Healthy Vegan - December In My Kitchen

For us, the 1st of December signals the beginning of Christmas in our home and thoughts towards giving, as well as receiving and remembering those no longer with us.
The 1st of December  is also the day that we drag the Christmas tree from the attic and decorate it.  I have still to pick out something new for the tree this year, but here are a selection of foodie related things from past years. 
We have various nuts to crack from the shells, but the reason I share these walnuts are for comparison.  My mother harvested the large ones with my sister in law last month at a park not far from where she lives, the smaller ones are supermarket brand.  Do you not think the difference in size is amazing?   I do.  
This is not a sponsored blog post
Last month, my oldest nephew  the one that used to come up and visit me when I lived in Scotland, gave me some edible gifts.   Five jars of Stokes  Relishes and Chutneys.  Above are Piccalilli and Sticky Pickle. 
Red Onion Marmalade, Fig Relish and Chilli Jam.  I am looking forward to unscrewing these jars over the festive holidays to enjoy with cheese and good bread.  If not, it will be going into work sandwiches.  I do appreciate my nephews little gestures though I wish I saw more of him, over the past few years we seem to have grown apart. 
I don't generally do sweet things, but I got tempted by these Christmassy Spekulatius Cinnamon Thins and Lebkuchen Stars.  I am also hoping to make some festive cookies at home myself, one of which will be with mincemeat - the sweet kind found in Christmas Mince Pies.
Last year and the year before I missed out on indulging on Stollen.  I do like Stollen and I know it it is relatively easy to make, but I don't think I will get round to making it at home, so I have bought some, by the way this brand happens to be vegan too.
Last year, I gave some work colleagues some homemade jars of jam and chutney for the festive holidays, but also some that were shop bought.  One of which was this Sparkling Peach and Prosecco Conserve, this year I decided to treat myself to a jar - can you see the shimmering edible glitter. 
In my greedy haste, I also picked up Truffle Pesto thinking this would make a nice change for a pasta salad. However when I got home, I noted it was made with grana padano cheese which is not suitable for vegetarians, so don't tell my non vegetarian friends as one of them will be getting this in their hamper.  As for me, I will have a go at making vegetarian truffle pesto at home next year - after all how hard can it be?! 
I will be getting some chestnuts for some festive cooking, especially for homemade nut roast however this time I also have some Shipton Mill Chestnut Flour, again not quite sure what I will do with it - so I will be perusing some of my cookbooks.
Last month I mentioned that work has been hectic - so  the past couple of months I have been picking up some ready made products, this month is no different. 
We had Fry's new vegan Pie and Quorn Steak and Gravy Pies.  I am not saying I enjoy them, but for ease and convenience I welcome them on busy days.
I am sharing this blog post with Sherry Pickings for In My Kitchen series. 

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