It’s Christmas morning. You’ve just got your presents and it’s a long time until lunch. The solution? A bracing walk in the brisk Chrimbo air followed by a tempting canapé to warm up the eating muscles. First off get dressed and hope these are under the tree: your favourite new coat, the Burberry Parkgate marries the pea coat and military trends for an unusual hybrid that is easy to wear and just that little bit different. It’s shaped close to the body, will keep you cosy and stylish and works with a lot of your existing wardrobe.
Then flash a bit of check. The iconic camel checked scarf is a recognisable dose of renewed cool Britannia and leaves you perfectly poised to tone things down a bit with the gloves. Go for Polo Ralph Lauren’s quietly cool knitted pairs. Add in your hiking boots (of course) and it just leaves you to find an innovative trouser solution. Go for these: Whillas and Gunn’s Troy trousers are a little bit military, a little bit outback and a whole lot country. Check out the walking department to see your alternatives.
Looking to impress with your culinary skills this Christmas? Well, you don’t even need to turn the oven on for this one, which comes courtesy of Julien Maisonneuve, executive chef at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. It’s his recipe for one of his favourite canapés to serve over the Christmas season don’t you know.
“Mix the digestive biscuits with the softened butter, salt, pepper and chopped dill. Spread the mixture between 10 small rings and place in the fridge. Dice the smoked salmon and mix with the lemon juice and the cream cheese. Whisk the double cream and add to the mix. Fill the prepared rings to the top and return to the fridge. When ready to serve, remove the rings and decorate with fresh dill, flowers or micro cress.”
Kai Weller, Head Bar Tender at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, recommends serving these canapés with one of the Booking Office bar’s signature cocktails, a Champagne Cobbler, which is simply orange and lemon sherbet and champagne served with winter berries, pictured here.
THE RECIPE
Smoked Salmon Mini Cheesecakes (makes 10)
10 Digestive Biscuits
100g Butter
½ Bunch of Dill
200g Smoked Salmon
200g Cream Cheese
100g Double Cream
Juice of 2 Lemons
Cress or Flowers (optional)
