CUDDLE UP WITH A CHEERY WINTER WARMER

Seasonal drinks with an added kick

WHAT’S your favourite festive food? Whether you are a traditional turkey-andtrimmings kind of cook, or prefer to take a more adventurous path, feeding the yuletide hordes can be a challenge. The Evening Times has teamed up with three top chefs and restaurateurs to help you plan a tasty Christmas menu with a difference.

We asked the talented trio – STV chef Jimmy Lee, currently cooking up a storm in Julie and Jimmy’s Hot Woks; César García, head chef of Glasgow’s newest Spanish restaurant Ibérica; and Pauline O’Donnell of The Lost Lamb in East Kilbride – to come up with a Christmas ingredient they simply could not do without – and why.

We also challenged them to come up with a recipe featuring the ingredient, that would be easy to prepare at home. The results are delicious. This week, we kick off with some delicious drinks, courtesy of Pauline O’Donnell, whose favourite festive ingredient is cinnamon

“The smell of cinnamon is the smell of Christmas,” she smiles.

“It’s an extremely versatile ingredient at this time of year. You can use it in sauces, in baking – we are serving up some delicious cinnamon shortbread with tea and coffee this year, which has proved extremely popular.”

Pauline took over The Lost Lamb restaurant at the Auldhouse Arms in East Kilbride two years ago, following a long and successful spell running The Sisters in Glasgow with her sister Jacqueline.

“It has been a fast and furious two years but I’m delighted by the response we have had,” she says. “We’re already in the thick of the Christmas season and the atmosphere is brilliant – we’re now gearing up for our Christmas charity night on December 18, featuring the Auldhouse Brass Quintet, in aid of Cancer Research.”

Pauline has chosen two Christmassy drinks.

She explains: “I’ve gone for egg nog, which is an old fashioned drink that is making a bit of a comeback, and hot rum truffle, a wonderful variation on a season staple – hot chocolate.”

Pauline adds: “Both are alcoholic but for the second one, you can ditch the rum in favour of marshmallows for a tasty child-friendly version.”