12 Days of Christmas!
Day 1.
12 days to go! Let's get Christmas started with a family favourite - our cherry ice-cream recipe! To us, this recipe reminds us of summertime afternoons, BBQs with friends and good times shared with loved ones. In Australia, cherry season is just in time for Christmas, so it is an absolute treat to have fresh cherries in this decadent dessert!
Christmas Cherry Ice-Cream Recipe:
- 2 L of your favourite Vanilla Ice-Cream, lightly softened
- 2 blocks of your favourite chocolate - we use 70% Lindt
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped pistachio nuts
- 2 punnets of fresh cherries and extra berries to decorate
Line your pan or bowl with plastic wrap, allowing it to overhang the sides. Mix Ice-cream, chocolate, pistachios and cherries until well combined. Spoon into the prepared bowl and smooth the surface. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer overnight to set (you can make this well in advance too). Dip the base of the bowl in hot water and turn the ice-cream cake out onto your serving plate. Decorate with fresh cherries, berries and chocolate shards! We also use edible rose petals! Enjoy!
Day 2.
How about a day in the sun, relaxing with a book? The weekend is here and the sun is shining, it's the perfect time to put your feet up and get stuck into a great book. If you need some inspiration, here's what we have been reading lately:
Star Crossed by Minnie Darke - a heartwarming rom com novel set in Australia, about star-crossed lovers and astrological compatibility. If you're a fan of love stories and star signs, you won't be able to put this one down!
Day 3.
It's no secret one of our favourite ways to celebrate the silly season is with a tipple! One of our favourite aperitifs is a glass of Prosecco Rose! Pop a couple of strawberries in your flute and you're good to go for a wonderful summertime drink! https://www.brownbrothers.com.au/product/prosecco-rose-nv/
Day 4.
We are so blessed to be located in a lovely spot on the Northern Beaches in Sydney, Australia! There are some fabulous things to do in nature in this part of the world, so if you've been meaning to pay the beaches a visit, why not now? We highly recommend the Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk, located in Palm Beach. A bit of exercise and a reward at the top - the breathtaking view! Ocean fix anyone? https://www.sydneycoastwalks.com.au/barrenjoey-lighthouse-walk/
Day 5.
How about a lovely summer salad to enjoy on a balmy evening? This salad is light, but packed with flavour, and is just perfect for summer. Enjoy with a glass of white or rose, or just on it's own!
Lentil & Halloumi Salad:
- 1 tin green lentils
- 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil, or to taste
- 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 1 bunch parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 block halloumi
Combine the lentils, cherry tomatoes, avocado and parsley in a bowl. In a pan, fry the halloumi until golden brown. Make a dressing with the lemon juice and olive oil and pour over the salad. Top with the halloumi and serve.
Day 6.
Summer days in Australia can get pretty warm, that's why it's so important to take care of your skin! Lather up in a beautiful moisturiser, do a face mask this evening and make sure your sunscreen is topped up!
Day 7.
One of our favourite ways to exercise is practising yoga. We have been reaping the benefits of yoga for years now, and swear by it for optimal physical and mental health. Yoga doesn't have to be complicated, just lie on the floor and have a go! You'll feel fabulous after a wonderful release of endorphins! https://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/yoga-poses-for-beginners
Day 8.
Time to curl up with a Christmas movie! Our absolute favourite Christmas movie is the Holiday, with Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jack Black! Such a feel-good rom com, you'll be sure to have the warm and fuzzies after watching this one. We definitely will! Available on Netflix and Stan!!
Day 9.
Think it might be time for a cheeky cocktail? We are loving this one for the silly season, so fresh, fruity and refreshing on a warm day! Here's the recipe:
Blackberry bramble
- 1 shot gin
- 1 shot blackberry liqueur
- sugar syrup
- a squeeze fresh lemon
- ginger beer or soda water
- ice
- fresh blackberries
Fill a cup with ice. Pour in the blackberry liqueur and gin. Pour over ginger beer or soda water, and sugar syrup to taste. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and top with fresh blackberries.
Day 10.
We're getting close to Christmas now! Christmas is all about loved ones, so today is all about sharing the love. Call an old friend, send out a Christmas card, tell someone you love them and how special they are. We want everyone to feel good at this time of year!
Day 11.
A day at the beach sounds good to us! Get the sand between your toes and let the salty water wash over you as the sun sparkles in the sky. Salt water is the cure for anything! https://www.theurbanlist.com/a-list/australias-best-hidden-beaches
Day 12.
The day is finally here! We hope you spend the day with those dear to you, and the day is filled with love and cheer. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas from Esperance & Co.