It’s the night before Christmas … and the Preheated hosts are busily making merry. Andrea’s got the recipe for her neighbor’s famous “boozy nut cake,” and the duo weigh in on their favorite holiday bread on Episode 27 of the Christmas Past podcast. Andrea also reports success making a butterscotch and peanut butter variation of listener-favorite Happy People Fudge from Episode 6.
In a #cookingwithclass update, Stefin loved watching Italian chef Ursula Ferrigno in action during a recent trip to Borough Market’s demonstration kitchen, and especially enjoyed her Chocolate-Dipped Figs with Almond Stuffing (perfect for an easy but sophisticated last-minute gift this holiday eve). Andrea may try the figs using brined and roasted almonds from a new favorite cookbook Six Seasons.
Need a cozy drink this Christmas Eve? In keeping with the Tipsy Treats theme, Stefin shares some luxurious hot chocolates from BBC Good Food: Choc-Orange, Salted Caramel Rum, and Midnight Mint, prompting Andrea’s burning question: What’s the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? Here’s how Stefin differentiates: Hot cocoa is made with baking cocoa, while hot chocolate uses melted chocolate. You may want to try one of these three tonight!
Recipe Review: Chilled Chocolate & Whiskey Soufflés with Salted Butterscotch Sauce from Good Housekeeping UK
Sadly, frustration abounded on both sides of the Atlantic with this no-bake dessert, which is a soufflé in name only — the finished product is really a chilled chocolate mousse that (hopefully) looks like a billowing soufflé. Stefin had problems getting her custard to thicken, and found the finished texture fluffy yet strangely grainy. (Did she beat her egg whites too long?) Though she enjoyed using leaf gelatine for the first time, Andrea was dismayed by the amount of bowls (and a jug!) needed, and both hosts struggled mightily when attaching parchment paper collars to their ramekins. (And Santa, is it too late to request a rubberband ball?) If you’re looking for a chilled pudding the duo raved about, try the Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Mango and Lime from Episode 72.
This Week’s Bake Along: Figgy Pudding from Geezer Guides
Since December has five Mondays, the duo are up with a final bake-along of Tipsy Treats month: Everyone’s favorite Victorian classic, Figgy Pudding, reprinted with thanks from Geoff and Vicky Wells’ Geezer Guides. Whether you try the traditional stove-top version with Stefin, or bring your pudding into the 21st century with Andrea and her Instant Pot, we hope this historic steamed dessert provides lots of “yums” and a few sing-alongs. Gather in your suet (or leaf lard) and get steamy with us this week!
Holiday Favorites From Listeners
Finally, the duo run down a fun and festive list of holiday favorites from Preheaters far and wide. Cookies, pies, breads, candy, pizza, and even waffles make an appearance on listeners’ lists of “must eats” this holiday season — an inspirational and tasty menu indeed!
Listeners: Didn’t get a chance to weigh-in? Tell us now: Which holiday treats do you have to have this season?
Previously on Preheated …
Two Years Ago: Episode 8: Snack Mix Success
One Year Ago: Episode 57: Gingerbread Cookie Bars Are a New Holiday Baking Favorite
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