Handmade gifts are the best kind, particularly when they're edible.
If this year has been good for anything, it was the new-found love for all things food. When we look back at 2020, our stomachs will fondly remember the mountains of sourdough, the kilos of banana bread and the vats of DIY cocktails that we all indulged in. It’s been a year when our kitchens were no longer something that just came with the house and instead, our saviour. Between learning how to bake and reaping the relaxation benefits that come with it to supporting local restaurants through takeaway or DIY kits, food was at the heart of this year.
And as the year comes to a close and Christmas is just around the corner, what better way to honour our lockdown saviour than with some festive baking. Not only will it bring you joy and leave your home smelling fantastic, but they can also double us as the perfect Christmas gifts.
Even before COVID-19, the thought of heading to a crowded shopping centre and picking out the perfect present for everyone on your list was a daunting task. Now, avoiding crowds is a necessity. Sure, you could always order online but you run the risk of presents not arriving on time. Instead, why not make your gifts this Christmas? No, we're not talking about turning a toilet roll into a pencil holder but rather an edible gift so good your friends and family won't believe you made it. Not only will an edible gift bring guaranteed joy to its recipient and look cute wrapped in a ribboned box under the tree but it will get you brownie points, too. For nothing is more thoughtful than sending loved ones a homemade present. Not to mention, it’s a great way of saving money too.
Kerrygold has a whole host of different edible gift recipes that are a perfect fit for just about anyone with tastebuds. Think Kerrygold Christmas fudge, Christmas cake, Kerrygold Florentines, decorative Christmas cookies, Toffee Buttercrunch and even some fun melting snowmen cookies. Collaborating with chef Shame Smith, Kerrygold has all the recipes you could possibly need this year whether you're baking edible gifts or cooking up a feast for Christmas day. Visit kerrygold.com/ie/recipes for all your seasonal inspo.
But to get in the holiday spirit right away, Kerrygold has kindly shared their delicious Christmas fudge recipe - the perfect edible treat to gift to a loved one this Christmas. Be warned though, this festive treat is so tasty you'll want to keep it all for yourself.
Kerrygold Christmas Fudge
Give your guests a real treat this Christmas & give them a homemade edible gift.
Ingredients:
- 400g white castor sugar
- 300ml double cream
- 40g salted Kerrygold Butter
- 1/2tsp ground ginger
- 1tsp vanilla extract
- 10g white chocolate chips
- 1tsp salted caramel extract
Method:
- Grease and line an 18cm square tin with baking paper
- Tip the sugar, cream and butter in a large heavy-based saucepan. Heat gently until all the sugar has dissolved and the butter melted, then increase the heat and bring to the boil. Boil, without stirring, for 8-10 minutes.
- Test the mixture by dropping a little into cold water – if it is at the correct temperature it will form a soft flexible ball. If you remove it from the water, it will flatten after a few minutes. This is known as ‘softball’ consistency.
- When the mixture reaches the softball consistency. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to sit, undisturbed for 5 minutes.
- Next, add in the vanilla, the ginger and the white chocolate chips and stir through the mixture. Begin to beat the mixture vigorously using a wooden spoon, as the mixture begins to cool and thicken it will start to lose its glossy shine.
- Before the mixture sets completely, pour into the prepared baking tin and smooth over the surface. Leave to cool at room temperature overnight for best results, but if you are in a hurry let chill in the fridge for 2 hours.
- Cut into small bite-sized squares to serve or wrap up to give as a present.
Kerrygold. Love the taste.
For more seasonal recipes, visit kerrygold.com
