There’s Something About Stollen

My Christmas mojo arrived late this year. Admittedly, I’ve not put up a tree for the past three years and the last of the tinsel was put to far better use as cat fun. I also expelled much Christmas dynamic by being allocated the practice decorator. I was over it by the time a client came in, surveyed my handiwork and then said, “Don’t worry, dear, you’ll get better at it with age.” (I’m 33. Unless enjoying gaudy baubles and tinsel is a little-known side effect of my ‘Jesus Year’ {and beyond} I doubt my skills in this area are likely to evolve).

This year, however, I cooked like a fiend – which is something I love doing at any time – and tried my hand at my Nanna’s Stollen. It was this German Christmas cake – loaded to the hilt with dried fruit, marzipan and glace cherries and traditionally made by Nanna every year – that ultimately brought home the childhood enjoyment and anticipation of the season (nostalgic, of course, and therefore heavily edited). Thrilled with the result, this is one Christmas tradition I intend to continue.

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