Sunday 28 November 2010

Christmas Hampers

I have been making Christmas hamers for my neices and nephews , but I have wrapped them up and taken them off to Devon without photgraphing the finished product! Last year I made them all cushions. It's quite hard thinking up fresh ideas for them all, There are four, all married with two children each. I knitted the hats for the little ones. I bought rectangular  baskets something like the one below, lined them with e new tea towel and filled them with homemade jam, chutney pickled onions, white chocolate and cranberry fudge (recipe below) and a packet of cheese cackers. I put the fudge in celephane bags and tied them with Christmas ribbon. The fudge is lovely, I thought it may be too sweet with it being white chocolate but it is just right...I had better get making some more for my children!


 


White Chocolate & Cranberry Fudge

350g 12oz) granulated sugar
25g (1oz) unsalted butter
175ml (6fl oz) can evaporated milk
100g (31/2oz) dried cranberries
300g (10oz) white chocolate, chopped
  • Cut a piece of baking parchment large enough to line a shallow 25x20cm (10x8) baking tin or a 1kg (2lb) loaf tim
  • Put sugar, butter and evaporated milk in a large heavy-based pan. Heat gently until sugar has dissolved completely
  • Bring to the boil, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 mins. It is a good idea to time this to be exact
  • Immediately remove from the heat then add the cranberries and chocolate. Allow the chocolate to melt, then quickly stir the mixture and pour straight into the tin. It will thicken immediately
  • Spread into the tin and chill for an hour or so until firm. Cut into small squares,
  • Place the fudge in a decorative box or bag and tie with ribbon

Friday 26 November 2010

I had a little break


Well, I have just had a little break from blogging....posting not reading...and below are the reasons why! My Mum came to stay for two weeks and has just gone home and Preston arrived for long term foster care! He belongs to our son and daughter inlaw but they decided that they had bitten off more than they could chew and so he has come to stay with us, infact he probably wont go back to them as their home and work hours just dont suit a lively puppy. The dogs that we had in the past have been small and not very lively, very easy to care for and not needing lots of walks and attention. Preston is different. But as we are not out of the house for long stretches of time, have a garden and lots of nice places to walk nearby, we agreed to have him for at least time for him to settle down. We will see how it goes...he is very sweet!


Thursday 18 November 2010

Twins

I had to post these beautiful birhday photo's that my son in law took of the twins





Sunday 14 November 2010

Twins Third Birthday


We have just returned from the twins 3rd birthday celebrations in Devon. The day before we went to the pottery cafe where the girls got to paint a mickey Mouse each and a plate for Great Grandma for Christmas....this was a big hit and they got to go an pick up their 'cooked Mickeys the next day when the glaze was all bright and shiny.



Yummy birthday breakfast made from yogurt, fruit compote and granola


The girls are really into the Getalong Gang (for those who dont know, this was a cartoon around in the 80's. They asked for a Getalong Gang party so Mummy managed to get characters and party stuff from ebay.She also made the girls Montgomery Moose outfits


 Daddy scanned and printed characters for the invites and party hats



Mummy made the cake, covered pretzels with chocolate and made cupcakes



This little tongue couldnt resist  a quick lick!






They couldnt decide whether to  wear Moose outfits, Mickey swimming costumes or Zipper Cats headband...so they wore them all while having some 'after party' chill time

Tuesday 9 November 2010

'To Do' List

I am gradually able to cross items off my 'to do' list. My daughters friend had a baby boy and I made this pram blanket. Its made from a deep plum coloured wool with a grey edge. I then made the little jackets for the twins. We are travelling to Devon on Thursday to celebrate their 3rd birthday on Saturday. I need to make them a skirt each before then, out of old clothes that my daughter gave me to use..we like to recycle fabric!


Sunday 7 November 2010

Internation Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

'You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; You encourage them and listen to their cry.'
Psalm 10:17


Today is the Internation Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.There are many countries in the world today where Christians are martyred for their faith. We in the West are blessed that we are able to worship and fellowship with other Christians as and when we want to. I am thankful to  organisations such as Release International, Open Doors and Barnabus Fund for bringing news of what they do to help Christians who are persecuted for their faith.

Dartmouth

While we were down in Devon this past week we visited Dartmouth which is just a few miles from our daughters home. We walked around this lovely old port with our daughter and her twins, stopping in a creperie for a little snack!
For more on the history of Dartmouth click here