This post is sponsored by Saint Agur and as always, photos and words by me.
I have worked with Saint Agur blue cheese to create this cheese board with a few really simple homemade snacks to go with it. I really love Christmas, but I am totally not into stressing over food, decorations, gifts or anything really.
Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely think that good food, gifts, flowers and a beautifully decorated home are all important for a cozy Christmas. And they all contribute to getting us into that lovely holiday spirit. But not if it takes over and makes you feel more stressed out than happy. And not if it takes over the most important thing – to be with your loved ones and to take care of each other!
So. With only a few days left until Christmas Eve, take a deep breath, toast some nuts, go buy that piece of cheese, some oranges and dried figs. Just add wine and a few friends and take an evening to just chill and get into the spirit of Christmas.
The nuts are ready in less than an hour (with almost no work on your part) and while they’re roasting you can cook the marmalade, which is so delicious you won’t believe that it’s made of dried figs and is done in less than 20 minutes.
Wishing you a wonderful start to the Christmas week!
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Mixed spiced nuts
2 cups mixed raw nuts (e.g. almonds, cashews and walnuts)
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6 tbsp coarse sea salt
2 cups water
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1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp olive oil
fleur de sel to sprinkle
1) Rinse and drain the nuts in cold water. Bring water and coarse sea salt to a boil and remove from heat. Add the nuts to the salt water and soak for 30-45 minutes. Drain well and wipe off any excess water.
2) Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Place the drained nuts on a parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet. In a small bowl mix (using a fork) all the spices with the maple syrup and olive oil. Then, with your hands, make sure the nuts are covered with the spice mixture. Sprinkle with a few pinches fleur de sel.
3) Roast on the middle rack for 15 minutes, stir and continue roasting for 8-10 minutes or until fragrant and the nuts are light brown on the inside.
3) Remove from oven and let cool completely before you place them in an airtight jar.
Fig and Orange Marmalade
200 g (about 1 cup) soft dried figs (soaked 20 mins in water if they’re not very soft)
6 tbsp maple syrup
6 tbsp filtered water
1/2 tsp crushed cardamom seeds
1 organic orange, juice and zest
1) Cut the figs in smaller pieces. In a small to medium sized pot bring maple syrup and water to the boil then add figs, cardamom and orange juice + zest.
2) Cook on medium to high heat for 10-15 minutes until the marmalade has thickened, and watch carefully so it won’t burn. The marmalade will thicken more once cooled. Add more water if you like it more runny.
3) Take the pot off the heat and store in an airtight jar for up to a month.
TIP! The marmalade also makes a lovely last minute gift.
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