Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

As the festive season approaches, it’s time to embrace the spirit of Christmas in a way that’s uniquely Yorkshire.

This year, I am diving deep into the tastes, traditions, and togetherness that make Christmas in Yorkshire magical.

Over the next few weeks, I will bring you a special series dedicated to creating a memorable, joyful, and, yes, stress-free holiday filled with family moments, fabulous food, and plenty of local inspiration. 

For many of us, Christmas can feel like a whirlwind of lists, to-do’s, and pressure to get everything 'just right'. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Christmas in Yorkshire

My Yorkshire Christmas series is here to simplify, inspire, and help you bring the magic of the season to life with ease. each post in this series will guide you through the season, no matter your budget, schedule, or number of guests.

Yorkshire is home to some of the UK’s finest produce and culinary traditions, and Christmas is the perfect time to highlight these special flavours.

From cozy gathering on a shoestring budget to an extravagant spread that pulls out all the stops, I will share tools and inspiration to make your Christmas season truly unforgettable.

Brown butter and wattle seed waffles

One of my favourite additions to my holiday kitchen setup this year is my waffle maker, and it will have a starring role in my Christmas breakfast tradition with a twist: brown butter and wattle seed waffles.

This breakfast, brunch treat, or light evening meal idea is a beautiful way to bring the family together on a chilly holiday morning or evening, and it’s easy to get everyone involved.

If you’re not familiar with wattle seed, it’s a uniquely earthy, nutty ingredient with hints of chocolate, coffee, hazelnut and mild spice native to Australia. It’s one of those flavours that feels warm and comforting—perfect for a winter breakfast. 

For a bit of indulgence, try whipped cream and fresh berries, or go even further with caramelised bananas, toasted pecans, or a dash of cinnamon.

Yemi's top tip: For a truly Yorkshire feel, a little Wensleydale cheese on the side or grated over the warm waffles adds a savoury counter-note that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Yemi's Christmas cracker: For a Christmas twist, I recommend setting up a 'waffle bar' so everyone can add their favourite flavours. Warmed maple syrup is a classic choice, but a drizzle of local Yorkshire honey adds that extra golden touch. 

I add espresso to my whipped cream for my grown-up guests; a dash of the right Yorkshire liqueur will elevate this even further.

This season, I will be bringing you more ideas like this to make your Christmas mornings - and evenings - unforgettable.

Stay tuned, because whether you’re a seasoned chef, a holiday host-in-training, or you identify with my husband who has called himself my sous chef for thirty years whilst declining every chance to cook a dish, I am here to make your Christmas magical, delicious, and full of moments that you and your loved ones will remember for years to come.

From my kitchens to yours, let’s make this a Yorkshire Christmas to remember.

Follow me on Instagram @yummy_bydesign for videos and images that accompany each post. 

If you're a local business that would like to collaborate with me over this festive season, you can also email me at yummybydesign7@gmail.com.