Christmas baking/cooking thread.

OUTDOORLASS · 16-10-2018 9:16am

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.....

CheerLouth · 16-10-2018 9:41am

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

OUTDOORLASS · 16-10-2018 11:10am

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....

Jude13 · 16-10-2018 12:17pm

OUTDOORLASS wrote: »

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

CheerLouth · 26-10-2018 8:07pm

Just mixed up the fruit for my Christmas Cake

OUTDOORLASS · 26-10-2018 9:17pm

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

Posy · 26-10-2018 10:29pm

Oh best of look with it, CL!

CheerLouth · 30-10-2018 9:39am

It turned out ok I think

Proof will be in the eating :P

OUTDOORLASS · 30-10-2018 4:27pm

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

CheerLouth · 30-10-2018 4:56pm

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.

Loughc · 04-11-2018 11:16pm

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

limnam · 04-11-2018 11:36pm

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?

CheerLouth · 05-11-2018 10:23am

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"

:pac:

Loughc · 05-11-2018 10:24am

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" :pac:

When's the wedding?

CheerLouth · 05-11-2018 10:29am

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

Loughc · 05-11-2018 11:02am

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

Toto Wolfcastle · 05-11-2018 11:19am

I was uninvited to a Christmas wedding once and I was delighted.

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.

CheerLouth · 05-11-2018 11:35am

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!

CheerLouth · 06-11-2018 10:27am

Christmas Puddings are on!

I'm on a roll this year!

Loughc · 06-11-2018 10:31am

CheerLouth wrote: »

Christmas Puddings are on!

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:

chuckles30 · 06-11-2018 12:29pm

CheerLouth wrote: »

Christmas Puddings are on!

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?

06-11-2018 1:58pm

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.

SarahLil · 06-11-2018 2:05pm

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

Anyone making puddings for the first time?

CheerLouth · 06-11-2018 2:54pm

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.

OUTDOORLASS · 06-11-2018 4:39pm

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....

06-11-2018 4:57pm

OUTDOORLASS wrote: »

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.

B0jangles · 06-11-2018 5:07pm

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!

CheerLouth · 06-11-2018 8:12pm

They're done!

06-11-2018 8:39pm

CheerLouth wrote: »

They're done!

Wowsers. Can we come over now?

SarahLil · 06-11-2018 9:03pm

It’s looks fab

OUTDOORLASS · 06-11-2018 10:21pm

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

Posy · 06-11-2018 10:48pm

That's gorgeous looking!

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

CheerLouth · 07-11-2018 10:50am

Thanks guys!

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

ace_irl · 07-11-2018 10:56am

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!

Loughc · 07-11-2018 11:15am

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.

ace_irl · 07-11-2018 11:40am

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!

ace_irl · 07-11-2018 8:44pm

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!

Loughc · 07-11-2018 9:04pm

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.

Jude13 · 08-11-2018 5:25am

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

dudara · 08-11-2018 6:37am

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.

limnam · 08-11-2018 10:11pm

dudara wrote: »

I loathe shop bought marzipan

Is it because of the almond % been low?

08-11-2018 10:36pm

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!

dudara · 08-11-2018 11:29pm

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.

Jude13 · 11-11-2018 6:06am

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.

now online · 17-11-2018 9:38am

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!

pleasant Co. · 17-11-2018 9:41am

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?

now online · 17-11-2018 9:45am

pleasant Co. wrote: »

To what temp?

140 conventional oven sorry!

17-11-2018 10:01am

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.

pleasant Co. · 17-11-2018 10:12am

now online wrote: »

140 conventional oven sorry!

Thank you kindly

now online · 17-11-2018 10:35am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

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!

Christmas baking/cooking thread.

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