Holiday Recipes for Everyone

Classic Vin Chaud (Mulled Wine) - With Variations

Traditional Recipe (Serves 6) - 750ml red wine (Côtes du Rhône works well) - 100g sugar - 1 orange, sliced - 1 lemon, sliced - 2 cinnamon sticks - 4 cloves - 2 star anise - 1 bay leaf - Optional: splash of rum or cognac

Heat gently (don't boil) for 20 minutes. Strain and serve hot.

Non-Alcoholic Version Replace wine with grape juice, add black tea for depth

White Wine Version (Alsatian Style) Use Riesling, add honey instead of sugar, include cardamom

Vegan Note: Most French wines are vegan-friendly, but check fining agents if concerned

Vegetarian Tartiflette

Ingredients (Serves 6) - 1kg potatoes - 400g Reblochon cheese (or vegan alternative) - 300g mushrooms (instead of lardons) - 2 onions - 200ml white wine - 200ml cream (or plant-based) - Butter/oil - Salt, pepper, thyme

Layer cooked potatoes, sautéed mushrooms and onions, top with cheese. Bake at 200°C for 25 minutes until golden.

Gluten-Free Bredele (Alsatian Christmas Cookies)

Ingredients - 250g gluten-free flour blend - 125g ground almonds - 150g butter - 100g sugar - 1 egg - 1 tsp vanilla - Zest of 1 lemon

Mix, chill dough 1 hour, roll, cut shapes, bake at 180°C for 10-12 minutes.

Halal/Kosher Cassoulet Alternative

Ingredients (Serves 8) - 500g white beans (soaked overnight) - 400g halal/kosher sausages - 400g lamb shoulder - 2 onions - 4 tomatoes - 4 garlic cloves - Duck fat or olive oil - Herbs: thyme, bay leaf, parsley

Follow traditional cassoulet method, using permitted meats and fats.

Caribbean Christmas Punch (Non-Alcoholic)

Ingredients - 1L pineapple juice - 500ml passion fruit juice - 250ml coconut milk - Juice of 4 limes - 100g sugar - 1 tsp vanilla - Pinch of nutmeg - Fresh mint

Mix all ingredients, chill, serve over ice with fruit garnish.