Back to discoverFestive Feasts: With Help From Whitworths
The festive season is upon us, and it’s time to prepare for Christmas celebrations! Whether you’re hosting family dinners, creating gift-worthy treats, or looking for nutritious snacking options to keep on hand, Whitworths is here to help add some festive flair to your Christmas spread.
It is always a good idea to sneak an additional boost of nutrition into your food. So, lets explore some ideas which will dazzle your dinner guests!
Sweet Treats:
Cranberry & orange shortbread
Cranberries are a Christmas classic, bringing a tangy sweetness to any dish. These berries can be used in anything from cakes to salads, but why not try adding them to some hearty shortbread. Mixed with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, this fruity combinations make for the perfect festive flavours.
They also contain heaps of gut-friendly fibre, supporting a healthy digestive system and reducing the risk of developing colorectal cancer!
Fig & almond truffles
Figs are a luxurious fruit that adds depth to any festive desert. Their natural sweetness makes them perfect for puddings or on their own as a snack. However, when paired with dark chocolate they become an indulgent treat which will leave your taste buds with those Christmas tingles.
Just blend some dried figs with some almonds and a touch of cocoa powder, then roll them into balls. Coat the balls with melted dark chocolate and dust with more power for a rich, bite-sized treat.
By adding these foods to your dish, you will get a boost of Calcium from the almonds which has been proven to contribute towards normal muscle function and Manganese from figs which is an antioxidant that has been proven by scientific studies to protect your cells from oxidative stress which leads to the development of certain chronic diseases.
Savoury Bites:
Apricot & Pistachio Stuffing
Chopped apricots offer a sweet and slightly tart contrast to savoury dishes. They are also very versatile ingredient, often used in curry, pasta and couscous dishes. However, have you ever thought about including them in your roast dinner?
Give your traditional stuffing a twist by adding some chopped apricots and pistachios, adding texture and deeper flavour profile to this particular festive favourite. We also recently created a video where we tried adding chopped apricots to our roast dinner gravy, check it out here! Do you #DaretoPair?
Chopped apricots and pistachios are both rich in Potassium, a micronutrient which supports regular blood pressure levels and an overall healthier circulatory system.
Walnut-Crusted Brie
Walnuts add a rich, nutty flavour to both savoury and sweet dishes, working wonderfully in salads, stuffings and cakes.
For an easy and unique starter, chop your brie into small slices and crush up some walnuts. Coat the brie pieces in the chopped walnuts and bake until warm and gooey. Serve with crackers and a drizzle of honey for the perfect balance of salty, sweet and savoury.
Factoring in some walnuts into your daily diet will provide you with a dose of Omega-3 fatty acids. Specifically, Alpha-Linolenic Acids which have been proven to regulate blood cholesterol levels and improve the flexibility of blood vessels – a common problem which can lead to heart attacks and strokes!
Snacking Sensations:
Are you looking for something more nutritious to fill your snack bowls with this year? Well fear not, pour out a pack of Wondermix! Each of these packs contain a specific blend of fruit and nuts, chosen carefully based on their nutritional contents. The hero micronutrients featured on the pack contribute towards different health benefits which can boost your body and overall vitality in a range of ways – whether that’s helping you to stay focused, strong or energized, we have you covered!
Dried fruit and nuts are more than just healthy snacks – they’re versatile ingredients that bring both flavour and nutrition to your recipes. Stock up on your Christmas essentials and let the festivities begin! Explore our website for our full product catalogue and where you can find us in store!