THE BAKES OF CHRISTMAS PAST

Hello everyone! In previous years by now i would already got at least two or three Christmas themed baking posts ready to go, oh how times have changed. Since changing the way i eat/lifestyle at the start of the year (which i have touched on in previous posts), i have obviously cut down the amount of unhealthier options by a lot. That being said i do plan on squeezing an all new baking post before the big day later on in the month, until then i am trying to hold off. Keeping in mind that not every one likes to resist the urge to indulge at this time of year, i thought i would share with you a round up of some of my personal favourite festive bakes...

carrot and gingerbread cupcakes | click to bake |

First up is a twist on a cake that Nigella Lawson did last year, but rather than one large cake i made the recipe into cupcake form. Personally for me carrot cake is hands down one of my favourite, along side gingerbread so combine the two together and you are in for a treat. Cupcakes are such an easy thing to make, as you basically have a classic base then all you can do to switch things up is add in any flavouring and decorate how you choose.

mincemeat, pecan and cinnamon crumble bars | click to bake |

Just looking back and remembering how yummy these crumble bars were, just makes me want to either lick the screen or cave and make them right now. I am such a mince pie fan when it comes to Christmas desserts and this is the perfect twist on a classic, which is just a little more modern with the added flavours and textures from the pecans and cinnamon. 

chocolate holly cupcakes | click to bake |

Next up is definitely one for any chocolate lovers out there and even more so if you love both cupcake and anything chocolatey. Yet again this is another cupcake recipe that you can use and decorate as you choose to do, but i personally love how with the added holly shaped icing on top makes the cupcakes look more like Christmas puddings. Another great decoration topping idea is to add some different coloured M&M's placed around and on-top of some black pen icing, for the appearance of fairy lights.

Want another Christmas themed read? Catch up on my previous post for more:

winter scents: the christmas candle edit

xo.

CHRISTMAS BAKING #2: MINCEMEAT, PECAN AND CINNAMON CRUMBLE BARS

Hello everyone and welcome to the second instalment of my "Sunday Christmas Baking" series in December! Mincemeat/Mince pie is such a cult classic when it comes to Christmas time and i swear if i am near a mince pie, i just can't seem to say no i love them that much (i mean i guess it is justifiable as calories don't count at Christmas right?). That being said for this instalment i wanted to do something a little different using mincemeat and i came across with this yummy take on a Christmas classic, including two other flavours i love nuts and cinnamon.

  

to make the mincemeat crumble bars you will need:

| 225g cold unsalted butter diced + extra for greasing | 225g plain flour | 100g semolina | 100g caster sugar | 75g chopped pecans | 450g mincemeat | 1/2 vanilla extract | icing sugar + cinnamon for dusting |

method:

First things first, you are going to want to pre-heat your oven to gas mark 3/136c/275f and grease a rectangular, shallow baking tin well with butter. Next you are going to want to put the plain flour, semolina and the 100g of sugar into a bowl/mixer then add the butter and vanilla then mixing until the mixture just begins to stick together into pea sized lumps to form a crumble mixture. Put half of the mixture into the well-buttered baking tin and press firmly over the base in an even layer using the back of a metal spoon. Next you are going to want to place your mincemeat over the crumble mixture in an even layer. The with the remaining crumble mixture, stir in the chopped pecans and remaining sugar before sprinkling evenly over the top of the mincemeat. All that is left to do then is bake in the oven for 50/60 minutes or until golden brown.

Catch up on last weeks Christmas baking instalment HERE...

xo. 

THINGS TO DO THIS DECEMBER

Hello everyone and Happy December! So a couple of months back now at the beginning of Autumn, i shared a "things to do this autumn" post which you can catch here if you missed it first time round. With that in mind and seeing it is the first of December today, i thought i would an updated Winter edition in the form of a "things to do this December" and the countdown to Christmas is officially on.

1. make a spotify/music playlist, filled with you favourite Christmas songs.

2. buy yourself an advent calendar (if you haven't already).

3. buy/light your favourite scented Christmas/Winter candles.

4. visit a Christmas market.

5. treat yourself to a Starbucks or Costa Christmas drink.

6. put up some fairy lights.

7. decorate your Christmas tree and house to feel all festive.

8. go late night shopping.

9. go for a family winter walk to a Christmas tree forest.

10. do some Christmas baking (lots of recipes coming this December).

11. go ice-skating.

12. treat yourself to a festive bath bomb or bubble bar from Lush.

13. reach a Christmas/Winter themed book (books i want to read this winter).

14. watch all of your favourite Christmas movies.

15. plan your Christmas party/Christmas day makeup and outfit.

16. visit a stately home that has Christmas activities and decorations.

(if you live not too far from Derbyshire, then Chatsworth house is a good one).

17. plan a Christmas party/night-in with family or friends.

18. paint your nails in a festive colour or glitter.

19. watch all of the Christmas themed cooking shows on TV.

20. take a last minute weekend away to either explore or do some Christmas shopping.

21. buy or dig out a Christmas cup, to help you feel festive,

22. write out a Christmas wish-list or gift giving list.

(check out my tips & tricks to save money/get organised for Christmas post).

23. take a trip to a garden centre that has a Christmas display.

24. visit a Christmas lights switch on or display.

25. go for a Christmas meal out at a cosy pub or restaurant.

26. have a family games or movie night in.

27. search for local events in your area or somewhere close to you.

28. wrap your Christmas presents, either listening to Christmas music or movies.

29. visit a local or close by Winter Wonderland.

30. do some Christmas themed DIY's.

Even though i am not doing "blogmas" this December, i am still posting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday as well as posting Christmas baking recipes every Sunday up until Christmas at 5PM GMT.

xo.

BLOGMAS DAY TWENTYFOUR: MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hey guys, i hope you are all having an amazing day and welcome to blogmas day twenty-four! It is Christmas Eve which mean blogmas has come to an end... already! I have had so much fun writing/coming up with different ideas for you all, even though i must admit it has been a challenge to keep things different and not repetitive. Saying that though i have found it a lot easier than blogmas last year as i was still a newbie in the bloggers world. I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone who has read my posts over this past year and i hope you continue to enjoy them as much as i do writing them...

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and i hope you all don't stay up too late otherwise you will have Santa to answer to ha ha.

Lots of love Katie.

♥

  

BLOGMAS DAY NINETEEN: FESTIVE NAILS

Hey guys, i hope you are all having an amazing day and welcome to blogmas day nineteen! Yesterday i went to get my infills done and painted ready for Christmas, so i thought i would share with you what i went for in case some of you were in need of some inspiration.

On my nails:

Sinful's Confession (the white)

Sinful's Gold Digger (the gold glitter nail)

China Glaze's Tip Your Hat (the red)

Color Club Art Club Gold Glitter (the glitter stripes)

45 Seconds (top coat)

Also if you were wondering where i get my nails done, i get them done at Studio 29 go check them out on Facebook and Instagram here: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio29/158529237509877?fref=ts

http://instagram.com/studio29hairandbeauty/

(P.S how cute are these little Rudolf's on my thumbs).

♥

BLOGMAS DAY EIGHTEEN: GIFT WRAPPING

Hey guys, i hope you are all having an amazing day and welcome to blogmas day eighteen! So what naturally comes after finishing all of your Christmas shopping? Yep, you guessed it... wrapping! I am actually one of those people that enjoys wrapping presents and putting an effort into making them look all nice. This year i decided to go for a very "Tumblr/Pinterest" meets Kirstie Allsopp theme using parcel paper and different festive ribbon bows and gift tags. I also got some cute little cube present boxes from Asda which were a bargain at £2 for 4 boxes, they are so adorable...

♥

BLOGMAS DAY ELEVEN: MAKEUP AND NAIL GIFT SETS

Hey guys, i hope you are all having an amazing day and welcome to blogmas day eleven! Can you believe Christmas is only two weeks away today? One of my favourite types of presents to receive is some type of makeup or nail gift set (obviously with me being a makeup junkie). I always think there are so many great gift sets available at this time of year, so for today's post i have chosen a selection of amazing gift sets which would be perfect for a gift or even just to treat yourself...

Ciaté Mini Mani Manor - £49 Boots

OPI Mini Holiday Stars - £14.50 John Lewis

Essie Baby It's Cold Outside Winter Quad - £24.99 Boots

Sleek Eye and Cheek Palette - £9.99 Boots

Benefit Sweet Tintations - £19.99 Debenhams

Soap & Glory Nail Call - £12 Boots 

Estée Lauder High Shine Lip Gloss Set - £34 Debenhams

Objects Of Affection Nude and Coral Lip Glass - £26 MAC

Urban Decay Naked On The Run - £37 Beauty Bay

♥

BLOGMAS DAY NINE: CHRISTMAS HOME DECOR

Hey guys, i hope you are all having an amazing day and welcome to day nine of blogmas! A huge part of getting yourself in the Christmas spirit is "decking the halls" so to speak aka decorating your home for the holiday's. There is so many different ways to decorate your home more than just putting up the Christmas tree, you could add a festive touch to your sofa/chair by adding a festive cushion or adding candles and different festive scents...

Jingle Heart - £2.99 Homebase

Christmas Craft Cushion - £9 Very

Pot Pourri - £4 Asda

Silver Glittered Willow Star - £2.99 Dunelm Mill

Gold Christmas Tree Candle - £5 John Lewis

Stag Tea Light Holder - £9.99 Dunelm Mill

Gingerbread Jar Holder - £14.99 Yankee Candle

Joyeux Noel Luxury Fragrance Diffuser - £15 Next

2 Mercury Glass Tea Light Holders - £6 M&S

Scented Flower Decorations with Clips - £6 M&S

Red Christmas Past Berry Votive Candle - £10 John Lewis

♥ 

BLOGMAS DAY EIGHT: FESTIVE NAILS

Hey guys, i hope you are all having an amazing day and welcome to day eight of blogmas! A huge part of getting yourself ready for Christmas, whether it is just to treat yourself or maybe for a Christmas party/special event you might have coming up always includes having nice looking nails (for me at least anyway). There are so many different shades available to choose from which are very festive, so for today's post i thought i would share with you some festive nail polishes which might catch your eye during this festive period...

1. OPI Lincoln Park After Dark

2. Butter London Chancer 

3. Topshop Stars and Stripes

4. Barry M Sequin Effect in Black

5. OPI Red My Fortune Cookie

6. Illamasqua Generation Q: in Charisma 

7. Essie in Set In Stone

8. Maybelline Colorshow in Red Excess

9. Sally Hanson in Red Handed

10. L'Oreal Color Riche Top Coat in Gold Carat 

I also mentioned in a previous favourites post (i believe, don't hold me to that exact type of post) that i had started having calgel nails again. I am super excited to get my Christmas nails done in just over a weeks time, i keep searching instagram and tumblr for nail art ideas ha ha! I will more than likely post a picture on instagram or maybe i'll incorporate it into a blogmas post.

♥ 

BLOGMAS DAY TWENTY-FOUR: A THROWBACK CHRISTMAS

Yesterday i was looking through some old photos with my mum and quiet a few of them were from myself and my sisters when we were growing up. So for the final day of blogmas i thought i would share a few past Christmas photos of me with you...

Me probably opening my stocking in my mum and dad's bed, i look rather thrilled NOT haha. I am more than likely around 2/3 years old. On the bottom me and one of my sisters building a snowman.

Me about age 5 on Christmas morning with my huge Tigger toy, i also had a Winnie the Pooh to match. On the bottom me channeling my inner Spock clearly such a weird child, also i am pretty sure i am wearing clothes here which look more like pyjamas.

I am not too sure whether this is a picture from Christmas but it was definitely in the winter time. Feeding the ducks but apparently i used to just eat the bread instead.

So we have come to the end of blogmas, it's been quiet a challenge doing a post everyday but i have enjoyed it at the same time...

Katie ♥  

BLOGMAS DAY TWENTY-ONE AND TWENTY-TWO: TOPSHOP FESTIVE NAILS

From left to right: rumours + lies, one hot minute & lacquered

Seeing as there is only three days left until Christmas i thought it would be perfect timing to discuss festive nails. Who doesn't love to feel all festive and glamours at this time of year? I know that i do. Topshop nail polishes have definitely got to be one of my favourite brands of nail polish, they are long lasting, have an amazing finish to them and there is also a HUGE selection to choose from in their collection. When i hear "Christmas Nails" i automatically think either something glittery or red, so here is three of my top favourite Topshop red nail polishes...

1. Rumours + Lies - this shade of red is more on the dark side, it has an almost red wine/burgundy tint to it and definitely has to be my favourite of the three.   

2. One Hot Minute - this shade of nail polish is more on the lighter side of red as it has almost a pink tint to it and is definitely more suited to people who are used to lighter almost pastel shades, as it wouldn't be too much out of your comfort zone yet it will still make your nails look festive. 

3. Lacquered - this shade of nail polish is the most festive shade of red in the collection, so if you're looking for that classic red then this would be for you.

View the range of nail polishes at: http://www.topshop.com/ 

Whilst looking up prices and availability i couldn't see "Lacquered" available online, maybe it is still available to buy in-store but i am unsure. Below (third image on the right) is a similar shade of red called Bittersweet.  

From left to right: rumours + lies, one hot minute & bittersweet

Rumours + Lies - £5

One Hot Minute - £5

Bittersweet - £6 ( A part of the Damned Collection)

Hope you are having a lovely weekend...

Katie ♥

BLOGMAS DAY SEVENTEEN AND EIGHTEEN: CHOCOLATE CANDY CANE CUPCAKES

Today's blog post is combined from yesterday and today, as yesterday i didn't feel too good when i got home from catching up with a friend and doing some shopping. So here is an extra special recipe for the third and final installment of my Christmas Baking blog posts i have been doing on Wednesday's. Christmas is just a week away now, exciting much!! 

So here is a recipe i used to create chocolate candy cane cupcakes...

To make the cupcakes you will need:

125g soft butter

125g caster sugar

150g self raising flour

2 large eggs

2tbsp cocoa powder

25g melted chocolate 

Cupcake cases (12 as the recipe makes 12 cupcakes)

To make the butter-icing you will need:

100g unsalted butter (Softened)

225g icing sugar (Sifted)

1tsp vanilla paste

1tbsp milk

Candy canes (12) or Decorations of your choice

Pre-heat the oven to 180c/350f/gas mark 4. Place 12 paper cupcake cases in to a shallow bun tin. Place the butter, caster sugar, flour, eggs and cocoa powder into a large bowl and beat with an electric whisk until the mixture is just smooth and then beat in the melted chocolate.

Spoon the mixture into the cupcake cases filling them 3/4's full. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 15 minutes or until springy to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

To make the butter icing, place softened butter into a mixing bowl. Gradually beat in the sifted icing sugar with the vanilla paste and the milk. Beat until fully combined. Spoon or pipe the mixture onto the cupcakes and decorate them with candy canes or as you desire.

 If you're like me and love chocolate, cupcakes and candy canes you will love this. 

Hope you are all having a Happy Wednesday...

Katie ♥ 

BLOGMAS DAY FIFTEEN: RELAXING SUNDAY

Sunday's are definitely one of my favourite days of the week. You can have a nice lay in bed, chill and catch up on some TV shows and watch movies. Or you can go out for a lovely Sunday Roast...

My sister and i headed out to lunch at a lovely pub called The Elm Tree in Heath, Derbyshire and it was so yummy...

They have decked the halls inside with decorations and a real christmas tree which was so beautiful.

There is nothing like a pre-christmas lunch and after eight cheesecake for dessert.

Now all there is left to do is relax, feel festive and watch The Polar Express on TV.

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend...

Katie ♥  

BLOGMAS DAY FOURTEEN: GINGERBREAD HOUSE

As Christmas is just around the corner, i wanted to do something different what i haven't done before. So here is a recipe i used to create a small gingerbread house and gingerbread men.

For the gingerbread you will need:

700g plain flour

2tsp bicarbonate of soda

4tsp ground ginger

2tsp ground cinnamon 

250g butter

350g light soft brown sugar

2 eggs

8tbsp golden syrup 

For the royal icing (to act as glue for the gingerbread house) you will need:

1 egg white (only)

200g icing sugar (sieved)

squeeze lemon juice

Sweets/Candy to decorate as you desire

Template design method:

Take some thin paper/card and cut out your desired design.

The measurements used for this gingerbread house are: 

Base: 20cm/20cm

Sides: 12cm/18cm  x2

Front: 17.5cm/17.5cm/17.5cm (Triangle)

Back: 17.5cm/17.5cm/17.5cm (Triangle)

Gingerbread method:

Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon together into a bowl. Add the butter and mix to breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar.

In a separate bowl lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together, add to the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture binds together. Empty the dough out, knead lightly until smooth, wrap in cling film over night in the fridge. 

Next day...

Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 4/180c/350f. Line two baking trays with greased-proof paper. Roll out the dough to about half a cm thick. Cut out shapes using the templates made, place gingerbread on the baking trays and bake for 15/20 minutes until golden brown. Once out of the oven leave to cool in the trays for about 5 minutes, then place the templates back onto the shapes and trim to size whilst still warm (as they might have spread out whilst in the oven). Then transfer to a cooling rack and leave to cool completely (over night if possible). 

As i had some gingerbread dough left i decided to make gingerbread men. All i did to do this was roll out the left over dough and use a gingerbread man cutter. Place the gingerbread men on a greased-proof papered tray and cook in the oven for 10/15 minutes until golden brown.

Next day...

Time to decorate. To make the royal icing, whisk the egg white for a few minutes until slightly frothy. Slowly add the sieved icing sugar a little at a time beating into the egg white each time. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and beat until all the icing sugar has been incorporated. Then you are all ready to stick the house together.

Put the base of the house down onto a board as this will make it easier for you to turn and move the house around whilst decorating. Use the icing to glue the sides in place, then the front and the back. Then all that is left to do is have some fun decorating your house as you desire.  

I was really pleased with the way it turned out. Have a go yourself and have some fun...

Katie ♥  

BLOGMAS DAY NINE: 40 BEAUTY QUESTIONS TAG

I have seen quiet a few people do the "40 Beauty Questions Tag" in the past so i thought i would give it a go myself, here goes...

1) How many times do you wash your face daily?

Twice, once in the morning and once at night.

2) What type of skin do you have?

Normal.

3) What is your current facial wash?

I use two - The Body Shop pomegranate softening facial wash in the morning and then Boots no7 beautiful skin foaming cleanser at night.

4) Do you exfoliate?

Yes

5) What brand do you use?

Boots no7 purifying sauna mask.

6) What moisturizer do you use?

I always liked to swap and change each time i have used it up cause i still haven't found one i really love. At the moment i am using Nivea daily essentials day cream and then L'Oreal youth code night recovery cream.

7) Do you have freckles?

No.

8) Do you use eye cream?

Yes i am currently using Vichy liftactiv eyes.

9) Do you or did you have acne prone skin?

No i only get the odd pimple now and again.

10) Did you ever use ProActiv?

No.

11) What foundation do you use at the moment?

L'Oreal nude magique.

12) How about concealer?

 Collection 16 hour lasting perfection, IT'S MY FAVE!

13) Do you know your undertone colour?

I'm not 100% but i think i am just Neutral.

14) What do you think of False Eyelashes?

I love them for a night out or something fancy but i don't bother on a day to day basis.

15) Did you know you are suppose to change your mascara every three months?

I sure did.

16) What brand of mascara do you use?

At the moment it's the L'Oreal mega volume black smoke.

17) Sephora or MAC?

MAC as we don't have Sephora in the UK.

18) Do you have a MAC pro-card?

No.

19) What makeup tools do you use to apply your makeup?

I mainly use Real Techniques brushes and MUA ones.

20) Do you use makeup base or primer for the eyes?

Yes, Urban Decay primer potion.

21) For the face?

Revlon photo-ready primer.

22) What is your favourite eye shadow? (colour or shade)

Urban Decay's sin and chopper.

23) Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Liquid or felt liner.

24) How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?

Hardly ever, only now and again.

25) What do you think of pigment eye shadow?

I like it now and again but i would choose pressed any day.

26) Do you use mineral makeup?

No.

27) What's your favourite lipstick?

NYX peach bellini.

28) How about lipgloss?

My favourite is a newer purchase and it is Too Faced sweet sun shines in the shade mocha.

29) What's your favourite blush?

Benefit coralista.

30) Do you buy makeup on Ebay?

Hell no i heard someone went blind from buying mascara on eBay and it was really black paint.

31) Do you go to CCO's?

Never heard of it.

32) Did you consider taking makeup classes?

I already have.

33) Are you clumsy at putting makeup on?

No not really.

34) Name a makeup crime that you hate?

Flashbacks on photos.

35) Do you prefer neutral shades or colorful shades of makeup? (eyes and lips)

Everyday definitely neutral but for something different i love me some colour.

36) Which celebrity always has great makeup?

All the Kardashian/Jenner girls!

37) If you could leave the house with just one makeup item on, what would you use?

Concealer.

38) Could you leave the house without makeup on?

I don't usually ever leave the house without makeup on but i probably would on a good skin day.

39) Do you think you look good without makeup on?

I wouldn't say good or bad to be honest. 

40) What do you think of makeup?

WE ARE BEST FRIENDS!!! I just enjoy collecting different products and trying them out, there is just something so therapeutic about applying your makeup.

I TAG you all reading this, all you need to do is answer the questions as i have.

Hope you're all having a Happy Monday...

Katie ♥   

BLOGMAS DAY SEVEN AND EIGHT: SUNDAY FUNDAY AND FEELING FESTIVE

Today i went into Nottingham city to do some more Christmas Shopping and take a look around the Christmas Market. I love the vibe of the Christmas Market as it is full of people all looking around the different cute little stalls and i must say it got me feeling all festive. After a spot of shopping it was time for some lunch at Carluccio's, the food there is so good and i think it has to be my favourite Italian Restaurant ever.

I love everything in the Cath Kidston store, i could literary buy everything if i could afford to. My favourite items were without a doubt the Christmas range, TOO CUTE!!!

My favourite Christmas lights and decorations this year have definitely got to be the ones in The Exchange. It's such a beautiful building in general but at Christmas time it's even more beautiful.

The Christmas Market had so many stalls full of yummy looking treats and they smell just amazing, although it was rather disappointing that there was no stall selling Churro's this year.

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend, whatever you were doing...

Katie ♥

BLOGMAS DAY SIX: OUTFIT FROM DAY TO NIGHT

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you have to sacrifice looking stylish just to stay warm. Just having a few key pieces in your wardrobe can keep you warm from day to night. 

Here is a simple outfit idea which can be switched up from a casual daytime look to a more chic evening look...

Black biker style jacket - £35 Boohoo

Black calf length leggings - £12 Topshop

Natural colour knitted jumper - £24.99 H&M

Boots - £35 Just Fab

Burgundy knit snood - £7.99 New Look

Black leather tote bag - £35 Just Fab (I need this in my life)

Opi San Francisco muir muir on the wall nail polish - £11.50 ASOS

Too Faced Sweet Sun Shines lip gloss in mocha - £11.20 BeautyBay

Black biker style jacket - £35 Boohoo

Black calf length leggings - £12 Topshop
Nude lace detail blouse - £16 Boohoo

Black shoe boots - £42 ASOS

Black over-sized clutch bag - £50 ASOS

Opi Christmas pastel liquid sand trio nail polish - £11.55 ASOS

Too Faced Sweet Sun Shines lip gloss in mocha - £11.20 BeautyBay

Hope you are all having a Happy Friday...

Katie ♥

BLOGMAS DAY FIVE: CHRISTMAS BAKING

Tis' the season to EAT LOTS, here is a quick and tasty "Christmas Muffin" recipe to get you in the Christmas spirit.

To make the muffins you will need:

280g plain flour

1tbsp baking powder

1tbsp allspice

115g soft brown sugar

2 eggs

100ml milk

6tbsp sunflower oil

200g mincemeat

Muffin cases (12 as this recipe makes 12 muffins)

To make the topping decorations you will need:

250g mascarpone Italian crème cheese

1/2tsp vanilla paste

1tbsp icing sugar

Sugar decorations (of your choice)

Method:

Pre-heat the oven to 200c/400f/gas mark 6. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with 12 paper cases. Sift the flour, baking powder and allspice into a large bowl. Stir in the brown sugar. Lightly beat the eggs in a large jug or bowl then beat in the milk and oil. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the beaten liquid ingredients and mincemeat. 

Stir gently until combined; do not over-mix. 

Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin cases and bake in the pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes, until well risen, golden brown and firm to the touch.

Once taken out of the oven transfer to a wire rack and leave until cool. 

To decorate add the mascarpone, icing sugar and the vanilla paste into a bowl mix thoroughly together until combined. Spoon or pipe the mixture on to the muffins and decorate as desired.

Once completed all there is left to do is the taste test and that is the best part.

YUMMY!!!!

Katie ♥