When to make foodie gifts?

[dontquotemeondailymail]

I’m making some edible gifts to go in hampers, but I’m always concerned about when to make them.

This year I’m thinking of fudge, peppermint creams and peanut brittle. How far in advance can I make them?

Or any recommendations for similar things that could be made a good few weeks before Christmas?

It's tricky isn't it, because you don't want to have loads to do at the last minute (nor do you want mouldy sweets). Sarah Raven's book says peppermint creams keep for two weeks - but not sure about the others. I love a good peanut brittle btw, haven't had that for ages!

Exactly, I really want to avoid last minute panics!

The peanut brittle is for my father in law, he loves it and it’s so easy to make.

I would expect the fudge to keep for a few days, but I'd leave the peanut brittle until the last minute as it can get sticky

I make white chocolate, cranberry and pistachio fudge (condensed milk recipe) a week before and fridge it. It is always fine.

Ooh, Welltidy that sounds gorgeous!

I’m making some layered recipe jars for my sisters, mainly soups so layers of different lentils/rice/beans and a stock cube so all she really had to add is water and some shredded chicken or veg or something if she wants too, they look quite nice layered up with a ribbon and the recipe on a tag, I will do cookie ones of the kids.

Flavoured oils can be done now and left somewhere cool and dark, a set of garlic/chilli/lemon/herb olive oil is easy to do.
Coffee syrups as well I think could be done now. 😊

You've all got me googling peanut brittle recipes! I think I might make it myself, it looks yum. I've made slow cooker fudge the last couple of Christmases - goes down a treat! I usually only make it a day or two before giving eating though, just because I'm disorganised.