December 20, 2011
Cooking for Christmas

Incredible edibles

I know I have failed miserably to get this out on time for Christmas but for those of you who are at home with the kids or with a bit of cooking time on your hands before New Years Eve it might still come in use. There is always next Christmas and if last year was anything to go by it will be here in no time at all.

With the cost of putting on a fabulous christmas for our families increasing each year the stress of buying Christmas gifts for family and friends sometimes feels like it will break the bank. Why not use your culinary skills to whip up some lovely gifts from your kitchen? Every year I make a few things to give as gifts and they are always really appreciated especially by friends who do not spend as much time in their kitchens as me. Tradition now has it that I make Christmas granola with dried cranberries and mixed spice, Nigella Lawsons Chilli jelly and fresh cream and booze filled chocolate truffles. This year I am also making chocolate discs embedded with crystallised ginger and other dried fruit plus some seasonal sprinkles. There is of course a self indulgent aspect to this as I love the creativity that strolls along with it and its preferable to spending a morning shopping any day.

Packaging materials

When I had my own bakery years ago packaging turned out to be one of the biggest costs. I started to gather clean discarded boxes and recycle them during that time in the early 1980's. Now recycling is part of our culture and gift wrapping does not need to cost too much as boxes can be gathered from the mustard and relish aisle of any supermarket and compartmentalised trays from the cream section for muffins and cupcakes. I buy all my gift wrap and tags in the post xmas sales so always have plenty in stock.

Chocolate size trays from Marmite, pesto or any other small jar trays to give gifts a professional look plus its recycling too so you can wear your one planet hat at the same time. I do however buy small self seal bags as you do need to keep food products safe to eat. I bought my last lot in Bali but found a shop here on ebay that sell these bags very reasonably. I have these in a range of sizes and small ones in particular work well for table gifts and individual biscuits and cakes too.

Wrapping paper, ribbons, stickers and pegs also add a festive look and a store called Tiger is really good for labels, santa pegs and clear wrap. Stickers are also really useful and I have the occasional search on the internet for sticker books. I found Cath Kidston stickers books cheaper on Amazon that they are in the shop and some others which are also very attractive. I use value range chocolate as it has nearly the same cocoa solids (52%) as standard ranges and if I am going to buy good chocolate at a premium price I would eat it as it is. The skill here is to make things that people will really like and eat and to present it in a way that adds a bit of wow factor.

Why not get the Kids involved?

On another level I also feel that it is good for our kids to see us making things that we could buy but can easily make at home. You dont need any specialist equipment but a bit of planning. I actually prefer to potter around in my kitchen (sometimes with a Bailey's spiked coffee) in the run up to Christmas so I dont have to battle the crowds in the high street. Most kids hate shopping but love getting stuck in with a bit of chocolate melting and mixing. Since younger kids do not usually have money of their own its also a good way of them making something really special for relatives, friends or teachers. Learning to give is one of the really important skills we need to teach children particularly in this crazy consumer obsessed world we inhabit.

Simplest of all to make are these chocolate discs. Melt white and dark chocolate and spoon on to non stick paper to form discs around 3-4cm in diameter. Drop on a selection of dried fruits and nuts of your choice. Here I have used almonds, cranberries and crystallised ginger. I also added some sprinkles to add colour and texture.

To merge white and dark chocolate together spoon a little on the a disc and swirl with a cocktail stick. Add your toppings and allow to set. Remember when you melt chocolate if you want it to retain its lovely glossy finish dont let it get too hot as when it sets it will have dull and slightly mottled appearance. You can also play around with sprinkles and glitter.

To package line the boxes with aluminium foil or christmas gift wrap. Line the trays with tissue paper to give an extra festive flourish and cover in clear film. Use attractive labels and ribbons and give with love from your kitchen.

To give as adult gifts I also made some white chocolate truffles with Cointreau and dark chocolate truffles with brandy.

Chocolate Truffle Recipe

Christmas Granola

This is a joyful recipe and the resulting cereal never fails to impress. It is incredibly easy to make and fills the house with the most delicious aroma when in production. Decorate in clear bags, ribbons and gift tags. Add an ingredient list and copy of the recipe for extra value.

Christmas Granola Recipe

Happy New

Year