Old style Preparations for Christmas 2011!!

foxgloves

I like the mincemeat recipe in the Sarah Raven Christmas book. I make it with cranberries, hazelnuts & damson gin (plus the other ingredients she lists). Wish I'd bought more cranberries in January when all the leftover ones were on sale at 30p a bag in Waitrose. I bought some bags & froze them but have already used them for making cranberry & apple jelly. Never mind, will buy some fresh ones from the market to get the mincemeat made, this year, then after Christmas, I shall make sure I buy in a bigger stock of the ultra-knockdown price ones! They last fine in the freezer for a year, I find.

happilass

Hi all,
i'm making Delia's christmas cake for the first time and wondered if I could use some walnuts instead of some of the fruit and port instead of brandy to soak the fuit and later to feed the cake?
Thanks
Happi

ginnyknit

As I got a huge box of suet from approved foods I think I may try the Hm mincemeat as I have loads of whoopsied fruit knocking about. Make the cupboards a bit tidier too

supasick

Started prepping for christmas, which will be a fugal affair due to a house move and living on benefits.

Pressie List

Mom - 3 cookery books, 5 movies, and a satnav
Mom's OH - CD's
Step Sister - 3 DVD's, something girly
Step Sister's Fiance - voucher for next/OCC shirt
Step Nephew aged 2 - Who knows!
Mate - bottle of red wine
mate 2 - voucher for a riding lesson
Mate's OH - book
Mate's son aged 18 months - who knows!

Tips on what to buy young children who have a housefull of toys would be much appreciated! I'm planning on making my own minced pies (not that i eat them).

I love christmas!

Nargleblast

Young children who already have loads of toys.....how about getting them a jumper or hat and scarf set with a Christmas theme, eg reindeers, snowmen etc? Or Christmassy pyjamas? Shouldn't cost too much, and size isn't really crucial, jumpers are always good if a bit oversized as they last longer!

findingmyfeet

happilass wrote: »

Hi all,
i'm making Delia's christmas cake for the first time and wondered if I could use some walnuts instead of some of the fruit and port instead of brandy to soak the fuit and later to feed the cake?
Thanks
Happi

hi there,
i soak my xmas cakes with whatever spirit i have handy at the time, rum brandy whiskey sherry and they have always tasted fine, fed them every week with a spirit too but you dont have to personal choice really-if u dont like alcohol you can soak in orange juice.


well my gifts for brothers kids have all come in under budget-bought yes but at bargin prices. budgeted £15 each but came in at less than a tenner each. so im going to do a small hamper of food with the change because they really struggle to pay the bills every week.
bro working but sil redundant now. so how best to spend the £20 ?

i have jam, marmalade, chutney, pickled beetroot and red cabbage and pickled eggs by the jar load so will put one of each in the box which is costing me nothing. i was thinking of :
biscuits,
cheese biscuits,
tinned meat-ham etc,
tea,
hot choc
but then im stuck-do i go for store cupboard stuff like pasta , rice etc or more fancy stuff for over xmas? what would you all prefer if it was for you ? i would like to get as much as possible for the money.

got 5 50p mugs in town and going to knit cosy's for them , fill them with couple of hot choc sachets, alcohol mini bottle each and couple of chocs then cello wrap for dd to give to her pals-im hoping to come in at around £2 in total each. seen mini bottles in town for 99p (baileys) n vodks shots for 59p. should mention shes 18 and at uni:rotfl:wouldnt want you all thinking i give alcohol out all over the place to kids!!!!!!

ho:rotfl:ws everyone doing? any updates?

ragz_2

I am having to ban myself from christmas shopping for a week. Have been going a bit crazy, buying stuff online then ordering other things to make it worth the postage! Have quite a few pressies bought though.

I managed to get quite a few pressies for under my £10 a head budget so I was thinking of also giving a mug/glass of homemade truffles/sweets to go with them. Anyone got any good recipes or can point me in the right direction?

Have mincemeat in the cupboard but I will make my own as well. Loads of suet left from an AF order. Have volunteered to make mince pies for the mums and nannies christmas party and I'd like to show off

Just printed the master gift list from OrganizedHome's christmas page.

ifonlyitwaseasier

i've done some Xmas research for you all, sacrificed my hopes of a smaller waistline...... lol

Costco mince pies - come in a MAHOOSIVE tray of 11, coul quite easily be cut in half or even quarters (omnomnomnom)
Lidl Turkish Delight - omnomnomnomnomnomnomnom - need i say more!!

findingmyfeet

oohhhhh- my hubby loves turkish delight may have to make a purchase next time i pass a lidl-be a nice little stocking filler............much appreciate your sacrifice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TrixieB

ifonlyitwaseasier wrote: »

i have that same problem with the dark choc coated marzipan.....

To save you the money this year, it seems to have changed recipe and you can barely taste the marzipan!! was so excited when I saw all the lovely Lidl xmas treats and esp this and was sooo disappointed! They better not have messed with the teeny little spongy choc/marzipan square things!!

has anyone seen any candy canes on sale anywhere yet please? Needing for a hamper.