Christmas Hamper Ideas

[Very Happy Jan]

We all have something we are good for though, thank goodness. Mmm, now what is it that I am good at 

Well JD -from the feelings I get from reading your post I think you talent is being a welcoming & positive person- you alway have something nice to say/share.

[bron]

I have a recipe for Turron. Does anyone know what that is? Its like a slab of Halva (or similar...I think?) made with lots of sugar and almonds, its delicious and comes in all Spanish Hampers.

Here is the recipe, I tasted it at my last cookery class and its really nice! But you need to make it soon, as it takes a few weeks to set properly!

250g sugar
peel of 1 lemon, no pith
300g roasted almonds (keep a close eye on them in oven as they roast quickly)
1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 Blitz sugar 30 seconds speed 5-10
2 add lemon peel repeat 30 seconds speed 5-10
3 add roasted almonds and cinnamon, program 15 seconds speed 6.
4 Scrape down with spatula, and program speed 6 (no time) until all the oil comes out of the mixture and it looks like sawdust, at least 2 to 3 mins, but keep checking.
5 Ideally its supposed to go into a special wooden box for Turron (which soaks up the excess oil), however at the cookery class, they lined a tupperware (chocolate slab size) with plain white paper,  pour mixture or spoon mixture in, push down with a spoon, and cover with paper to soak up excess oil, place a kilo of rice or heavy packet of something on top. You may also need to soak the oil up with some kitchen roll underneath the paper and on top, change that when needed. Store somewhere dry and check daily to remove excess oil. You can wrap it in pretty transparent paper with ribbons will try and find a photo somewhere to show you all what Turron is! Any queries, please ask!

[Thermomixer]

Thanks bron.  There was a recipe in a recent Aussie mag Aust gourmet Traveller - but the sugar was caramelised, which the TMX won't do.  I made some for MrsT and it was like Almond Brittle

This sounds like a softer version.  She may like it.  She certainly liked the other one.

[judydawn]

We all have something we are good for though, thank goodness. Mmm, now what is it that I am good at 

Well JD -from the feelings I get from reading your post I think you talent is being a welcoming & positive person- you alway have something nice to say/share.

Must have missed this posting VHJ and I thank you for your lovely words.  I've had a lot of knocks in my lifetime and I only treat people the way I would like to be treated - it isn't hard.

[bron]

Thanks bron.  There was a recipe in a recent Aussie mag Aust gourmet Traveller - but the sugar was caramelised, which the TMX won't do.  I made some for MrsT and it was like Almond Brittle

This sounds like a softer version.  She may like it.  She certainly liked the other one.

Oh yes, its lovely and soft, am sure Mrs T will love it! My friend made it at the weekend, and its lovely, easy and quick, and she says you dont have to wait a couple of weeks, the following day it was perfect!

[Nay-nay]

This is a great thread, lots of ideas.
Another suggestion is cookies or brownies in a jar - with a lovely lid they look great.  I did one for a playgroup raffle and it was very popular.  My suggestion would be to leave out nuts though just in case of allergies.  This site Bakerella http://www.bakerella.com/mix-things-up/ has got a good recipe plus lots of other ideas.
I am also doing vanilla, and not sure what else yet.  I normally cook peanut brittle, peppermint logs etc and will possibly do that again.  This years hampers will go in Ecobags as well.

I just love, love, loved this idea! Now mine isn't as professional looking but my niece loved it! I got her some tickets to see Angelina Ballerina at the playhouse theatre and wanted a unique way to gift it. This was perfect - I attached ticket with curling ribbon, called the mix Ballet Bickies and added a headband with tissue paper into the top of one of those coffee lids. 

[judydawn]

Great idea nay-nay. I have the one from Bakerella printed out - will do them for gifts throughout the year as I'm just not up to it this year.  If only I could get back to the Las Vegas m & m store to get themed colours (eg footy team colours etc).  They have ceiling to floor panels of all the different colours they make - it is absolutely amazing and I have spent hours in there.

[Thermomixer]

They look great Nay-nay - good work

[I Love Bimby!]

Looks fantastic NayNay!!! What a great idea using the themed headband in the lid too!

[Nay-nay]

Woohoo! Finished my teachers "Thank you" presents today! Now I found some shrink wrap in the cheap shop for only $1.80 and it finshed it off nicely. Baskets, bottles, brown paper and string I already had collected in my hoarders cupboard of shame - so put to good use.  
Now there is raspberry cordial, tomato sauce, passionfruit butter, mayonnaise, vegie shock, strawberry jam, Worcestershire sauce and mango chutney.

[Chelsea (Thermie Groupie)]

I may have to print these photos out in preparation for when I return to teaching one day.  I could distribute them to the parents at this time of year as a little hint . . . . 

[cookie1]

Wow, they look so lovely. Your children's teachers are very lucky.

[I Love Bimby!]

Wow! Very impressed!!!

[I Love Bimby!]

Nay-Nay -is it possible to get your raspberry codial recipe please?

Thanks 

[I Love Bimby!]

oops  just found the recipe in the EDC.