A Homemade Christmas :)

[2Old2BeABluePeterPresenter]

So I've got a couple of things on the go already, cherry brandy, willow soaking to make decorations for the tree. Going to go blackberry picking to make blackberry whiskey and got some felt to make more decorations.

What are you making for Christmas? Do you have any ideas you can share? :)

Look on the Christmas - share your Pintrest Board - be prepared to loose hours of your life

Thanks mrsdinklage, I've never used pinterest, could be dangerous

Are there any sloes or damsons near you. You can't beat sloe or damson gin.

Yes :) That's my other booze to make, sloe gin. I made elderflower fizz earlier in the summer, unfortunately w drank it all too. I'm hoping to get a cider press as a Christmas present this year too! I'm not obsessed honest

The sloes are out round here - I must go and check them, they were very small - but I think that was 2 weeks ago.

I want to make slow gin with this year's sloes but I thought I'd be harvesting them in October time-are they really around now? My novice status is showing...

Not sure how much I'll be able to get done this year as DD2 is due soon. DD1 and I will be making our cards again, and I'll probably do chutney, and maybe some apple and cinnamon vodka again. Does anyone have any suggestions for low fuss things to make with apples? Preferably with no need for specialist equipment! Our apple tree seems to be doing really well this year.

Sloes are best picked after the first frosts in October. Prick sloes, Mix with sugar and gin. Shake every day for a week. Shake once a week for a month. Then leave alone for as long as possible. Pour off gin through a sieve and then through a clean, folded muslin cloth or similar. It can be enjoyed this Christmas but the longer you leave it the better( six months is good).