hillfamily Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 I don't like seeing Christmas in the shops this early I have quite a few friends and family with birthdays between now and December and I have to think early to get them something otherwise the only options in the shops are Christmas Gifts I'm making almost all of my Christmas presents this year, so I've already started gathering bits and bobs and will be commencing baking and making in the next week or so :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 I have the fruit for 6 large Creole cakes steeping in my fridge at the moment. The fruit steeps in alcohol for two weeks, then I add more alocohol and let it steep for a further week. Then I make the cakes, and they take 3 months to mature. Once I've made those, I'll be doing the ordinary iced cakes, which don't require steepingm, but do noeed to be fed for 6 weeks or so before they are marizipanned, And once I've made those, I'll be making the puddings, which need time to mature, But I still hate seeing Christmas stuff in the shops already! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 I love Christmas and always try and take the first week of December off to get organised. I start buying pressies in May/June as I enjoy it and it spreads the cost. Can't abide any Christmas shopping in December. Hate the crowds and the commercialism of it all. People think I am mad doing Christmas shopping in the summer, but it is so much easier (if you can find the presents hidden away, somewhere in the house )!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 I have the fruit for 6 large Creole cakes steeping in my fridge at the moment. The fruit steeps in alcohol for two weeks, then I add more alocohol and let it steep for a further week. Then I make the cakes, and they take 3 months to mature. Is that the Delia Creole cake Hazel? If so I make one every year,but never had thought of making more for pressies.Its a fantastic cake,my absolute favourite! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfrock Posted August 25, 2008 Author Share Posted August 25, 2008 I have the fruit for 6 large Creole cakes steeping in my fridge at the moment. The fruit steeps in alcohol for two weeks, then I add more alocohol and let it steep for a further week. Then I make the cakes, and they take 3 months to mature. Is that the Delia Creole cake Hazel? If so I make one every year,but never had thought of making more for pressies.Its a fantastic cake,my absolute favourite! ooh just checked out the recipe and it sounds fab! Any idea how much they cost to make? (sorry to ask such a question ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Our local branch of Age Concern has got Christmas cards already I have bought a couple of presents when I have stumbled across suitable items. We have booked a few days away to visit relatives and exchange gifts just before Christmas and OH has to sort out when his office will be closed over the Christmas period when he had his end of year partners meeting usually between Christmas and New year of the previous year. I would hate to be a retail buyer who has to think of Christmas as soon as the previous one is over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlo Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 We had a trip to London on 13 August and I had to make a swift exit out of Selfrideges when I saw all the Christmas stuff. At least normally the shops wait until the kids are back at school! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanbb Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 I see that some of the local resturaunts are now taking bookings for Christmas here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Who will spot the first Christmas Tree. Let's have a competition...with photos. I remember a couple of years ago seeing one in a pub up the road on October 5th. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Christian, I don't suppose I could have your Christmas pud recipe ? I have never made a proper Christmas Pud so a tried and tested recipe would be appreciated ( I could really impress my folks!) also where's the best place to get a pudding basin? ( I have got a small one but I need that for steamed jam sponges now the weather is getting colder!) I 'spose I had better apply myself to making a crimble cake soon.........for some reason the OH only eats it with custard or ice cream! ( but having tasted his Mums cake I can understand why- an alcohol free christmas cake yuk!) thanks Mrs Webmuppet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 I've just sent you Christian's recipe via PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Thank you Pam.............I can see a day of being a domestic godess coming up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Who will spot the first Christmas Tree. Let's have a competition...with photos. I remember a couple of years ago seeing one in a pub up the road on October 5th. Probably me I'm well known for m love of the festive season so couldn't resist Christmas threads Buffie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard T Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 I 'spose I had better apply myself to making a crimble cake soon.........for some reason the OH only eats it with custard or ice cream! ( but having tasted his Mums cake I can understand why- an alcohol free christmas cake yuk!) The MIL eats Christmas cake accompanied with a slice of cheese. We were in Nottighamshire this time last year for a wedding and they had Christmas trees for sale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 The MIL eats Christmas cake accompanied with a slice of cheese. A Yorkshire habit. It has to be a nice bit of Wensleydale though. My MIL used to dish up apple pie with cheese too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutrix Farmers Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 I've just booked 3 days leave for the end of September so I can do some Xmas shopping, make mincemeat, perhaps make some cards (Mum does my Xmas pudding - must remind her!) My neighbour puts all his decs up in the middle of November, and I'm not talking just a tasteful tree, we have tacky-ville next door! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 I've just sent you Christian's recipe via PM You can pay the copyright fee into my paypal account Pam Hope you like it Mts Webmuppet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 I've just sent you Christian's recipe via PM You can pay the copyright fee into my paypal account Pam Hope you like it Mts Webmuppet! thought I'd save your little fingers having to type it out again I'm feeling quite Christmassy today Seeing as I've got to spend the day at home - think I might write up my Christmas Hamper list so I can get organised and plan when everything needs to be made :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Thank you Christian, It sounds fab. It appears Lakeland have 4 1 pint plastic pudding basins for £4 something, I shall pay a visit on my way to work next week. Little Miss Webmuppet has volunteered her services as sous-chef (oh no) so one Sunday in September we will be holed up in the kitchen making puddings and a cake. Hey I might be really organised this year, now just need to knit two cardis, one jacket , a wrap and a pair of socks ...........cripes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
