Well, this is it, it's Friday again!! It's been a pretty busy week here at Petit Filoux. Feel especially on edge this morning as had trouble with the trains going into London. It's raining you see, so guess what, the trains were delayed due to "slippery conditions". Honestly, I've heard it all. This delay then forced me to take the tube so that I wouldn't be toooo late into work. There's a reason why I try and avoid taking the tube and this morning reminded me of just that. It's horrendous. Cramped conditions, sweaty smelly people, and the thought of all the bacteria crawling around, it makes me gag.
Anyway!! Onto nicer brighter thoughts!! Sorry about that folks!! lol - well, as if I weren't busy enough with all this Christmas crafting, I decided to make some more things for my Christmas hampers. If you haven't heard about those before, I've decided to give hampers to people this year with lots of home-made goodies. It's much nicer I reckon, a little cheaper than buying presents for everyone, and it's a lot more fun!! So a couple of nights ago, I started making chutney. Spiced beetroot and orange chutney to be precise. I can't tell you what it tastes like because I haven't tasted it yet, but it smelt absolutely divine!! All the christmasy aromas, it was wonderful!!!
It's made with beetroot, apple, orange juice, vinegar of course, and a flurry of spices including cinnamon and cloves. I remember Boyfriend made a comment that it smelled like mulled wine!!! That's not a bad thing in my book! I found the recipe in the December issue of the BBC Good Food magazine, but it's online here. I've made plenty of recipes from that magazine and they've always been wonderful, so I don't see why this one should be any different. Apparently, it goes really well with cold meats. Hum, I can't wait to try it out on Boxing Day!!!
Not much planned for the weekend so far. It's the last weekend I have with nothing planned until Christmas. Between an upcoming engagement party (not mine!), work Christmas do's, meeting up with various people prior to Christmas, that's it until the end of the year!! Pretty scary honestly. I hope that whatever you're up to, you have lots of fun!!! I'm going to try and finish my Christmas bunting and other crafty goods, so come back next week to see it all!!
Take care xx
8 comments:
Now why didn't I think of Christmas hampers for people?! Would probably have caused me much less stress than I'm having at the moment buying presents!
Mind you, it's probably not suitable for all people - I can't see my 13 year old nephew being thrilled with a jar of chutney.
Definitely filing this one away for Christmas 2010, along with the Christmas Cake!
love canning!
i'm impressed. I just pat myself on the back for a little bit of knitting... but chutney? I wouldn't know where to even begin!
Great idea for the hampers. You are going to have some very happy recipients for Christmas. The chutney looks beautiful. Hope the next few weeks are more calm than you expect.
The Girl, yes I can't see kids being too happy with chutney that's for sure!! I don't have any kiddies to give presents to so I'm ok!
Monica, honestly it's just a matter of putting it all in the pan and stirring occasionally! It's dead simple!
Thanks Jennifer!
That looks gorgeous. I also love Good Food recipes and they're really good about putting up recipes from previous issues up on the (free!) website.
I am doing hampers as well. Have made some wine and beer,chutney, soap and dishcloths. I am going to Germany for the markets next weekend, so will see what I can get there and then may add something else, depends what they look like. What are you putting your things in? Need some ideas on that. Lisa
PS don' eat that cake yet!!!
Lizzy,
I am very jealous, christmas markets are brilliant!!!
I'll probably put my things in little straw baskets, but I haven't found anything that's cheap enough yet - I'll let you know if I come across something good!
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