Pack some snacks for the journey, plus homemade bakes to share with your loved ones when you get there
recipes AILSA BURT photographs MYLES NEW
family
Cheesy cauliflower flask soup
Keep warm with a hearty soup that can be decanted into a flask for a car or train journey.
SERVES 6-8 PREP 15 mins COOK 45 mins EASY V ❄
1 cauliflower (about 1kg) 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 celery sticks, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed small handful of thyme 1 large potato (about 340g), cut into chunks 500ml milk 600ml vegetable stock 100g mature cheddar, grated
For the croutons
200g sourdough or other crusty bread, torn into bite-sized chunks 1 tsp dried mixed herbs 1 tsp garlic granules 25g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, finely grated 2 tbsp olive oil
1 Trim the cauliflower and discard any wilted leaves, then roughly chop the florets, stalk and remaining leaves. Heat the oil in a large, deep saucepan over a medium heat, tip in all the cauliflower pieces, the onion, celery, garlic, thyme and a large pinch of salt, cover partially with a lid and cook for 15-20 mins until all the vegetables have softened.
2 Tip in the potatoes, milk and stock, and bring to a simmer. Season well with black pepper, then continue to simmer for 15-20 mins, partially covered, until everything is fall-apart tender. Remove from the heat and discard the thyme. Blitz until smooth using a hand blender, then return to a low heat and stir in the cheese until fully melted. Season and add a splash more stock or milk if it’s too thick. Will keep chilled for up to three days, or frozen for two months. If travelling, decant into a heatproof flask.
3 To make the croutons, heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Tip all the ingredients onto a large baking tray and toss together using your hands. Season and bake for 15-17 mins until golden. Leave to cool completely on the tray. Will keep in an airtight container for up to three days. Sprinkle a handful of croutons over the soup or into the flask just before serving.
GOOD TO KNOW low fat • low cal • calcium • folate • vit c • 1 of 5-a-day PER SERVING 301 kcals • fat 14g • saturates 6g • carbs 29g • sugars 9g • fibre 5g • protein 13g • salt 1g
Mincemeat flapjacks
These make the perfect travel companion, and are great if you’re craving the Christmassy taste of mince pies.
MAKES 16 PREP 10 mins plus cooling COOK 45 mins EASY V
175g unsalted butter, plus extra for the tin 100g go
