Not long till Christmas now! I've been busy making Christmas presents for the past month but it really feels like Christmas now that I've started my festive baking. I debated splitting all my festive bakes into separate posts, but decided to make one massive Christmas post instead. Hope you enjoy it!
First up are the funky gingerbread biscuits I baked yesterday to give to my cousins. They're quite crunchy, definitely more of a biscuit than a gingerbread, so they're good for dunking in your tea or coffee.
My mum helped with the decorating. We definitely have more of a childlike than professional quality. But who wouldn't want a stripey or splodgy dinosaur biscuit?! I don't know why I don't make biscuits more often as I love all my cutters, the dinosaurs in particular.
First up are the funky gingerbread biscuits I baked yesterday to give to my cousins. They're quite crunchy, definitely more of a biscuit than a gingerbread, so they're good for dunking in your tea or coffee.
My mum helped with the decorating. We definitely have more of a childlike than professional quality. But who wouldn't want a stripey or splodgy dinosaur biscuit?! I don't know why I don't make biscuits more often as I love all my cutters, the dinosaurs in particular.
You know it's officially Christmas when you make mincemeat pies. I know many will be disappointed that I used bought mincemeat but I had jars left over from last year and I don't like to waste food. I made my own sweet shortcrust pastry though. It has ground almonds in it which gives the pastry a lovely crumbly texture.
It's also officially Christmas in my household when my Mum makes tablet (fudge/candy). I think we made 5 batches(!) to package up prettily as gifts. Don't even ask how much sugar is involved. It is not healthy!
I have also baked a couple of ginger bundt cakes to give to some aunties and uncles. They look impressive without taking up much of your time and they're perfect for sharing. I think my aunties and uncles will like that it's Granny's sticky ginger cake recipe too.
It's also officially Christmas in my household when my Mum makes tablet (fudge/candy). I think we made 5 batches(!) to package up prettily as gifts. Don't even ask how much sugar is involved. It is not healthy!
I have also baked a couple of ginger bundt cakes to give to some aunties and uncles. They look impressive without taking up much of your time and they're perfect for sharing. I think my aunties and uncles will like that it's Granny's sticky ginger cake recipe too.
And lastly, a rarity on my sweet toothed blog, a savoury creation! I found this recipe for caramelised red onion chutney through the Cake Hunter (she's got a fantastic Christmas Countdown Gifts series at the moment which is worth checking out).
Chopping so many onions was a tearful task and certainly left a strong aroma in the house, but it was definitely worth it. This recipe made 3 and a half Bonne Maman jars worth of chutney. I'm glad there's a half jar so I can keep one for myself to eat with cheese. If I'm not eating cake, I'm definitely eating cheese.
Chopping so many onions was a tearful task and certainly left a strong aroma in the house, but it was definitely worth it. This recipe made 3 and a half Bonne Maman jars worth of chutney. I'm glad there's a half jar so I can keep one for myself to eat with cheese. If I'm not eating cake, I'm definitely eating cheese.
How are your festive plans coming along? What are you all baking for Christmas? The amount of sugar and syrup I have gone through this weekend is insane!
Ah yes, the Christmas dinosaur! He pulls santa's sleigh...and then eats all the children. I too love my dinosaur cutters - particularly the t rex.
ReplyDeleteI'm on top of christmas at the moment which is probably the most stupid thing I can say. I'll be making the staples like mince pies, and a panna cotta dessert. Maybe some other things!
this is just the most admirable set of christmas gifts!
ReplyDeletei am very much jealous that you are not part of my family after seeing this!
my presents mainly consist of bought goods, how awful x
Oh my Jo, you have been busy. And it all looks fantastic. There is nothing like home made gifts and these will be wonderful. I particularly like the look of that fudge! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely lovely selection of festive bakes!
ReplyDeleteWow...you've been busy! Love all your bakes...but I think my favourites are your cute little cookies!
ReplyDeletei love all your bakes. the ginger bundt cake sounds amazing. i love making the chutney, especially when there's a bit left over for me :) i'm a terrible onion cutter and always cry but it's worth it in the end. x
ReplyDeleteI love the gingerbread biscuits Jo, especially the dinosaurs :D The ginger bundt looks like it will be perfect to nibble on with a cup of tea. Lovely selection x
ReplyDeleteChristmas dinosaurs!! Heck Yes!!
ReplyDeleteGoodness! You've been incredibly busy. I love the gingerbread family!
ReplyDeleteWell, now my stomach's well-and-truly rumbling! What a lot of yummy treats!!! I might swap my dinner for a pile of Christmas cakes and sweeties..... ;-)
ReplyDeleteCarly
x
Oooh lovely selection of Christmas bakes and gifts! Chutney is on my 'to do' list for 2013 - hopefully some of it will make it to other people rather than just me. Will definitely check out that recipe!
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