THE MERRY BLOG | NOVEMBER 2025

Festive Flavours from the Merrythought Team

Winter’s shorter days and colder nights are the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen ahead of the Christmas celebrations.

From festive baking to comfort food, we’ve gathered some tried-and-tested recipes from members of the Merrythought team who enjoy cooking for friends and family when they're not busy making the world's finest teddy bears!

Keisha’s Seasonal Vegetable Salad

For many, Christmas Lunch is the highlight of the festive period, with each household bringing their own treasured traditions to the table…

Keisha, who is regarded for her precision and care in cutting out the fabric for our premium soft toys, brings a vibrant twist to customary greens with her signature vegetable salad.

Prep cabbage and kale, then marinate in a sweet blend of honey and balsamic glaze, and add chopped walnuts for a satisfying crunch.

Honey’s Salted Caramel Cookies

Honey meticulously packs each Merrythought teddy bear before they begin their journeys to new homes across the world. Her irresistible sweet treat of choice is…salted caramel cookies!

This simple yet delectable bake requires all the essential ingredients of sugar, butter, eggs, and flour, adding caramel chunks which are folded through the dough. Loved by all ages, these cookies make a wonderful afternoon indulgence or a delightful treat to share with your team at work.

Alex’s Wholesome Carrot & Swede Mash

If you prefer savoury flavours, Alex’s comforting carrot and swede mash is a perfect accompaniment to your Christmas roast.

A skilled seamstress in the Merrythought factory, Alex carefully sews together the intricate fabric pieces of each soft toy, and also creates high quality clothing such as the iconic duffle coat and red hat worn by Paddington. Her earthy, heart-warming side dish is versatile, inexpensive, and easy to prepare.

Simply boil chopped carrots and swede in lightly salted water for 30-35 minutes until tender. Drain and mash well, then stir in a little butter or milk and add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little extra heat!

Terri’s Ultimate Christmas Cake

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a traditional fruit cake; rich, spiced and infused with festive flavour.

Terri is a multi-skilled member of the Merrythought Team who proudly adds the final touches to each soft toy at the end of production, whether it's tying the perfect ribbon, dressing in an outfit or attaching the all-important swing tag. Her Christmas cake recipe has been lovingly handed down by her grandmother, who also worked in the Merrythought factory!

Start by soaking dried fruits and mixed peel in your favourite spirit (for the adults!) or tea overnight. Beat butter, citrus zests, and sugar in a very large bowl until pale, before adding your wet ingredients: eggs and black treacle.

Next, sift flour and festive spices, then combine with the creamed mixture, before adding blanched almonds and your pre-soaked fruits. Spoon into a prepared tin and bake slowly until golden.

Once cool, poke small holes into the cake and generously feed with extra tipple – a vital step that can be repeated in the weeks leading up to the big day! When ready to decorate, brush the cake with warm apricot jam and carefully cover with marzipan. Allow a few days to dry before topping with sweet royal icing. For a snowy, textured finish, use a small palette knife to create gentle peaks…Enjoy!

This magical time of year offers a wonderful chance to gather in the kitchen and share culinary joys with our nearest and dearest.

Don't forget...Merrythought's beautiful Home Accessories are ideal additions to any kitchen, or make a thoughtful, British-made gift for someone special.