HM Sweets for Xmas Presents - cheap recipes?

bugs

OH did it for me last Christmas - raisins were not bad - chestnuts (not in alcohol) weren't very good. I'm sure there was another one but I can't remember.

The cherries were absolutely outstanding though, I can't recommend highly enough. Keep them away from the little'uns though!

One thing I've had from a v posh choc shop is simple and gorgeous. It was discs of white choc - so melt it, and tip spoonfuls on to g/proof/silicone/marble/whathaveyou - and top each disc with a couple of nuts - particularly remember the pistachios, which looked so pretty against the cream, and walnuts, which make a nice contrast in taste.

They look very impressive for something so simple and you could include bits of dried fruit if you like.

I know that apricots soaked in juice or liqueur are meant to make a nice breakfast or dessert (respectively!) so it'd be worth experimenting.

Let's face it - if it goes wrong, clearing up the evidence won't be a struggle! ;D

r.mac_2

Oh yes, Apricots are good soaked in alcohol

FInd a nice jar, cram in lots of apricots and steep in alcohol (not sure which type is best, brandy good with almost everything *hic*)

Makes a nice present, but even better over ice cream (cold or warm).

I love florentines - which are basically chopped nuts, dried fruit and chocolate - I think there is another ingredient or two though. Brown sugar and syrup I think. yum

Rx

tru

Well I found the book, came on here and found that you lot had beaten me to it, LOL ;D

Saves me having to type it all out ;D

elona

This sounds awful but is actually very nice.
Get a jar and half fill it with dried prunes and then fill up the jar with any (left over?) wine - either red or white.

Leave it for a few days until the prunes plump up and absorb all the wine .

No one who has tried this has believed what they were eating and were convinced that they were posh figs or something sophisticated and expensive.

I suppose you could try this with any dried fruit but i haven't so far.

16011996

got some dried prunes in the cupboard, will give that a go, been wondering what to do with them.

catznine

like 160 i also have some prunes to jazz up! thank you!

16011996

put them in last night, can't wait to see how they turn out, may be a good idea for a prezzie in a nice jar?

raeble

Those are some great recipe ideas. Thanks. ;D

filigree_2

Does anyone know where to get teeny paper cases, for putting home made sweets in? The sort that look like fairy cake cases, but much smaller. I tried Lakeland without any luck, I'm wondering where else to try.

Any suggestions in London or online shops would be helpful.

Otherwise I'll have to buy a box of Ferrero Rocher and carefully save the paper cases!

r.mac_2

i would have a look in a big supermarket. We used to make baby fairy cakes a lot for parties etc, and always bought them from tescos.

hth