Elizabeth Haynes: A Festive Treat – for Grown Ups

Elizabeth Haynes: A Festive Treat – for Grown Ups

This slightly unusual combination of food items was brought to my thirtieth birthday party by my good friend John. (Incidentally, at that party he met his future wife, my room-mate Heather, so it has a special significance.)

Where other people had brought bottles, quiche or bags of posh crisps, John brought me a small bottle of Marsala, a bag of Amaretti biscuits and a tub of mascarpone. The ritual that accompanies this trio of goods was introduced to me that night and has since become a festive tradition in our house, possibly because Christmas is the only time of year I can justify something so calorifically indulgent.

This is what you do: provide a small bowl for the Marsala. If you’re feeling extravagent and don’t mind the washing up, put the Amaretti and the mascarpone in bowls too. Then you take an Amaretti, dip it in the Marsala (the cunning ones amongst you will soon realise that the biscuits with holes in can actually hold a reservoir of alcohol), then use the dipped biscuit to scoop up some mascarpone. Finally shove it in your mouth and chomp. Then swoon with delight.

Further advice: best try this yourself before Christmas and buy an extra set for your guests.

Find out more about Elizabeth’s stunning new novel, Under a Silent Moon.