I’m beginning to think we could possibly have a white Christmas if the weather becomes anymore wintry! Too wet, too windy and definitely not summery at all. Fingers crossed we have a sunny and hot December.
Stocking fillers
I don’t know if you give little gifts or have Christmas stockings for your family. We normally have our Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve and I’ve always wrapped tiny gifts for each guest for the table. Obviously you don’t want huge gifts otherwise the table will be full before the place settings are even done.
With this in mind choose small gifts and wrap in Christmas paper and tie with a ribbon. You can even use a festive serviette to wrap the gift or tinfoil and tie with ribbon.
For children gold foiled chocolate coins or sweets wrapped in bright cellophane and tied with a ribbon; women – a small hand cream; costume jewellery or a small packet of three Ferror Roche or Lindor chocolates; or a small bottle of bubbly. Key rings make a good gift for men; or a miniature bottle of a favourite tipple or a cigar for those who enjoy a puff. Choose anything you can think of which isn’t big, just make sure it’s wrapped and place each gift with a name tag on the table. It doesn’t cost much and makes the meal more festive.
Pastry for mince pies
This is actually a Hungarian pastry recipe I got from a friend of mine in England a few years ago. It’s quite rich but absolutely delicious. You’ll have all your family and friends coming back for one more mince pie.
Ingredients
130g flour
100g butter (must be butter)
1 egg yolk (reserve the egg white)
1 tablespoon rum
1 tablespoon evaporated milk
Method
Rub butter into sieved flour and add evaporated milk, egg yolk and rum. Bind together and put into the fridge to let the pastry harden, otherwise it will be difficult to roll out. (At this time you can also wrap the pastry in greaseproof paper and freeze. Unfreeze when needed).
Roll out thinly and cut out bottoms and tops. Line your pie tins and spoon in prepared mincemeat mixture. Cover with pastry top. Prick with fork and brush with egg white and castor sugar. Bake at 200c until lightly golden brown. Serve warm or cold.
Next week I’ll give you a short crust pastry recipe, which is equally as good.
Focus on Local
With Christmas in mind and looking for a gift with a difference, I popped in at a new shop at The Glen Shopping Centre, The Tea Merchant, owned by Marlene van der Westhuizen.
All I can say is wow, and some more. As the name gives away, the shop sells imported teas from all around the world. Fruit teas from Germany, Green and White teas from China, Black tea from Darjeeling and Chamomile from Egypt.
All the teas can be bought in 100g tins (R137), and believe me there are lots of amazing teas to choose from. There are also gift packs of six silk tea bags for R62, a perfect gift.
The shop has a lovely vibe and as well as selling a wonderful selection of the finest teas, small teapots (cast iron, glass and pot), cups, mugs and everything to do with tea, adorn the shop. It’s a real treat. For more information phone 082 499 9251.
Gift wrap
Mr Price Home has some beautiful gift bags, which will be perfect for Christmas or a special occasion gift. Black and gold art deco, from R9.99 (small) to R25.99 (large). Also tissue paper in gold, silver and red.
That’s it for this week. Next week I’ll have some more gift ideas. Shop till you drop.
Julie
