PTCardiff Winter 2016_digital

H
Christmas
H
Kids in the Kitchen
Christmas is one of the most expensive
times of the year so why not cut down on
expenses while getting your children into
the kitchen at the same time. Unlike socks
or aftershave, food gifts are rarely unwanted.
The main difference between something
home-made and a shop-bought treat is price,
and with clever packaging, a home-made
treat can be even more eye-catching than
its commercial equivalent. The more ‘down
to earth’ and ‘artisan’ your presentation, the
better the home-made treat looks. Stock up
on icing sugar, twine, empty jam jars and
brown paper bags and boxes. Check out
boutique food shops and cafés and take
pictures of ‘rustic’ items that capture your
fancy, then simply reproduce the look at home!
Not only will home-made gifts save you money,
but family and friends will be touched that you
took the time.
You don’t have to be Mary Berry! The following
recipes are so easy that the whole family
can join in.
By Anne Marie Scanlon
Mini Christmas Pudding
Rice Krispie Cakes
The Rice Krispie cake has to be one
of the easiest recipes ever created. It
is next to impossible to fail and best of
all, everyone loves them.
Ingredients:
50g Rice Krispies/popped rice cereal
50g Butter • 100g Milk Chocolate
80g White Chocolate
Pre-made icing holly leaves
Method:
Melt the chocolate and butter together
and mix well.
Put the Rice Krispies into a large
bowl, add the melted chocolate and
mix until every ‘Krispie’ is coated in
chocolate.
Shape the mixture into little ‘puddings’
and put in the fridge until set.
Melt the white chocolate and dribble
over the puddings. Top with the premade
holly leaves and again leave in
the fridge until completely set.
Presentation & Wrapping:
Use a large dinner plate to draw
around and cut out a large circle
of cellophane. Place a mound of
‘puddings’ in the middle and take the
edges of the cellophane up to cover
the mound. Hold together with an
elastic band or Sellotape, then tie with
twine and a handmade label.
Christmas Coconut Truffles
Truffles are a perennial favourite and
incredibly easy to make...
Ingredients:
200ml Double Cream
200g Dark Chocolate (minimum 70%
Cocoa Solids)
200g Desiccated Coconut
Method:
Chop the chocolate into small pieces
and put in a mixing bowl.
In a saucepan, bring the cream gently
to the boil.
Pour the cream over the chocolate
and stir until both ingredients are
completely blended and smooth.
Leave the mixture in the fridge until it
becomes solid.
Using a teaspoon, scoop out small
pieces of the mixture and roll into bitesized
balls.
Roll each individual ball in coconut
until it is completely covered.
Presentation & Wrapping:
You can wrap these in cellophane
just like the Christmas Pudding Rice
Krispie Cakes. Or line a small brown
cardboard box with tissue paper
and use twine to secure it. Add a
handmade label made of brown
cardboard.
Edible Garlands
Edible decorations such as
gingerbread shapes and candy canes
have been a staple on Christmas trees
for a long time. The following edible
garlands are so simple to make that
even the smallest members of the
family can help. They can be used to
decorate your own home or can be
given as gifts.
Ingredients:
A large sewing needle and thread.
Popcorn, marshmallows, and dried
fruit such as cranberries work well.
Method:
Double your thread to increase its
strength and thread on the ingredients.
Tie off the ends and hey presto! – It’s
that simple!
Presentation & Wrapping:
If you’re using these garlands as
decorations then simplicity is key.
Use one or two ingredients for an
authentic rustic feel.
If you are planning on giving the
garlands as gifts you can add all sorts
of decorations – melted chocolate,
edible glitter and more – let the kids
take over! Then twizzle the garland
into a large glass jar and tie with a
ribbon and child’s handmade label.
Perfect for grandparents!
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | WINTER 2016 Primary Times 25