❄❄ Let It Snow ❄❄ :: Christmas 2012 Chatter Thread

long time lurker.

I live and work in London but I'm very much looking forward to going "home" back to Staffordshire next weekend. I've done lots of online shopping and had all of the parcels sent there, can't wait to review the purchases and wrap them all whilst watching Elf!!

I made some cranberry and almond fudge last night as well as some honeycomb to see what the recipes were like and if they would be suitable for Christmas gifts, the fudge is delicious! I made Baileys and white chocolate fudge last year but fancied trying something different this year. The honeycomb was fun to make but I think I burnt it a tad, I'll have to have another test run! (If anyone wants recipes let me know!)

Ruth_honey wrote: »

Lol! Given or received? Hubby has told me that it should be a new year gift. Something to do with Bringing luck & warmth into the home.

Edited to add: found this necklace of 'coal' which I think is just brilliant. Shall I be naughty so I can get one? http://www.etsy.com/listing/83146236/naughty-christmas-coal-black-tourmaline?ref=sc_4&sref=

lol giving. and i like that!

Just got in from the local Xmas fair. Have to say I was a little disappointed this year. There weren't any craft stalls at all! There were a couple of tombola stalls, a hot dog stand and some fair rides. That was it! The kids saw Father Xmas so they were happy although I wasn't very impressed that the pressies he was giving each child consisted of a family size mint Aero! I've had to drag them away from my 2 after they'd eaten half for fears they would be extremely sick. Lol. :eek:

On a lighter note. I rearranged my living room today to make room for the tree going up on Saturday. :T

Festive Treats

Cranberry and Almond Fudge


50g butter
397g can of condensed milk
500g granulated sugar
1 vanilla pod split lengthways or 1tsp vanilla extract
40g blanched almonds, chopped
40g died cranberries, chopped

Line a 20cm square tin with baking parchment and lightly grease.
Put the condensed milk, sugar, butter and vanilla into a heavy-based saucepan with 125ml water and cook over a very low heat for about 10mins, stirring all the time, until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Turn up the heat and boil for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should bubble the whole time but make sure it doesn’t burn. After 7 minutes drop a little of the mixture in to a glass of cold water – if it forms a ball when it is rolled between your pictures ad thumb it is ready.
Remove the pan from the heat and put on a cold surface for 3-4mins.
Tip the almonds and cranberries into the mixture and beat well – don’t skimp on this stage, as the beating is very important for the consistence of the fudge.
Pour in to the prepared tin and leave to set for about 3-4 hours.


Honeycomb

Oil for greasing
4 tbsp of Golden Syrup
200g Caster sugar
1tbsp Bicarbonate of Soda

Line a 20cm square cake tin with baking parchment and slightly oil.
In a large saucepan gently heat the golden syrup and caster sugar until dissolved.
Increase the heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and is a darker caramel colour.
Remove the pan from the heat and quickly whisk in the bicarbonate of soda – it will froth up quite a lot.
Pour into the prepared tin and leave to set for around 30mins.

Thank you Abatha, will be adding fudge to the foodie hamper list

As always, you lovelies have inspired me! Am currently sat in my craft room making festive wrapping boxes to sell at the Christmas fete - I figure any that don't get sold, will be pinched by me - I hate wrapping!

Some beautiful trees going on!