Still have presents to buy? Why not make this easy edible gift at home?
With the holidays approaching and countless gifts for you to buy, we thought it might be a nice idea this month to take some time out and make some edible gifts with your little one. Friends and family all appreciate the thought that goes into handmade gifts and it is a lovely way to make memories with your children at the same time.
Here is a fantastic recipe for Peppermint Creams, an age-old favourite that’s easy to make. You can personalise your gift by putting them in a sparkly gift bag tied with ribbon.
Ingredients:
2 egg whites
A drop of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of peppermint essence
600-800g of icing sugar
Instructions:
- Wash your hands to start!
- Place the two egg whites in a bowl, whisk vigorously to froth up the whites.
- Add the lemon juice and the peppermint essence.
- Stir whilst pouring in 600g of icing sugar, taking care not to add too much in one go
- When the mixture forms a dough, knead it softly. If it sticks to your hands add a little more icing sugar.
- Form the mixture into a ball and lay it on some baking parchment. Sprinkle the parchment and dough with icing sugar to stop it sticking.
- Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it is about half a centimetre thick. Keep moving the dough to stop it sticking.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out as many shapes as you can. You may need to roll it out several times.
- If you want beautifully decorated creams you can add a touch of edible glitter, silver balls or melted chocolate!
- Leave them to dry overnight and enjoy!
If you are giving these as presents, we recommend they are eaten quickly as the ingredients contain egg!
Once you have finished licking the spoon why not visit Father Christmas and his elves at one of the following grottos open on the run up to Christmas:
Odds Farm Park at Beaconsfield – The grotto is open daily from 26th November to 24th December, 10am to 5.30pm (closes 3.30pm Christmas Eve). To book online visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk or call 01628 520188.
Notcutts Garden Centre, Booker, near Marlow – Father Christmas is on site from 1st to 24th December. Children cost between £12-14, adults £7.45 or £12 for two adults. Advance online booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. http://www.notcutts.co.uk/christmas-preview/content/fcp-content
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Aylesbury – This magical adventure includes a gift from Father Christmas, refreshments and a live children’s show. Also available is a festive day out with Thomas the Tank Engine on Saturdays throughout December. To book tickets, which cost from £13.50, visit www.bucksrailcentre.org. For all queries call 01296 655720.
Merry Christmas to you all! Have fun and we look forward to seeing you all in 2019!