Christmas is a time of culinary abundance, which can often mean an overflowing fridge the next day. Instead of letting all those less-desired trimmings go to waste, why not transform them into delicious meals to enjoy in the days that follow? In this article, we share some creative and simple recipes to make the most of your Christmas leftovers without boring the palate!
A hearty pie is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing. This recipe is comforting, flavourful, and ideal for sharing.
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Bubble and squeak is a classic British dish that turns leftover vegetables into a crispy, golden delight. Perfect for Boxing Day brunch.
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Turn your leftover turkey, ham, and vegetables into a comforting soup. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to use whatever you have.
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These indulgent toasties are a quick and delicious way to use up cranberry sauce and any leftover cheese.
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Turn leftover Christmas pudding into a festive ice cream for a sweet treat.
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With these recipes, your Christmas leftovers can be just as enjoyable as the main event. Happy cooking!
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The festive season is now upon us and it’s a time for some much-needed joy, giving, and of course, indulging in delicious food and drink. At Plumbs’ Dairy, we believe there’s no better way to celebrate than by filling your home with the very best that our local suppliers have to offer. This year, we’re here to help you create a Christmas that’s not only special for your loved ones but also supports small businesses, is sustainable, and brings the warmth of East Anglia’s finest to your table.
One of the most stressful parts of Christmas is the endless to-do list, but with Plumbs’ Dairy, we’re here to lighten the load. With free delivery on all orders and no minimum spend, you can stock up on everything you need without worrying about hitting a spending threshold or tackling busy shops.
Whether it’s a box of fresh fruit and vegetables for your Christmas roast or a last-minute stocking filler, we’ll deliver it straight to your door.
Food is at the heart of every Christmas celebration, and what better way to make your festive meals truly special than by choosing locally sourced, sustainable produce? We work closely with producers across East Anglia who share our passion for quality, sustainability, and freshness. From farm-fresh potatoes for your roasties to the main event itself, every ingredient you need to create a show-stopping Christmas lunch is just a click away.
And it’s not just about the main event. Why not explore our selection of locally made chutneys, jams, and preserves? Perfect for elevating that charcuterie board served up with some delicious cheese and wine.
If you’re searching for unique, meaningful Christmas gifts, look no further! From diaries and cookbooks to eco-friendly home products, you’ll find plenty of things that make the perfect stocking filler. Plus, with no minimum spend, you can mix and match to create a custom bundle of goodies that suits your budget and their tastes.
We’ve also teamed up with Fitzbillies, a local bakery that’s been serving Cambridge since 1920, to bring our customers a great array of baked goodies, including their famous sticky Chelsea buns, and gifts that is delivered straight to your doorstep. Just fill out the form and send it back to us by December 9th!
Christmas can sometimes feel like a season of excess, but at Plumbs’ Dairy, we’re committed to making it more sustainable. Many of the suppliers we work with are dedicated to eco-friendly practices, from reducing plastic packaging to cutting out toxins and harsh chemicals from their products. By choosing local, you’re not just cutting down on food miles, you’re helping to support a future where sustainability takes centre stage.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, we know that convenience is really important for our customers. That’s why we’ve made it easy to order around your busy schedule. Simply browse our online store or use our Christmas order form, choose your items, and leave the rest to us. With free delivery, you can focus on what matters most; spending time with family and friends, enjoying festive traditions, and keeping the peace!
Supporting local businesses isn’t just good for the economy, it’s good for the community! Every time you shop with Plumbs’ Dairy, you’re helping to sustain jobs, keep traditional skills alive, and nurture the community of producers who work tirelessly to bring food to our plates.
At Christmas, this sense of community matters more than ever. By choosing local, you’re part of a movement that values quality, care, and connection. You’re giving back to the land and the people who make our region such a wonderful place to live.
Whether you’re hosting a grand family gathering or enjoying a quiet, cosy Christmas at home, we’re here to make your festive season truly special. With fresh produce and decadent desserts, thoughtful gifts, and a commitment to sustainability, we’re proud to help you celebrate Christmas in a way that reflects your values and supports your community.
PS: Don’t forget to fill out your Christmas order form and return it to us by December 6th.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas from all of us at Plumbs’ Dairy!
We are living in an age where environmental concerns are at the forefront of our thoughts and the importance of reducing plastic waste cannot be overstated. Plastic pollution has a profound impact on our ecosystems, wildlife, and even our health. At Plumbs’ Dairy, we understand the significance of making sustainable choices, which is why our family-run business is committed to providing fresh produce without the plastic wherever possible.
Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, landfills, and natural habitats. From single-use bags to packaging materials, plastic items take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to a growing environmental crisis. As consumers, we can make a difference by choosing products that minimise or eliminate plastic packaging.
With larger corporations lagging behind their net zero commitments, it might feel like going plastic-free on an individual basis is pointless. However, by opting for plastic-free produce, you’re not only contributing to a healthier planet but also making a statement about your values that resonates within your local community. Here are a few key reasons to consider going plastic-free:
At Plumbs’ Dairy, we believe that shopping for fresh produce should be something to look forward to, not a chore. Here’s how we make it easy for you to embrace greener shopping habits:
Incorporating green shopping habits into your routine is both easy and rewarding. Here are some tips to help you reduce plastic waste:
Choosing Plumbs’ Dairy is more than just a shopping preference; it’s a step towards a more sustainable lifestyle with minimal effort required. By embracing plastic-free practices, you’re not only enjoying delicious, fresh produce but also contributing to a cleaner, greener planet.
Explore our range of fresh, plastic-free fruit and vegetable boxes today, as well as other sustainable household goods and gifts!
We’ve reached that time of year again where the leaves begin to turn from green to copper and the weather cools (and dampens). September marks the start of autumn, and the perfect time to enjoy hearty, warming meals. Autumn brings with it an abundance of fresh seasonal produce like squash, sweet potatoes, and root vegetables, making it the ideal time to switch up your cooking routine.
Below are five delicious yet easy recipes that make full-use of what the season has to offer through locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
Ingredients: Carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, red onions, olive oil, fresh rosemary, and thyme.
Recipe: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Chop the vegetables into similar-sized chunks, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with rosemary and thyme. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, tossing halfway through, until all the veggies are golden and caramelised. This dish makes an easy side with roast chicken as the main dish or even served with crusty bread for a simple, rustic meal.
Ingredients: Butternut squash, apples (like Bramley or Gala), onions, vegetable stock, a dash of cream, and nutmeg.
Recipe: This sweet and satisfying soup starts by peeling and chopping the squash and apples. Sauté the onions in a large pot until softened, then add the squash and apples. Pour over enough vegetable stock to cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until soft. Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in a splash of cream and a pinch of nutmeg for a warming, autumnal flavour. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Ingredients: Fresh spinach, chestnut mushrooms, Arborio rice, vegetable stock, white wine (optional), and parmesan cheese.
Recipe: In a pan, sauté mushrooms in oil until golden, then add the Arborio rice, coating it in the oil. Slowly add the vegetable stock, one ladle at a time, stirring until the rice absorbs the liquid. Once the rice is creamy and cooked through, fold in some fresh spinach and grated parmesan. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up this autumn favourite.
Ingredients: Apples, pears, rolled oats, flour, butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
Recipe: It’s not autumn without a crumble! Peel and slice the apples and pears, and layer them in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, rub together butter, flour, oats, and sugar until it forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle the crumble over the fruit and bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and the fruit is soft. Serve warm with custard or a dollop of cream.
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, eggs, flour, spring onions, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Recipe: A great veggie option – grate the sweet potatoes and mix with flour, beaten eggs, chopped spring onions, and a pinch of paprika. Heat a non-stick pan with a little oil and spoon in the mixture, flattening slightly to form pancakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. These savoury pancakes are perfect for breakfast or as a side dish to roasted meats or salads.
These autumn-inspired recipes are perfect for making the most of the season’s produce while providing hearty, comforting meals. Whether you’re planning a cosy night in or prepping for a busy week, these dishes will bring warmth and seasonal flavour to your kitchen. We offer a range of fruit and veg boxes from locally-sourced suppliers to help you start your autumn the right way!
It’s hard having to juggle work, family, and life responsibilities so having a stash of freezer meals you can make ahead of time is a game-changer. By prepping meals in advance using fresh ingredients that would otherwise be wasted, you can enjoy home-cooked goodness even on your most hectic days. Below are some tasty and easy-to-make freezer meal ideas that will keep you (and your family) satiated all week.
Ingredients: Fresh lasagne sheets, a variety of vegetables (such as courgettes, spinach, and peppers), ricotta cheese, mozzarella, homemade tomato sauce, and a sprinkling of hard cheese.
Recipe: Sauté the vegetables until tender. Layer the lasagne sheets, vegetables, ricotta, and tomato sauce in a baking dish. Top with mozzarella and hard cheese. Cover with foil and freeze. To serve, bake from frozen at 180°C for 45 minutes, or until heated through.
Ingredients: Carrots, onions, celery, mixed beans, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock, and a handful of fresh herbs.
Recipe: Chop and sauté the vegetables until softened. Add the beans, tomatoes, and stock, then simmer for 20 minutes. Let cool, portion into containers, and freeze. Reheat on the hob or in the microwave when ready to eat.
Ingredients: Broccoli, cauliflower, a blend of cheeses (such as cheddar and parmesan), breadcrumbs, and a creamy béchamel sauce.
Recipe: Blanch the broccoli and cauliflower until just tender. Arrange in a baking dish, pour over the béchamel sauce, and sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs. Freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, bake at 190°C for 30 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Ingredients: Wholemeal flour, oats, fresh berries (such as blueberries and raspberries), honey, eggs, and a dash of cinnamon.
Recipe: Mix the dry ingredients together, then fold in the eggs, honey, and berries. Spoon into muffin cases and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Ingredients: Ready-made shortcrust pastry, eggs, milk, a variety of vegetables (such as leeks, mushrooms, and peppers), and your favourite cheese.
Recipe: Line a quiche tin with the pastry, then fill with sautéed vegetables and grated cheese. Pour over the egg and milk mixture, then freeze. To serve, bake from frozen at 180°C for 35-40 minutes, until the quiche is set and golden.
These make-ahead meals are not only convenient but also a great way to incorporate more fresh produce into your diet and save on waste for things that would have otherwise gone bad later in the week. Whether you’re a busy professional or just someone who loves to have a backup plan, these recipes will ensure you’re always ready to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal.
Sun-dappled meadows, gentle breezes, and balmy weather… OK so we haven’t had much of that this year, but picnics are still the perfect way to embrace the summer regardless of the forecast. For some, the thought of packing food can feel like a chore, but with a little planning and our list of delicious (and travel-friendly) recipes, you can create a spread that’s both impressive and effortless.
Savoury Skewers: These simple and versatile skewers let you throw together your favourites in a matter of minutes! Thread some cherry tomatoes, chunks of cheese, cooked chicken, and juicy olives onto skewers with some crusty bread on the side for a colourful and satisfying appetiser.
Mini Quiches: Pre-bake some mini pastry shells and fill them with a creamy mixture of eggs, cheese, chopped bacon, and sautéed vegetables. These miniature quiches are easy to grab and go and can be frozen for another time.
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches: A classic with a twist! Ditch the white bread and opt for thinly sliced cucumber as the base. Layer with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a light and refreshing bite. If you’re desperate for some crunch, you could even put them atop some thin slices of rye.
Couscous Salad with Grilled Halloumi: Combine fluffy couscous with roasted vegetables like peppers, aubergine, and courgettes with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Top with sliced halloumi cheese that’s been grilled until golden brown for a delightful smoky flavour and a variety of texture.
Three-Bean Salad: A vibrant and healthy option that’s easy to transport. Mix together some kidney beans, chickpeas, and green beans with chopped red onion (pickled is even better), chopped fresh herbs like parsley and mint, and a simple vinaigrette dressing.
Summer Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt: This is a crowd-pleaser because it’s so easy but also decadent. Combine seasonal berries, chopped melon, and sliced stone fruits in a bowl. Drizzle with creamy honey yoghurt for a touch of sweetness. If you really want to go Mediterranean, try adding a sprinkle of feta for a sharpness that balances the sweet perfectly.
Flapjacks: These chewy oat bars are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. They’re easy to make ahead of time and travel well. Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for a customised flavour. Are you a crunchy kind of person? Just pour the flapjack mix into a shallower pan and turn the heat up a wee bit higher.
Mason Jars: Layer salads, dips, and overnight oats in mason jars for easy transport and portion control.
Leakproof Containers: Pack sandwiches and other wet items in leakproof containers to avoid any unwanted sogginess.
The Cool Factor: Don’t forget a cooler bag to keep perishables fresh, especially on a hot day.
With these delicious recipes and handy packing tips, your next picnic is sure to be a success. At Plumbs’ Dairy we offer a range of fruit and veg, refreshing drinks, and fluffy sandwich rolls, so grab your basket, gather your loved ones, and head out to enjoy the sunshine and good company!
Let Plumbs’ bring the picnic to your door – check out our product range, here
Calling all Cambridge foodies and veg enthusiasts! Ever dreamt of turning your balcony into a mini-farm or transforming a sunny windowsill into a herb haven? This summer, Plumbs’ Dairy is throwing down the gauntlet with our very own Veggie Patch-to-Plate Challenge!
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be encouraging everyone to embrace the joy (and deliciousness) of growing their own produce. It doesn’t matter if you have a huge garden or a shoebox-sized balcony – with a little planning and some TLC, you can cultivate fresh, vibrant ingredients right in your own home.
The benefits of growing your own food are plentiful:
The Plumbs’ Veggie Patch-to-Plate Challenge is suitable for everyone, from seasoned gardeners to curious beginners. Here’s how to participate:
The Plumbs’ Veggie Patch-to-Plate Challenge is more than just about growing your own food – it’s about embracing local, sustainable living and connecting with a community of passionate people. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete newbie, we encourage you to join the challenge. Let’s transform Cambridge into a vibrant hub of homegrown goodness!
Stay tuned on our social media pages where we’ll be delving into beginner-friendly vegetables and herbs to get you started on your veggie patch journey!
With the days becoming much warmer, many of us will be embracing the freshness of spring in our kitchens and opting for lighter meals. In this blog, we will be sharing some filling yet light dinner ideas that are both easy to make and also healthy and hearty. From vibrant salads to comforting pasta dishes, these recipes will invigorate your taste buds and prepare you for the sunny days ahead.
We’re starting our list with a simple yet substantial meal. Begin by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add Arborio (risotto) rice and stir until translucent. Gradually pour in vegetable broth, and some white wine if desired, while stirring continuously. As the rice cooks, incorporate some spring vegetables such as asparagus, peas, and baby spinach. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of flavour.
Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. Grill until perfectly charred and juicy. If you don’t have a grill, you can pop them in the oven at 220C (200C fan) for around 20 minutes. Serve alongside a colourful salad of mixed greens, sliced strawberries, and toasted walnuts tossed in a zesty vinaigrette.
In a large pot, sauté chopped onions and celery until soft. Add fresh or frozen peas, vegetable broth, and a handful of mint leaves. Simmer until the peas are tender, then blend until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a dollop of Greek yoghurt for extra creaminess. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
This makes a great meal for one, or even a side dish for the grilled lemon herb chicken. Preheat your oven and toss a variety of spring vegetables such as carrots, radishes, and new potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until golden and caramelised. Arrange on a platter and serve with a tangy tzatziki-style yoghurt dip flavoured with lemon zest, garlic, and chopped fresh herbs.
Cook your favourite pasta according to package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté an assortment of spring vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, courgette, and bell peppers in olive oil. Toss the cooked pasta with the vegetables, a splash of white wine, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
Combine fresh spinach leaves with sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze made by reducing balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey until thick and syrupy. This salad strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours.
Who could forget dessert? For a delightfully light final course, start by preparing or buying a simple sponge cake, and cut into cubes. In a bowl, mix together some berries such as strawberries and raspberries. In another bowl, whip some double cream with a touch of icing sugar until soft peaks form. Assemble the trifle by layering the sponge cake at the bottom with a layer of custard and whipped cream on top. Spoon some of the mixed berries on top of the whipped cream layer and repeat until you reach the top of the glass or dish, finishing with a final layer of whipped cream and a few whole berries for decoration. Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavours to combine.These springtime dinner ideas are not only delicious but also showcase the variety of fruits and veg that spring has to offer. Join us today for locally sourced fruit, veg, and other produce with free delivery on all orders.
With the last of the frost far behind us, and the warmth of spring breathing new life into the countryside, the Cambridgeshire landscape has become a treasure trove of wild edibles waiting to be discovered. Foraging during the spring is not only a wholesome outdoor activity but also a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the freshest flavours of the season. In this blog, we’ll explore the art of spring foraging in Cambridgeshire, sharing tips, safety guidelines, and some delicious recipes to inspire your culinary adventures.
For more information, check out the Woodland Trust’s article on Foraging Guidelines before you begin as different lands have different laws and you don’t want to get caught out picking a potentially harmful look-alike! Always be 100% confident before you ever consider consuming wild produce, and if you feel uncertain, you can still forage for things like leaves, pinecones, and flowers that you can decorate your house with.
Chickweed: Found all year round, this delicate and tender weed has more nutrients and minerals per ounce than well-known superfoods such as kale and spinach! To cook, simply boil in hot water as you would any other leafy green or you can also eat it raw, making it the perfect garnish for a light salad or even blended to make an earthy pesto.
Wild garlic: This delicate wild herb is usually found from March to May with a milder flavour than the traditional garlic you find in the supermarket, making its leaves a versatile addition to soups, salads, and stews. It’s best to pick these before the leaves before the flowers begin to bloom as the stems can become tough and stronger in flavour.
Sorrel: Tangy in flavour, this plant has been dubbed ‘sour ducks’ and can also be found year-round in open grasslands such as parks, lawns, and meadows. Unlike the others, sorrel is quite a delicate plant in that it doesn’t like being stressed by heat, nor does it enjoy being cut, which means it’s better served as is on a salad or just to brighten up soups and broths. It’s also packed with tons of B vitamins and potassium and is said to aid problems like bloating and skin irritations.
Watercress: This peppery leaf packs a flavour punch and can be found from March to November in slow-moving water, ditches, and ponds (safety before anything else!) It’s important to wash and cook these leaves thoroughly as its habitat means there could be a host of parasites that you don’t want to be ingesting. The plant contains a high level of vitamin K and iodine, which makes it another superfood contender that can be added to your foraging arsenal.
Nettles: Starting from March until the late autumn, nettles are often seen as a pesky weed that catches people barehanded when they least expect it. Once the nettles have been blanched, or even steamed as some foraging experts now swear by, the nettles will have been tamed and you can enjoy the spinach-reminiscent leaves that are rich in vitamin C and iron.
Wild Garlic Pesto: Whip up a vibrant and earthy pesto using freshly foraged wild garlic leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blitz together until a coarse but spreadable paste is created and serve tossed with pasta or spread on crusty bread for a taste of springtime goodness.
Nettle Soup: Transform nutrient-rich nettles into a nourishing soup by simmering them with potatoes, onions, garlic, and vegetable broth until tender. Blend until smooth and finish with a swirl of cream for a comforting meal that will keep any nasty bugs away.
Sorrel Salad: Combine tangy sorrel leaves with crisp lettuce, radishes, and a zesty vinaigrette using the juice of an orange for a refreshing spring salad that celebrates the flavours of the season.
Chickweed Salad: Toss fresh chickweed leaves with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Optional: Add crumbled feta cheese and toasted sunflower seeds. Drizzle with lemon-herb dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Enjoy this refreshing spring salad bursting with flavour!
What better way to connect with your local community than to join a local foraging group or attend a guided walk led by experienced foragers who will be able to put your concerns to rest by helping identify safe plants to pick and consume. Not only will this foster a sense of connection, but will deepen your knowledge and appreciation of wild edibles. With curiosity, respect for nature, and a dash of creativity in the kitchen, spring foraging offers a rewarding journey that nourishes both body and soul. So grab your basket and set forth into the great outdoors – the wild wonders of spring await!
Easter is not only a time of spiritual reflection and renewal but, in modern times, a period when families get together and enjoy egg hunts, roast dinners, and other culinary treats. As spring blossoms, families across the nation gather to enjoy a sumptuous array of traditional dishes that celebrates the start of this joyous season. But why chocolate eggs, and where did hot cross buns come from? This article looks at the origins of some of the most well-known Easter traditions in the UK.
The food we eat at Easter carries a deep and symbolic meaning rooted in history and culture.The tradition of having boiled eggs at breakfast represents new life and rebirth, a fitting tribute to the essence of Easter. These were often followed by the gift of chocolate eggs, which have become synonymous with the holiday, embodying the theme of fertility and the awakening of nature.
The centrepiece of Easter celebrations is undoubtedly the Easter Sunday lunch. A traditional roast lamb graces many tables, its historical significance tied to both Christian and Jewish traditions, symbolising purity and sacrifice. For those who prefer an alternative, roast ham, fish, or even vegan options like a mushroom wellington are also popular choices, offering a succulent and hearty option for the festive meal.
No Easter in the UK would be complete without the spiced sweetness of hot cross buns. Traditionally served on Good Friday, these spiced tea cakes with their iconic cross are a reminder of the crucifixion and the hope of resurrection. Another baked treasure is the Simnel cake, a fruit cake adorned with marzipan, often made during this time. Our latest supplier, Boswell Bakery, offers a range of delicious hot cross buns for just such an occasion. The family-run company has been running since 1992, which ties in with the theme of tradition and community!
While these traditions remain at the heart of Easter, modern celebrations also embrace new flavours and ideas. Local fruit and produce play a vital role in this evolution, offering fresh and seasonal ingredients that inspire contemporary takes on classic dishes. From vibrant salads featuring spring greens to desserts bursting with the sweetness of seasonal berries, these dishes will help cleanse the palate and elevate any meal.
Easter in the UK is a harmonious blend of the old and the new, where time-honoured traditions meet modern culinary creativity. It’s a time for families to come together and create memories over a feast that honours the past while embracing the present. And if you don’t observe the holiday in it’s traditional format, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some chocolate and spend time with your loved ones.