Holiday Cheer... it's all about the Edibles here...

 If you could smell my house right now.....

Oh.  My.  Lordy.

If you could smell what i can smell, you'd probably propose to me. Even though you are already married.

It is the power of the Pickle.. and the Spices.. and the Sloes....

2011 is all about the Incredible Edibles!

 Having re-discovered Milton tablets, Sterilising equipment has become a joy.

A nice big bowl with a few Milton tablets and you can sterilise the funnel, sieve, jars, spoons.

It fills me with a little more confidence when i know everything is bleached to within an inch of it's inert 'life'.

 I've gone all Delia this year. I got her book at a Car Boot for a bargain. Very happy with my wee self.

And she is doing me proud thus far.

Pickled Pears, by rights, i should have done a bit earlier than this but Pah! i left it late.

I am so exciting about these with a Cheese Board and the Cold Meats. Yum.

Mainily pared pears and spices with Cider and White Wine Vinegar but i put a generous glug of Gin in too.

There was talk of late that, I might have begun listing 'DRINKING' in my list of "top 5 greatest things to do"

i swear it's not true - this recipe can take some Gin. It's all good.

 The Sloes have been steeping in their sugar syrup and gin solution for many months now - not the recommended 12, granted. But are now drained and bottled, ready for the various occasions that are upcoming. I have already finished a bottle of my Damson and Apple Gin - now that is a heavenly concoction i should not be left alone with.

 Let us gloss over the marathon of children's 'Magical Sandwiches' for parties, Cinnamon cookies and other such treats. It is like a Mother's obligation... except if you are my friend Mel, who put her name down for Ready Salted crisps for the Children's Party.... what is the matter with me? why didn't i do that?

There was a tricky moment with a cheese sandwich yesterday, when Lucy asked me:

 "Why is the sandwich magical Kirsty?... because it has glitter on it?"

"yeesss Lucy (10 other children listening) that glitter is the magic dust that makes Rudolph fly on Christmas Eve"

"Will we fly on Christmas Eve too Kirsty?"

"eerrrmmmm..... yeeeesssss, you might....."

PLEASE KEEP LUCY SAFE on Chritsmas Eve. Tie her to the bed! There may be magic afoot!

 Goodness only knows what will arrive in the Food Delivery on Monday Night?

I am hoping to make:

Leek & Blue Cheese Tartlets

Salted Pecan Fudge Squares

Waffles and Hot Choc Dip for Breakfast (ala Jamie Oliver - oh my!)

Slow Roasted Honied Figs

 - i am more of a support act to the main event over this gluttony fest.

I am happiest with this role.

 And look at this wee gift from a friend!

"I'd love a Babycham" - cute (wait till i show you the glass!)

Friendship is one of my next thoughts. I have a great deal to say on the subject.

Anyway:

Pears - done

Sloe Gin - done

Gotta get a Wax in an hour OUCH! The Christmas Dinner Dance is this Saturday.

Can you believe i am going alone? We have a great table with a hilarious bunch of School Run Wino Chums and food lovers. It is with a deep breath and an "i'm a big girl attitude" that i can go the Christmas Dance like Cinderella and say "i'm not single, i am surrounded by people i love"

chat soon.

Whoooop! i'm on a high today!

Apple & Damson Gin, hooya!

 OMG! i mean it... O  M  G!!

This really is nectar of the Gods. I kid you not when i declare it to be

"Worlds Finest Apple & Damson Gin"

 I read something, somewhere about England having been home to the Apple Gin, many moons hence, but that it isn't really made here anymore. And last year i made the Damson Gin from my Brother's Fruits.... which was great (if i remember correctly... if i actually can remember at all!!)

And i was sat with a glut of Apples also..... and so came the Apple & Damson Gin.

 I wasn't that keen on the idea. I am not a great fan of Apple as a 'flavour' ya know? It can be a bit Apple-y.

Anyway, the fruit, sugar and gin have been steeping in a jar for a few months now so i decided to strain it and bottle it, ready for the bracing Autumn weeks ahead.

Seriously... it is amazing! so Bloooooomin YUM x

Of course it was tempting to eat the fruit..... but think about what alcoholic content it has now adopted!?

And it was a Sunday, and i had a Birthday Party 'pick up' run to fulfill....

Besides, the Damsons have stones in so it would have been a bit faffy to eat around them without breaking an expensive dental crown.

You will, of course, be pleased to know that i made TWICE as much Sloe Gin also.

It isn't ready yet, but i do think it so very important to have a second homemade alcoholic beverage, with which to perform a comparison consensus on Christmas Day....

ahem.

Seriously good my friends,

seriously good...