Food-inspired activities this Christmas

Christmas is almost upon us and it’s a wonderful opportunity for exciting and inclusive activities and foodstuffs for young and old alike.

An amazing time of year, we traditionally indulge in chocolate and sweets in the festive holidays. By making your treats vegan, you will ensure that everyone can enjoy and join in with the celebrations.

Perhaps you're planning a festive-themed afternoon tea or a delicious extra special dessert? We have a range of recipe inspirations packed full of mouth-watering festive flavours.

For a simple Christmas twist you can top plant-based cakes and puddings with Vegan Mini Christmas Trees by Moo Free and Doisy & Dam, which are widely available in larger supermarkets. You could also do this as part of an activity with grandchildren or friends. These could become thoughtful edible gifts. Finding things that people can enjoy together can mean that you really cherish the season, and with a bustling and busy period in the kitchen, it’s often an opportunity for you to slow down a little and enjoy some of the more special moments of Christmas too.

In many cultures, cooking for others is an act of love and therefore sharing recipes and traditions is a great way to celebrate Christmas time to express their care. Have you got a foolproof family Christmas cake recipe that only exists inside your head? Perhaps this is the year to write it down as you make it and share with the next generation! Some ideas for baked goods include biscuits, mince pies and cake. The smells and tastes of foods can also help bring back moving memories. You could even have a bring a dish bake-off style competition with your family and friends – perfect with a cup of tea in front of this year’s Christmas telly.

Popular Christmas baking activities include gingerbread decorating, mince pies and chocolate truffles.

Our lemon shortbreads can be cut into any shape. You could make stars and Christmas trees to ice and decorate with bright toppings and festive colours. These can be made ahead of time and will keep fresh for up to 5 days in an air-tight container. Why not zhuzh them up by adding cinnamon and a little mixed spice?

Instead of a cuppa, why not set up a hot chocolate bar containing candy canes, sprinkles, marshmallows and whipped cream? Everyone can get involved and have lots of fun. Vegan options for toppings and creams are widely available now from most larger supermarkets and wholesalers. Bear in mind that some marshmallows contain animal gelatine. Also, most dark chocolate is pure cocoa but some brands will add milk or whey protein (which is milk derived). Make sure your chocolate clearly states that it is vegan or is from a ‘free-from’ range.

For the big day you may be planning a Christmas meal with all the trimmings and be looking for more inspiration. To help you out we have a selection of recipes in our Festive delights guide. With a wonderful range of leafy greens and root vegetables available at this time of year, it's the ideal season to pull together the ultimate vegan Christmas feast. These dishes are not only colourful but are packed with flavour, meaning everyone at your Christmas table will be satisfied.

Alternatively, many supermarkets stock a range of vegan items. Their vegan friendly and plant-based selections deliver the quality, taste and visual appeal you would expect of traditional dishes – and less preparation or washing up for you!

We hope that we have given you some food for thought and that you have a wonderful Christmas enjoying some tasty treats. No matter how you choose to celebrate the festive period, we would love to hear if you made our recipes. Please do share any photos of your celebrations.