Happy Christmas everyone! The Christmas indulgence commenced early in our household this year as I received a wide variety of Udi’s Gluten-Free UK delicious gluten-free products to try. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to set myself a baking challenge and also the perfect time of year to share and enjoy them with family and friends over the festive period.I decided to use each of the products I was given in a variety of sweet and savoury ways with my twist on The 12 Days Of Christmas. From Shortcrust Pastry to Sandwich Cookies and Tiger Bread to Chocolate Brownies, this is what I created with them over the 12 days.

A Partridge In A Pear Tree

To start the 12 Days Of Christmas off I made a pear tart recipe using Udi’s shortcrust pastry which was light and easy to work with. The tart was flavoured with plenty of almonds and is a great dessert to share with lots of people over the festive period and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

2 Turtle Doves

For this recipe I used Udi’s Cookie Mix and cut out the biscuits using dove shaped cutters. I loved this mix as the chocolate chips were plentiful and rather large in size, a big hit with the children! The mixture expands whilst cooking so I cut the doves out before and after baking to get a cleaner line.

3 French Hens

I made individual cheese soufflés using hen eggs. They make a great light meal and are rich in flavour. I served these with hearty slices of Udi’s Tiger Bloomer and an
accompaniment of apple, walnut and pomegranate salad. The Tiger Bloomer had a crusty exterior and was beautifully soft inside.

4 Calling Birds

Chicken, Tarragon and Wild Mushroom Pies were on the menu tonight and so I used Udi’s shortcrust pastry to create a light pastry topping, made with love.
 The pies used locally farmed chicken and I chose to use thighs rather than breast to make them more moist and I served them with seasonal greens.

5 Gold Rings

We were ready for dessert and so I made these luxury mini bread and butter puddings using Udi’s Tiger bread. They went down a storm and are perfect to serve either with cream or ice cream depending on your preference. As it is the season of indulgence I used cream rather than milk in the puddings.

6 Geese A Laying

Chocolate brownie using goose eggs was next on the menu…but with a savoury twist. I added lean smoked bacon shards! It sounds so wrong but actually works really well and the whole family enjoyed eating it, from 2 to 96 years old!

7 Swans A Swimming

I love choux pastry and decided to make these swans filled with my twist on an Eton Mess – the swans are filled with chantilly cream and instead of using meringues I used Udi’s Lemon Flavoured Wafers crumbled into the cream….Simply delicious!

8 Maids A Milking

I made this really quick indulgent homemade creamy ice cream combined with crushed Udi’s Chocolate Flavour Sandwich Cookies. Oh wow, it really doesn’t matter that it is not a hot summers day, we thoroughly enjoyed it!

9 Ladies Dancing

Pink Lady apples and cranberries were incorporated into Udi’s Sponge Cake Mix. I added a pinch of cinnamon and soaked the cranberries overnight in the juice of 1 orange to make them really plump and juicy and the apples were diced into bite-sized pieces.

Having the mix was handy as I made this recipe and took the photograph at Center Parcs where utensils and equipment are somewhat limited.

10 Lords A Leaping

These tiny smoked salmon canape biscuits were made using Udi’s pastry mix, topped with Parmesan shavings and baked in the oven for several minutes until golden brown. I placed lemon infused sour cream on top, followed by a piece of smoked salmon, cracked black pepper, lime zest and dill. The pastry was lovely and crisp and had a buttery taste.

11 Pipers Piping

This vegetarian Spiced Maris Piper Potato Samosa recipe is a healthier option than the deep fried version as they are baked in the oven. You could accompany them with a dip of your choice. I used the Udi’s Shortcrust Pastry to create these tasty treats and they would make a great lunch box or party food option for all ages.

12 Drummers Drumming

Chicken drumsticks always go down well with little ones and bigger kids! I used Udi’s Tiger bread to create the crunchy breadcrumb coating along with garlic granules, mixed herbs and lemon zest. You could also use chicken thighs or wings but drumsticks seemed the most appropriate this time.

Whilst Udi’s UK provided a variety of their branded products, all other ancillary ingredients were supplied by myself and I have received no payment for writing this post.