Your friends and family will appreciate your German homemade christmas recipes. Tipsy Pears are very easy to make, however, they need to be made in November 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.
Small 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
300ml red burgundy
200g sugar
1 cinnamon stick
125ml brandy
A 750ml 1 1/4pt preserving jar, sterilised
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.
Fresh 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
4, 10cm-12cm sprigs fresh mint
1 fresh bay leaf
1/2 tsp black peppercorns
3 dried red chillies
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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German Christmas Recipes to Homemade Christmas Gifts
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Zachary - USA
Tremendous website. I lived in Germany for almost 14 years. Your recipes have me excited about getting back into German cooking. Thanks so much!
How To Make Vanilla SugarMake your own vanilla sugar to use in German cakes, cookies and German dessert recipes.