British Expatriate Network

Anyone bake/make anything special to give away to family/friends/co- workers for the Christmas season?

I remember my mum making mince pies *yuck* every Christmas and still does, infact. Me, I have many recipes for cookies I've made over the years but I can't seem to be bothered that much any more and I end up eating more than my fair share anyway! wink

Seems it's more of a tradition here for the women of big families to get together and have a whole day devoted to baking cookies. I can't remember anyone that I knew in UK ever doing that.

This year I am making English Toffee with chopped almonds on one side and chocolate on the other. It takes well over an hour to make; standing at the stove stiring the stuff until it reaches 350 degrees. But it's well worth it. I plan to make two batches to give to friends and my co-workers.

So can you tell us the recipe for the English Toffee? I wouldn't mind making some myself )

My mother in law has a bundle of different candies she makes. Chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate covered nuts and this toffee that sticks your jawes together for a good 10 minutes at a time......yes, they're a family of larger proportions.

I try and get home as near to christmas as possible because my mum the best mince pies in the world, she makes about 20 dozen to mae sure we have enough and makes her own christmas pudding, which is ab fab!!

I make our Christmas pudding and the mincemeat for the pies. But I don't give any of it away D

Oh yes you do!!! wink D

Debs x D

my mum the best mince pies in the world, she makes about 20 dozen


Sounds like me....the most I ever made was 24 dozen....and they all got eaten. :)

I'll have to make some this year as we have to stay here for Chrimbo due to prohibitive charges to change our flights. :roll: Now, where's that sweet pastry recipe...

Debs x :D

If you're staying here, you must come down to Long Island on Boxing Day for a pint with the gang ) I've heard UKM promises not to repeat the lying down thing.... ;) lol

Great idea, Monster. What do you think Debs? )

Here's the toffee recipe, KG

1 3lb bag almonds (Costco)
3 lbs butter
6 C sugar
9 oz water
2T vanilla
3 bags milk chocolate chips

candy thermometer

2 18 x 12 pans (Costco 3 pk)
Chop almonds first and spread in pans.

Heat butter on MEDIUM heat in large stock pot with a heavy bottom wink until melted.
Add sugar and water and stir every couple of minutes.
When mixture boils, add the vanilla. It will make a swooshing noise, that's ok. Stir occasionally.
When temperature reaches 275 deg. stir constantly.
Then wait until it reaches 300 degrees which is the 'hard crack' stage then immediately take it off the heat and pour toffee evenly onto prepared pans of nuts.
Wait a few minutes then sprinkle on the choc. chips.
After they've melted, spead evenly over the cooling toffee.
Let cool and break into pieces.

The only problem I have is that the chocolate turns whiteish after it completely cools. Obviously it's the heat that turns it white.
Maybe used a very good quality choc???

Good luck!

Thanks for the recipe; Not sure I want to make such a vast quantity though! lol