Nourishment 5

nicolameirholistic

Nov 3

7 min read

It's been a while since I've shared an instalment of Nourishment. Here's a few things that have been bringing me joy lately.

Food

Christmas Cake

Every October half term I make a Christmas cake. For years now I've been following a recipe by Delia Smith (which dates back to the early 1970s). Every time I open the book that features this recipe 'Delia Smith - ' I am instantly taken back to my childhood as, although many of the recipes seem a little outdated now, I remember my mum makings some of the creations. A huge part of this Christmas cake ritual for me is that it gives my a warm dose of nostalgia and it's one of my favourite Autumn traditions. Ironically I don't actually like eating it myself. But I enjoy gifting it to my family and friends.

Here's the recipe if you'd like to see what's involved. But take it from me, it's pretty easy to do.

The Classic Christmas Cake

Ingredients:

450g currants

175g sultanas

175g raisins

50g glace cherries, rinsed, dried and finely chopped

50g mixed candied peel, finely chopped

3 tablespoons brandy

225g plain flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground mixed spice

225g unsalted butter

225g soft brown sugar

4 large eggs

50g chopped almonds

1 tablespoon black treacle

Grated zest of 1 lemon

Grated zest of 1 orange

20cm round cake tin greased and lined with greaseproof paper

Method:

Begin the cake the night before you want to bake it. Weigh out the dried fruit and mixed peel, place in a mixing bowl and mix in the brandy as evenly and thoroughly as possible. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel or clingfilm and leave the fruit aside to absorb the brandy for at least 12 hours. It will smell like Christmas in a bowl when you remove the cover after the fruit has had a good soak!

Next day preheat the oven to 140 degree C. Measure out the rest of the ingredients. Sift the flour, salt and spices into a large mixing bowl, lifting the sieve up high to give the flour a good airing. Next, in a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the butter and sugar together until it's light, pale and fluffy. Now beat the eggs in a separate bowl and add them to the created mixture a tablespoon at a time. Keep the whisk running until all the egg is incorporated. If you add the eggs slowly the mixture won't curdle. Although it doesn't matter too much if it does curdle. When all of the egg has been added fold in the flour and spices, using gentle, folding movements and not beating at all (this is to keep all of the air in). Now fold in the fruit, peel, chopped nuts and treacle and finally the grated lemon and orange zests.

Next, using a large kitchen spoon, transfer the cake mixture into the prepared tin, spread it out evenly with the back of a spoon. Finally cover the top of the cake with a double layer of greaseproof paper with a 50 pence size hole in the centre (this gives extra protection during the long slow cooking).

Bake the cake on the lowest shelf of the oven for 4 & 1/2 to 4 & 3/4 hours. Sometimes it can take up to 1/2 to 3/4 hour longer than this. (N.B. Mine is normally cooked after 4 hours. This creates a lovely moist cake).

Cool the cake for 30 minutes in the tin once taken out of the oven. Remove it to a wire rack to finish cooling. When it's cold 'feed' it with brandy. You can do this by making small holes in the top of the cake with a skewer, then spoon over teaspoonfuls of brandy to soak in through the holes and permeate the cake. Wrap it in a double layer of greaseproof paper and then again in a double layer of foil before storing in a airtight container. I then feed my cake once a week with brandy before I marzipan and ice about a week before Christmas. If you want to feed it with brandy before icing do this once a week.

To finish I cover the cake (top and sides) with a layer of apricot jam before positioning ready rolled marzipan and then icing on top. I don't make my own. I cheat this part! I then decorate and try to make it look super festive.

Book

Atomic Habits by James Clear £8

This book was recommended to me by someone in a professional capacity earlier this year. It shows how small, everyday changes can lead to meaningful improvements in our lives. What I really liked about it is that it isn't suggesting you completely reinvent your life or rely on willpower (which we know doesn't work). It's about making positive habits easier to maintain. It has certainly helped me in my daily and weekly life. I am still making my way through this book but what I have gained from it so far is:

It shows you the power of small changes. The fact we don't have to make dramatic changes to see progress. Tiny improvements, repeated consistently, can add up to significant results over time.

It helps you understand why habits stick and why other ones don't. What I found really encouraging is that James isn't just telling us to be more disciplined. He explores how our surroundings, routines and behaviour influence our habits. He introduces a simple four step habit cycle.

The book reframes how you think about yourself. The fact that habits aren't just about what you achieve, they're also about the person you're becoming. For example instead of saying "I want to read more" it's more about "I'm becoming someone who makes time for reading".

The culmination of these small changes helps to create daily life that feels more positive, not just more productive. Perhaps it's establishing slower, more intentional mornings, creating calming evening routine, spending less time scrolling or making space for creativity, rest and personal development.

It's a practical book rather than being purely motivational which I loved. It offers practical guidance on what to do as well as being inspiring. Strategies for designing your environment, making habits easier, recovering when you miss a day and creating routines that fit into real life.

For me, it's the type of book you work through slowly, trying one or two ideas at a time rather than feeling the need to implement everything. James has also published a workbook to accompany this book (£12.55).

Bodycare

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion (Intensively hydrates & helps heal very dry skin)

500ml £14.00 (smaller bottles are available)

I've gone through about three of these body lotions. It's definitely a staple in my bathroom. Perfect for this time of year as we transition into colder, damper weather where our central heating is sucking the moisture out of our skin. Leaving it drier and often uncomfortable. This 500ml bottle has many an application in it and a little goes a long way. It's fragrance free which is good for sensitive skins plus it provides a great base inwhich to spritz your fragrance onto. Infact it will help your perfume fragrance last longer on your skin.

It supports the skins natural protective barrier and is extremely hydrating without feeling too rich or sticky. We have a triple oat complex and shea butter to thank for that. Oats help soothe dry, irritated skin. Shea Butter helps prevent moisture loss whilst glycerin attracts water to the skin, helping it feel more hydrated and comfortable.

For best results I'd recommend applying after showering whilst the skin is still slightly damp. Use it daily and reapply any time skin feels tight.

Home

Fabric shaver

Until two weeks ago I didn't know that a fabric shaver existed! I have a couple of cashmere jumpers which, over time, have got a little bit bobbly. I love them but they have been looking a bit tired. A fabric shaver gently removes the loose bits of wool leaving a lovely smooth appearance. It gives woollen garments a new lease of life. I used the Philips Fabric Shaver 500 Series which is battery operated (£15.99) and it couldn't be simpler to use. Just glide it over your item of clothing. This is a brilliant find because good quality wool/cashmere clothing is an investment and the shaver keeps it looking tip top.

TV show

Anne with an E (Netflix)

This is a beautiful heartfelt period drama that feels made for Autumn. It's full of the changing seasons, gorgeous landscapes, cosy old homes, heartfelt friendships and very importantly the magic of finding beauty in ordinary life.

Set in the late 19th century on Prince Edward Island, Canada, it follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative, outspoken orphan who is unexpectedly adopted by siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Although there are plenty of trials and tribulations, you see Anne thrive. She brings colour, bucket loads of curiosity and a wonderful sense of possibility to the lives of those around her.

What I love about it is the reminder to look for magic in every day. In a slower more simple way of life. It has a sense of comfort and nostalgia wrapped up in an autumnal atmosphere. It's warm and cosy viewing about friendship and belonging. At times it is a bit twee and sentimental but I wholeheartedly leaned into this and it's been the perfect opportunity for some autumnal escapism.

There are three seasons and I'm almost at the end. It's taking me a while to watch because I only watch them with my youngest daughter who is currently away at uni. We always fit in a few episodes whenever we're together. It's our thing and I'll be sad when we've finished it.