As the holiday season twinkles around us, the team at AF-Consulting extends heartfelt wishes to you and your entire workforce for a joyous and Merry Christmas!

In the midst of managing the intricacies of your business throughout the year, your dedication and perseverance have been nothing short of remarkable. At AF-Consulting it has been our privilege to partner with you on your journey. We’ve witnessed first-hand your passion for fostering a positive work environment, nurturing talent, and upholding the values that define your organization.

As HR consultants, we understand the significance of a cohesive and motivated workforce. We’ve seen the magic that happens when businesses prioritize their employees’ well-being, growth, and happiness. Your commitment to nurturing a vibrant workplace culture not only enriches the lives of your employees but also contributes immensely to the overall success and sustainability of your Business.

Amidst the twinkling lights and the joyous melodies of this festive season, we hope you find moments of tranquility and joy with your loved ones. May this time rejuvenate your spirit, inspire fresh ideas, and pave the way for a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead.

Every holiday gathering needs a showstopper on the table. Something flaky, cheesy, meaty or Christmas–shaped (or maybe even all four) are our usual requirements—something that really says Christmas. Here is Arina & Elodie recipe for 2024:

1. Sausage Roll Wreath

Servings: 8          Prep Time: 10 mins         Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh sage
• 12 oz. sweet Italian pork sausage, casings removed
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• All-purpose flour, for surface
• 1 pkg. (400g) puff pastry, thawed
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard, divided
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 tsp. toasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 tsp. poppy seeds
• Cranberry chutney or cranberry sauce, for serving

Directions

Step 1

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots, about 10 minutes. Stir in rosemary and sage. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Let cool 5 minutes.

Step 2

Into bowl with onion mixture, crumble sausage and add parsley and Worcestershire; season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.

Step 3

On a lightly floured surface, roll pastry to a 14″ x 12″ rectangle. Cut in half lengthwise. Spread 1 1/2 tsp. mustard along one long side, leaving a 1″ border. Form half of sausage mixture into a 14″-long log on top of mustard. Pull long side closest to you over sausage mixture. Brush pastry on other side of sausage with egg wash. Pull just enough of brushed pastry over to cover remaining sausage by 1/2″. Trim excess and pinch sides together to seal. Arrange sausage roll seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mustard, sausage mixture, and pastry.

Step 4

Brush ends of rolls with egg wash, then join and pinch ends together to form a circle. Refrigerate until pastry is cool to the touch, about 25 minutes.

Step 5

Place a rack in center of oven; preheat to 200°C. Using a sharp knife, make 1″-long cuts in roll every 1 1/2″, leaving the inner circle of pastry connected. Twist each cut section sausage side up. Brush pastry with remaining egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame and poppy seeds.

Step 6

Bake wreath, rotating sheet halfway through, until pastry is puffed and golden brown and sausage is cooked through, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes.

Step 7

Transfer wreath to a platter. Serve with chutney alongside.

2. Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers

Servings: 12       Prep Time: 10 mins         Total Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen spinach, thawed, liquid squeezed out
• 6 oz./170-gram cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 3/4 cups canned artichoke hearts, drained, chopped
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• All-purpose flour, for surface
• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (from a 400g pack),thawed according to package directions
• 12 skewers
• 6 slices Provolone/Mozzarella or any cheese of your choice

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 200°C. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. In a large bowl, combine spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and artichokes; season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 2

On a lightly floured surface, roll puff pastry sheets to 15″ x 12″ rectangle about 1/8″ thick, trimming if needed.

Step 3

Spread spinach mixture in an even layer on one pastry sheet. Top with other pastry sheet, lightly pressing to adhere. With the long end facing you, cut out 12 (1″-thick) strips.

Step 4

Working one strip at a time, fold dough back and forth in a zig-zag motion, with each layer getting narrower than the last, to create a tree shape. Arrange filling side up. Skewer each tree from bottom and through top, making sure about 1/2″ of the skewer shows at the top. You may have to separate the layers after skewering so they aren’t smushed together. Arrange on prepared sheets.

Step 5

Bake trees until puff pastry is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 6

Stack 2 slices of Provolone or Cheese of your choice. Cut out small stars with a small cookie cutter or paring knife to get 4 stars; repeat with remaining Provolone. Carefully skewer stars onto top of trees.

From all of us at AF-Consulting, we thank you for entrusting us with your HR needs and allowing us to be a part of your business journey. Here’s to a Merry Christmas filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments.