AROMAS of CHRISTMAS

One of the nicest things about cooking at this time of year is the wonderful aromas which seem to fill every corner of the house. Cinnamon, cloves and oranges amongst a few. Truly Christmas comes with it's own aroma, an aroma which has the ability to evoke memories of Christmas' gone, of the people and friends we have spent these times with, and an ability to build excitement for the festivities to come. I so love this time of year.

This is one recipe which you will always find on my Christmas table, and which truly will fill your home and senses with thoughts of Christmastime, CRANBERRY and ORANGE RELISH, courtesy of dear DELIA SMITH"S CHRISTMAS BOOK, my Christmas cooking bible. It is quick and easy to cook, can be eaten hot or cold and keeps really well in the fridge and can be reheated in the microwave. It is just as good with a ham on Boxing Day as it is with the turkey on Christmas day, and I think one of the reasons I love it so much is that it is not too sweet, it has a sharp fresh flavour which cuts nicely through the richness of all the other food on the plate.

1lb(450g) fresh cranberries
rind and juice of one orange
2" cinnamon stick
4 cloves
1 heaped tsp freshly grated ginger or 1/2 tsp ground
3oz (75g) superfine (caster) sugar
2-3 tbs port

Chop cranberries in processor then place in saucepan. Add finely chopped rind and juice of orange, followed by the ginger, sugar and spices.
Bring up to simmering point, stir well then put the lid on the pan. Cook gently for 10 mins. Remove from heat and stir in port.
It is now ready to be served.
HOW EASY WAS THAT?

I hope you are all enjoying this time of year and pulling out all those old family traditional recipes and keeping your kitchen a place of refuge away from the madness of stores and of what is going on around you.