The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Community => Coffee Lounge => Topic started by: FrostyM on November 07, 2013, 12:11:11 am
-
Right this year I am planning on making some of my christmas presents for a few people I think would appreciate it. Some of the ideas I have so far include jars of chutney, onion marmalade, flavoured salts, infused spirits, homemade chocolates and maybe some mulled wine sets. The majority of these are untested so I have to see if they work out. Does any one have any other ideas or any gifts that they have given that were well received?
Also another related question I have some blackberries in the freezer that I was thinking of infusing in a spirit, does anyone know what spirit would be best? Rum? Brandy? Vodka?
Thanks for reading folks :thumbsup:
-
My wife makes chocs and some really yummy biscuits. Not keen on Rum at all FrostyM and I'm not sure blackberries won't just disintegrate?
-
I made raspberry jam last year and gave some jars as gifts. The jars were given back a few months later in the hope of a repeat gift.Unfortunately I didn't get raspberry picking in time to make any this year.
My niece gave me a gift of homemade chocolate truffles in a decorated jar. It was the most proudly received gift I've had, and the chocs were lovely.
-
:wave:
I would put the blackberries in Vodka with a little sugar. Then store in the dark for four weeks, turning weekly. Strain into new bottles... Hic!
-
I make blackberry vodka, and it is scrummy, but I do know that brandy is good too. i always make chocolate florentines as presents and they are so Christmassy and always well received. Last year I also made chocolate dipped candied peel (orange, lemon and grapefruit strips) and they were delicious!
-
I do a fair bit of knitting for Christmas gifts but it might be a bit late now to start a lot of projects? Hats and fingerless mitts in DK and thicker are the fastest things to make, scarves and socks can take longer. I also make jam and dress the jars up with little mob caps made of Christmas fabric and tied on with thin gold ribbon and a fancy tag.
I've also started off hyacinths and other early bulbs in nice dishes and bowls, I keep an eye open for suitable containers in charity shops and jumble sales. Old casserole dishes which have lost their lids look nice!
Best things though are hampers, you can use a paper covered box and shredded newspaper for packing, a couple of jars of home made jam, some home made biscuits, chocolates etc, you can mix in a few commercial products like a bottle of wine.
-
I'm also doing the DIY Christmas gift thing for family and friends :thumbsup: . Never done it before so don't know if it will go down well. I hope so because the parents and grandparents are getting 15 jars each :o . I've made quite a lot :innocent: . 68 jars at last count not including jars already given away and jar that are filling our cupboards :yum: .
As for the blackberries
:wave:
I would put the blackberries in Vodka with a little sugar. Then store in the dark for four weeks, turning weekly. Strain into new bottles... Hic!
I couldn't of put it any better. But don't give it away, drink it. It is for Christmas after all :eyelashes:
-
I've heard that a couple of packets of Werthers original infused in a bottle of vodka gives you lovely toffee vodka. I think it only takes a couple of days too.
I might give this a go with a small bottle (for starters ;D )
-
I've heard that a couple of packets of Werthers original infused in a bottle of vodka gives you lovely toffee vodka. I think it only takes a couple of days too.
I might give this a go with a small bottle (for starters ;D )
Let us know what it's like :eyelashes:
-
I'm also trying the DIY Christmas gifts this year. Mine shall be bottles of spiced mead, jars of raspberry jam (if I manage it), various knitting and raw fleece peg loom rugs. No doubt there will still be some commercial stuff bought, but I am hoping those that receive the hand made will appreciate. I might have to try these infused spirits though!
Dans
-
I've heard that a couple of packets of Werthers original infused in a bottle of vodka gives you lovely toffee vodka. I think it only takes a couple of days too.
I might give this a go with a small bottle (for starters ;D )
Let us know what it's like :eyelashes:
I too am wondering! But also wondering how someone first thought of trying it :-DDD
-
Well I have just put a small bottle of vodka on my shopping list and some werthers so will be making it this weekend.
If my typing is sloppier than usual after that you will know that i have been trying it just a bit too much :roflanim:
-
Vodka and Werthers sales will be on the up, this weekend, as we all rush out to try this!!
I enjoy receiving home made gifts. A friends hubby was handy with metalwork, and he made some nice candlestick holders one year. I think a lot of people would appreciate the idea of homemade things, especially edible goodies. Shortbread, biscuits, chocolates, and make up a little hamper, which can also be good for bottles and jars. If anyone collected sloes, sloe gin is a good present too.
-
We buy jute bags and fill with homemade jams and chutneys. Also buy cider and apple juice made down the lane to go in. And homemade Christmas cakes ..... small ones. Seem to go down well. Visit local farmers/craft markets and buy chocolate goodies etc.
Knit scarves ... also seem popular. Lots of different wools to choose from to suit younger family members too.
Received homemade walking sticks once ..... loved them. Neighbour makes us shortbread .... yum.
Try not to buy from the big shops/companies. Make what we can and then support local crafters/growers.
-
Previously I've done homemade florentines and caramel and chocolate topped shortbread. This year I will do small Christmas cakes in loaf tins decorated with glazed fruit and nuts. Chocolate cake will be an alternative if I know they will prefer it. Most people will also get a wooly hat; although unfortunately I haven't had time to make them myself.
Helen
:thumbsup:
-
The florentines sound lovely. They always look christmassy and are a real treat :thumbsup:
-
This year I have made some jam and pickled onions but these are for New year gifts. What about giving a few packets of veg seeds done this in the past and always well received. I have also made home made chocs and made up in a fruit basket with these added. woman who work would love home made mince pies etc. things like this often mean more than any expensive gift.
-
Wow, so many responses! Thanks everyone :thumbsup:
Today I put the blackberries in with a bottle of brandy. I had considered using vodka but I have some raspberry vodka made so decided to try something different. And don't worry I won't be giving it all away, I will need a sample for quality control :innocent:
I made some chutney at the end of the summer with bits and bobs I had in the garden. I have tasted it and I am pleased with it. I think a few jars of that would go down well but when I made it I used whatever jars I had lying around the place. Would it be okay to take it out of the jars and put it in new ones that I have bought. Sterilising them first of course.
I like the idea of checking around some local markets. I could find some nice things I couldn't make or I might get some ideas of things I can do myself. My Mam currently has the Christmas cake/cupcake/mince pie/cookie market cornered in our family and I dare not compete with her. :D
Also werther's original vodka is a must try, I will have to try plenty of it myself first of course ;D I remember going to a party in college once or twice where a brightly coloured bottle of spirits was handed to me. Being a broke student I wasn't turning down free drink so I swigged away. It was a bottle of skittle vodka made in the same way as your werther's vodka. It dissolved the coulouring from the skittles but not the centre. So you were left with anaemic looking skittles in the bottle when you were finished. The life of a student haha ::)
Anyway thanks for all the ideas. Lots to think about :thumbsup:
-
I don't think it would be a good idea to transfer the chutney even to a sterilized jar as it will come into contact with bacteria and won't keep.
Could you cut some circles of fabric, pretty wrapping paper or even brown recycled parcel wrap, pop these over the lids and secure with wool, string or ribbon? Make labels for the jars too. They will look more attractive than new jars and better to re-use.
You can buy covers and labels but fun and more personal to make your own.
-
I agree with ITH, I wouldn't risk transferring the chutney either. Much better to 'pretty up' the jars that it's already in.
-
Thanks for that advice about the chutney. Prettying up the jars it is :thumbsup:
-
I made some salted caramels to add to hampers last year with my own goat cream and butter, then wrapped them individually in greaseproof paper. They were simple to make and tasted wonderful.
Recipe here:
http://www.thepinkwhisk.co.uk/2012/12/day-3-salted-caramels.html (http://www.thepinkwhisk.co.uk/2012/12/day-3-salted-caramels.html)
-
.....and just a thought, if anyone is making mince pies this year, a friend of mine makes them with shortbread biscuit mixture instead of pastry, they taste super yum but make them small as they're rich.
-
Oooh I love that idea Goosepimple! And whilst you have reminded me - I also make mince pie vodka which was a great treat last year! Just put some mincemeat in vodka and wait a couple of weeks then strain, then drink! :excited:
-
My mouth is watering.
-
not much chance of us remaining slim and sober is there ;D was there ever anyway :innocent:
-
A few years ago as a christmas gift (http://www.pureessencegreetings.co.uk/personalised-christmas-cards-gifts), I made painted pillowcases using RIT dye and paint brushes. I thought the kids would like them for sleepovers and my nieces are still using them almost six years later.
Some other ideas:
Terrariums made from Mason jars filled with moss and ivy.
Hand-knit mittens and scarves.
Potato print T shirts are easy and really fun, or tie-dye t-shirts. My sisters and I made them for all of the kids in our family:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97...m/DSCI0025.jpg (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97...m/DSCI0025.jpg)
I'll be watching this thread for more ideas!
-
Good, timely bump lauren85!
I am going to have a go at these
http://ewespecial.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/dryer-balls.html (http://ewespecial.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/dryer-balls.html)
seeing as. I have a ton of spare fleece...
-
Loving this post :thumbsup: will be keeping an eye on it !
-
Good, timely bump lauren85!
I am going to have a go at these
http://ewespecial.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/dryer-balls.html (http://ewespecial.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/dryer-balls.html)
seeing as. I have a ton of spare fleece...
Love this idea
Keep the ideas coming
-
defo for me recieving and giving. :) OH's sister in cambridge makes her own jams & chutneys, OH brother in cornwall makes his own jam & honey, OH other sister in Harlech makes jam, my sister in Notts makes jam, chutneys and beetroot, snowballs in 'prettied up jars'. we do jam, chutney, beetroot and beach combed things. I do lots of cross stitch, easy to make lavender pouches, cushions etc. I enjoy making each gift and making it personal.
I am liking the sound of the toffee vodka, my sister and mum would like that.....shopping list.....
When I eventually start to knit and :spin: ( :roflanim: ) standby for a whole load of those wooly goodies. ;D
-
If I get time I also do 'cartoon strips' of the person I am giving it to, if they have done something funny this year ;D
I also like to do a hamper for my mum and step dad with lots of local stuff in like, cheese!
-
I have a lot of old fleece as well. I can get some dying practice in at the same time.
-
Going to have a go at these this afternoon too!
http://rosiepink.typepad.co.uk/rosiepink/how-to-make-felted-soaps-and-pebbles.html (http://rosiepink.typepad.co.uk/rosiepink/how-to-make-felted-soaps-and-pebbles.html)
-
Felted soaps are great for keeping kids occupied (and quiet!)
Round soaps are easiest, anything with a pointy corner is trickier ;)
-
Felted soaps are great for keeping kids occupied (and quiet!)
Round soaps are easiest, anything with a pointy corner is trickier ;)
My first attempt is drying :excited: It looks just the right colour for my bathroom too! :roflanim:
-
Take 4 large oranges, pierce each one 40 times with a small pointy knife. Place in a large (sweety) jar and add 40 sugar cubes, 40 coffee beans and a litre bottle of cheap brandy. Shake 4 times a day (if you remember) for 40 days then strain through muslin, remembering to squeeze or eat the oranges. Put into small bottles, or larger ones for those you love well. Nectar :yum: :yum:
-
I love the look of those felted soaps.
-
I love the look of those felted soaps.
I'll take a photo of mine when they are dry, but they look lovely now!
-
And I've put all my unwanted fleeces in next year's runner bean trench :'(
-
Over the last 2-3 years we have given our own homemade hampers to folk at Christmas.
Homemade mincepies, shortie, chocolate covered peppermint creams, pistachio fudge, jams/marmalade, bramble whisky (its like fruit squash :yum:) and plum gin.
They have always gone down very well with folks - especially older members of the family who 'have everything' already.
I also do bowls of hyacinths too (now's the time to plant them up) for giving at Christmas.
I would like to do something with some of the oak that we have cut up from our tree that was pruned but time is against me. Maybe next year.
-
We could set up a proper cottage industry between us. :spin: :knit: :stir: :cake:
-
Short of money friends one year made lovely liver pate packed into scrounged plastic takeaway containers and decorated on top with bay leaves and glace cherries. It was delicious.
-
This year I am giving olive oil infused with chillis that I have grown and beeswax polish which is at this moment hardening in the kitchen :thumbsup:
-
:roflanim: Sally, I think you might need a bit of punctuation there. I read that as the oil was infused with chillis and beeswax polish.
-
:roflanim: Sally, I think you might need a bit of punctuation there. I read that as the oil was infused with chillis and beeswax polish.
It would be different though :D
-
..and I was wonderign how come you got a crop of olives that good in wales ;D . My olive tree is still a baby.
-
:roflanim: Sally, I think you might need a bit of punctuation there. I read that as the oil was infused with chillis and beeswax polish.
It would be different though :D
This is true. ;D