There is nothing people like more at Christmas that giving thoughtful gifts to loved ones. Given these hard financial times however, you may be put off buying too many presents, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make some lovingly created Christmas treats at home. Here are a couple of recipe ideas from IWOOT.
Fudge. Here’s whats needed
• A heavy non-stick large saucepan
• A cooking thermometer
• Some oven-proof trays
• 1lb granulated sugar, ½ pint milk, 2oz butter, 1 tin condensed milk.
Method: Whilst frequently stirring, mix and melt all the ingredients in the pan slowly. When it reaches 115oC on the candy thermometer it should change colour and turn a lot darker. Take off the heat and stir until mixture becomes very tough and grainy. Spread out the mixture onto as many baking trays as you need and leave to cool down. When cooled, divide into squares and share out
Chocolate Chip Cookies. You’ll need:
• Bowl for mixing
• Grease-proof paper
• Oven Proof trays
• 4.5oz plain flour, 2.5oz butter, 1 egg, 2oz brown sugar,2oz caster sugar, 4oz choc chips, ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Method: Add sugar, flour, bicarbonate of soda, butter and vanilla extract into a bowl and mix together well with a spoon or using your hands. Add the egg and continue mixing until the mixture is doughy and a little sticky. Roll the mixture into golf sized balls and places them onto the baking trays which you have pre-lined with grease-proof paper. Leave a good couple of inches between each ball as they will spread out and expand. Heat in the oven at between 180-200oC for around 12 minutes, but it is best to keep and eye on the cookies as ovens vary in cooking speed. Let the cookies cool down for 20mins before taking a bite. For more gift ideas and treat recipes visit the I Want One of Those blog