Punctual Picks #9 [Christmas Special]

A second Christmas special Punctual Picks, with nine discoveries for the holidays.

Christmas Cookbooks ; Vegan Cuisine

Because there must be something for every taste and situation, I discovered another way of eating with vegan cuisine. And of course, during the festive season, you also need to be able to treat yourself. With these two books designed especially for Christmas, no more worries. What’s more, Marie Laforêt is a leading name in plant-based cooking. For a vegan festive table, my article on the vegan Christmas at the EHL (in French) also offers a few ideas.

100 % Végétal

Christmas Albums ; Lindsey Stirling

A die-hard fan of pop violinist Lindsey Stirling, I have had the honour of applauding her on stage several times and meeting her briefly in Zurich. The artist brilliantly blends electro sounds and violin. Twice, she has released albums made especially for Christmas: Warmer in the Winter and Snow Waltz. A real pleasure to listen to for an original soundtrack, different from traditional Christmas carols.

Christmas Meals Around the World ; Novo Monde

While researching Christmas traditions, I came across an article by fellow Swiss bloggers. Novo Monde takes us to several countries to tell us about Christmas meals around the world. An article to read to round out your general knowledge and discover the differences with our own traditions. For my part, it took me travelling in a few minutes. There is so much to discover on this planet.

Novo Monde

Christmas Film ; The Grinch

The Grinch is a fictional character created by Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. In 2000, he got a film adaptation with the wonderful Jim Carrey, who plays the role brilliantly. The film tells the adventures and moods of this nasty creature determined to ruin Christmas. The cast includes the excellent Christine Baranski, and Anthony Hopkins’s voice in the original version. A film that has aged slightly, but that I enjoy for its unique world.

The Grinch

Advent Calendars ; Newby Teas and Oliviers & Co

As every year, you have to be patient before Christmas. What better than treating yourself during the twenty-four days before the festivities? With these calendars, each more original than the last, the time seems shorter. Here is a selection of two calendars full of treats, including one from Newby Teas (in French).

Newby Teas
Oliviers & Co

Christmas Cupcakes ; The English Bakery

Those who know me know what a big cupcake fan I am. This little cake, topped with buttercream and decorations, is my guilty pleasure. Whenever I can eat one, I am a happy boy. I even make them myself from time to time. A while ago, I had the honour of receiving a box of cupcakes from The English Bakery. This small cake and cupcake business is based in Vich. I still follow its work very closely. Naturally, I fall for its Christmas creations.

The English Bakery
Product gifted by The English Bakery

Christmas Pudding ; Prince George’s Pudding

In December 2019, the British royal family released a video showing Prince George, eldest son of William and Kate, making a Christmas pudding. Filmed at Buckingham Palace alongside the future King Charles III and his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, the footage went around the world. Unfortunately, the exact recipe remains secret. So I share the one by English chef Jamie Oliver, along with a surprising podcast about this festive dessert.

Yule Logs ; Pierre Hermé, Louise Riot and Antoine Bouchard

At the end of a good Christmas meal, tradition calls for the famous Yule log. Homemade or ordered, it inspires great pastry chefs who compete in ingenuity to stand out. Here are three that seem absolutely delicious to me and would make a superb festive dessert. A trip to our French neighbours, whose pastry reputation is well established.

Pierre Hermé
Louise Riot ; Molitor
Antoine Bouchard ; Sofitel Le Faubourg

One Day in December ; Josie Silver

Laurie knows that love at first sight only happens in films. But one snowy December day, through the misted window of a bus, she glimpses a man who, she instinctively knows, is the one she has always been looking for. Their eyes meet and freeze in a moment of pure magic… Then the bus pulls away, and the handsome stranger vanishes. Certain that fate will bring them together one day, Laurie spends a whole year searching London for the man from the bus stop. They meet again at a Christmas party, when her best friend Sarah introduces her new boyfriend: Jack. The guy from the bus stop…

A lovely book to dream a little, in the spirit of the film Love Actually. It is simple, it is magical, and it is best read with a hot cup of tea.

Josie Silver

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Punctual Picks #9

Practical info[]

Newby TeasLauenenstrasse 26, 3780 GstaadGetting there : Gstaad, Ober-Gstaad (bus 181, 182)

DirectionsDetails

Oliviers & CoPlace de la Palud 13, 1003 LausanneGetting there : Lausanne, Riponne-M. Béjart (M2)

DirectionsDetails

All addresses in Gstaad in the address book ›