Forum Thermomix
Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: Cornish Cream on November 23, 2014, 04:10:43 pm
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To get the forum into the Festive mood MM has suggested that we have a Christmas challenge. ;D
We would love you to share Festive ideas,recipes (old or new) with us all here on the forum. We hope you have fun with this and as usual photos are really appreciated. ;)
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Decided to make some mincemeat today to make mince pies nearer Christmas.Used this Pear Mincemeat (http://www.recipecommunity.co.uk/recshow.php?rec_id=122--) recipe.I only had 600g of pears so cut the recipe by a third.I had to cook an extra five minutes as my pears were not quite cooked after 30 minutes.
(http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad348/Cornish_cream/ed0348cd23f41f77bed7e2e8e912dec1.jpg)
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I had a busy day yesterday making my Xmas gifts, amongst them was this Xmas Rocky Road. It is meant to be white (for Xmas) chocolate, but as I am not fond of white chcoclate, I made it half and half with dark chocolate. The strawberries and cherries were the freeze dried ones from Tastebom and their flavour is really intense. The recipe is heavily based on this (http://www.whyisthereair.com/2012/11/23/thermomix-christmas-gift-ideas/) one from Whyisthereair.
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I thought I had my photos under control .... but it seems not. Anyway, here is (I hope!) my two Xmas Rocky Roads, side by side.
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No, still haven't got it right! Here we go again .... fingers crossed everyone ...
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They look great Marina, very festive.
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This is exactly what I need, something to inspire me.
Denise, a great idea in preparation of Christmas. We love homemade mince pies. The Rocky Road looks wonderful Marina, will the freeze dried fruit stay crispy? A great idea using that for extra flavour.
Off to research.
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Thanks MM & Denise, it seems as if this is just what our members were waiting for.
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I love the idea of a Christmas Challenge and an enormous thank you to CC and Marina for the recipes already.
I love Christmas, the cooking, gift giving and the general atmosphere. Sadly I married a Christmas Grinch who hates it, but he puts up with me and I bully him into sharing it with a forced smile on his face. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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LOL
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Oh Cookie we are the opposite, DH loves it all and I am over all the cooking each year but I think this challenge will lift my spirits and also the GK are coming so have to cook for them which I do love. Friends have even got me doing Christmas sewing which is something I don't do (Christmas sewing that is; do lots of other sewing). Thanks for starting this challenge.
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OMG Marina, where do you find the time to make such delicious goodies.
I have the fruit soaking in Brandy to make my Xmas Puds,(posted). the recipe is easy and makes 25 serves. I make several smaller puds and give them to busy friends. This year I am going to steam some in the TMX , in basins that will fit the basket. these puds will serve about 6. Will let you know how they go.
I am also working on a recipe for gluten free Chocolate Chip Cookies. First lot a delicious disaster. next lot tonight. We will see.!!!
This thread looks like a good idea and I am certainly looking with interest at what the great cooks on here come up with.
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Joining in! I need some inspiration and a boost!
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Yesterday I made my Christmas pudding. It only needs to serve 8 of us, but we love it so much I decided to make a big one. Used a 12 cup pudding bowl. It's huge. There's going to be lots of leftovers.
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I made my christmas pud early october. :)
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I've still got two puddings from last year that I messed up the ingredients when cooking so just left them all wrapped up, I think I might open them this weekend and find out what they are like.
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I will disappoint you all now.....I bought 3 WW hidden cherry Christmas puds today. We had one last year on clearance and loved it. I always, well almost always make my Christmas cake but haven't ever made a pud.
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We don't have Christmas Pudding. Usually something like trifle, fruit salad and something else summery with some sort of homemade icecream cake.
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I've just finished making Peppermint Rounds (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=16039.0), an old recipe Mum has made for many years which I've posted in the Christmas thread. I'm sure many of you know this recipe so I was surprised it wasn't already on the forum.
Batch 1 using Arnotts Malt 'o' Milk biscuits, batch 2 using Griffin's malt biscuits - the packets of biscuits pictured here (https://www.google.com.au/search?q=arnotts%20malt%20biscuits). I prefer the Griffin's as they are darker and maltier and it shows in the following photo.
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I needed three little gifts for three friends this week so made Tenina's Citrus Curd.Review here (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=11004.0;topicseen).
(http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad348/Cornish_cream/4d52f12777aad22cc34c8b6d4d2449d2.jpg)
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Looks delicious CC.
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You're really getting into it CC and it's great inspiration to get us all moving ;D
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Not sure if anyone is interested but steamed my Xmas Puds in the TMX basket and it worked a treat. Not a pretty as when steamed in a basin but so very easy.
Used my recipe for Christmas Pudding with Carrot. made 5 puddings which will serve 5 or 6 people. Generously.
Line steaming basket with oven bag.
Push in 1100 gs pudding mix.
1 liter of water in bowl.
Place basket into machine.
Set 70 mins, 98 degrees, (5), 100 degrees in 31 ,speed 3.
Remove and cool.
To reheat, 30 minutes back in basket or 10/12 minutes in microwave.
Recipe - http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=2393.0
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(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/25/5a404cc85b4bd291e62164859c3ae4b9.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/25/82519449cb057000711b6f250aee18e4.jpg)
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You're amazing Chookie. ;D
Will give it a whirl, no mess with the oven bag.
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Great result Chookie. Thanks for sharing with us.
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What a lateral thinker you are Chookie.
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What a clever lady you are Chookie and a marvelous result with your pud.
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What a great idea Chookie, so clever.
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Judy, thanks for doing the link. This recipe is very good. I use my home made peel but you could use marmalade or a mix of orange and lemon peel . Can half or quarter recipe.
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great idea for the oven bag, will do.
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I make the same ice cream pudding every year; would be in trouble with DH and DD if I didn't but I will try something different this year for a change (as well as this one of course). Will post in Festive.
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Non-perishable hamper contents so far.
Chicken noodle soup in a jar (http://www.allfreecrafts.com/giftinajar/soup-and-side-mixes/chicken-noodle-soup-jar/), Cookies in a jar (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=11970.0), Worcestershire sauce (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=2314.0), Taco seasoning (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=5620.0), French Onion Soup Mix (http://www.food.com/recipe/homemade-dry-onion-soup-mix-110331).
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Judy that all looks lovely, I especially love the "Made by Judy" tags. The recipients are very fortunate.
Chookie, your pudding look great. I used oven bags last year and they are so much easier. I think it was this recipe I messed up last year. I had two recipes on the bench and ended up putting half the ingredients from each recipe!! With the oven bags, I'm assuming you just tie them up and don't put any holes like you do when using them to cook a roast.
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Judy that all looks lovely, I especially love the "Made by Judy" tags. The recipients are very fortunate.
Chookie, your pudding look great. I used oven bags last year and they are so much easier. I think it was this recipe I messed up last year. I had two recipes on the bench and ended up putting half the ingredients from each recipe!! With the oven bags, I'm assuming you just tie them up and don't put any holes like you do when using them to cook a roast.
No holes Wonder, but leave a little space for expansion. I tie with string. trim off most of the bag above the string.
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You have been busy Judy.
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Lovely Judy, you've been busy. :)
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Thanks girls, I just volunteered to do a basket of goodies for Morpeth staff to raffle amongst themselves so lots to do yet.
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Wow Judy, some good ideas there.
i have been playing today. have made walnut, coffee bliss balls rolled in cocoa. will post as I want to make again.
CC, love the lemon butter and Cookie the Strawberry jam.
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Great ideas in your goodie hampers Judy.The winner is going to have a huge surprise. 8)
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You have all been very busy ... I am already envious of whomever wins your hamper, Judy, it will be such a special treat.
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I hope so Marina. Some know I have a TMX so it'll be nice to show them what they could make if they had one too.
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You are so organised Judy, i haven't even thought about Christmas yet! :o
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making stuff for chrissie hampers this weekend. great ideas for me. thanks Judy ;D
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Hi all.
Thanks for participating here. This challenge will really help the world with ideas for Christmas. I'll be sharing your recipes in Social Media.
Any festive recipes that you have, please share.
Enjoy the festive build up
MM
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Walnut and Coffee Bliss Balls(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/26/c1faffbbc4062beaf210428749fb898a.jpg)
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More for the hampers. Basic crepe/pancake mixture (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1617.0) and cake release (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=7350.0).
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More good looking goodies Judy 8)
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great additions
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The bliss balls look great Chookie.
There are going to be some very spoilt people with lovely baskets JD. :D
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Judy, you are such a good girl putting in the links. ;D
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Thanks Chookie. It's such a help and time saving I find.
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I thought I was doing really well with my Xmas gifts ... until I saw what all the rest of you were getting up to and now I think I am not as far ahead as I had hoped. Anyway, here is my lot so far. The empty bags are for Xmas Rocky Road and 3 Minute "Xmas" fudge which I havemade but haven't bagged up yet, the jars are taco seasoning and black forest dukkah. I might also make some of the spice mixes I posted this morning as well, we'll see how energetic I am at the weekend
Now I just have to hope that my photography skills are still up to posting a photo. :o
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Marina, they look great and all your products sound fantastic. Is the recipe for the dukkah on here? I haven't been able to find it.
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Love the labels.
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Wonder, the Black Forest Dukka (http://www.recipecommunity.com.au/desserts-sweets-recipes/black-forrest-dukkah/155016)h is off Recipe Community.
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There's plenty of time Marina, just go along at your own pace. I have to go full bore whilst I'm in the mood as that can change so quickly as it started LOL.
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Marina generously gave me some of the Black Forest Dakkah she made. It looked beautiful in jars with her personalized labels. I rolled chocolate Bliss Balls in it, very nice. Thanks Marina for gift and recipe. ;D
Today I am making small kits to clean jewellery . They will contain a small jar with a 1/2 dishwashing liquid and 1/2 cloudy ammonia. And a soft small tooth brush and a soft cloth . The instructions will say to mix a dessertspoon of the mix with I cup of hot water, soak rings in cup for 5 minutes, brush gently with tooth brush, rinse and dry with cloth. Amazing stuff.
First boxed gift going out today. Will contain, 1 Xmas pud, container of mixed Bliss Balls, jar of Cake Release, container of Savoury Granola.
Think I might make some Lemon and Carrot Sweet Marmalade today.
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Thanks Marina
Chookie I love the jewellery cleaning idea, will use that for my own jewellery, and that hamper sounds great. A few of those things are on my list to make for myslef.
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I also love the jewellery idea, some of mine really needs a good clean. On my list of things to add to hampers, something completely different. Thanks dear Chookie. Would those clothes I gave you be OK to use?
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I've just made a litre bottle of Cookies jewellery cleaning liquid. I bought 6 soft toothbrushes when I was out but the 3 places I tried for jars had none so going further afield later today. I've done my rings and I'm very happy with the result.
I've also made 1 jar of preserved ginger in vodka, will do more when I find the right sized jars. I've tried the liquid from a 7 month old jar of my own preserved ginger - 2 tbspns in a whisky glass topped up with lemonade, a very refreshing drink for summer.
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Judy, the cloths are perfect.
The cleaning mix is from the hem jeweer in Hobart🐶🐼🐷
Don't where they came from.
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Found some little wine bottles, perfect for the jewellery cleaning mix. Thanks Chookie, a nice cheap addition for the hampers. Picked up the soft tooth brushes at a cheapjack store $2.99 for 6.
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Chookie, that jewellery cleaner brings back memories. My mum used to clean her jewellery in cloudy ammonia and it also is good for cleaning the bands of watches. Just hold the watch and dip the band in the solution, I think she may have added a little water instead of the dishwashing liquid though. She also used it for washing her hair brushes.
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I don't normally do hampers as it doesn't work for the people I exchange gifts with. However this year I have decided my brother can be a recipient of some bits and pieces. He and his partner are very foodie. Others love Gentleman's Relish so I will do a couple of jars for them. When I make jam or other bits and pieces I tend to farm them out for feedback.
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The jewellery cleaner looks lovely in those bottles JD.
I received the Thermomix email today and want to make the chilli, beer peanut brittle - it's vegan too. :D
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Chookie, where have you been all my life? The jewellery cleaner is magical, I started with a couple of rings and have now cleaner my entire collection.
Judy your bottles look fantastic. Please make sure everyone is aware to keep them out of reach of kids though. Don't mean to dampen any Christmas spirit.
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I plan to make a list of all ingredients used in each product Denise but will put a warning sticker on the jewellery cleaner xx
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I plan to make a list of all ingredients used in each product Denise but will put a warning sticker on the jewellery cleaner xx
good idea.
Bedlam, you made me laugh. That is exactly what I did. ;D
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Judy, I thought you would but felt I had yo say.
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The cleaner sounds absolutely wonderful ... I assume it works with silver ... what about pearls? I am assuming it is perfectly safe and doesn't damage emeralds / sapphires, etc?
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Marina, I know it is used on diamonds, silver, gold and topaz. I don't know about other gems.
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I have used cloudy ammonia and hot water for years for jewelery, will add the detergent now too.
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I don't think I would use it on pearls Marina.
Amazing stuff for everything else though.
Alfoil and bicarb of soda is great silver . Tablespoon of bicarb and crunched up Alfoil in container with silver, poor over boiling water. My Nan used this method. Then polish with a soft clothe, sometimes if badly tarnished, you need to do it a couple of times
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The alfoil and carb are great. There are also machines that do something for silver. I am lucky in that Ral loves to polish my silver. Must go and cook him something nice for Dinner.
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I have made some of cookies jewellery cleaner kits and miracle clean with instructions laminated on how to make it. Beginnings of Christmas.
Both of these products I will use for a long time yet to come. This is why I have chosen to share.(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/30/f8d9bf1d7e6ca97ca28650c578e51545.jpg)
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I'm also going to do the Miracle Cleaner Denise, everyone I've given it to already just loves it so I need to share it with a few more.
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Judy, I was thinking some of the young ones in the family would like the miracle clean. I can't think how much money it saves over the years.
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Heaps Denise ;D
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Can someone link the jewellery cleaner pwease?
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CP it's on page 4 of this topic,thirteen posts down but I've now copied the jewellery cleaner recipe into the Non-food section here (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=16062.msg380472#new)
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Thanks CC. I am so untidy. With my recipes. They just seem to tumble out.
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Please keep them tumbling out Chookie. ;D
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Probably should have posted the Armenian Nutmeg Cake here. I posted it in Cakes.
http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=16064.msg377435;topicseen#new
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More goodie basket items - Nuts & bolts (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=10974.0) ready for vacuum sealing after a few more stirs and Almond Addiction from Festive Flavours, made 2 batches and once cooled and broken into pieces I will vacuum seal them too.
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My recipe and photo of cassata has disappeared so here's the photo again and when I have time I will post the very lengthy recipe again. Thank goodness I printed it out for myself :-))
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looks good Judy
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Judy I can only imagine how cross you must be after typing out the entire recipe. It is annoying.
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Didn't you save the recipe on your laptop Judy?
It's weird I can see the photos when I access the forum on the Internet, but using Tapatalk the photos are all just question marks.
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I never save my recipes Katie, I print them out which will be handy to have in front of me when I post it again. My notes took a while to decypher.
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Fabulous Judy 8)
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looks great JD , i have only made it once a long long time ago
when franks and i had the restaurant back in the 90s i used to make Zuccotto weekly, its very easy to make and not many ingredients
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Pity you have to type it again Judy.
I would always type in Word and save the document. I'd never type a recipe or a long post directly into the forum, as I've had it "time out" on me or freeze up and I've had to start again.
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Good idea Katie, thanks.
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Judy and Uni, they both look delicious. Bugger about losing the recipe Judy.
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Nutty Chocolate Crunch (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=16069.0)
Vacuumed packed for hampers - this quantity made 5 gifts.
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Almond Bread - my own recipe. I have made the one in the TMX from the Vegetarian book but I get more volume with my Mixmaster and therefore it makes more parcels for goody bags. Vacuumed packed very carefully, perhaps for 1 second before activating the sealing button myself. Crushed almond bread is still delicious but not a good look for a gift ;D
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Nuts & Bolts (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=10974.0). Will have to do another batch of this one.
Loving this vacuum packing, saving heaps on jars.
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Pastilla
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all of the items look great JD well done
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Judy, that all looks amazing. The winners of the hampers will be very fortunate.
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Thanks girls, it's great fun and I'm on the home run now.
Just posted my disappearing Cassata (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=16070.0)recipe again, fingers crossed it will not disappear again.
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I have save it JD ;D
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Yes, good idea Uni. I would suggest to anyone who's going to do Christmas recipes from the forum, do print them out or save them somehow in case we have more forum problems.
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The Zuccotto looks really nice Uni. It would have been a great seller in the restaurant, can it be made In the TMX?
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all looks good Judy :)
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Thanks Robyn.
Tenina's Caramelised white chocolate bark from KIS.
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Wow you have all been very busy and OMG Judy 8) 8) 8)
I don't think I'm going to have time to do any hampers this Christmas. If I do it will be last minute ;D as usual ;D ;D
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I made a huge batch of rum balls yesterday, I think I will do truffles tonight.
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Yes Judy, Some very lucky people who get your hampers.
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I have just made some fruity pear mince from the festive flavours booklet - can't wait to try it in some tarts!
I also made some Cointreau orange curd yesterday from Tenina's new christmix book - looks gorgeous and the jars will be presents for the teachers along with some fudge (yet to be made).
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very lucky recipients of those hampers JD. What brand of white choc did you use for the bark?
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Definitely lucky teachers.
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I used Lindt CP.
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Santa Balls
This is my Xmas gift to all Forum members.
The quality of ingredients is important. Use the best you can afford.
100 g Macadamian nuts, roasted best.
200 g milk chocolate, I used Lindt, but Cadburys cooking chocolate would be O K
2 Tablespoons of cream, 40 mils
400g Xmas pudding. Use a good one. Break into 2 cm cubes.
1 tablespoon of Brandy, rum or a liqueur that will complement the pudding. I used Peach Brandy.
300 g of extra chocolate to dip.
Pen with white chocolate. You can buy these at Supermarket. Queen brand
Method
Grind Macadamia nuts until the size of rice grain. Set aside. No need to wash bowl.
Add broken up chocolate to bowl and grind 10 seconds, speed 9. Scrape down and add cream.
Heat at 50, speed 1 until chocolate is melted.
Add nuts, pudding and liqueur to bowl and mix on reverse, until all is incorporated but fruit in pudding is not cut up.
Use a spatula to see that chocolate and nuts are well mixed through.
Tip into a dish and refrigerate to firm up mixture.
Use a 4 cm ice cream scoop to form balls and roll in hand.
Return to fridge to chill. This will make dipping in melted chocolate easy.
When balls are well chilled, dip in melted chocolate, drain well and place on cooking paper on lined tray.
Decorate however you wish.
Keep in container in fridge, but best served at room temperature.
Makes 25
The bought ones cost $3 each.
Inspiration for this recipe came from Exclusively Food and Nigella. Of course adapted to TMX
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(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/08/eb22f2e2d3ad87b9c3328e9e76a0fadf.jpg)
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Thank you Chookie, Merry Christmas and much love to you and Ral. We feel privileged to have met you this year.
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Thanks Chookie, they look and sound perfect for guests and family.
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Thank you Chookie.They looks delicious 8)
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Thank you chookie, I'm still using last years gift and have 3 Turkish Delights secretly hiding in the vegetable crisper ready for another batch of ice cream.
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Plenty of gift basket items and nibble recipes on here so I decided to change tack and do a couple of vegie dishes which could be prepared in advance of your Christmas lunch to save some time on the day.
Crispy Hedgehog Spuds with Sage (http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1789634/crispy-hedgehog-spuds-with-sage) from a 2011 edition of BBC Good Foods.
I only did 3 x 140g potatoes for this experiment, left them unpeeled, cut through halfway with 3 slashes longways and crossways. Microwave them for 6 minutes (1200W M/W). Open one of the longways slits carefully with a knife and place 2 small or 1 large leaf of sage into the gap, sprinkle with sea salt. Place 1 tbspn sunflower oil (you can use duck fat too) into a small pan which fits into the air fryer, brush all sides of the potatoes with the oil and cook in a preheated a/f for 20 minutes, brushing again halfway through with the oil.
This recipe can be made a day in advance up to the baking stage and for larger quantities you would bake in the oven 200oC fan forced for 30 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
You can see from the photo what happens if you cut the potato too deeply, it fans out but that's fine if you prefer that look over the other two.
Marmalade Carrots (http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1789647/marmalade-carrots) from the same magazine as the potato recipe.
Peel and slice 500 g carrots and cut into 1 cm slices. Place into TM bowl with 25g marmalade (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=2349.0), 15 g butter, 12 g castor sugar, 150 g water. Cook 15 mins/100o/reverse/speed 1/MC in.
Remove MC and cook a further 9 mins/varoma/speed 1 or until cooked to your liking. Place into a serving dish along with the small amount of liquid that will be left. When ready to serve or reheat, sprinkle with chopped parsley. Reheats well.
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They both look lovely Judy. You have been so very busy.
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Thanks cookie, incorporated both dishes into my lunch so not a wasted exercise.
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Looks pretty good to me. Can do garlic bread the same as potatoes poking cheese and garlic butter done the cracks. Wrap in foil and bake.
Love carrots done this way. Thanks for photos and links.
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made my 1st fruit cake, thanks Kimmy for an easy recipe :-*
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Well done Uni, it looks so lovely and moist.
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Potatoes, carrots and cake all look very appetising ... and here I am on a fast day >:( - this is a new form of torture!
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great cake Uni. You Pour brandy over it ;D
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really Mrs B at what stage?. i used port
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Perfect fruit cake Uni.It looks lovely and moist.
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Away from food completely, this is from the website Sistermixin' (http://www.sistermixin.com/product/free-christmas-gift-ideas-e-book/)s free eBook, thanks Katie for the heads up.
Vanilla Bath Milk
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Glad it worked out for you uni. It's a great little recipe. Sadly I can't see the photos. Have tried Tapatalk and Safari but can't see it.
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It sounds like a lovely cake.
Sadly I can't see any photos lately either 😪
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Just made another batch of Peppermint rounds using different biscuits and chopping the peppermints for less time. A great improvement to the recipe, will alter the recipe.
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I've spent the weekend cooking for my hampers, the last two days wrapping and labelling everything and today giving them away!
I made:
Rosemary salt
Saffron salt
Strawberry liqueur
Strawberry liqueur jam
Citrus scented shortbread
Lavender and almond shortbread
Gingerbread
Peppermint rounds
Salted cRamel fudge
Cranberry & Pistachio Christmas
Chookie's coffee walnuts
Now I'm pooped!
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/10/7870a80e720fe7df0212f05b89e375ac.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/10/f887611fad42c5541e94c1d85a6a3cec.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/10/f97457f93a6cfe31d8631b4e661ff2be.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/10/b41bdef241b27f8e88ac4b7367cd64f6.jpg)
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I'm not surprised you are Pooped Sue. It all looks fantastic. Well done.
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ES, wonderful. I want one. Can I choose. .?
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Amazing array of hamper goodies ES 8)
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Could someone please Bump Cookies Nan's Fruit Mince recipe. I don't know how to do it. It is a beauty. I want to use it as a filling in the case for Belgium Lemon Tea Cake. Thought others might also enjoy it.
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Found and bumped Chookie. :D
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Wow ES , what a fabulous job you have done.
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Amazing effort ES, it all looks wonderful.
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looks fantastic Sue
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Wow ES what an amazing effort. No wonder you are pooped :)
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What a wonderful array of goodies there Sue, you did so well to do all that in 1 weekend.
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Wow, looks amazing!
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Great array of goodies ES, i'm sure the recipients were very happy.
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Fantastic job ES! So much joy in giving AND receiving homemade goodies. :)
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Amazing hampers ES.
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CC, thanks for bumping. I am making it now.
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ES what a fantastic assortment of things. Congratulations.
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Fruity mince pies from Festive Flavours. Never made a mince pie before, guess they look OK. Now, how to keep them girls. Giving some to Morpeth for their staff afternoon tea next Friday (not in the hampers, just for them to share on the day) and there's a resident there who loves mince pies so I'll take some into him today. How is the best way to store the others, in or out of the fridge?
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They freeze very well Judy. I store mine out of the fridge, not sure really. They don't last long here.
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I would freeze them Judy :)
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Thanks girls.
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Everyone has been so creative with their Christmas gift ideas. I've been making home made gifts for my close girlfriends for the last two years. I've popped their gifts in the mail (local - pigeonhole style), then left town and gone to Albany for Christmas. I've not received one comment about the gifts, ever. Last year, I made vanilla with heaps of pods, Limoncello and Salted Caramel Sauce. I'm not bothering this year, I just bought something instead. So disappointed.
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I imagine you would be MJ, obviously they did not appreciate the effort you'd gone to. I don't think I'd bother either.
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How disappointing MJ; I love things that someone has gone to the effort to make, especially something like vanilla. I just gave one of my friends a home made denim bag for Christmas and she was so happy with it.
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That's very disappointing MJ. I wouldn't bother either.
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:( how rude of them MJ so much time and effort that goes into making homemade gifts is enormous
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Not to mention the expense, I've spent heaps this year.
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MJ, just plain rude. Most people love home made gifts. Maybe someone pinched them, the goodies not the girls. ;D
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You must have been disappointed MJ.I think homemade gifts are very special.
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Judy, I have never made Fruit Mince Pies either, I am not a big pastry fan, however when I was younger, Mum would always store them in tin(old biscuit tin or similar). They would keep for ages.
I made a huge batch of Gingerbread men a couple of weeks ago for the GK's. They are stored in a tin lined with baking paper with enough to fold over the the biscuits before putting the lid on. They are still crisp. I posted some to Melbourne to my little GS with his Christmas gifts.DIL phoned on Friday to say thanks and she was thrilled with the Biscuits that were in good condition. :)
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MJ, that is so disappointing. Some people have no manners.
I went to a lot of effort to make a "baby cake" with nappies and gifts for a niece and never heard a word from her.
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Thanks Katj, I don't know why I didn't think of that myself. I know biscuits etc last so much longer in a tin than plastic ware from past experience. My tins haven't been used for the past couple of years, I don't have any need to bake much these days.
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Most years I make several things to give as Xmas gifts to my family and friends. This year though I'm taking it easy and not doing much - mainly due to the surgery I'm having this week.
But I have made salted caramel fudge for mine & DH's work colleagues, 15 jars of Dukkah (EDC recipe), a dozen jars of burger pickles (Stephanie Alexander's bread & butter pickle recipe), Bess's tomato sauce and rhubarb & apple chutney.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/13/f0c8f630b1b2fff55b3103058932b094.jpg)
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/13/2b186a6bf0c667fb01b45a935d331eee.jpg)
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Not to mention the expense, I've spent heaps this year.
Judy next year just send your love and IT will be more than appreciated. No need to spend dollars and virtual hugs are free. I am happy to receive hugs or a note saying "thinking of ya" . Actual presents are wonderful but the friendship is worth a lot more .
I nose you love to shop and to give as we all do but believe me knowing you are there when needs be is worth more that frankincense and myrrh .
Gretchen
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Thanks Gert, I know that but I was actually only referring to the hampers for family, friends and Morpeth workers only. This is the last Christmas at Morpeth, next year theyre moving to a new home nearby owned by the same church group so I won't be doing the same for them next year. :-* :-*
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Great cooking Katie. 8) Love the labels.
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Taking it easy yet you produced so much Katie - now why doesn't that surprise me ;D I can't wait to try my jar of bread & butter cucumbers which I know I'm getting ;)
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Very disappointing MJ.
Lovely items Katie. Lots of things for taking it easy 😘 love the labels.
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I'm sure your gifts will be appreciated Katie.
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I made Lemon Bliss Balls at the weekend for our postie and courier ... sadly, they all got eaten! It was my last chance to make anything pre-Christmas, so perhaps I will make another batch as a New Year gift (if they last that long!).
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Katie, your gifts look beautiful and very professional. Good luck for later in the week. We are enjoying beautiful coffee at the moment. , !
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Lovely gifts Katie and beautiful labels and wrapping too. :)
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I made a batch of these Mini Chocolate Christmas Puddings today for some hampers I am making. I have put the recipe in the Christmas section if anyone is interested.
Also made some of chookies Lemon Bliss Balls yesterday but the GK and family have eaten them all :-))
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They look so good Margaret.
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Those look very festive Margaret ;D
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Yummy mab. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
My Christmas hampers are finally done and the first was given to DS6's teacher today. It's beginning to feel like Christmas now.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/15/4fe42cf0772cb21748ea0c7a9807a94e.jpg)
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Lucky Teacher 8)
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Very very professional looking Christmas goodies
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They look lovely Katie and Kimmy.
I made two batches of salted caramel fudge today as I'm catching up with a group of 10 friends this week and we are all exchanging a dozen biscuits/slice/ sweets with each other. We have to make 10 dozen & We will all come away with 9 dozen goodies, plus 10 dozen for the Salvos. My problem is that DH helped himself to some fudge while I was outside looking at the christmas lights we put up today. I need to make more tomorrow, but I've only got two tins the right size and I've run out of brown sugar.I've promised to make a batch just for our family once Ive made enough to exchange
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Your hamper gifts look lovely Kimmy.
Sue, what a great effort by you and your friends.
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What a great idea EmeraldSue. And I'm sure the Salvo's will be grateful for you and your friends generosity. :)
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Sue, that's a terrific idea. Helping less fortunate and a surprise for each of you.
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The Xmas spirit is alive and well, go girls.
Guests sampled the chocolate coated Nougat and loved it. Thanks for recipe and suggestions.
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My Christmas hampers ready to go.
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Lovely hampers everyone.
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All the hamper goodies look fantastic.
What a lovely idea ES. You know they will taste good as DH has already tested them. :D
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Gorgeous Christmas goodies girls. What lucky friends you have.
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great hampers everyone
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Wow Judy the hampers look fantastic. You've been busy.
Lovely idea ES. Very generous.
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The hampers are beautiful, Judy! And ES, that's a wonderful idea... ! :)
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Fantastic hampers Sue and Judy. 8)
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Impressive work on the hampers Judy & Sue. Lucky recipients, that's all I can say!
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Thanks girls, glad they are all finished.
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The hampers look fantastic Judy, a lot of work too.
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A great deal of work Judy but I am sure they will be appreciated.
ES what a lovely thing to do.
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Wow Judy Wow! That is just amazing.
I can finally see photos again in Tapatalk 😃
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I finished my hampers today.
Strawberry Jam for all the hampers and an extra jar of Apricot Jam for one hamper.
Walnut Refigerator Biscuits
Mini Chocolate Christmas Puddings
Peppermint Rounds
Mint Slice Balls
Peanut Butter Bonbons
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Look great Margaret, where did you get the jam labels from?
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Lucky recipients everywhere.
Hope you're feeling ok Katie.
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Fantastic hampers Margaret 8) I like your idea of putting them on a cake board,very clever ;)
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Well done ladies - your hampers look fantastic. Finally made a start on my Christmas cooking with almond bread, Christmas cake, Judy's Chocolate Crunch, honey biscuits and peppermint crisp fudge.
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Look great Margaret, where did you get the jam labels from?
Judy, I made them on the computer,
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Love your hampers Mab. Some very lucky recipients.
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Your hampers look great Mab, well done!
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Wow, beautiful hampers. I think I might need to improve my presentation.....next year! Mine will just be popped into a gift bag.
Made a big batch of taco seasoning last night, and just doing some shortbread biscuits today, and I think that's about it. Some are getting other little gifts popped in - little items I have found during the year, or for my sister I have knitted a cowl and also done glass etching on some old moccona coffee jars.
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fantastic hampers :)
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Wow, beautiful hampers. I think I might need to improve my presentation.....next year! Mine will just be popped into a gift bag.
Me too, Jo! ;D ;D
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I like the idea of
shoving placing it all in a Christmas Bag.
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Yeah, Beautifully presented Mab. Wished I had the creativity to think of a cake board. My kids are getting their hampers in a gift bag. How will I remember for next year. :D
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Wow Mab, looks great.
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Wow ! So many lovely ideas girls...
You sure have been busy these days!
I might be a little late to participate in the topic but ... better late than never. ;)
I made White Torrone with Nuts and Fruits; and Hazelnut Chocolate Torrone this year. Each make 3 nougats.
Homemade Vanilla sugar also could be a nice gift idea..
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They look lovely, farfallina. If I didn't already have my gifts made I would be very tempted to try yours ... in fact, I might try them anyway and make them New Year gifts!
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That nougat looks great Farfallina.
All the Christmas treats looks amazing, I'm sure there are some very happy recipients around. I finally managed to make some Cookies and Cream fudge and Rocky Road last night and will need to make a few more things over the weekend to give as gifts. This thread has provided great inspiration I just need to be at home to cook now.
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I am making heaps 2morow. :) :)
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I made cookies & cream fudge, cinnamon biscuits, citrus scented shortbread and peppermint rounds. I found some lovely stackable tins at Kmart and have used these for my goodies.(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/20/d54a103ca1d49f67f9cd4867995ca791.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/20/1a8e3895880c9b8000f46270f3240dbf.jpg)
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Wow Sue terrific cooking 8)
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Looks great ES! I am sure they will love your goodies.
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Love your tins Sue.
Pork looks delicious Chookie.
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Everyone has done so well, looks fab. Great tins ES, great gifts.
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love the tins ES
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Chookie, I made a batch of your Lemon Balls last night. Very yummy indeed, a nice change from the chocolatey ones. :)
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Wonderful cooking everyone.
Love your tins ES.
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also done glass etching on some old moccona coffee jars.
Any more info or pics to share please jo? I have quite a collection these jars in various sizes that I can't bring myself to throw out and I'm looking for ideas on what to do with them all. Thanks xx
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Very clever Jo.