Topic: Smells like a dream!

[Mrs Ava]

My house that is!!  Made my first batch (36 in all) of mince pies.  Most will go into the freezer, I will probably leave about 6 out for the next few days, then just take as I need.  I will have to make lots more as we are going to see my dads mum in a couple of weeks, then my darlings Great Nan the following week, but it is a start! 

Been feeding my Chrissy cake...when should I stop??  It smells fab!  Have been using my homemade cherry brandy one week, then cognac the next.  YUMSKY!!

[Lily]

I can smell then now, they sound great.  Keep feeding the cake, I'm sure you'll know when to stop............ when the fumes hit you  :o, when you open up the cake to give it one final feeding.

Lily

[RSJK]

Emma if I send you my address or you send me yours you can post or let me taste your cake and I will let you know if it as enough brandy inside it.

                  ;D ;D ;D

[Lily]

And I'll have a mince pie, please.   ;D  ;D  ;D

Lily

[Lily]

Just open up the gate and send it via broadband, like the advert.  I'll go put the kettle on.  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D

Lily

[Mrs Ava]

OKay!  ;D  I wonder if brandy butter travels well.......  ::)

[Lily]

Don't worry about the brandy butter, I can make some.  Have got brandy, Hic, and have got butter.  Just mix the two together don't you!! ;D  ;D  ;D

Lily

[Derekthefox]

Just leaving 6 mince pies out Emma? That would do me one sitting !!! I like them neat, or at the most, a dab of cream (I dream about having clotted cream with mince pies, but have never dared!).

Derekthefox :D

[jaggythistle]

  Should try the mince pies with icing on top Emma- in your own words
   DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELISSSSSHHHHH !!! ;D ;D

[Delilah]

Yummy :)

[Heldi]

I only like home made mince pies.  Hint hint. You know my address already tee  hee!

[Mrs Ava]

hehehehe.  My darling was pleased when he picked up his sangers this morning to see a couple of minky pies waiting for him....'ooo, the first of the year'  he exclaimed.   ;D

My moan is, why oh why do I always over do the mince so it oooozes out and makes the pastry all sweet and sticky?  ;D ;D

Will ice the next lot Jaggy and let you know the verdict!  ;D ;D

[Derekthefox]

Sweet and sticky pastry is far better !!! And it gives a good reason to lick your fingers !

Derekthefox :D

[busy_lizzie]

I love mince pies, I bet your house smells fantastic EJ.  Lovely Christmassy smell permeated ours today too as I have just made my mincemeat. The cake is being done on Sunday  - I have had my fruit soaking in brandy for a week now, and they are all nice and plump and gorgeous and ready for the rest of the ingredients.

 I always think of my Mam when I am making it because I got the recipe off her 32 years ago. I feel very close to her at this time of year, and just feel sure she is hanging around somewhere watching all the preparations.  :) busy_lizzie

[Delilah]

I'm sure she is hanging around helping and enjoying the preparations with you :)

I'm hoping to make mincemeat this weekend, I keep feeding my cake and made 2 puddings earlier this week!!  the smells from the kitchen are just wonderful at this time of year :)

[BAGGY]

I'll be the party pooper then shall I?  I don't like mince pies.  They remind me of Branston pickle.  However, crimbo cake.........Now we're talking !!!!! :P

[Derekthefox]

No problems there Baggy, just take them then pass them to me, they will have a good home ...  ;D

Derekthefox :D

[Derekthefox]

But that is what food is for, Wardy ;D At least this time of year does have its compensations ...

Derekthefox :D