What to take when visiting friends?

Patchwork_Quilt

If you are short of money then buy a bunch of flowers from the supermarket and add your own touches - we have a huge amount of ivy in our garden, so I put some of that in sometimes. When you look at flowers from the florist, they're almost all full of greenery.

Otherwise, we often offer to bring dessert, which saves your hostess some time, and hopefully they will do the same when they visit us.

jackyann

Just thought I'd add a general thought. At this time of year, my mother always bought a load of bulbs and planted them in any nice pots she could get her hands on - old dishes etc. Throughout spring they made nice presents.
One nice touch I always remember is that the Saturday before Mothering Sunday we always took one pot to her friend's mother - her friend had become a GI bride at only 19.

maman

While I'm fine with proper meals, I've never thought my baking skills were up to making gifts.

From the receiving side though I do think HM stuff looks really good wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon. I keep meaning to buy a roll. Also flowers, wrapped in brown paper with raffia, twine or ribbon tied round. I think the presentation really adds to it.

Personally, I buy some special chocs at Christmas and use those as gifts or wine or flowers.

markdebby

hilstep, I have just read your post for tea bread and it looks easy( I am not a cook.:)) you said you set your oven at 160C . my oven is fan assisted would it take the time you recommended or less. Thanks

stardrops42

I love to make my own cold processed soap which I wrap in pretty paper and usually give that as a gift when I visit anyone. Everyone loves it and will often always ask for more when they run out:)

kittycat204

Toonie wrote: »

When visiting friends I tend to just ask, shall I make something to bring with me? Often I get requests for biscuits to go with a cuppa if it's a daytime thing or if I'm going for dinner, I'll make a crumble. Twinks hobnobs are dead easy to make and impress everyone, they are also very cheap to make.

i read this and thought what the hell are twink hobnobs. put it into google which directed me back to a mse thread. there are loads of positive posts. i thought they couldn't be that good. made some last night, they are amazing. should definitely try them, i halved the mixture and made 24 then drizzled with choc.

recipe is

Hobnob Recipe

Ingredients

4oz sr flour
4oz sugar
4oz porridge oats
4oz margarine
1/2 tbsp golden syrup
1/2 tbsp hot water
1/4 tsp bic soda

Instructions

Mix the flour, oats and sugar, melt marg, syrup and water in a pan. Stir in bic soda and add to dry mix.!

Then mix well and make into smallish balls which you then put on a greased tray and flatten slightly with a fork. Put in the oven at 180 degrees C for 15 mins... and cool on the tray. The aim is to get them golden in the oven not brown.!

pls thank twink directly because i don't want to take credit,
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/471992

meritaten

for me - I love flowers! always acceptable as a gift. If I was taking something - that would depend on the host/hostess and thier tastes. If they are gardening nuts - then some bulbs or an unusual plant would be nice. or a nice bottle of their favourite wine? for a tea party - then I would probably bake some biscuits or something unusual out of my fave cake book - like jam doughnut muffins - easy, cheap to make and totally delish!

scottishminnie

Twinks hobnobs are the best recipe ever. Like you, I thought they couldn't be that good but I've lost count of the number of times I've made them and the dozens of people whom I've passed the recipe to. I've made various versions, with dried fruits, choc chips and when I was really adventurous I half dipped one side in milk chocolate, let in dry then dipped the other side in white chocolate. Messy but oh so good.

I like the idea of taking herbs to someone that I'm visiting. I'll remember that for the next time thanks.