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Mmm...

...time to make a Christmassy hot drink  

Nothing says home for Christmas like a hot chocolate session with a loved one - especially with extra special festive spices and flavours. Follow our simple recipe for a cosy night in by the TV.

For best results, heat up on the hob and whisk as you mix (it's our little secret to no lumps!)

You'll need:

200g bar plain chocolate, broken into chunks
600ml milk
150ml pot single or double cream
Sugar to taste

Additional extras:
6 peppermint candy canes, to make serving that much more festive - and minty!
Cinnamon - who can resist?

The steps

1. Add the milk and chocolate to a pan and gently heat. Keep stirring until all of your chocolate has melted. Keep your pan on the heat until the milk is steaming and remove.

2. Once removed from the heat, add the cream. Pour your hot chocolate into separate mugs (you should have enough to serve around 6 people!). 

3. As an optional extra for those that like a luxury hot chocolate. Use peppermint candy canes to stir your hot chocolate - allowing as much of it as you like to melt into your drink for a hint of mint! If you are not a peppermint fan, why not try adding a pinch of cinnamon? And of course - the classic marshmallows are always an option.

Now your drinks are ready, kick up on the sofa and share a moment with loved ones. After all - love makes a house a home!

Mulled wine? Yes please! 

...let's get jolly with some warm mulled wine

Perfect for the festive season and hosting your friends in your home over Christmas, our mulled wine recipe will leave every guest happy.

Mulled is one of the *best* ways to make your house smell amazing. 

You'll need:

All you need is a bottle of red wine, about a cup of orange juice, 3 tbsp brown sugar, lemon and orange slices, spices of choice (usually cinamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, star anise).

The simple steps:

Bring the orange juice and spices to boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add the wine, fruit slices and sugar. Do not boil, just gently heat up

Crispy roasties

...make sure you get the perfect crispy roast potatoes

Roast potatoes - some would argue they are the heart of the roast dinner. And nobody wants soggy roasties on their plate. We have some hints and tips for your roast potato recipe. Simple additions that will make the world of difference! 

You'll need:

100g Duck Fat
2 tsp flour
Maris Piper Potatoes
Salt 

The simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Put a large roasting tin in the oven (one large enough to hold all of your roasties!)
2. Peel and chop your potatoes as required
3. Add the potatoes into a large pan and pour in enough water to just about cover them, adding a pinch of salt.
4. Allow the water to boil, then turn down the heat to simmer the potatoes vigorously and uncovered for around 2 minutes.
5. Add your duck or goose fat into your roasting tin (which should be nice and warm now it has been in the oven). Add back into the oven to heat up and melt.
6. Drain the potatoes and fluff the potatoes, ensuring you shake them to fluff the edges.
7. Sprinkle the flour over the potatoes (our secret ingredient!) and give another shake to ensure they are evenly coated. This is the key to the perfect roasties!
8. Carefully add the potatoes into the roasting tin - as the fat is hot they will sizzle. Ensure the potatoes are covered in oil using either a spoon to pour the fat over or turning the potatoes around. Make sure you add them in a single layer with plenty of room for best results.
9. Roast for 15 minutes and then remove them from the oven and turn them over, ensuring they are cooking evenly.
10. Add back in for another 15 mins and turn them over again. Finally add back in for another 15-20 minutes (or as long as required) to get them golden and nice and crisp.
11. Add your salt and serve!

Have you got any festive hints for feeling nice and homely?

We love that cosy home feeling. Have you got tips on getting cosy this Christmas? Comment back to us on our social media posts with your great ideas!

Keep an eye on our Instagram @herbertrthomas for more of our 12 days of Christmas and start getting your home Christmas-ready!

Don’t forget to share your photos with us using #HRTChristmas and you never know, we might feature your home on our story!

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