Alternative Christmas Pudding Recipe

Alternative Christmas Pudding Recipe from BBC Good Food

So when everyone around table is stuffed full of delicious turkey and roast potatoes, it is time for Christmas Pudding! The is no way to avoid it, Christmas Pudding is a crucial part of the Christmas day dinner!

If you are feeling in a baking mood this Christmas, why not try this amazing recipe for an alternative Christmas Pudding. It sounds so tasty and is a perfect alternative to those who are not big fans of the traditional Christmas Pud.

It is a delicious sounding combination of carrot cake and sticky toffee pudding. Topped with a succulent walnut toffee sauce. We're drooling already!

Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding Recipe 

Ingredients

• 200g ready-to-eat stoned dates
• 100g walnuts
• 1 carrot, peeled and coarsely grated in the food processor
• 1 dessert apple, peeled, cored and coarsely grated in the food processor
• 2 tbsp golden syrup
• 4 tbsp brandy
• 100g cold butter, cut into cubes
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 140g golden caster sugar
• 170g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

For the walnut toffee sauce

• 175g golden caster sugar
• 25g walnuts, roughly chopped
• 100g butter
• 6 tbsp double cream

Method

1. Heat oven to 160C/fan 140C/gas 3. Blitz the dates in a food processor until chopped a little, then add the walnuts, carrot, apple, golden syrup and brandy. Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped, but still chunky. Tip in the butter, eggs and sugar and pulse a few times to combine. Finally, add the flour and bicarbonate soda, and keep tapping the pulse button just until everything comes together. Butter and line the base of a 1.5-litre pudding basin with greaseproof paper. Tip the mix in, smooth the top and bake for 1 hr 20 mins –1 hr 30 mins or until a skewer inserted into the pudding comes out almost clean.
2. To make the sauce, tip the sugar into a frying pan and put over a medium heat. Cook until bubbling and golden. Swirl in the walnuts and, when completely coated, use a slotted spoon to lift them out onto a tray lined with greaseproof paper. Leave to harden; this is the praline. Carefully add the butter and cream to the caramel residue in the pan, return to the heat, bring to a simmer and stir together to make a toffee sauce.
3. To serve, break the praline into shards. Turn out the pudding, spoon over some sauce and decorate with the praline. Serve with the remaining sauce.

And that is it! Sounds easy right? 

Pick up a set of Pudding Basins from Flingers in time for Christmas and we're sure you wont regret it! Our recyclable aluminium pudding cases come in two sizes, a set of 4 1lbs basins or a set of 2lbs basins. (Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.)

These sets have lids included for each basin and are only £1.39.

Whilst you are in store check out the rest of our Christmas Cookware to make sure you have all you will need for the big day! Why not pick up some cake decorations to adorn the top of your Pudding for extra wow-factor? These Dragee Cake Balls in silver and gold would be perfect to add some festive glitz to your alternative Christmas Pudding!

We want to wish you a Merry Christmas from all at Flingers Party Shop! 

We will be open until 1pm Saturday for all your last minute Christmas party essentials. See our Christmas opening times for the rest of the festive season below.

Christmas Turkey Cooking Tips | Online Special Offer

In every household, sitting down for Christmas dinner is a special part of the big day! We all know how much time and effort goes into cooking the most scrumptious meal of the year, so Flingers has all you need to roast your turkey this year including some top turkey tips!

Top Turkey Roasting Tips

How much turkey do I need per person?

Always plan for 400-450g turkey per person but remember you’ll want some leftovers too for Boxing day!  

Trussing Tutorial by FoodNetwork.co.uk

How to cook a turkey evenly?

If the turkey is too tightly trussed with string, this will make it difficult to cook evenly. A loosely trussed bird is best for cooking. Find some turkey trussing tips here.

Also, don’t stuff the cavity as this will stop the turkey cooking properly. Instead, place an onion and an apple, both quartered, inside. If you wish to stuff your turkey, prepare your favourite stuffing recipe and fill the neck cavity only.

How to stop my turkey from being dry?

The white (breast) meat of a turkey cooks quicker than the dark (leg and wing) meat. It is better to cook turkeys breast side down for the first half to three quarters of the cooking time, which will help to keep the juices in the breast and stop it drying out.

Tips sourced from FoodNetwork.co.uk

How to get a golden brown on the turkey?

The key to getting a brown skin on your turkey is to ensure the skin is completely dry before placing it in the oven. Excess moisture creates steam and moisture in the oven which will prevent the skin from browning. For the last 30 minutes of roasting, drizzle they turkey with olive oil or ghee for a beautiful, even skin.

How long should I leave the turkey to rest before carving?

Allow your turkey to rest, covered in foil for around 30 minutes before carving. This gives the meat time to relax and the juices absorb back into the flesh.

We hope those little tips help you roast a delicious Turkey! To help you out a little more when cooking this Christmas, Flingers has an fantastic deal on extra large roasting trays. Buy one disposable roasting tray and get another free! This is a special online only deal so make sure you order yours quickly for it to arrive in time!  

Whilst you are browsing online, make sure to check out the rest of our Christmas cooking range. Stock up on all you will need over the festive season including Christmas Cookie Cutters, Roasting Bags, Extra Long Kitchen Foil, Pudding Basins, Tupperware, Cake Boards and much more. All of which is available online and in store on Gloucester Road, Bristol.

Remember! Our disposable roasting trays and bags mean minimal washing up for an added bonus!  

And don't forget the deserts! Check out this recipe for Rudolf the Reindeer Cupcakes which we featured on the blog recently! These will be sure to go down a treat and are perfect for Christmas day. Pick up our Christmas themed Cupcake Cases from Flingers and use one of our festive Cake Stands to present your delightful cakes before they all get eaten!

Or if you are leaving some cookies out for Santa on Christmas eve, why not bake him a special treat using our Festive Cranberry and Orange Cookie recipe? We've heard he leaves extra presents behind for the those who give him such tasty treats! 

Are you looking forward to baking this Christmas?

We're Dreaming of a White Christmas

At Flingers we are dreaming of a white Christmas! 

Whilst you never know what the weather will have in store for us in the run up to the big day, we at Flinger's have got you covered! We have an amazing selection of Christmas decorations to deliver the perfect white Christmas for everyone this year.

If you are decorating for a Christmas party or just want to create your very own winter wonderland, find all you'll need online and in store this December. Browse our range of fabulous hanging decorations, paper chains and garlands to hang from the ceiling for a magical feeling of winter time this Christmas.

Silver Snowflake Cut Outs  |   Fluffy Hanging Decoration
Snowflake String Decorations    |   Textured White Paper Garland   

If, like us, you are desperate for snow this December, then why not fake it! Flingers Party Shop sells high quality Snow Blankets and Snow Fluff to add a snowy scene to any location! Or scatter Snowflake Confetti on table tops for a frosty touch to your party buffet at the Christmas party.

But if you fancy getting a little more creative with your decorations, why not stock up on festive coloured streamers to create awesome decorations and features at home or for your Christmas party. Flingers has a wide range of colours to suit all occasions but we think these silver, white, red and green coloured crepe streamers will be perfect for the festive season!

Head over to our How to Decorate with Crepe Party Streamers blog post for tips, tutorials and inspiration on how to hang streamers for an effective christmas display. 

Below are a few more of our favourites available at Flingers to make it a White Christmas this year. Don't forget, delivery starts from just £1.40 when you order online! 

Are you looking forward to a White Christmas this year?

Tips to Decorate your Christmas Table

Christmas is fast approaching and we are all feeling the stress of all the tasks that are still to do ready for the big day. At Flingers we understand how special it is to have the whole family sat around the table for Christmas dinner. So don't worry about dressing the table as at Flingers we have everything you will need all in one place. 

We have been inspired by some of the beautiful decorations and table settings above and thought we would deliver some helpful tips for your Christmas day meal. 

How to Dress your Christmas Table:

• Use a simple colour scheme. This year we are big fans of the luxurious and very festive colours of red and gold. Select your colour scheme to ensure the finished table is well co-ordinated and stylish.

• Create a festive centrepiece to add a little something extra to the table decor. Dress the table with red and gold candles or if you are feeling a little more creative, use holly branches, berries and flowers in a small vase for a more traditional look.

• Layer different textures. Use a table runner for a luxurious feel and choose placemats and napkins to pick up the colours of your dinnerware,

• Add a personal touch by using special items as favours or place cards to delight your friends and family. 

• Use serving plates to allow each guest to help themselves to the perfect portion and help avoid waste.

• Take the time to ensure each place setting is identical to the next for a smart and well presented table.

Flingers Party Shop stocks a wide range of tableware perfect for Christmas day. Find plastic table covers, serving platters, disposable cups for extra guests, festive cake stands, banquet rolls and much more when you shop in store or online.

Gold Lazy Susan   |   Christmas Treasurer Paper Plates   |   Regal Foil Platter    |   Gold Plastic Cutlery
Holly Foil Spray Centrepiece    |    Christmas Treasurer Table Cover

Whether you have chosen another Christmas colour scheme or need extra Christmas decorations including paper chains, head to www.flingerspartyshop.co.uk. Find even more inspiration and ideas on decorating your tableware this festive season. One last tip, add a sprinkling of Christmas stardust in confetti in every festive colour across the table top to complete the look.

Don't forget, our disposable plates, cups and cutlery mean no washing up! Sure to keep everyone happy after dinner!

How will you be dressing your Christmas table this year?

Cinderella Will Go To The Ball - Princess Fancy Dress

Panto season has arrived! This year Louie Spence, Andy Ford and Suzanne Shaw are descending upon Bristol Hippodrome to bring you the enchanting tale of Cinderella. It is sure to deliver a ton of mischievous laughs, plenty of sparkle and entertainment for all the family. 

We all know that when heading to any pantomime at this time of year, it is very important to get into the glitzy spirit of it all! So we are sure you will be wanting to look the part and get dressed up Cinderella style when heading to the Hippodrome this month. 

Pretty Princess Fancy Dress

At Flingers we have some fabulous Princess pieces available for the occasion. For the kids we have a beautiful Princess costume to rival Cinderella's dresses available at Flingers Party Shop. This is a brand new item and is currently only available in store on Gloucester Road. This Pretty Princess fancy dress comes in a range of sizes and would fit from age 3-10. At only £11.99 we're sure Cinderella will certainly be invited to the Ball this year is she wears this!


To top this beautiful costume off, we have a fabulous selection of Princess Accessories. These are available both in store and online now. 

No Princess would be complete without a Sparkly Wand to rule her kingdom with! But most important of all is her tiara. Flingers Party Shop have a wide range of colours and styles of tiaras available to suit every Princess. From big Gem Stone Tiaras to Flashing Furry Tiaras! The choice is yours. Add a couple of glamorous Fashion Rings, fit for royalty and the transformation will be complete!

What will you be dressing up as to watch Cinderella?

Christmas Reindeer Face Paint Tutorial

We love all the endless possibilities for dressing up at Christmas time. Sometimes the simplest costumes can be the most effective!

thevintagewren.blogspot.co.uk

At Flingers Party Shop, we are big fans of this adorable deer face paint idea and think that with a few tweaks it would be perfect for all your Christmas fancy dress parties this season! 

Below are the easy steps to create this festive reindeer look yourself. Don't forget, Flingers has a fantastic range of face paints so you will be sure to find all the colours needed to create this look online and in store.


Tutorial | Reindeer Face Paint

1. Using a light brown face paint, create a nice even base colour over the forehead, eyebrows, nose and cheeks. Fade the colour out as it gets towards the jaw line.

2. Using a brush and some white face paint, begin to draw the outline of the eye area. Use a sweeping curve to follow the natural arch of your eyebrow. Continue the outline down either side of the nose in the shape of tear ducts. Make sure these are even and as symmetrical as possible!

3. Fill in the this outline with the rest of the white face paint as evenly as possible.

4. With a slightly darker brown face paint than used at the start, add some more colour to the bridge of the nose. Following the curve of the white eye line up the bridge of the nose and across the eyebrows. 

5. Take a small amount of black face paint and apply over the base of the nose. But to make this super cute Christmas Rudolf the Reindeer, we think you should use red instead! 

6. Using a clean brush or sponge. Draw a border along the top of the red (or black) nose tip. Then, with the same clean brush, add some adorable dots to the cheeks too.

7. Finally, using an eye liner pencil, draw bold sweeping lines to frame the eye. Drag the line down to imitate the tear ducts on the inner side of the eyes and sweep up and out at the other end. Add a little rosy colour to the lips and your reindeer face paint is complete!

All you need now to complete the look is some antlers! Flingers has a great range of Christmas fancy dress accessories including the perfect reindeer antlers for this look. 

Stag Horns     |     Reindeer Antler     |     Reindeer Set

We think this look would be amazing for a big group or a school play. Why not pick up our set of 8 reindeer headbands, each named after Santa's all important reindeers and get everyone involved! 

We can't wait to try out this look. Let us know how you get on!