Thursday 5 October 2017

Yule Never Believe It!

It is only the first week in October, and but I've spent a little bit of time getting a few things sorted out for Christmas. Once I get back to Ferndown, I know I shall be really busy, and teaching is seriously depleting my energy levels. So these have been tasks enjoyed in a relaxed way...
I have made my Christmas cake. It is now wrapped [in greaseproof, then in foil] and in the tin - ready to be marzipanned and iced later. I am not sure I shall make it here at Cornerstones again - it was the first time in over twenty years I did it all by hand [my Kenwood Chef's in Dorset] 
I labelled and some jars of chutney, and put their little mobcaps on, then wrapped them in Christmas paper.
I wrapped quite a few other small gifts

My final activity was to make a couple of table mats. I have 8 glass mats, which I usually use as place settings - but the family is getting larger, and I needed some bigger central mats for putting hot casseroles, and veg dishes etc in the centre of the table. I found these two large ceramic tiles for 30p each in B&Q. I stuck some squares of scrap leather underneath to act as feet. I am extremely pleased with them - they will probably get used this week when we have visitors. I like the simple Orla-Keilly-esque foliage design.
Not bad for 60p and a few minutes with a tube of Uhu!




4 comments:

  1. I raise my cap to your organization and efficiency! You've prepared a lot which is fab!! The mats were an inspired idea!

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  2. Wow, I haven't even thought of Christmas! Well, actually, I did make a list of people I give gifts to, but that's about it!

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  3. That's looking downright festive!! I'm curious about your Christmas cake, as we don't have a cake by that name here. Is it a fruit cake? What does it DO between now and Christmas - we have some with liquor in them that just improve over the weeks. I'd love to know!

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  4. In the UK the Christmas Cake is a great tradition, dating back hundreds of years. It is a rich fruit cake recipe here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/classic_christmas_cake_04076) Many people pierce the cake with a skewer then "feed" it with brandy or other spirits in the weeks before Christmas. I don't do that. This recipe is also used for traditional wedding cakes. The cake keeps well, and travels well because it is so densely packed with fruit. Hope this answers some of your questions MK

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