Death at the Village Christmas Fair by Debbie Young, a Review

 

Yet another book that fulfills my mystery trifecta – Christmas, a cozy mystery, and an English location (Cotswolds) — I quite enjoyed Death at the Village Christmas Fair by Debbie Young. It is the third in the series of Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mysteries. Reading it in July didn’t dim its festive magic; the Santa Run and bustling Christmas Fair in Little Pride wrapped me in that warm holiday glow I love. The Cotswolds setting felt like a dream, making me yearn to revisit those charming villages. Coming from a family of knitters, crocheters, seamstresses, and button collectors, the story’s focus on a button-adorned scarf hit so close to home. I could almost feel myself rummaging through my grandmother’s button tin, each one sparking memories, just like Alice’s mum’s nostalgic biscuit tin of buttons did for me.

 I found Alice Carroll, the Curiosity Shop owner and amateur sleuth, so relatable, though I’ll admit her naivety annoyed me a bit at times. Still, her heart and determination won me over, and I loved how her romance with Robert Praed felt real rather than cloying. The mystery, involving a murdered Santa and a stolen scarf with a valuable netsuke button, was straightforward but fun, perfect for when I’m craving cozy vibes over a tricky plot. Learning about netsuke was a delightful surprise, like finding a hidden gem in my family’s crafting stash.

 This book’s charm lies in its blend of humor, heart, and holiday spirit. Alice’s mum, with her quick knitting and witty remarks, felt like she could join my family’s crafting circle. Little Pride itself is so vivid it’s practically a character, making me long for that village life, murders aside. While the mystery isn’t the twistiest, it is the kind of story that feels like a warm blanket. As a Debbie Young fan, I’m torn between her Sophie Sayers series and this one, but Death at the Village Christmas Fair is a new favorite. For now, I wholeheartedly suggest this to anyone craving a festive, cozy escape, especially if you love Christmas and a good button jar memory.

You can order your copy here.

 Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook, Reviewed

 

The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook by Becky Libourel Diamond is a delightful fusion of culinary arts and historical storytelling that brings the opulent holiday traditions of the 19th century into modern kitchens. This enchanting book revives forgotten confections like sugar plums (no they are not sugar-dusted plums), alongside beloved classics, all adapted for today’s ingredients and appliances. Each recipe is paired with a vivid glimpse into the Gilded Age, offering fascinating histories of the treats, their ingredients, and baking methods. Sidebars sprinkled throughout share captivating Christmas lore, making this cookbook a treasure trove for anyone who loves food, history, and the festive season.

 

The book’s strength lies in its approachable recipes and rich historical context, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. From spiced nuts to molasses cookies and mince pies, the recipes are simple yet evocative, perfect for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges. Standout anecdotes, like the history of Santa Claus as we know him today or Mark Twain’s family holiday traditions, add depth and charm. The inclusion of practical tips, such as mastering egg whites, ensures that even novice bakers can confidently recreate these nostalgic treats, blending the past with the present in every bite. 

 

Visually, the cookbook is a feast for the eyes, with stunning photographs that capture the festive spirit of the Gilded Age. However, one drawback is the lack of images for every recipe, which can be frustrating for visual learners or those unfamiliar with historical baked goods. For a book celebrating such unique confections, pictures of the finished dishes would have enhanced the experience, providing a clearer sense of what to aim for, especially for less familiar recipes like sugar plums or mince pies. 

 

Overall, The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook is a beautifully crafted love letter to Christmas traditions, blending culinary inspiration with historical charm. It’s an ideal gift for bakers, history buffs, or anyone eager to infuse their holiday season with a touch of Gilded Age magic. Whether you’re a Pennsylvanian reminiscing over molasses cookies or a curious cook in Scotland trying mince pies for the first time, this book will inspire new family favorites and become a cherished holiday companion, revisited year after year.

You can order a copy here.

 I received a complimentary copy from the author and Globe Pequot Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Holly & Berries Tablescape

 

Christmas isn’t Christmas without the traditional colors of red and green. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Nothing says Christmas more than this table. Not only because of the color combination, but because these beautiful bone china dishes in the “Yuletide” pattern by Rosina-Queens once belonged to my mother. I’m not entirely sure when she bought this set, but she bought service for 12, with all of the completer pieces, and used those to serve her Christmas brunch every year after she made that purchase. They go back to at least the 80s, maybe earlier. When she passed away, it was such an honor to bring these to my home.In addition to the dinnerware, the adorable little ceramic baskets with Holly leaves and red berries were hers as well.

She used to place a truffle, or other delicious bit of chocolate in each one at each place setting.The mercury glass ornament place card holders belonged to her too, as well as the gold flatware; the woman set a beautiful table.

My contributions to this table besides the hunter green tablecloth and gauzy runner are the wonderful placemats that I bought from Pier 1 years ago. Just setting them on the table makes it feel like Christmas.

 

The napkins are from Pottery Barn, as are the little reindeer votives.

 

The red goblets are from Villeroy and Boch. 

The centerpiece is a simple hurricane with a candle and a small wreath. When you have such beautiful dinnerware, a simple centerpiece is all that you need.I’ll be thinking of my mother, and her legendary brunches, when I dine at this table during the coming week.

 

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 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

Thoughts on the Season

The sentiment on the plate in the photo above is one on which the vast majority seems to focus. It is a time of worship, friends and family, lights, songs, festivity, giggling and excited children, when the world is a glittering wonder.

But…what if it isn’t?

I don’t know the statistics, but based upon my own observations, my guess is that this is the month of the year where sufferers of depression feel that low more acutely than in any other. This is the time of the year when you are reminded not only of what you have, but what you have lost, and the importance of what you’ve lost. It’s an annual reminder that you are never again going to taste the deliciousness that was your mother’s annual Christmas brunch. You are never again going to sit in front of the fireplace in your footed pajamas cracking walnuts with your dad. You will never again be invited to share in the Hanukkah celebration of dear friends. The late Mr. O-P and I used to socialize with two other couples about whom we felt most dear. Of those six people, I am the only one left. This month, more than ever, we miss the friends who are no longer around to celebrate or console us.

When you go forth with your holiday baking, shopping, decorating, or getting lost in your perusals of Pinterest and Instagram, keep the people who may be suffering in mind. Even the tiniest gesture or kind word can make a big difference in how they get through this most significant of all months. Don’t just think about it, do it now. Send an email, send a text, make a phone call, send a card. You can make a big difference in someone’s day. You may even save a life.

 Pattie

 

Brandy Cherry Fudge

 

This is for adults only because of the brandy but, believe me, you’re not going to want to share anyway. The combination of brandy, cherries, and chocolate is absolute heaven! It is dense, creamy, delicious, and perfect for the holiday season. It would make a fabulous host or hostess gift if you can bear to part with it.

Brandy Cherry Fudge 

1 3-oz. pkg. Melissa's Dried Tart Cherries

 2 T. brandy 

1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk 

2½ c. semisweet chocolate chips

 ¼ c. slivered almonds

Line an 8" x 8" pan with foil, allowing a 2" tail on either end for easy lifting.

 Soak cherries in brandy for 30 minutes.

In a large microwave-safe bowl combine sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 1½ minutes. Remove and stir until smooth. Stir in almonds and cherries in brandy.

Pour into pan and spread evenly.  Cover and refrigerate until firm, 1½ - 2 hours. Remove from pan, slice into 1" squares and serve.

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The Fruitcake Bowl

 

Long before we got together, the late Mr. O-P was making fruitcake. It was as much of a tradition for him as was putting up a tree. I had never made a fruitcake before, so this tradition was new to my experience. It is an arduous task, I can tell you. It’s also an expensive one. Over the years as I watched him make this, I had suggested he get a larger bowl. He was a bit of a messy cook under normal circumstances, but this generally made for a kitchen disaster.One spring I was out shopping with my mother, and spotted what I thought would be the perfect fruitcake-making bowl. I made the purchase, lugged the stoneware behemoth to the car, sneaked it into the house, and waited to present it to him at my parents’ annual brunch on Easter Sunday, filled with Easter grass and goodies. It wasn’t the right season, I know, but when you find special things, you need to buy them.

His reaction was a bit different than I had expected. For one thing, it’s heavy. I mean really heavy. When I put it on his lap, I thought the weight was going to send it right onto the floor. The bowl is 14” wide by 9” tall, and weighs 15 pounds. It’s also a real booger to store. He mentioned all of this on the way home in the car. I tend not to think about such things in the throes of shopping passion.

I won’t say that I regretted this purchase, although I did, but because I had bought it, and designated it as the official fruitcake bowl, it became so. Every November it had to be hoisted up from the basement, washed, and pressed into service. I still have that bowl, and let me tell you bringing it up from the basement at my advanced age is not easy. Combine that with the mixing of the fruitcake ingredients, and you’ve got quite the cardio workout.

This is my first year making fruitcake on my own. The year after Jim passed away number two son, Andrew, came to make it with me. After that, I thought I would probably never make a fruitcake again, because the process made me a bit melancholy. This year I cast that aside, dug in, and I’m rather proud of myself. I used this fruitcake as the cover picture for my Christmas card the first year I celebrated as a widow. The recipe was inside. You can also find it here.

As I write this, the bowl is safely stored away on a shelf in the basement, and I’m ready to collapse in a heap. My family likes fruitcake, so they’re eager for their portions come Christmas. Do you have any similar baking equipment that means something special to you? Tell me about it.

Tuscan Butter Mushrooms

 I love mushrooms, all types, and I’m always looking for a new way to use them. When I spotted this recipe, I knew that it was one I needed to try. Unique and different, it makes a wonderful starter or side dish for any meal. With the addition of tomatoes and fresh spinach, the colors are such that it would be perfect for a holiday table. I’m going to be making this again in the summer using my own homegrown produce that will certainly enhance the flavors. You’ll want to eat this one with a spoon so that you don’t miss a drop of the wonderfully tasty sauce.

Tuscan Butter Mushrooms
Adapted from delish.com

4 T. butter
1½ t. Melissa’s minced garlic
1 T. tomato paste
1 lb. mushrooms, cleaned
1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
¾ c. heavy cream
¼ c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
3 c. fresh spinach

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and tomato paste, and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add mushrooms and tomatoes, and cook until mushrooms are tender and tomatoes are starting to burst, 5 minutes.

Add heavy cream and Parmesan and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, and then bring to a simmer. Add spinach and cook until sauce is thickened and spinach is wilted, five minutes.

Yield: 4 servings

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Ho! Ho! Holiday Luncheon!

Back in my youth, I would host multiple holiday gatherings, enjoying each one of them. As I got older, the number dropped but at least, in my opinion anyway, the quality soared. This year I decided to host a holiday luncheon. I spared no expense. There were four of us, including me, and we were all looking forward to it. I worked for weeks in preparation, cleaning, decorating, planning the food, making the food, ordering fresh flowers and greenery…you get the idea. It was originally scheduled for Saturday, December 10, and then due to illness of one of the guests, I was lucky enough to be able to change it to Sunday, December 11. All systems were go until 9 o’clock that morning when I learned that one of the ladies had fallen, and the other had taken her to the ER. What was it that Robert Burns said about the best laid plans? Yeah.

On the plus side, the house is clean, it looks lovely, and I have a lot of delicious food. Truth be told, as many of the dishes that can freeze, will be frozen, I have plenty for some future event. But just because it can’t be enjoyed in the way in which it was originally intended, does not mean that I can’t share it with you.

This table went through numerous changes before I decided upon this final one. On top of the checkered tablecloth are black and cream placemats that you can’t see in the picture, but would be able to see during dinner because the leafy green placemats (that look like greenery surrounding the plates), are surreptitiously removed when the diners grab their plates to hit the buffet. There’s no way I’m going to insist that my guests hack their way through greenery to get to their food.

Originally I had tin chargers under the greenery and pine cone plates (that I got at Pottery Barn years ago), my intention being to match the tin to the reindeer vessel that made up the centerpiece. Later I discovered that the red charger plate with embedded rhinestones looked much brighter.

 

The Santa plate on top I inherited from my mother. It is from Fitz & Floyd 1989. It would be removed and later used to serve dessert. The flatware is from Cabela’s, and has a pine cone design to match the pine cones in the plates.

 I tried a number of different cups, saucers, and mug combinations, deciding that the white mug was the best as it picked up the white in Santa’s beard making things brighter. The emerald green water glasses I inherited from my mother. They have made many Christmas appearances. The wine glasses are from Mikasa and in the “Park Lane” pattern.

 The darling wooden Santa napkins rings were, again, my mother's; the napkins are from Pottery Barn.

 The candle holders that look like trees I inherited from my mother as well. I always admired them on her table, and am now thrilled to have them on mine.

 The little ceramic baskets with holly leaves at each place setting, holding a Lindor milk chocolate truffle, I inherited from my mother as well. They are bone china from the Philippines, 1986. I always like to have a little goodie at the table. In addition to this little treat, each diner was going to go home with a can of hot chocolate mix from local chocolatier, Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate.

 The centerpiece I have mixed feelings about. I had ordered this requesting the “Premium” (read: the absolute BEST and most expensive) size, and paid the premium price. This looked a little puny compared to what I was expecting. On the plus side, the vessel is darling, and I intend to make my own arrangement for future years that I guarantee will look much showier than this one.

 I had covered the serving area with fresh greenery, and used place card holders to display the names of the dishes. I find that people really enjoy knowing exactly what they’re digging into.

  The champagne flutes were a new edition this year, intended to be used for serving the house “Poinsettia” cocktail, a tasty mixture of cranberry juice, Cointreau, topped off with champagne.

 

Whatever you do for the holiday season, and however you do it, I wish you great success!

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 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

 

"Pining" for Christmas Tablescape

   It’s Christmas week, can you believe it?! With our weather fluctuating between 75° and 36° highs, it’s hard to get a grasp on just what time of the year it actually is.

I am in love with nature and the color green, so when these pine cone plates became available, I pounced on them. Both beautiful and educational, each one is different, and provides both the common and Latin name for the tree they represent as well as illustrations of the seed, greenery, and both mature and immature pine cones.

The pine cone salad plates (from Creative Co-Op) pair nicely, I thought, with the pine branch and pine cone-edged dinner plates that I got from Pottery Barn a couple of years ago. Both of these get a wonderful punch of color from the green edged, Italian chargers underneath from Roma New Works.

 

The wicker placemats set on top of my favorite checkered tablecloth on which I put a rustic table runner that I got from Pottery Barn this year.

The centerpiece of lighted greenery and frost-laden pine trees provides a nice backdrop for the Pottery Barn twig reindeer in both full-size and miniature as candle holders.

 The pine cone flatware is from one of my favorite places to shop for flatware, Cabela’s.

The “Fa La La” napkins with their text in muted gold are similarly from Pottery Barn, and brighten the table with a bit of sparkle.

The green water glasses were my mother’s. I love the jewel-toned depth of color here. The mugs are by Maxcera, and are in the “Postcard Owl” pattern. I found them appropriate because while they feature an owl on the front side, there is a lovely pine cone image on the back that I found suitable for this table.

 

 Because this table isn’t overtly Christmassy, I plan to use it to take me into the New Year, and a couple of days beyond. After which, this will be replaced with a more wintry tablescape.

Merry Christmas to all of you! Try to relax and enjoy.

 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday