family used to go to at least 2 (sometimes 3) different houses on Christmas day. This was stressful, tiring and ultimately very filling. My tip would be to have lunch at home if possible and limit guests to a manageable number. In terms of food preparation, the key is to delegate. It spreads the work load as well as (cajoling/forcing) everyone to get into the Christmas spirit.
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Oh wow Benjamin lol. I must admit that this is the time of year when I don’t mind that our family is small and distant! You would most certainly need to delegate with larger gatherings I bet. Even I’d like to delegate but I don’t think hubby understands that concept :| Thanks for visiting :)
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My family and I always delegate out the dishes. We have a big family so always end up with lots of exciting dishes of a great range. It always makes it easier on the person who is hosting.
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Thanks Sarah. While I do have a small family (and quite like it that way Christmas!), sometimes I think it would be fun to be in on a huge family gathering and bringing/sharing all sorts of different plates/goodies. Hope you have a good one! Thanks for visiting.
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