Festive Makes and Festive Bakes

Hello everyone, well am I enjoying these delightful "in-between" days of the Holidays - these are some of my favourite days of the whole year. 

I thought I would share what I have been up to over the last few weeks with crafting. 

First off, we have my what has become a traditional (and expected!) gift from me, lavender scented hearts...

Each one is slightly different...

I love the wintry fabric I chose for the hearts...

A different fabric, loved this too (the fabric shop had some great selections this year, it was hard to choose which ones to purchase!)

Then there were potholders in festive colours...

Here is everything together...

Now on to edible treats... mincepies with homemade mincemeat...

 

Truffles...

Boxed and wrapped ready to go...together with bags of caramel nuts and peanut butter fudge...

The house smelled like I imagine the shop in Chocolat smelled like!!

I get such a lot of joy from making these simple things for my loved ones, and judging by the response folks enjoy receiving them too.  Yes, it would be easier (and sometimes cheaper!) to buy things from the shops but I do get such a lot of enjoyment making them.

Did you make or receive any handmade gifts this year?

Helenxx

Advent Calendar door 22

We have reached the point where, as in many homes at this time of year, much baking and cooking of traditional seasonal goodies is in full swing.

Even though my children are in their late teens and early twenties they still enjoy baking cookies, mince pies and veggie sausage rolls with me!  I treasure these times, and always remember when I used to do the same thing with my Darling Mum.  In fact, I will be cooking with her on Christmas Day all being well.

I love this picture of a little family of Christmas folk getting around the table baking together :)

image from Google

Helenxx

Festive bakes!

Following on from my "Festive Makes" post yesterday I thought I would follow this up to show you my "Festive Bakes".  Each Christmas I make a variety of chocolates, biscuits and treats to give to my loved ones.  This usually entails about 9 hours in the kitchen, but I like to think that the results are worth the effort!

Here are some of the things I made this year:

Rich chocolate truffles, dusted in dark cocoa powder and iced with white chocolate - my trusty tasting team (DH, DS x3 and DD) and declared these as delicious.

Peanut brittle, probably my favourite of all the treats I make, I have to admit that I made a few extra for me to eat...

Vegetarian-friendly Rocky Road, I replaced the marshmallows with glace cherries and candied peel.

Here is everything boxed and bagged ready to go into gift bags. 

At this point I must add my personal thanks to the afore-mentioned intrepid taste testing team, who selflessly give of themselves to quality assure the goods before they are dispatched.  Truly heroic effort from them as usual this year ;)

Did you make any gifts this festive season?  Would love to hear about them!

Helenxx