Updated for 2025! This year I’ve refreshed my blog to share even more tips and recipes to make your festive season smooth, delicious and joyful. With a bit of Christmas food prep, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying family, friends and the magic of the season.
Christmas is about warmth, family and traditions. There’s something so special about this time of year, the smell of mince pies, the excitement of planning meals and that comforting feeling of home. But let’s be honest, Christmas cooking can quickly turn from joyful to overwhelming if we don’t plan ahead.
Over the years I’ve learned that with the right planning, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festive season with your family. By starting your Christmas prep early, you can stay organised, make delicious meals ahead of time and truly relax on the big day. From freezer-friendly favourites to make-ahead desserts, these small steps will help you enjoy an stress-free, joyful Christmas.
Garden Trading Company
Christmas Traditions: Making The Festive Season Magical.
Every family has their own little traditions, and ours really help set the tone for a calm, happy Christmas. Living by the Devon coast, we love a morning walk on the beach after popping the turkey in the oven. Rather than a starter, we enjoy canapés with a glass of fizz in front of the fire while opening presents. Later, we sit down together for a roast turkey and all the trimmings.
Including family traditions like these makes the season feel special and helps you focus on what truly matters: quality time with loved ones.
I love living by the coast in Devon, so a walk along the beach on Christmas Morning is the perfect way to celebrate.
Why Christmas Food Prep Makes Life Easier
For me, Christmas food prep is all about reducing stress and spending more time with loved ones. The more I can prep in advance, the less time I spend stressing over the turkey or side dishes. A solid plan takes the pressure off and lets everyone enjoy the day.
A week or two before Christmas, prepare and freeze the vegetables, make sauces and bake desserts. this preparation is a total game-changer and lets everyone enjoy the day.
“Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.”
DR SEUSS
Start Early (And Make A List!)
Write down everything — from the main meal to snacks, drinks and even breakfast for Christmas morning. Once it’s all there, you can spot what can be made ahead, frozen, or prepped the day before.
I use one master list in my using my free planners and and tick things off as I go, it makes such a difference to see it all on paper rather than swimming around in my head.
Make Ahead Magic: The Secret To Easy Christmas Food Prep.
The freezer is your best friend in December. Roast potatoes, parsnips, gravy and even stuffing can all be cooked in advance and frozen. Label everything clearly (and note reheating instructions!) so you’re not second-guessing yourself on the big day.
Homemade sauces like bread sauce and cranberry sauce also freeze beautifully and taste even better after the flavours have time to develop.
My Go To Christmas Cookbook.
One of my most-used books at this time of year is Mary Berry’s Christmas Collection It’s full of reliable, delicious recipes for the Winter and festive season that never fail. Complete with timings including a Christmas Day cooking itinerary,
If you love the idea of being organised but still want traditional, comforting dishes, this book is a lifesaver and is perfect for your Christmas food prep requirements. Mary’s make-ahead recipes have been a staple in our house for years, they taste incredible and save so much time, especially on Christmas morning.
Prepare For Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the perfect time to lay the table, chop your vegetables and double-check timings. I always put on a festive playlist, pour something bubbly and get into the spirit while I prep, it turns the jobs into moments to enjoy, especially if the family get involved too! One of our favourite make-ahead meals for Christmas Eve is a relaxed, cosy dinner that sets the tone for the celebrations.
Perfect if you’ve been outside in the cold or for a cosy evening.
Ingredients
2 oranges, 1 lemon, 1 lime
200g caster sugar
6 whole cloves, 2 cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick
3 fresh bay leaves, 10–12 gratings of nutmeg
1 vanilla pod, halved lengthways
2 star anise
2 bottles red wine
Method:
Peel large sections of the fruit.
Put sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, add peel and juice of oranges. Add spices and vanilla pod, then enough wine to cover the sugar.
Simmer until sugar dissolves, bring to the boil for 5 minutes until thick syrup.
Turn heat to low, add the rest of the wine, gently heat, and serve.
Christmas isn’t just about the food, having something delicious to sip is part of the festive fun. While some guests may enjoy a glass of fizz, it’s just as important to cater to those who prefer something alcohol-free.
I love keeping a selection of non-alcoholic options on hand, like No.1 Living Drinks, which are refreshingly light, flavorful and completely alcohol-free. My favourites include Citrus Hops, with its subtle earthiness and lemony burst. Delicious sipped straight from the bottle or served over ice with a twist of lemon or orange. The Cold-Pressed CBD Wild Berry & Lime with Mint, lightly sparkling and packed with natural vitamins. These are perfect for served over ice with some mint and lime or berries, keeping everyone feeling included.
Christmas Day Made Easy.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I prep as much as possible including writing a menu plan, a shopping list for fresh products and equally what I can organise in advance. The week before the big day, I potter, (ha in-between swimming taxi and other life events, much like everyone else!) doing little jobs in the kitchen, whilst I’m preparing every day meals, so that Christmas Day is kept stress free and smooth!
By the time Christmas morning arrives, most of the prep should be done. Stick to your list, reheat what you’ve prepared and allow yourself to enjoy the process. Christmas food prep transforms cooking from chaos into calm and rewarding moments.
The scent of Christmas – The White Company
“My secret to Christmas this year, as it is every year, is my to-do list. I’m always in charge if preparing the lunch – I like to think of it as simply a big roast dinner”
MARY BERRY
Christmas Food Prep Recipes
Vegetables And Sides
Crunchy Roast Potatoes
Like Mary Berry, I’ve always thought of Christmas lunch as if I’m planning a roast – the pressure is immediately removed!
Whenever I prepare a Sunday roast, I always peel double the amount of potatoes required and use this method With my roast potatoes, so I always have some in the freezer. Christmas is no exception! I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you how to cook roast potatoes, however I’m sharing how I save time and to help you have a stress free Christmas Day so here goes!
Peel and cut potatoes into uniform pieces. Parboil 5–7 mins.
Drain, shake in colander to fluff edges, dab dry.
Toss with salt, pepper, and flour, freeze overnight.
On Christmas Day, roast in goose fat until golden and crisp.
4 large parsnips (about 500g) , peeled and cut into 5cm strips
3 tbsp sunflower oil
25g semolina
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
Method:
Boil parsnips for 4 minutes and cool.
(At this point, I do exactly as I do with the potatoes, pop in the freezer until the big day.)
Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Heat oil in roasting tin.
Toss parsnips with oil, season, then coat in semolina, paprika, and thyme.
Roast 20 minutes until golden and crisp. Freeze ahead if desired.
Brussel Sprouts
Love them or loathe them, they have to feature don’t they?!
These should be cooked at the very last minute but can be prepared a day ahead and kept in a freezer bag in the fridge.
Cook in boiling water for 5-6 minutes, and season with salt and pepper and a dash of butter.
If you’d like to go for a little more glamour, stir fry sliced sprouts with bacon lardons, and or chestnuts.
Honey Roasted Carrots
A great side dish to any roast, or with Christmas dinner, these thyme-speckled honey roasted carrots are cooked to enhance their natural sweetness. This recipe from Justine at the Good Food Guide is simple yet full of flavour.
Ingredients:
1kg small carrots, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt and pepper
Method
Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) Gas 6. Trim the carrots and peel.
Place on a large baking tray, pour the olive oil and toss the carrots well and season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 15–25 minutes until almost tender and lightly browned. Which the honey and lemon juice together.
Drizzle with honey-lemon mixture and scatter thyme leaves. Roast another 8–10 minutes, until the carrots are tender and glossy.
“Christmas is about sharing our homes with the people who matter to us the most. And a little planning goes a long way in making every room sparkle, cosset and glow.
From the thoughtful touches to the most memorable moments, we’re all set to help you make your home a place of celebration, comfort and joy this season.”
NEPTUNE
Neptune always brings a special touch to Christmas
Prepare Ahead Christmas Deserts
Lemon and Cranberry Possets
This is an absolutely delicious desert at any time, but is special for Christmas too. Light and super easy to make. Make in advance to serve on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Ingredients
Makes 6-8
1 1/2 pints double cream
9oz caster sugar
Juice of 3 lemons
Handful of cranberries
Method:
Boil cream and sugar for 2 minutes, add lemon juice.
Place cranberries in serving glasses (6-8)
Pour mixture over and chill until set.
“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.”
EDNA FERBER
Chocolate Roulade
A firm Mary Berry favourite in our house for any celebrations and especially at Christmas. This is perfectly light dessert and a lovely alternative to the Christmas Pudding. It’s very easy to make, can be made 24 hours ahead or can be kept in the freezer for up to a month.
Ingredients
175g plain chocolate
175g caster sugar
6 eggs, separated
2 tbsp cocoa powder
300ml double cream
Icing sugar
Method:
1.Preheat the oven to 180C / Fan 160C / Gas 4. Lightly grease a 33x23cm swill roll tin and line with non-stick baking parchment, pushing it into the corners.
2. Break the chocolate into small pieces into a bowl and stand the bowl over a pan of hot water, the bowl must not touch the water or the chocolate may overheat. Place the pan over a low heat until the chocolate has melted. Allow to cool.
3. Measure the sugar and egg yolks into a large bowl and whisk on a high speed until light and creamy. Add the cooled chocolate and stir until evenly blended.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff but not dry. Stir a large spoonful of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Mix gently, fold in the remaining egg white and the sieved cocoa powder. Spread evenly in the prepared tin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until firm.
5. Remove the cake from the oven, leave in the tin, cover with a dry tea towel and leave until cold.
6. Whip the cream until it just holds its shape and dust a large piece of greaseproof paper with sifted icing sugar. Turn out the roulade and peel of the greaseproof paper. Spread with the cream. Roll up very tightly like a Swiss roll using the paper to help. Don’t worry if the roulade cracks, a good one should! Dust with more sifted icing sugar to serve.
If you’re planning to freeze, omit the final icing sugar until you’re ready to serve.)
“Christmas is a together-y sort of holiday.”
WINNIE THE POOH
Christmas food prep is all about planning ahead, not perfection. Make lists, prep dishes early, and enjoy your traditions without stress. The more you prepare, the more you can relax, laugh and be present with the people who matter most.
I’d love to know your best Christmas prep tip or which recipe you’ll be trying first! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram so I can see your festive creations. Be kind to yourself, have a glass of something special, relax and enjoy your day.
“If someone throws you the ball, you don’t have to catch it”
Such wise words from Richard Carlson, a concept that has stayed with me for years.
In today’s blog, I’m revisiting this idea through a 2025 lens, because if there’s one thing modern life has taught us, it’s this: we are surrounded by flying balls every single day. Expectations. Notifications. Opinions. Urgent messages. Other people’s emotions, dramas, dilemmas and deadlines. And somehow, without meaning to, we end up believing that we must catch every one.
We don’t.
And life feels so much lighter when we stop trying.
Why Do We Keep Trying To Catch Balls that Aren’t Ours?
Often our inner struggles or stresses come from our tendency to jump on board someone else’s problem. A friend calls in a panic “My job / mother / cat is driving me crazy. What should I do?”
Before we’ve even taken a breath, we’re problem-solving, reassuring, rearranging our day and absorbing the emotional weight of a situation that isn’t ours to carry.
Hours later we feel behind, overwhelmed, resentful or exhausted…
but we forget that we chose to catch the ball.
Sound familiar?
It’s okay to say No..
Repeat that out loud!!
As Carson reminds us learning not to catch every ball is a powerful way to protect your peace.
“Remembering you don’t have to catch the ball is a very effective way to reduce the stress in your life. When your friend calls, you can drop the ball, meaning you don’t have to participate simply because he or she is attempting to lure you in.
This doesn’t mean we stop caring about our friends. it means we honour our own limits.
As Brene Brown beautifully says:
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” Brené Brown
And sometimes showing up looks like saying:
“I’m really sorry, I don’t have the capacity or space for this right now.”
Not unkind. Not selfish. Just honest.
Every Notification Is A Ball.
We all get balls thrown at us constantly, at work, from friends, from our children, even from strangers online. And yes, those little red dots on our phones? Also balls.
If I caught every single one, I’d go mad, and I suspect you would too.
One question I return to often is this:
“Will this matter a year from now?”
It’s not about dismissing real problems, but about gaining perspective.
A Little Story About Our Wedding.
A few weeks before our wedding, the vicar realised she’d double-booked our ceremony. Invitations had been sent. Guests had organised their travel. Everything was arranged and suddenly our time slot didn’t exist anymore.
She checked the date again.
And yes… she was meant to marry two couples at the same time.
We laughed (eventually!), moved the ceremony back a little and carried on.
We celebrated our 24rd wedding anniversary this year and we can’t remember the exact time we said “I do”.
But we can remember the comedy of the best man and ushers racing into the church with the flowers just as the other bridal party drove away!
And the answer to “Will this matter in a year?” was a very clear:
No. Not at all.
Choosing Which balls To Catch.
The key isn’t to avoid catching every ball, it’s noticing when you’re about to catch one unconsciously.
Answering the phone when you know you’re too busy?
That’s catching a ball.
Reading a message when you know you don’t have the energy to respond?
Also catching the ball.
Absorbing criticism that wasn’t meant for you?
Definitely catching the ball!
You can choose to drop it. You can choose not to engage. You can choose peace.
As Brené Brown says:
Vulnerability is not about winning or losing. It’s having the courage to show up even when you can’t control the outcome.
Brene Brown.
And sometimes the bravest thing we can do is say:
“Not today.”
We all need a smile.. A gentle reminder that even the smallest shifts; in clothing, in boundaries, in energy and mindset can create the biggest sense of relief!
“It’s outstanding how much ones stress level goes down with the simple switching of skinny jeans to yoga pants”
Unknown
So, How Many Balls Will You Catch This Week?
I know I’ve caught a few already!
But awareness is everything isn’t it and once you start noticing, you can begin dropping the ones that drain you, distract you or simply don’t belong to you.
Use today and the week ahead, to look after yourself.
Hello and welcome! I’m Claire, founder of Woman on a Mission, a place designed to help women feel calm, confident and energised every day. Here on the Woman on a Mission blog, I share practical tips, inspiration and small, meaningful missions to support you in your home, lifestyle and wellbeing.
I’m so pleased you’re here. Grab a comfy seat, a cup of something lovely, and let’s dive in.
My Story.
I’ve always loved helping people feel their best. My first career was in Oncology Nursing, where I learned the true meaning of compassion, resilience and balance. After becoming a mum, I retrained as a Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach, creating Devon Fit Camp and later wellbeing retreats across the UK and Europe. Those years taught me that true wellness isn’t just about fitness, it’s about creating calm and confidence in every part of life.
My journey has also been shaped by my experiences with cancer, both personally and professionally. At the time of writing, I’ve completed the London Marathon four consecutive years, raising funds for Coppafeel! and Cancer Research UK and a couple more since for DKMS, the Blood Cancer Charity, of which I’m a proud ambassador. These causes are incredibly close to my heart, and you’ll find more about my fundraising and advocacy work here.
I love seeing my friends and family happy, being by the sea, interiors, candles, white flowers, a good Sauvignon (although I’ve been pretty tee-total over the last year or so) and sunny days, whatever the season.
Why Woman on a Mission Matters ?
Woman on a Mission began as a way to support the women I coached who wanted to feel more in control of their lives. It’s now a lifestyle brand that blends wellbeing, organisation, interiors and mindset. My mission is to help women feel calm, confident and energised, one small mission at a time.
Life is full of missions, big and small. Whether it’s creating healthier routines, tackling a home project, or simply taking a moment for yourself, each mission is a step toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Your mission might be big or small, from tackling a renovation to simply leaving the house on time. Whatever it is, doing it well starts with looking after yourself first.
These mini missions are small but effective. One a week adds up to 52 in a year, 52 ways to bring positive, motivating habits into your life. Here on the blog and my Instagram, I share “mini missions” and Power Hours, small actions that can make a surprisingly big difference.
A Little About Me.
You’ll usually find me hiking along the Devon lanes (especially as the sun comes up) or out on the South West Coast Path, one of my favourite places to reset and refocus.
I can also be found at the gym or at the pilates studio, at my desk, pottering in the garden or decorating! I love being outside, feeling fit, and making our home a calm, happy space. With my children all grown up and at university, life has taken on a new rhythm, but I still love being an active and involved mum. they still swim competitively and we love to support them.
You’ll also hear me talk about my favourite “F words” — Fun, Food, Fitness, Faith (self-belief), Friendship, Family, Finance, and Focus, the foundations of a happy, fulfilled life. And of course, there are a few “f**k it” moments too, because we’re all human!
Your Mission, One Step at a Time
Whatever your mission in life, work, home, or garden, it’s good to know someone is there to support you. Our house is our home, our castle, the place we feel safe and special, and as we spend our downtime there, let’s focus on how to feel amazing while at home.
I live my life one mission at a time, hence the name, but my passion is to share my nuggets with as many people as I can. On this blog, I’ll be sharing insights on home and living, lifestyle, wellbeingandorganisation.
Join Me.
If you’re ready to create a calmer, more confident life you love, you’re in the right place. Join my Woman on a Mission community to get inspiration, practical tips and a sprinkle of motivation straight to your inbox.
I’m delighted to welcome you to the Woman on a Mission Blog. Let’s make this next chapter your happiest, most balanced one yet. This is a place where I hope to help you create boundaries around what matters most, so you feel in control and able to live guilt-free while accomplishing what’s important to you.
I’d also love to know more about you, how you found the blog, what brought you here and what you’d love to see more of. I always read the comments and truly enjoy getting to know this wonderful community, so please do say hello below. I can’t wait to hear from you.
Ever feel like the day slips away before you’ve even had a chance to catch up? You’re not alone. Life can feel like a constant race, and sometimes it seems there just aren’t enough hours to get it all done.
But what if the key isn’t doing more, but doing what matters most — in a way that actually fits your life?
In this post, I’m sharing practical ways to reclaim your time and find focus, even when hours are scarce. You’ll see how small, intentional actions can make a huge difference.
Focus On What Truly Matters.
When your to-do list feels endless, the trick is not to tackle everything at once. Instead, identify your top priorities.
Ask yourself:
What absolutely needs to get done today?
Which task, if completed, would make everything else feel lighter?
This helps you stop spinning your wheels on low-impact tasks and instead channel your energy where it counts.
Top Tip:
I love to write my list the night before so I have a clear Mission of what I need to prioritise first in the mornings. Itclears my brain ready for a good nights sleep.
Don’t worry, take a breathe. Let’s remove the overwhelm.
Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs”
Henry Ford
I’m a firm believer that if we look after the small things, then bigger things, which might seem impossible, take care of themselves…
Mini Power Hours: When You Don’t Have An Hour
Sometimes a full hour isn’t possible. That’s okay! Even 20–30 minutes of focused effort can move mountains.
Set a timer for a mini session.
Eliminate distractions — no phone, no notifications.
Focus on just one small but meaningful task.
You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in short, intentional bursts.
Turn Mundane Missions Into LittleWins:
Even chores or routine tasks can become productive “Power Moments”:
Fold laundry while listening to a favourite podcast.
Prep ingredients for meals while catching up on news or messages.
Tidy one zone of your home at a time instead of the whole house.
Breaking larger tasks into bite-sized pieces keeps overwhelm at bay and gives a sense of progress.
Prioritise Yourself Too
Your Power of an Hour isn’t just for productivity — it can also be for self-care.
Enjoy a quiet coffee and a few pages of a book.
Go for a brisk 20-minute walk outside.
Try a short meditation to reset your mind.
Even small breaks refresh your focus and make the rest of your day more manageable.
Your Next Step.
Start small. Pick one task, block 20–60 minutes, and see what you can achieve.
The Power of an Hour isn’t magic. it’s simply making the most of the time you have, with focus, intention, and a little planning.
I’d love to know how it works for you! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook with your #powerofanhour stories, and let’s celebrate the small wins together.
A walk along the coast in the fresh can be super powerful.
What You Can Achieve In An Hour
Even a single hour can make a big difference when it’s focused with intention. Whether it’s boosting your wellbeing, shifting your mindset, or tackling a small but meaningful task, an hour is more powerful than it seems.
Below are five ideas and posts to inspire how you can make the most of just 60 minutes, simple, practical, and life-changing ways to use your time wisely.
The Power of an Hour is a great way to inject intention into your day or evening. I’ve shared free daily planner (and more) in the Organisation tools.
It really helps keep me focused and find it invaluable for my Power of an Hour.
What will you do with your next Power of an Hour? I’d love to know, join in the conversation on my Instagram or comment below. Feel free to tag me into your #powerofanhour and use the hashtag!
Here’s to feeling more in control and less overwhelmed!
It’s Pumpkin Season! Here’s a little mission for you to try this week: three heartwarming pumpkin recipes to tickle your tastebuds and they’ll solve your dilemma of what to do with your pumpkin flesh once you’ve carved your pumpkins.
As the evenings draw in and we crave warmer foods, these recipes are perfect for family meals, Sunday treats, or a comforting midweek dinner. From Pumpkin Soup to Roasted Pumpkin Wedges and Pumpkin Pie Muffins, these dishes are seasonal, simple, and delicious.
Love foods in season? Butternut squash works just as well too!
Pumpkin Soup Recipe
This velvety, naturally creamy soup adapted from Good Housekeeping, keeps well for a day or two in the fridge.
Ingredients
850g pumpkin or squash, peeled and cut into 2-3cm chunks
200g banana shallots, skin on, halved lengthways
1 small head garlic, skin on top cm sliced off
3 sprigs rosemary
2 teaspoons dried chilli flakes (optional)
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
750ml good chicken or vegetable stock, plus extra if needed
For the Garnish: 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds and 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil.
To Serve: 100g crumbly goats, fresh rosemary, toasted pumpkin seed oil (optional) with chucks of granary bread.
Method
Heat the oven to 180˚C/fan oven 160˚C/mark 4. Scatter the pumpkin in a large roasting tin with the shallots, garlic-cut-side down – rosemary, chilli (if using), olive oil and seasoning to toss to coat in the oil.
Roast for 45 minutes until mostly tender and golden in places, but not too browned – if it starts to brown, cover with foil. For the garnish, toss the pumpkin seeds on a baking tray with the olive oil and toast in the oven for 5 minutes.
When the pumpkin is ready, remove the rosemary – reserve for a garnish unless blackened – and squeeze the softened garlic shallots from their skins into the roasting tray, discarding the skins.
Heat the stock in a saucepan large enough to fit the pumpkin, then add the contents of the roasting tray and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Blend to a smooth purée using a stick blender, thinning with more hot stock if necessary. Alternatively, cool slightly and blend in batches in a jug blender or food processor (a processor won’t give as smooth a result).
Reheat gently to serve, season and ladle into warm bowls. Crumble over the goats’ cheese and scatter with pumpkin seeds. If using, break over the crisp rosemary needles and drizzle with a little pumpkin-seed oil.
Food can bring people together in a way nothing else could.
Yotam Ottolenghi
Roasted Pumpkin Wedges Recipe with Chestnut, Cinnamon and Fresh Bay Leaves.
A simple and gratifying dish from Ottolenghi looks fabulous and is very easy to make.
Lay out on a flat serving dish and bring to the table. It doesn’t get much more Autumnal than this (and would be perfect at Christmas too!) A super addition to almost any main course.
Ingredients (serves 4-6)
1 medium pumpkin, about 1.3kg
6 tbsp olive oil
4 cinnamon sticks
4 tbsp maple syrup
3 garlic cloves, crushed
20 fresh sage leaves
10 fresh bay leaves
Salt and black pepper
150g cooked chestnuts
Method
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/ gas mark 6. Cut the unpeeled pumpkin into wedges (1-2cm at the thick end) and discard the seeds; leave the skin on.
In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin pieces with four tablespoons of olive oil, the cinnamon, three tablespoons of maple syrup, the garlic, sage, half the bay leaves, and salt and pepper.
Lay out in a single layer in a large roasting tray and roast for 20-25 minutes, until the pumpkin is soft and golden. Add the chestnuts five minutes before the end.
Arrange the tray’s contents on a serving platter and scatter the remaining bay leaves over the top. Stir together the remaining syrup and oil, and drizzle on top. Serve warm.
Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.
Hippocrates
Pumpkin Pie Muffins Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Muffins
These muffins are easy to make and will fill your kitchen with the wonderful smell of autumn. Moist, fragrant, gluten-free muffins. Perfect for family snacks or after activities.
Ingredients
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup fresh baked pumpkin (or winter squash), well packed
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 pinch ground cloves
2 tablespoons rapeseed oil
½ cup agave nectar
2 large eggs
Method
In a large bowl combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves
In a food processor, puree the oil, agave, eggs and pumpkin until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well.
Spoon the mixture into muffin cases Place paper liners in muffin pan and bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes
Cool for 2-3 hours (if you can wait that long!) and serve.
These treats are perfect after a training run or after the children’s football or rugby training or even as a little snack whilst relaxing over the papers on Sunday.
Super, simple family recipes make life so much easier and so I hope you enjoy these. Let me know in the comments or join the conversation on Instagram!
What is your favourite meal or treat to make during Pumpkin Season? Please do let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your ideas and tips, please leave a comment below and join the conversation.
Wherever or however you enjoy this warming bites, hope you’ll be able to relax and take a moment for you.
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
Heat the oven to 180˚C/fan oven 160˚C/mark 4. Scatter the pumpkin in a large roasting tin with the shallots, garlic-cut-side down – rosemary, chilli (if using), olive oil and seasoning to toss to coat in the oil. 
