Monday 29 November 2010

Christmas yummies!


Well now this year I have decided to do something a little different :) every year I have the daunting task of christmas shopping, trying to find things to buy for all of my family and friends! And when you don't have a clue what they want it can sometimes be rather tricky!
But this year due to lack of pennies, I have decided that christmas shall be handmade! And I couldn't be more excited to get started! :D
I have decided that for parents and brothers I will make a nice little hamper full of yummy christmas food! And I thought I would share a few recipe's with you over the next few days :) so for today!

Peppermint nougart!!

You will need.....
900g granulated sugar
300g corn syrup
3 large egg whites
1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
6 drops red food colouring

1. Oil a 9" by 9" pan and a spoon and set aside. Combine sugar and corn syrup in a medium saucepan with 175ml water and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until mixture reaches 260 degrees if you have a good thermometer!

2. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks in a large bowl using an electric mixer set on medium-high speed. Reduce speed to medium and slowly pour sugar mixture into egg whites. Add peppermint and continue to beat until mixture is very thick and fluffy, about 12 minutes.

3. Immediately transfer to prepared pan and smooth using back of oiled spoon. Dot surface with red food coloring and drag a skewer through to create a marbled effect. Let stand at room temperature until firm, about 2 hours. Slice into 1-inch squares.

Alternatively you can dollop the mixture onto a baking sheet and sprinkle on grated chocolate, yummy :D
(I am going to start making all of my recipe's from next week, but if you beat me to it be sure to let me know how yours turn out!)

7 comments:

Coco Rose Diaries said...

Ooooh thanks for that recipe! Am definitely going to try it. We are the same here, we have decided to have a 'make it' christmas and just spend money on buying the boys their toys.

I get so stressed buying presents for a large family and get bored buying the same old things for the hard ones! So this year, we are doing like you and making hampers of home made foods for the parents. All the brothers and sisters-in-law are very arty, so we have agreed to each make something small and give that. I think it can get ridiculous with all the adverts telling you that you have to buy some expensive gift, and actually, I know that many are going to appreciate a handmade gift even more.....and the ones that don't....TOUGH!!!!!!! ha ha!

Have a super day!

Vanessa xxx

Unknown said...

I have taken the handmade pledge too - I have had lots of fun buying lots of handmade things from folksy!

The recipe looks great - I am making Nigela's mini pudding sweetiies to add to my chrimbo cake and chutney hampers!

VintageVicki said...

I guess a good %age of my pressies this year will be handmade - much earlier to make for female family than the male ones.

Anonymous said...

There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working ,great job!

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

Ooooh sounds good!

Victoria xxx

Unknown said...

Sounds yummy, I definitely want to give this a go :) x

Amy (Blighty Boutique) said...

that does look yummy x

 
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