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Christmas baking/cooking thread.

2456

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 618 ✭✭✭OUTDOORLASS


    CheerLough, you can buy ready to roll out, and even rolls or already rolled marzipan and royal icing. Could.nt be easier. Or for the
    Royal Icing, go for the prickly finish some of us were reared on..... Couple of small figures on top, and you have your masterpiece.....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,471 ✭✭✭CheerLouth


    Hmmmm, I might consider it....I'd prob have to bake it this weekend though wouldn't I?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 618 ✭✭✭OUTDOORLASS


    The earlier the better, gives it time to mature. My mam used always make hers on 08th of December. I know there have been
    some years, that due to lack of time, I have made them about a week before Christmas, and the cakes were absolutely fine.
    I think one of the problems with Christmas, we feel everything has to be prefect. We put awful pressure on ourselves.
    Go on CheerLouth...give it a bash. If you dont like the result, you can always eat it sooner.
    One essential thing with a Christmas cake is the lining of the tin. I always triple line it. Parchment first, then a layer of brown,
    then a layer of parchment. Takes about 20 mins to do that, but you can do that at any time, and put tin away till you are ready to use it.
    Then a folded up sheet of newspaper underneath tin in oven, and a sheet of brown or parchment over the top of the tin, and
    take your time. Baking is like raising children...everybody has an opiniion on how to do it right....but you have to do it your way.

    I remember years ago, when my Mam had a Christmas cake in the oven, you would have to tip toe around the house, afraid
    to bang a door...LOL..... Dont know what a door being banged would do to the poor cake....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,827 ✭✭✭Jude13


    I think one of the problems with Christmas, we feel everything has to be prefect. We put awful pressure on ourselves.

    I remember years ago, when my Mam had a Christmas cake in the oven, you would have to tip toe around the house, afraid
    to bang a door...LOL..... Dont know what a door being banged would do to the poor cake....

    So much of this, sometimes it feels like a let down as we have built it up so much


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,471 ✭✭✭CheerLouth


    Just mixed up the fruit for my Christmas Cake :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 618 ✭✭✭OUTDOORLASS


    Well done CheerLouth.....Hope it goes well for u.....
    Few things nicer than aroma of Christmas Cake cooking in the oven......mmmmmm..


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 27,642 Mod ✭✭✭✭Posy


    Oh best of look with it, CL! :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,471 ✭✭✭CheerLouth


    It turned out ok I think :D Proof will be in the eating :P


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 618 ✭✭✭OUTDOORLASS


    Did you put some whiskey on it afterwards.....


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,471 ✭✭✭CheerLouth


    Yes, I did cos I thought it looked a little dry. Recipe said to bake it for 3-4 hours, but when I checked it after 2.5, it was done :eek: So I dosed it in whiskey when it was cool. Will check it tonight I think.


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 24,974 Mod ✭✭✭✭Loughc


    Seen this on a Facebook group tonight too nice not to share.

    My first #Christmasrecipe one if the easiest and one of favourites

    BAILEYS CHOCOLATE FUDGE

    How about something BAILEYS & FUDGY for the weekend.

    BAILEYS CHOCOLATE FUDGE
    - SO DELICIOUS.. You have to try it.. just 5 INGREDIENTS!!!!!!!


    ******RECIPE*****
    600G MILK OR DARK CHOCOLATE - ~ (don’t use cooking choc, I used 5-6 bars of normal Tesco own brand milk chocolate)
    1 x 375g tin condensed milk
    Pinch salt
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    100ml Baileys

    Line a 7” square tin with baking paper
    1. Break up the chocolate and melt slowly in a pot, add in the condensed milk and stir gently to melt together.
    2. Add in the vanilla extract, salt and the Baileys and stir to combine.
    3. Pour into prepared tin and leave in the fridge to set for 2 hours. Cut into small pieces


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,244 ✭✭✭limnam


    washiskin wrote: »
    Just looking through Nigel Slater's The Christmas Chronicles at the moment.....he has a recipe for mascarpone mince pies. Can't wait to try them.


    Last years? or does he have a new book?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,471 ✭✭✭CheerLouth


    Loughc wrote: »
    Seen this on a Facebook group tonight too nice not to share.

    My first #Christmasrecipe one if the easiest and one of favourites

    BAILEYS CHOCOLATE FUDGE

    How about something BAILEYS & FUDGY for the weekend.

    BAILEYS CHOCOLATE FUDGE
    - SO DELICIOUS.. You have to try it.. just 5 INGREDIENTS!!!!!!!


    ******RECIPE*****
    600G MILK OR DARK CHOCOLATE - ~ (don’t use cooking choc, I used 5-6 bars of normal Tesco own brand milk chocolate)
    1 x 375g tin condensed milk
    Pinch salt
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    100ml Baileys

    Line a 7” square tin with baking paper
    1. Break up the chocolate and melt slowly in a pot, add in the condensed milk and stir gently to melt together.
    2. Add in the vanilla extract, salt and the Baileys and stir to combine.
    3. Pour into prepared tin and leave in the fridge to set for 2 hours. Cut into small pieces

    You're killing me Loughc! That sounds amazing! I'm trying to be good and think of the wedding dress but man, it's hard. I love fudge! Must not make until nearer Chrismtas or it will be Operation "Let the dress out" :D :pac:


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 24,974 Mod ✭✭✭✭Loughc


    CheerLouth wrote: »
    You're killing me Loughc! That sounds amazing! I'm trying to be good and think of the wedding dress but man, it's hard. I love fudge! Must not make until nearer Chrismtas or it will be Operation "Let the dress out" :D :pac:

    When's the wedding?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,471 ✭✭✭CheerLouth


    Loughc wrote: »
    When's the wedding?

    Not until July but I'm a bridesmaid for my cousin Christmas week so striving not to be the fat bridesmaid! It's a struggle :(


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  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 24,974 Mod ✭✭✭✭Loughc


    CheerLouth wrote: »
    Not until July but I'm a bridesmaid for my cousin Christmas week so striving not to be the fat bridesmaid! It's a struggle :(

    Ah no! Fecking cousins!! I had a wedding to attend on the 28th of December previously the suit was bet onto me :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,005 ✭✭✭✭Toto Wolfcastle


    I was uninvited to a Christmas wedding once and I was delighted. :D Ain't nobody got time for trying to fit into a dress at Christmas, and it's frowned upon to wear slippers to a wedding.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,471 ✭✭✭CheerLouth


    I think the chances of me being uninvited are slim tbh. She has a dress bought for me....there is no escape :pac:

    Although it will be a great day!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,471 ✭✭✭CheerLouth


    Christmas Puddings are on! :D

    I'm on a roll this year!


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 24,974 Mod ✭✭✭✭Loughc


    CheerLouth wrote: »
    Christmas Puddings are on! :D

    I'm on a roll this year!

    Which is ironic as I am a Christmas Pudding this year and if you tip me over then I'm on a roll.... :pac: :eek:


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,380 ✭✭✭chuckles30


    CheerLouth wrote: »
    Christmas Puddings are on! :D

    I'm on a roll this year!
    Was just thinking about them this morning - my mother has always done them, but due to an accident earlier in the year she doesn't have full use of her right arm, so I don't really want her moving big pots of boiling water around.  So now I have to diplomatically offer to do them myself. 
    Do you still do boil them?  I know someone told me last year they microwave them.......but I'm sceptical about that.   Has anyone here ever done that?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    chuckles30 wrote: »
    Was just thinking about them this morning - my mother has always done them, but due to an accident earlier in the year she doesn't have full use of her right arm, so I don't really want her moving big pots of boiling water around.  So now I have to diplomatically offer to do them myself. 
    Do you still do boil them?  I know someone told me last year they microwave them.......but I'm sceptical about that.   Has anyone here ever done that?

    You could microwave them to reheat only. They need hours of boiling to cook properly.

    If worried about heavy pots of water, then try this. Bring kettle of water to boil. Put pudding in a roomy pot on ring. Pour boiling water in beside bowl to at least half way. Cover with tight fitting lid and simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours. If you’ve got the heat right, you shouldn’t need top up. Once cooking time is done just turn heat off. Remove pudding once water is cool enough to safely do so.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,971 ✭✭✭SarahLil


    Cheerlouth if you need anyone to sample tasting them I will happily oblige

    Anyone making puddings for the first time?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,471 ✭✭✭CheerLouth


    chuckles30 wrote: »
    Do you still do boil them?  I know someone told me last year they microwave them.......but I'm sceptical about that.   Has anyone here ever done that?

    Mine have been boiling away merrily since 10am. They'll be done around half three/fourish. :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 618 ✭✭✭OUTDOORLASS


    I (think) I am....I say every year I.l make one, and never get round to it. I said earlier on this thread that I was going
    to make one, which has put pressure on me to fulfill. (I.v put the pressure on myself..not you elves....)

    Bought the ingredients for Cakes and Puds this morning, so I.l prob mix them tomorrow. I.v often mixed the fruit,
    apples/oranges, whiskey and spices in a bowl, and left them for up to 2 weeks, before I got chancce to bake.
    Ingredients marinade nicely....


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    I (think) I am....I say every year I.l make one, and never get round to it. I said earlier on this thread that I was going
    to make one, which has put pressure on me to fulfill. (I.v put the pressure on myself..not you elves....)

    Bought the ingredients for Cakes and Puds this morning, so I.l prob mix them tomorrow. I.v often mixed the fruit,
    apples/oranges, whiskey and spices in a bowl, and left them for up to 2 weeks, before I got chancce to bake.
    Ingredients marinade nicely....

    While that fruit is marinading, steal some to use in a bread and butter pud. DIVINE.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,951 ✭✭✭B0jangles


    chuckles30 wrote: »
    Was just thinking about them this morning - my mother has always done them, but due to an accident earlier in the year she doesn't have full use of her right arm, so I don't really want her moving big pots of boiling water around. So now I have to diplomatically offer to do them myself.
    Do you still do boil them? I know someone told me last year they microwave them.......but I'm sceptical about that. Has anyone here ever done that?


    We always cooked ours in a pressure cooker, so if you have one you're comfortable using, it's a quick and tidy option.


    Secret alternative: Aldi's ordinary pudding, I think they cost about 4.99 for the big one, is really really good. It's rich and fruity and deeelicious!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,471 ✭✭✭CheerLouth


    They're done!


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    CheerLouth wrote: »
    They're done!

    Wowsers. Can we come over now?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,971 ✭✭✭SarahLil


    It’s looks fab


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 618 ✭✭✭OUTDOORLASS


    Wow CheerLouth, it looks gorgeous, very even....


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 27,642 Mod ✭✭✭✭Posy


    That's gorgeous looking! :)

    Are you going to put it back in it's pudding bowl for storage?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,471 ✭✭✭CheerLouth


    Thanks guys! :D
    Posy wrote: »
    Are you going to put it back in it's pudding bowl for storage?

    No, I wrapped them in two layers of greaseproof and then tinfoil


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 274 ✭✭ace_irl


    Hi everyone, I was in home-store and more at the weekend and picked up some Christmas sprinkles half price. I can't find a link to them on the website but they're little candy cane sprinkles and holly's. I think they were €1.50. I bought a few packs of them for making biscuits for the tree. I can post a photo of them later if anyone is interested!


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 24,974 Mod ✭✭✭✭Loughc


    ace_irl wrote: »
    I can post a photo of them later if anyone is interested!

    Yes please! :)

    I can't wait to do some Christmas Baking this year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 274 ✭✭ace_irl


    Loughc wrote: »
    Yes please! :)

    I can't wait to do some Christmas Baking this year.

    Perfect! I'll do that tonight when I'm home. I think most of their baking stuff is on sale at the moment. I might need to go get more!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 274 ✭✭ace_irl


    Alrighty, I’ve attached a picture of the sprinkles I picked up in Home store and more. They also had little ginger bread ones that I’m gonna get at the weekend. They’re so cute I nearly don’t want to use them!


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 24,974 Mod ✭✭✭✭Loughc


    ace_irl wrote: »
    Alrighty, I’ve attached a picture of the sprinkles I picked up in Home store and more. They also had little ginger bread ones that I’m gonna get at the weekend. They’re so cute I nearly don’t want to use them!

    They’re adorable. Perfect festive toppings.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,827 ✭✭✭Jude13


    Loughc wrote: »
    Seen this on a Facebook group tonight too nice not to share.

    My first #Christmasrecipe one if the easiest and one of favourites

    BAILEYS CHOCOLATE FUDGE

    How about something BAILEYS & FUDGY for the weekend.

    BAILEYS CHOCOLATE FUDGE
    - SO DELICIOUS.. You have to try it.. just 5 INGREDIENTS!!!!!!!


    ******RECIPE*****
    600G MILK OR DARK CHOCOLATE - ~ (don’t use cooking choc, I used 5-6 bars of normal Tesco own brand milk chocolate)
    1 x 375g tin condensed milk
    Pinch salt
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    100ml Baileys

    Line a 7” square tin with baking paper
    1. Break up the chocolate and melt slowly in a pot, add in the condensed milk and stir gently to melt together.
    2. Add in the vanilla extract, salt and the Baileys and stir to combine.
    3. Pour into prepared tin and leave in the fridge to set for 2 hours. Cut into small pieces

    Trying this tonight


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    I baked the Christmas cake on Monday night using one of my mother’s recipes. It’s got pineapple and almonds in it, so is not as dark as your traditional cake, but it’s delicious. I’ve baptised the cake with whiskey and I’ll wrap it up tight this evening.

    I probably won’t ice it. I think I’ll make marzipan, cover the cake, glaze it and then toast it lightly to get a bit of colour. I loathe shop bought marzipan and fondant icing and I honestly won’t eat a cake that uses them. If I was to ice the cake, I’d use classic royal icing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,244 ✭✭✭limnam


    dudara wrote: »
    I loathe shop bought marzipan


    Is it because of the almond % been low?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    limnam wrote: »
    Is it because of the almond % been low?

    For me it’s the over use of almond essence. I much prefer the homemade one with no almond essence. And I prefer the Royal icing. Though, both are wasted on my lot as I’m the only one that would eat the icing. I didn’t bother last year, but I like the tradition of icing and putting on decades old decorations!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    limnam wrote: »
    Is it because of the almond % been low?

    It tastes artificial, nowhere as good as making marzipan from scratch. Ditto for shop-bought fondant icing. It’s like eating wallpaper paste with sugar mixed in.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,827 ✭✭✭Jude13


    I made the baileys fudge on Thursday evening and its very wet, freaking delicious but very wet. The condensed milk had 395gms in it but I didn't think such little extra would have such a big effect.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 346 ✭✭now online


    For those of you yet to make you're Christmas puddings, I stream mine overnight in the oven.

    Method:

    Wrap your puddings firstly in cling film, ( lid on pudding bowl )
    Wrap it again in tin foil.
    Boil the kettle
    Preheat oven
    Stand your puddings in your deep oven tray
    Half fill tray with boiling water.
    Seal the tray completely with tin foil.

    When I take up the puddings the water is still in the tray because it's comepletely sealed.
    Perfect no fuss pudding!


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  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 7,411 Mod ✭✭✭✭pleasant Co.


    now online wrote: »
    For those of you yet to make you're Christmas puddings, I stream mine overnight in the oven.

    Method:

    Wrap your puddings firstly in cling film, ( lid on pudding bowl )
    Wrap it again in tin foil.
    Boil the kettle
    Preheat oven
    Stand your puddings in your deep oven tray
    Half fill tray with boiling water.
    Seal the tray completely with tin foil.

    When I take up the puddings the water is still in the tray because it's comepletely sealed.
    Perfect no fuss pudding!

    To what temp?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 346 ✭✭now online


    To what temp?

    140 conventional oven sorry!


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    now online wrote: »
    For those of you yet to make you're Christmas puddings, I stream mine overnight in the oven.

    Method:

    Wrap your puddings firstly in cling film, ( lid on pudding bowl )
    Wrap it again in tin foil.
    Boil the kettle
    Preheat oven
    Stand your puddings in your deep oven tray
    Half fill tray with boiling water.
    Seal the tray completely with tin foil.

    When I take up the puddings the water is still in the tray because it's comepletely sealed.
    Perfect no fuss pudding!

    I tried this but found it difficult and a bit dangerous. I’m not a spring chicken any more and suffer from arthritis. To seal the tray properly you’ve got to do it on worktop and then lift into the oven.


  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 7,411 Mod ✭✭✭✭pleasant Co.


    now online wrote: »
    140 conventional oven sorry!

    Thank you kindly :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 346 ✭✭now online


    I tried this but found it difficult and a bit dangerous. I’m not a spring chicken any more and suffer from arthritis. To seal the tray properly you’ve got to do it on worktop and then lift into the oven.

    Yes you do, it's cumbersome but I still do it!


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