Christmas Challenge 2014.

[obbie]

all looks good Judy

[judydawn]

Thanks Robyn.

Tenina's Caramelised white chocolate bark from KIS.

[djinni373]

Wow you have all been very busy and OMG Judy 
I don't think I'm going to have time to do any hampers this Christmas. If I do it will be last minute  as usual 

[obbie]

I made a huge batch of rum balls yesterday, I think I will do truffles tonight.

[Bedlam]

Yes Judy, Some very lucky people who get your hampers.

[jo_nz]

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).

[CreamPuff63]

very lucky recipients of those hampers JD. What brand of white choc did you use for the bark?

[cookie1]

Definitely lucky teachers.

[judydawn]

I used Lindt CP.

[achookwoman]

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

[achookwoman]

[Bedlam]

Thank you Chookie, Merry Christmas and much love to you and Ral. We feel privileged to have met you this year.

[judydawn]

Thanks Chookie, they look and sound perfect for guests and family.

[Cornish Cream]

Thank you Chookie.They looks delicious 

[CreamPuff63]

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.