< PreviousMistletoe Despite what Cliff Richard would have you believe, mistletoe is a terrible accompaniment to wine. In fact, it’s downright poisonous if you eat it. Though mistletoe retains its romantic connotations, all species of the plant are parasitic. The snow globe-like berries contain a single sticky seed that attaches to passing animals who help transport it to new growing sites. When the seed latches on to a suitable tree, it sends out roots which penetrate the tree and draw out its water and nutrients. Although this doesn’t kill the tree, it can leave it sickly. Hanging mistletoe in the house dates to the time of the ancient druids who believed it possessed mystical 40 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Aside from the Christmas tree, there’s a trio of plants synonymous with this festive season. Lincolnshire wildlife powers which brought good luck to the household and warded off evil spirits. The origins of why we kiss under the plant are hazy at best, but experts believe this association first dates to Norse mythology. Since then it’s become part of the festive iconography and it’s hard to imagine December without it. Holly The holly bush is much more closely connected to the heart of Christmas, with its prickly leaves representing the crown of thorns Jesus wore during the crucifixion. The berries, meanwhile, were said to be the beads of blood that dripped down his brow. This is further 40-41.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2020 13:40 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 41 evidenced by the plant’s Scandinavian name – ‘Christ Thorn’. Centuries before Christ, those druids had already cottoned on to the importance of holly, often wearing it for crowns themselves. As with mistletoe, holly berries are poisonous to humans despite being an important food source for birds this time of year. Back in pagan times, it was believed that holly was a male plant, while ivy was the female, giving rise to the popular carol we still enjoy today. It’s complete nonsense though, scientifically speaking. Although holly is a festive staple, it is considered bad luck to bring it into the house before Christmas Eve. You have been warned. © Shutterstock/ Michiko Design Ivy We couldn’t talk about holly without mentioning ivy now, could we? The two go together like Christmas and overindulgence. As with the other plants we’ve already explored, the use of ivy during winter dates back thousands of years. Ivy is evergreen, leading some to believe it had magical properties. As with many pagan practices, the use of ivy was incorporated into Christianity though it was banished as a décor by Christians for a time because of its ability to grow in the shade. But it has become part of the holiday season, incorporated into wreaths, carols and Christmas cards. © Shutterstock/ nnattalli © Shutterstock/ Natalia Golubnycha 40-41.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2020 13:40 Page 2Glorious gifts for the whole family Without being able to go out and browse the wonderful shops, artisans and boutiques our county is famed for – and with the Christmas markets sadly cancelled – shopping for presents has been trickier this year. Fortunately, many of our local sellers have online stores, or have made their wares recently available online, so you can still support Lincolnshire businesses whilst getting something special for your loved ones. Use our gift guide for inspiration if you still need to cross friends and family off your to-buy list. This smart hybrid Kronaby watch combines function and style for one of the best smart watches on the market. Anyone who received this on the big day would be delighted all the way through until next Christmas. You can pick one up for yourself from Louth’s Striacroft Jewellers and by visiting www.striacroft.co.uk. Beautifully crafted from sustainable wood with a soft, non-toxic water stain finish, Cox & Cox’s retro-inspired play set will delight any aspiring astronauts in your life. 42-47.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2020 13:45 Page 1If you want to make someone feel extra special this year, why not make their present? With this gorgeous bead art set from Horncastle Hobby House you can have the joy of making gifts yourself, impressing loved ones and supporting a great local business. To buy it for yourself, or as a gift, visit www.horncastlehobbyhouse.co.uk. This pendant is typical of Factory Floor Jewels’ pieces, combining unusual materials to make a unique piece of jewellery from industrial components. Combining a silver-plated bezel tray with brass ‘swarf’ and a glass like clear resin finish to make a dazzling yet simple pendant. Allow this stylish globe from Heavenly Homes and Gardens to inspire you to travel the world. The striking geometric stand is made from solid brass with a brass axis that supports a dramatic and stylish black and burnt orange map. Style on a sideboard or in a home office and bring some age- old elegance to your home. Pop off the cork on your favourite wine with this Snake Corkscrew from Mint & May. Why settle for mundane kitchen accessories when you can introduce one inspired by the majestic body of a snake. 42-47.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2020 13:45 Page 2Treat yourself or loved ones to truffles this Christmas with this indulgent and elegant selection from Special Edition Chocolates in Market Rasen. To pick up this delectable artisanal selection, visit www.specialeditionchocolate.co.uk. Unusual and attractive, the desk clock from The Nautical Company is designed as a brass porthole attached to a wooden base, ideal nautical gift for a sailor. These cute money boxes from Ella James come in pink and green little fairy houses and make a great gift. Sporting his iconic lightning bolt from his Aladdin Sane cover, the David Bowie Plate from Red Candy will add drama to any dinner table even without you having to put on those red shoes. Perfect for the Bowie fan in your life. This is a perfect brooch for subtle decoration or to fasten your favourite scarf. Available from Lido Collection. 42-47.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2020 13:45 Page 3Bring a gentle glow to a bedroom or nursery with this calming night light in a soft swan shape from Ella James – the perfect addition to a little one’s bedtime routine. Wayfair UK offer this stylishly striking mirrored wall décor that will make an wonderfully unique gift. Based in the historic city of Lincoln, The Gentlemen Distillers is a small family-based company simply wanting to make good gin and do its best to support other local producers. Everyone at Gentlemen Distillers are or have been musicians playing in brass bands, making this delightful gin extra special. You can pick up a bottle from www.bandsmangin.co.uk. We all know Lincolnshire has the nation’s best meat and produce and with this wonderful new cookbook, you can create dishes to make the very best of that produce at home. Featuring thirty recipes created by local Lincolnshire businesses, this cookbook is a must-have for the foodie in your life. Produced by charity lives, the cookbook can be purchased by visiting www.lives.org.uk/lincolnshire-kitchen-book. 42-47.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2020 13:45 Page 4The GPO Bermuda Record Player will put your record player back where it belongs, front and centre. Based on the classic sixties Dansette, the Bermuda record player allows you to record all your Vinyl to a USB stick. It also enables MP3 and USB playback. A stylish solution for your Vinyl music collection. This indulgent and luxurious box from Heath & Hill is designed to fully embrace Hygge - cosiness and comfort which brings a feeling of contentment or well-being. Alpaca bed socks, a divine scented candle, stylish matches and of course delicious chocolate bring a touch of Hygge to any home. This beautiful hand- made turban for women is made from the finest Liberty of London print Tana Lawn fabric, lined with a choice of 100% pure cotton or 100% pure silk for a wonderfully luxurious, comfortable and quality finish. Available from Tot Knots of Brighton. Leaf Envy’s propagation station pro- vides the perfect glass vessel for your propagation projects. Scandi and chic, the glass dome is balanced in a black metal stand. It makes the per- fect gift for any plant lover - newbie or expert, or for yourself - so you can start cultivating your own jungle. 42-47.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2020 13:45 Page 5This fabulous artwork depicts the instantly recognisable outline of the incomparable Queen frontman in vibrant neon on a black brick wall background. Available via Lime Lace. The Meraki Soap bombs from my little wish have a nice round shape. Use them as a nice touch to your bath- room. The soap comes in three scents: lavender, lemongrass and rose. This stunning piece from Carme Home features Bluetooth and USB so you can always listen to your favourite playlist without your battery dying. With built-in lights, this will take your make-up routine to the next level. The sterling silver and pearl pendant and earring set from Lido Pearls & Gemstones will surely put a smile on someone’s face this Christmas. 42-47.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2020 13:45 Page 648 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING recipes Tis the season to be busy with a million other things, but here are some quick, easy and healthy recipes to help keep the body ticking in the most hectic month of the year! Winter Roast winter veg Serves: 2 You’ll need: 1 small sweet potato, peeled and chopped into bite size pieces Handful of cauliflower florets, approx 150g 1 carrot, peeled and sliced into 2cm disks 1tbsp oil 100g quinoa 1 avocado 4 brussel sprouts 1tbsp pumpkin seeds For the dressing 1⁄2 clove garlic, grated 1⁄2 cm ginger, grated 1⁄2 tsp miso paste 1⁄2 tsp soy sauce 1tbsp Meridian Peanut Butter with Seeds What to do: Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan. Put the sweet potato, cauliflower and carrot in a large roasting tray, drizzle with the oil and season well. Roast in the hot oven for 30 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through to shuffle the veg. While the veg is cooking put the quinoa in a saucepan with double the depth of water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. When the quinoa is cooked drain any remaining water. Make the dressing by mixing together all of the ingredients with 3tbsp hot water until smooth. Slice the avocado, finely shred the sprouts and toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry frying pan. In two large deep bowls, build the dish in sections, piling the roast veg in one side then add a mound of quinoa, some slices of avocado and pile of sprouts. Scatter over the toasted seeds and drizzle with dressing. Recipe provided by: www.meridianfoods.co.uk & quinoa buddha bowl 48-51.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2020 13:49 Page 1Preparation Time; 15 minutes Cooking Time; 90 minutes You’ll need: 5kg free-range Totally Traditional Turkey 4 tbsp rapeseed oil Sea salt and black pepper For the stuffing: 75g butter 2 tbsp rapeseed oil 8 shallots, peeled and finely chopped 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped 250g dried figs, chopped into small cubes 2 small eating apples 250g fresh breadcrumbs 3 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped 750g sausage meat 3 tbsp of parsley, chopped 1 large egg beaten Sea salt and black pepper What to do: Preheat oven to 230°C/Gas Mark 8 Remove turkey giblets and reserve. Rinse the turkey inside and out and dry well. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan, brush the turkey generously with rapeseed oil and season with sea salt and black pepper and cover with foil. Place the prepared turkey in the pre- heated oven and cook at this temperature for the first 30 minutes. Then, lower the oven temperature to 180°C/Gas Mark 4 and cook for approximately 30 minutes per kilo, basting every hour. To prepare the stuffing, heat the butter and rapeseed oil until the butter has melted. Add the shallot and fry gently until well softened but not browned. Stir in the garlic and season well with sea salt and black pepper. Remove from the heat and place in a bowl, leave to cool. Peel the apples, cut into quarters, remove the core and cut into small cubes. Mix the figs, apples, breadcrumbs, sage, sausage meat and parsley with the shallots, season well with sea salt and black pepper using clean hands and then mix in the beaten egg. The mixture should be quite firm, with wet hands, mould the stuffing into balls the size of a golf ball. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake in the pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively you can use the mixture to stuff an onion, per person, and place the rest of the mixture into an ovenproof dish to cook. Take one small onion per person and peel, leaving the top of the onion intact and the base root in place. Peel and boil, whole, in salted boiling water for 8- 10 minutes, until just soft, drain and cool in cold water. Drain and cut the top off the onion, about three quarters of the way up, so as to make a lid. Using a sharp knife, hollow out the onion and stuff with the stuffing mixture, replace the lid and brush all over with rape seed oil. Bake for 30-35 minutes in the oven alongside the turkey until cooked through and slightly caramelised. When the turkey is approximately 35 minutes before the end of cooking, remove the foil, drain off any of the excess fat and cook for a further 35 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the turkey to a platter and cover loosely with foil and leave to rest for 20-30 minutes. Serve the turkey carved with stuffing balls or stuffed onions and gravy. Recipe supplied by www.totallytraditionalturkeys.com LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 49 FOOD & DINING Roasted turkey with shallot stuffing 48-51.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2020 13:49 Page 2Next >