Homemade Christmas RecipesHomemade Food GiftsYour friends and family will appreciate your homemade christmas recipes. Tipsy Pears are very easy to make, however, they need to be made right now in order to be enjoyed at christmas time.Homemade christmas gift ideas need not be complicated and will look festive wrapped in Christmas paper and ribbons. Christmas recipes are not only to be enjoyed at christmas time, but all year round. How about some Spicy Mint Vinegar, another perfect homemade gift that your friends will find useful to have in their kitchen.
Homemade Christmas Gift IdeasTipsy PearsSmall pears are perfect for this homemade food gift. However, if you can only find large ones just peel, quarter, core and remove pips first.Ingredients 500g small firm ripe pears Wash and dry the pears, leaving the stalks attached. Put the burgundy and sugar in a preserving pan or large saucepan and stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the pears and cinnamon stick to the syrup and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer until pears are just tender, about 5 mins. Remove cinnamon stick and put the pears into a prepared jar using a slotted spoon. Return syrup to the boil and boil rapidly without stirring for 5 mins. Strain the syrup and add enough brandy to make 625-750ml of liquid or enough to cover the pears completely. Pour syrup over pears and top with more brandy. Seal, label date and store in a cool place for 1-2 months before serving.
Spicy Mint VinegarFresh mint and red chillies make a delicious zesty combination. Flavoured vinegar is usually made from white wine or cider vinegar, but you can also use red wine or sherry vinegar. Leave to stand for several weeks before you give it away.Ingredients 500ml white wine vinegar Put the vinegar into a stainless steel pan and warm over a low heat. Wash and dry mint and bay leaf and coarsely crush the peppercorns. Place in a 500ml sterilised bottle, then add chillies. Using a funnel, fill the bottle with the warmed vinegar. Let cool before sealing with a screw top lid, stopper or cork. Put the bottle in a warm, sunny position for 2-3 weeks to draw out the flavours. When the flavour is fully developed, remove the solids, strain and rebottle. Store in a cool dark place.When giving as a gift, add a sprig of fresh mint. You can wrap your bottle in some festive material decorated with ribbons and a homemade gift tag.
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