Edible Xmas gifts that can be made well in advance.....

Anglea

Anyone doing advance planning for Christmas?

mum2one

Anglea wrote: »

Anyone doing advance planning for Christmas?

def intend to start the food planning ideas, plan to have test run of some new ideas from the thread, xx

NickyBo_2

Bumping this as I thought people might be interested for this Christmas.

I will be making various chutneys as they were a big success last year. I will also be making flavoured vodkas and different fudges again, just extending who I give them to. Last year I only gave the fudge to my Dad but he went absolutely crazy for it so I will be making little gift bags of it for lots of people. It will be an extra gift rather than a replacement gift for some people as I'm not sure how ready some of DH's family are for their presents to be completely homemade, if you know what I mean . I will use the fudge to test the water.

nic2075

I love the ideas on this thread and have used it the last 2 years.
I plan to make chilli jam, piccalilli, Scottish tablet, bramble jam. Home made Ginger beer, hm wine and beer (oh is doing this but I'm helping).
I got a few 3 packs of Kilmer jars from Asda a while back and have been saving all the lovely jars from my Asda extra special jam.
Looking forward to starting and getting me in the mood.

NickyBo_2

Nic - the chilli jam sounds like something my DH would love, do you have the recipe for it please?

I too have been saving my little jars and also the little mini wine bottles as I use those for the flavoured vodka.

I need to search out different fudge recipes. Last year I made a plain fudge and the Baileys and white chocolate fudge, it was delicious and SO easy! I bought some Christmas silicone ice cube trays - one with big Christmas trees and the other with snowmen - and made shaped fudge, I couldn't believe how easy it was and it looked so effective. My niece loves fudge so I think I'd like to make her a giftbox full of different flavours.

SeaBee

Thanks for bumping this thread Nicky, I got some great ideas from here last year.

Just gearing up to start making jam for gifts and store cupboard having hoarded jars all year. Starting with Delias strawberry preserve today. Will also be making more lime pickle, chutneys and marmalades along with flavoured vodka.

I've made sweets before and may well do again, though I'm doing a sugar craft course starting in September, so everyone may get a Christmas cake instead.

Nicky I made my chilli jam using Nigellas recipe last year, it's fab on sausage sarnies and looks really pretty in the jar!

Could you post your recipes for white chocolate and Baileys fudge please, they sound lush!

NickyBo_2

This is the Baileys and white chocolate fudge recipe. I think I actually got it from this thread last year . This recipe has been tried and tested by me and it is really easy and tastes gorgeous!

Baileys Fudge


500g golden granulated sugar
500ml whipping cream
50ml baileys
150g white chocolate


1. Butter and line a 22cm x 22cm tin (I use cling film). Put sugar, cream and Baileys in a large pan and, stirring slowly, bring it to a simmer. Make sure the sugar is dissolved (it will stop feeling 'grainy' on the base of the pan), then turn the heat up to a rolling boil.

2. Adjust the heat until the mixture bubbles without getting too near the top of the pan. Keep bubbling, stirring occasionally, until a small amount of mixture dropped into a glass of cold water will form a soft ball that you can pick up on the end of a teaspoon.

3. When it's nearing readiness, the bubbles will go from being large and unruly to smaller and more even. Stir in the chocolate and, after it's melted in, pour the mixture into a tin. Cool and cut.

nic2075

Nicky, its the Nigella one I was going to use too.

Thanks for the Baileys fudge recipe, I'll be trying that too.

I plan to invest in a good sugar thermometer. My fudge is hit or miss. Hopefully the thermometer will help get it right everytime.

Giggle

Can anyone help please my friend wanted some blackberrys so i said i would pick some for her (loads where i live and she lives in a town) i thought i seen somewhere the best way to get all the little bugs out of them is to put them on some kitchen roll with sugar on is this the best way

gibboelli

Potentially dim question: What are you guys using to make your jams and chutneys pan wise? Would a bit saucepan do or do you really need a preserving pan?