Homemade Christmas Hamper

[ilovelamp82]

I've decided this year that I feel like I'm going to try and be a bit more personal and make a home made hamper. Nearer the time I am going to make some different festive treats, fudge, shortbread etc, but I was thinking of making some things in advance to spread out the work/cost. So far I am thinking that I will make candles and skittles vodka. I am looking for some inspiration for ideas or some advice on tried and tested methods to use (for candles in particular). Also if anyone can advise me on where I could find some reasonably priced glass bottles with stoppers, preferably around 250ml.

[Mojito100]

I can't help with any of your questions - sorry for that but wanted to say Nigella has a great recipe for rhubarb schnapps if you are interested. I have made it and it is delicious. I have varied the recipe as well and made peach, nectarine and plum schnapps too when I had some fruit going a bit too soft. It lasts forever. If you wanted and were arty (I'm not) you could also make some shot glasses. Buy simple glass shot glasses and there is craft paint specifically for glass if you wanted to decorate them yourself. alternatively it is quite trendy at the moment to use old jam jars for alcoholic beverages so you could paint some of these if you wanted.

IKEA tends to do good glass bottles and things if you are willing to risk the madness of one of their stores.

[ilovelamp82]

Thanks Mojito. I've actually just come from Ikea this morning. The only size I could see was 1ltr. But I really like the idea of making Peach Schnapps, so will have a look for her recipe. Like the Jam jar idea too. Thanks

[Smilesandpiles]

What about this:

(an Idea I've just thought of so I'm not sure if it will work.)

Use the Jam jars for the booze. Drill a hole into the lid and file the edges to smooth them.

Fill the jam jars with the booze. Cover with cling film and a bit of foil (shiney side up where the hole in the lid will be), screw the lid on.

Put in the haper with some straws. Use the straws to pierce the film and drink!

[Smilesandpiles]

(hamper)

[aylesburyduck]

Homemade lemon curd was the winner in my hamper last year. It was a doddle to make and delicious (even if I do say so myself).

I think I got the recipie off the BBC website IIRC.

[Justfuckitupagain]

I did hampers a couple of years ago, and included a jar of rib glaze

www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/parprika_glazed_ribs_01985

I have to say that it is absolutely incredible!

Also jams/chutneys are good to make at this time of year

If you have a glut of fruit you could use it to make flavoured booze (we had masses of cherries last year that spent months soaking in brandy, same with strawberries and vodka - this was particularly lush!)

I've currently got strawberry vodka and werthers original vodka maturing under the stairs