Edible christmas gifts

Wow in only 6 months time or less I'll be making these again! :p I collected empty glass jars and after scrubbing off the labels we put them in the dishwasher to sterilise them. After filling with chutney I put some of my Christmas napkins over the lids and tied with bakers string. They looked great - I had different shapes and sizes and better then spending £3 on a new fancy glass jar with the gingham lid.

Spicey tomato and apple chutney

By Rachel Allan (http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/573902) and I made this last year but the consistency wasn't as good so I simmered it for an extra hour and the result was perfect. And very popular.

Spiced courgette chutney

 Recommended by Richard Freeman (http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/6342/spiced-courgette-chutney) and it was really interesting actually! supposedly a summer chutney but worked well with gammon at Christmas.

Homemade fudge
 

Two variations by Sophie Dahl and Hairy bikers. Sophie Dahl's was easy but melted when out of fridge and the Bikers one has a slight gritty texture that people seemed to enjoy? I'm not sure - must try and find the perfect recipe.
















Peanut butter cookies

I've blogged about this before - delish and as it was Christmas I used white chocolate. (http://tanyadoescooking.blogspot.com/2010/09/best-peanut-butter-cookies-ever.html)

Classy cupcakes

Tanya's thoughts:
So next time you have Dorian Green pop in for a cup of tea you know what to serve with it. (Anyone remember birds of a feather?) Yes these cake cases are uber tacky but I think they look gorgeous :p the inner chav in me has unleashed itself obviously. I realise I've only described just the appearence so had better mention the taste. Lovely. Chocolatey and rich. What more do you want?

Friend's thoughts:
Well Andrew ate three so they must be good and Lauren's looking very naughty in this photo so presumably must be a 'naughty but nice' treat. Asked James what he thought of these cakes, to which he responded "I helped make them". That's nice dear.