Homemade, with love

It is probably one of the most overused phrases, but where has the time gone? I can honestly say that this year has whizzed by and here I am on Christmas eve wondering how it can be this time of year once again.

I remember the events of spring and summer as though they happened yesterday and am in slight shock that in less than 6 months time I will be married to the love of my life. However, before that we have to enjoy Christmas! Prior to our trip to Vienna we thought that we were thoroughly organised and my handy lists came into action yet again to demonstrate that we were, except for the homemade edible gifts that I wanted to make, so a few late nights and early mornings later and they are ready to enjoy. I have made 22 jars of festive fruit chutney, 6 jars of lemon curd, 50 chocolate truffles, and 4 bags of peanut brittle. For general festive consumption I have also made 4kg mincemeat and enough pastry to feed the 5,000! Here are a few mini mince pies that I took into work today for Christmas eve treats.

For Christmas day I am going to make a batch of cranberry studded sausage rolls with herby shortcrust pastry, and a selection of sweet treats (for those of us who find Christmas pudding too rich) mini mince pies and whipped cream, passionfruit and pomegranate pavlova and lemon drizzle sponge sandwich filled with homemade lemon curd and lashings of whipped cream. So with that reminder, I am off to the kitchen to bake and make these delights in time for tomorrow!

Wishing you all a wonderful and very merry Christmas filled with love, laughter and joy and I hope that you all get something you wished for!