handmade gifts

This year we decided to make most of our Christmas gifts. There is a special feeling you get knowing that you put part of yourself into a gift for a loved one. I think the receiver also appreciates it more. An added bonus is that you don’t have to spend hours combing an overcrowded mall full of grupmy shoppers and surly staff. Add two kids to that mix and you have a recipe for Christmas disaster! Instead, I am enjoying spending hours making things for my friends and family. I get to chat with my family, think about the person the gift is going to, talk on the phone… Much nicer!

All of our friends, teachers, favourite shop owners etc. are getting a small gift basket of ginger-peach jam, cranberry relish and almond roca. I am so pleased with how everything has turned out. The golden hue of the jam, bright red flecked relish and bite-sized chunks of chocolate and nuts. Who could resist!

Shortcut Almond Roca

(from “The Best of the Best and More”)

1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup water
1 1/4 cups toasted slivered almonds
3/4 cup good chocolate, chopped fine

In a large, heavy saucepan, gently boil syrup, sugar, butter and water until it reaches 150 degrees celcius (hard crack), about 25 minutes. DO NOT STIR. Remove from heat and add almonds. Spread on an ungreased cookie sheet and sprinkle with chocolate. Spread chocolate evenly as it melts. Sprinkle with crushed almonds. Cool in fridge and then break into bite sized pieces. Store in an air-tight container.

Cranberry Relish

(adapted from Simply Recipes)

2 cups washed, raw cranberries
2 medium peeled and cored granny smith apples
1 entire navel orange
1 1/2 cups sugar

Run cranberries, apples and orange through a food mill with coarse blade (can use grinder or top blade of cuisinart if careful not to over do it!). Add sugar and let stand at room temperature until sugar is disolved. Spoon into small jam jars and store in fridge or freezer.

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