A Christmas Tp Tip came to me in a blinding flash and if I don't share now I'll forget

[Hassled]

You know how Christmas cake recipes all call for Apricot Jam to stick the marzipan to the cake? And how no other jam works/tastes quite the same so you're forced to buy some even though it's actually disgusting? And how the jar you bought for Christmas '11 will be mouldy by Christmas '12 so you can't even keep using the same jar?

I can solve the problem. You need to book yourself into a hotel and make sure breakfast is included. Then you nick the little pots of (apricot) jam they serve. Job's a good 'un.

Do we have any more?

Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy the jam and throw the rest away?

Last time I stayed in a hotel that had apricot jam dc3 was conceived. Cost a fortune...

I feel that is flawed genius, a nights hotel stay for "free jam" costs a lot more than the jar of jam brought from the supermarket! ;)

I like t o use old christmas cards & wrapping bits to make new cards and gift tags :)

Well yes, there is a slight financial hitch in my thinking :o. What I should be urging is apricot jam theft whenever you're lucky enough to be in a hotel.

I buy the apricot jam without bits in it (You can get apricot glaze but it's just smooth apricot jam with brandy in it),

What might work though, is freeze it.And when it defrosts add the alcohol.

Though this year I'm going to save even more by not making a Christmas Cake because last year I think I ate 2 slices (DH and the DC don't eat it)

I make marzipan with Amaretto (purely to preserve the raw egg you understand).

Hassled I'll try your Top Tip when I fancy some Elemis goodies (ie steal from the bathroom).

You could write to "Viz" with your Top Tip.

Hassled, are you posting bail for MN-apricot jam thieves caught in the act? Am planning a raid on my nearest hotel thanks to this thread.

Apricot jam is LUSH though! Right up there with Damson, and lemon curd
Have just invested in a jar of Rhubarb & ginger to open on a special occasion. Yum

Pretend to be trying out the hotel as a venue for wedding, and ask to try to a selection of their breakfast jams. Then steal them.

Buy a Christmas cake. That's my Top Tip.

I made some apple and chilli chutney jam-shite tonight. It's fucking horrible.

Don't eat it.

There's a tip.

If you're going to go to all the bother of stealing something, might as well just steal the christmas cake rather than a piddling jar of jam. May as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb and all that.

Get admitted to hospital in Sept - they always have bowls of little, tiny jam pots inc apricot jam.

But take your kids to the Sainsbo's cafe and buy a small pot of jam for the tea cake or scone ...

My mum's homemade apricot jam is great - but it costs me £££££ to buy a ticket to go and visit and raid her pantry of chutneys, jams and olives

I like apricot jam! Send any leftovers to me

After only 12 years of marriage, I am contemplating making a cake for the first time this year. So knowing that one must use apricot jam is a good starting point. I also bought M&S spiced sugar for Christmas cakes that was being sold off in January (knowing that I would have to make it this year - MIL didn't give us 1 last year, and my mum also didn't give us a pudding - both for the 1st time ever - I'd think it was a conspiracy but they cannot stand one another so wouldn't have planned it together!! ).

Any other useful hints and tips for Cake and pudding making? (I also remember that one HAS to use a bottle, not a can, of proper Guinness in the pudding - I'm sure I can tackle this ).

I like apricot jam! M&S sell apricot 'glue' in little pouches to stick/glaze with. I assume it's jam without the lumps.

I like apricot jam too! The answer to all this is to make Christmas cakes all year round, justifying the cost of a whole jar

I hate Christmas cake (marzipan and mixed fruit HORROR!) but I love apricot jam. Happy to accept leftover jars of jam!

BiddyPop - TopTip

when you are making your Christmas Pud and you measure out your Guinness do not allow your helpful DH/DP to "just finish off the bottle" before you stir it.
Chances are you'll need more liquid which means opening another bottle (Yes DH I mean YOU)

Ta for that 70s, I think I will claim I need any spare for " the iron" . (I think I'm safe enough with DH, but if FIL were here, that would be a different story!!!)

Don't morrisons sell those tiny pots of jam and marmalade etc?????

When I go to hotels I steal the jams for MiL, they make her happy.

Therefore my top top is don't make Christmas Cake.

Top tip.

I use sieved marmalade or even melt it slightly in microwave and avoid the orangey bits. Never had any complaints. Queen Delia has the best recipe.

My top tip : make gravy in advance using chicken wings. Freeze.