Homemade Northants Christmas

Homemade Northants

2016

CHRISTMAS

www.homemadenorthants.com . £3.99

Simple CREATIONS

Interview

CARMELA SERENO HAYES talks pasta

13 festive

makes & bakes

• KNIT SEW • BAKE MAKE

Inside...

... make your own pine cone wreath!

Homemade Northants

CHRISTMAS Contents TRADITIONS

4 Christmas traditions 5 Dates for your diary

CREATES

6 Interview: Sally Peterson 7 Craft ideas

KITCHEN

8 Interview: Carmela Sereno Hayes 9 Christmas kitchen

KIDS

10 Kids makes & bakes 11 Christmas craft den

There is something truly magical about this time of year. Here at Homemade Northants we start thinking about Christmas in the summer – no really we do! The festive season is important amongst the ‘makers’ and the ‘bakers’, a chance to get creative and showcase their skills.

As always, our team has put together a wonderful selection of DIY crafts and recipes for you to try at home. From decorations and edible gifts to gingerbread playdough for the sprogs - we have a host of simple ideas to help give your Christmas a personal touch.

We’d love to see your creations – use the hashtag #homemadenorthants to be featured on our Instagram page.

Happy Christmas!

Emma Emma Sinclair, Editor. @homemadenorthants

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Homemade Homemade Northants

CHRISTMAS

Traditions

Leaving a stocking for Father Christmas, decorating a tree and hanging a wreath are some of the many festive traditions we celebrate. These fimiliar customs, we repeat every year, have centuries of history behind them. Discover the history behind your favourite traditions and some key dates for your diary.

F

SANTA WHO?

ather Christmas, Santa Claus, St Nicholas and Kris Kringle are just a few of the names we give to the jolly, bearded man that delivers presents at Christmas time.

Many a myth and legend surround the origin of the iconic gift-bringer and the story of Father Christmas is one that has evolved over time. The tale begins in the third century, with a bishop - St Nicholas.

The bishop lived in an Ancient Greek town named Myra, which remains can be found in present-day Turkey.

So the story goes, St Nicholas was left a great deal of wealth when his parents died, he used this wealth to help the poor. One evening he heard the cries of a widower who could not afford to marry off his three daughters. . St Nicholas then threw gold coins into their chimney which landed in drying socks hence giving us the tradition of hanging stockings.

The bishop died December 6, 343 AD and the anniversary of his death became a day of celebration - St Nicholas Day. The legend of the generous bishop lived on and many countries in Europe still celebrate St Nicholas Day. In the 17th century, Dutch settlers brought the story of St Nicholas, or as they call him ‘Sinterklaas’, to America.

In 1822 Moore wrote the poem ‘A visit from St Nicholas’ which was later known to be ‘T’was the night before Christmas’ or ‘The night before Christmas’. Political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, drew on the poem giving St Nicholas (Santa Claus) a white beard, fur-trimmed costume and a bigger belly that made its first updated appearance in Harper’s Weekly in 1862.

While Sinterklass was becoming Santa Claus overseas, England already had a Yule-tide visitor of their own - Father Christmas, or ‘Sir Christemas’ as he was originally known. Father Christmas was initially part of a midwinter feast bringing ‘good cheer’ to the festival rather than a sack full of presents the Father Christmas does today.

Another myth says that a Coca-Cola campaign is responsible for Santa’s red robes but it was in fact Nast who drew him in red robes - almost forty years before the campaign.

The tale progressed enormously in the 19th century as the Father Christmas we now know and love starts to make an appearance. This was largely because of two New-Yorkers, Clement Clark Moore and Thomas Nast.

SEE FATHER CHRISTMAS IN NORTHANTS

The American Santa Claus Nast had drawn was introduced to Europe after WWII. American troops dressed in red gave food and toys to the children - a welcome sight for the war-torn continent.

The jolly, red-robed and larger-bellied version of ‘the gift-bringer’ was adopted in Europe and to this day is known all over the world.

Traditions by date

A brief history of the...

Christmas tree The evergreen fir tree has been used to decorate homes for thousands of years. Tradtionally, Pagans would use the tree’s branches to furnish their houses during the winter solstice. It is believed that the first person to bring a Christmas tree into their home, was a German preacher named Martin Luther in the 16th century. Since then many countries have adopted this custom. Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, brought the tradition with him to England from his native country, Germany. This sparked a trend throughout the country and began the long-standing tradition of the Christmas tree.

Wreath The wreath is another decoration that has been used for thousands of years. Dating back to Ancient Rome, wreaths made from laurel were presented to the victors in battle, who then hung them on their doors to show their victory.

The idea was adopted by early Christians and the wreath was used now to represent Christ. Four candles were later added to the wreaths for advent.

Mistletoe The name ‘mistletoe’ originates from the Old English name for it ‘mistletan’, which essentially translates as ‘dung twig’. The plant got its name because it grows as a result of bird droppings that have fallen on to trees. Not the most romantic start to the tradition we now embrace. In the 11th century they believed that mistletoe was a plant of peace and would hang it in their doorways for good luck. By the 18th century this tradition had develpoed and couples would kiss beneath the mistletoe for luck in love and marriage

Poinsettia These vibrant red plants that we now associate with a British Christmas, actually originate from Mexico. The story goes that in the 16th century, a young girl only had weeds to make an offering to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Despite this, her devotion was rewarded and the weeds turned red - symbolising the blood of Christ. The name ‘poinsettia’ came from a US politician, Joel Roberts Poinsett, when he introduced them to America in the 19th century.

20TH NOVEMBER Stir-up Sunday

On the last Sunday before Advent, the whole family get together to make the Christmas pudding.

Don’t forget to make a wish!

13TH DECEMBER O Christmas tree

Traditionally, Christmas trees are put up 12 days before Christmas. For that special touch, make some gingerbread tree decorations.

16TH DECEMBER Christmas Jumper Day Join in on the fun as well as rasing money for Save the Children. Pimp your own jumper using pompoms and tinsel.

21ST DECEMBER Christmas cards

The last post before Christmas is December 21st. Why not get the kids involved and make cards this year?

Head to our Pinterest for inspiration.

24TH DECEMBER Xmas Eve box

A Christmas Eve box is a great tradition for the little-ones.

Fill with stories, cocao, reindeer food and any other essentials.

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Emma Sinclair meets the ‘Queen of upcycling’ Sally Peterson

Eye for design

Mother-of-two Sally Peterson has always been design savvy. Having dreamt of becoming an interior designer, Sally’s dreams came true when she was accepted to appear in the BBC home improvement show ‘Changing Rooms.

“I loved doing the show,” sally says, “I even got to meet Laurence LlewelynBowen, who I’ve always admired.

While Sally continued with do-it-yourself projects, it has only been the last few years that she has really got into the art of up-cycling.

Homestyle Boutique

Sally Peterson has been redesigning her Wellingborough home for years and slowly filling it with her handmade creations.

Every nook and cranny is filled with beautifully crafted items.

Sally’s latest creation is the wooden pallet christmas tree.

Homemade Northants couldn’t wait to check them out.

Sally’s home is Shabby-chic heaven.

Nothing has gone untouched by her creative hands. Specialising in furniture, Sally explains, “I can’t help looking at wood and thinking of what it could be or how beautiful i can make it.”

Not only does Sally use chalk paint to perfect her pieces - she makes it as well.

“I noticed up-cycling using chalk paint was becoming a trend,” but it doesn’t come cheap Sally says, “I began making my own at a fraction of the price and even selling it to people in old milk bottles.”

Sally continued to notice the amount of people up-cycling was growing and this excited her. In 2012 she set up a facebook page called ‘Old & New Homestyle Boutique’. What started as a way for a few

“I’ll make anything out of a wooden pallet” like-minded souls to share their creations, has turned into a platform for over four thousand members.

“The page is purely for furniture, soft furnishings and home interiors,” Sally explains, “it is a way for people to sell, exchange, recycle or just share their own up-cycled items.”

“One man’s junk is another girl’s treasure” The site has taken off more than Sally had expected and despite her full-time job, she still manages to keep on top of all the admin involved. “I love the community of up-cyclers,” Sally says, “there’s always something new and exciting to see on the page - one man’s junk is another girls treasure.”

Sally jokes, “I’ll make anything out of a wooden pallet”. Looking around her house, she’s not wrong - there’s even a wooden pallet wall. Her Christmas trees are truly inventive and perfectly finished.

“I think there’s something very intimate and special about these trees,” Sally says, “And a great modern alternative to the ordinary tree.”

Sally will be spending Christmas with her family this year, as they all eagerly await the birth of her first Grandchild.

Homemade Northants

CHRISTMAS

Creates

Christmas is a wonderful time of year to get creative. Homemade presents and decorations will be something you treasure for a lifetime. Homemade Northants have put togther a few simple ideas for you to try at home.

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CRAFT FAIRS The Artisan Eporium December 3rd 9.30-4.

Towcester Town Hall.

How

to...

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Using a glue gun, arrange the pine cones around the wreath of twigs. Other decorative items can be added if you wish. Finish with a ribbon or bow or your choice.

Handmade & Unplugged Novermber 20th 11-4.

The Black Prince.

WI Chridtmas fair November 19th 10-1.

Guildhall, Northampton.

2 PINE CONE PLACE CARDS

3 1 PINE CONE WREATH YOU WILL NEED: twigs, pine cones, white spray paint, glue gun, berries and ribbon to decorate.

METHOD: Wreath: Weave and bind twigs until you have a wreath shape and secure with twine.

Wash the pine cones in warm water and a cup of vinegar Soak the pine cones for 20 min to remove dirt and bugs.Rinse pine cones in fresh water and leave to dry on newspaper for 3-4 days. Once dry, preserve pine cones by spray painting with chosen colour.

YOU WILL NEED: pine cones, white paint, brown card.

METHOD: Use the previous method to debug and clean pine cones. Either spray paint as before or dip edges into white paint to give them a snow effect. Write guests names on small pieces of card or alternatively use letter stamps to get a neater finish.

3 LUGGAGE TAG GIFT TAGS

Christmas Bazaar November 20th 1-5.

Flore Millenium Hall.

St James craft fair.

Novermber 19th 10-3.

Community centre.

YOU WILL NEED: Brown tags, ribbon.

METHOD: This is a lovely simple idea to jazz up your presents.

Christmas Fayre December 17th 10-4.

The Lab, Northampton.

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“I’m constantly cooking through the Christmas season” Discovering the passion

Carmela Sereno Hayes can add author, food writer, demonstrator and cookery tutor to her list of endless talents. After the huge sucess of her first book, Southern Italian Family cooking, Carmela is set to release her second cook book in 2017.

Homemade Northants decided to find out more.

Bedford-born beauty Carmela is of Italian decent and was brought up on hearty Italiian dishes. From a young age she looked up to her mamma Solidea and Nonna Carmela. “They are both incredibly inspirational ladies,” says Carmela, “they have raised families whilst passing on their passion and love of cooking and food.Italian Mama of four, Carmela, discovered her real love for cooking as she started to raise her own family. She made every meal herself wanting to ensure she was giving her children the best start she possibly could.

“Weaning an Italian baby is great fun,’” Carmela explained, “we start our bambini (children) on pastina which is a tiny pasta cooked in chicken stock.” Although the family still eat pastina, Carmela’s children are the first to sample all of her culinary delights. “I am always cooking with my children,” Carmela says, “I have four children Rocco, Natalia, Santino and Chiara. They all love to help but equally love to eat.”

“I’m constantly cooking through the Christmas season, one of my favourite treats is ‘Baccala.” Bacalla is salted cod.

Carmela soaks the cod in water over two days (Changing the water every two hours) to remove excess salt. She then slow cooks the cod with tomatoes, capers and onions. “It’s amazing,” explains Carmela, “you really must try it.”

Christmas Eve is a meat free day for Carmela and her family.

Emma Sinclair meets Italian culinary expert Carmela Sereno Hayes They instead have a dish of slow cooked squid cooked in a tomato sugo served with leggy spaghetti.

This is one of the many recipes passed down through her family and features in her book ‘Southern Italian Family Cooking’.

“I wrote the book from my heart and I am very proud of it” Southern Italian Family Cooking was written by Carmela and launched her career as an author. “I wrote the book from my heart and I am very proud of it,” Carmela says, “It is my family in a book.

Recipes and stories cooked and served at our family table for so many years.” The book includes recipes cooked throughout the different regions of Italy, many of which were cooked by the generations of Carmela’s family. The next book due to be released by Carmela is ‘Pasta’. This will be a vibrant book full of regional pastas and sauces. “I regularly teach teqniques on how to colour and make pasta by hand,” Carmela says, “This is my dream book!”

Carmela intends to spend Christmas day with her family, over indulging in front of a log fire. Sounds perfect.

Available from Amazon

Homemade Northants

CHRISTMAS

Kitchen

Food is such an important part of Christmas. Whether you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen or sitting around the table with family, there’s something really focal about food. Being designated cook for Christmas day can be a stressful duty. The success of the big Christmas dinner resting entirely on your shoulders and of course - you want everything to be perfect. To help the big day run smoothly, why not pre-make some festive staples? Here are a few of our festive favourites that can be pre-made and stored appropriately until the day... Happy cooking!

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1 CRANBERRY SAUCE

PICALILLI

INGREDIENTS: 250g cranberries, 100g light muscovado sugar, 100ml freshly squeezed orange juice.

INGREDIENTS: 225g salt, 1/2 cucumber, 200g carrots, 150g fine green beans, 225g shallots, 900ml distilled vinegar, 175g caster sugar, 1 garlic clove, 50g fresh ginger, 4 tbsp cornflour, 2 tbsp mustard powder, 2tbsp tumeric, 1 tsp chilli flakes, 1 red chilli.

METHOD: Bring the sugar and orange juice to the boil in a pan.Stir in cranberries and simmer for 5 min until tender. The sauce thickens as it cools.

Will keep in the fridge for 10 days.

2 MINCEMEAT STRUDEL INGREDIENTS: Pastry: 225g butter (diced), 100g plain flour, 100g golden caster sugar. Filling: 1 Jar of mincemeat,3 pears.

METHOD: Mix mincemeat and grated sliced pear and leave. Rub the butter into the flour, then mix in sugar and pinch of salt. Combine into ball and knead briefly. Preheat oven to 200C, then roll pastry into large rectangle. Fill middle with mincemeat mixture and top with eggwash. Bake for 15-20 min.

Can be frozen for up to a month.

METHOD: Dissolve salt into 2.5l of cold water and pour into 2 large bowls. Chop cucumber and shallots an place in one bowl (scoop out cucumber seeds). Chop cauliflower, carrot and green beans as desired and place in the other bowl.

Cover bowls and leave for 24 hours.

Drain vegetables and keep seperate. Bring vinegar, sugar, garlic and ginger to the boil. Add vegetables and cook for 6 min adding shallots and cucumber after 4 min before removing all vegetables. Mix the dry ingredients into a paste with 4 tbsp vinegar. Add the hot mixture to loosen and add completely to the hot mixture.

Mix the vegetables, fresh chill and sauce, then spoon into steralised jars.

Will last up to a year.

Why not make your own edible gifts and put them in a hamper?

CRANBERRY VODKA

INGREDIENTS: 250g cranberries, 1l vodka, 175g caster sugar.

METHOD: Prick cranberries and place in steralised Kilner bottles with sugar. Pour the vodka in and leave for 2 weeks, shaking the bottle every day.

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Homemade Northants

CHRISTMAS

KIDS

Keep the children busy this Christmas time with a selection of homemade activities. Whether you have a budding baker or curious crafter on your hands, these simple ideas are sure to put a smile on their faces.

If you have a stir-crazy brood, why not pop along to the Christmas craft den in Market Walk. The pop-up craft den offers a range of workshops from lantern making to bauble decorating.

1 PEPPERMINT BARK BROWNIES INGREDIENTS: Brownie mix,300g white chocolate, 5 candy canes.

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METHOD: Follow dorections of brownie mix.

When cool, heat chocolate in microwave until you have a runny consistancy. Pour melted chocolate over cool brownie in tin. Crush the candy canes in a clear food bag and then sprinle over the chocolate. Let the topping set before cutting into squares

2 GINGERBREAD PLAYDOUGH YOU WILL NEED: 1 cups plain flour,1/2 cup salt,2 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp cream of tartar, 1 cup of boiling water, 1 tbsp ground ginger, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon.

METHOD: Mix dry ingredients into a bowl.

Add the oil. Stir in the water and cool briefly. Knead it into a dough using your hands. If it’s still a little sticky then add more flour until it’s just right.

2 3 POTATO STAMP PAPER YOU WILL NEED: brown paper, paint, potato, cookie cutter, knife (ask an adult) METHOD: Cut the potato in half, long ways.

Press the cookie cutter into the potato firmly to give you a clear shape. Cut around the shape and now you are ready to print. Paint the potato shape any colour you like and press onto the brown paper in a pattern 3

Christmas craft den It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Northamptonshire. This year sees the opening of a Christmas craft den in Northampton market square. The den is inspired by the victorian era and has been beautifully decorated with pretty vintage knick-knacks.

Every weekend from November 26 to December 18, the Christmas craft den will put on various workshops inspired by festive customs around the world.

The workshops have been organised as part of Northampton Borough Council’s ‘Love Christmas’ programme and will be running additional sessions from December 19 to 23.

This is a lovely opportunity to create something special with the whole family and what;s more is it’s completely free!

Lantern workshop November 26th - 12/1/2.30pm Gingerbread making November 27th - 12/1.30/3pm Upcycled elf costume December 11th - 12/2pm Rag wreaths December 17th - 12pm Yultide pottery December 19th - 12/1.30/3pm Decoupage crackers December 20th - 12/2pm

You will find the Christmas craft den in Market Walk - next to Santa!

#makeitdontbuyit

Hobbycraft is Narnia to creative souls. Most arts and crafters will waste half their life (and wages) in a Hobbycraft store and we are lucky to have one here in Northamptonshire. The store sells art materials, cookware, baking supplies, paper craft, haberdashery and lots more. This year Hobbycraft are encouraging the public to add a personal touch to the festive season, by ‘crafting their own Christmas’.

Whether its cards, decorations or gifts you make, you could be in for a chance of winning a £100 gift card to spend in store. Simply upload a picture of your creation with the hashtag #makeitdontbuyit to Instagram, winners will be chosen throughout December.

New to arts and crafts but still want a homemade Christmas? Fear not. Hobbycraft have you covered. Hobbycraft Northampton offer a free service to budding ‘Sew-ers’ called Sew Simple Surgery. The classes are taken by Jan Thompson who has an impressive forty years sewing experience under her belt. Jan says: “There is something magical about seeing people I teach progress and how proud they are of themselves”. The classes run every Wednesday and Sunday at 11am, giving you plenty of practice before Christmas.

If you haven’t taken a trip to Hobbycraft before we highly recommend it!

Jan Thompson runs Sew Simple Surgery every Wednesday and Sunday at 11am.

To book your free session call in store or email: northampton@ hobbycraft.co.uk.

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