Tuesday 11 November 2014

Underway at last!

Finally, "C" preparations are under way. DS and FDiL should be with us late Christmas Eve, barring any last minute changes. Every year we say we are not going to go mad and each year we are getting better. I am not doing a cake this year, might still do a few mini puddings for anyone who wants one. Trifle always, will never miss out on that!

Using as always Delia's mincemeat recipe, we took time to share the duties of preparation in the warm kitchen whilst tea was in the oven:
This gets more expensive to make each year but we all hate shop bought mincemeat, far too sweet and sickly.

It was 'cooked' in the slow cooker this year until the suet had melted. I didn't have enough jars so it has had to go into a large kilner type jar:
We now only make half the mixture as we just can't each the full amount before starting again the following year!

The menu tab for our last fortnight of meals has been updated for those of you who are interested.




8 comments:

  1. Although I have family in England, we in the US do not understand the love of mince pies and fruitcake! Now, before you say anything, I do not like pumpkin pie, either! But I am glad yours is done and all ready for the festive season!

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    1. I suppose it is because we only do it once a year like your thanksgiving. I also love pumpkin pie but rarely make it:)

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  2. I stopped making Christmas cake a few years ago, as a family we much prefer Delias Old Fashioned Cherry Cake. Daughter in law makes puddings and brings a small amount for herself and my hubby, the rest of us have good old trifle. Mince pies mmmm but last years still in the bottom of the freezer, I think the birds will enjoy them. I made a big mistake and bought them from Sainsburys , they were terrible!! Delias mincemeat recipe is gorgeous, enjoy! Its funny, I was just reading on your War Diary about Christmas and you had made 48 mince pies :-). Thank you for updating your menu x

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    1. You are welcome. DB loves Christmas Cake but the rest of us can take or leave it and FDiL doesn't eat it at all. We do all eat mince pies though so shall soon make those, but not until we eat things from the freezers to make room!

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  3. You can't beat homemade mincemeat it's just the best. Christmas fruitcake varies, sometimes it's an iced rich fruitcake or sometimes a Dundee cake with almonds on the top. Ooh you're getting me in the mood now DC. A bit early methinks although my grandson Leo has just reminded me it's only just over six weeks. Better get my skates on then! P x

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    1. That is why I thought I'd better get started!

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  4. I've never had home made mincemeat but I agree about shop stuff - makes your teeth hurt it's so sweet!

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    1. I really have to grin and bear it when I visit friends who offer me bought mince pies as I know they will be sickly sweet, got to do your duty though!

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