Counting down to Christmas in anticipation of that special gift from Santa is something many of us did as children, some were lucky and got an Advent Calendar with a special chocolate treat each night after dinner.

As children we would write a letter to Santa with our wish list and send it all the way to the North Pole! Some of our wishes came true but of course not for the reason we imagined!

Nowadays one can email Santa believe it or not! You will get a reply letter from Santa instantly - no email, home address, phone number or last name needed for cyber security as Santa knows exactly where we live!

We all know Father Christmas climbs down the chimney delivering gifts, but what if there's no chimney, and heaven forbids if he sets off the alarm bells that we set at night? Don't want the good old Santa to be arrested now do we, so don't forget to turn off the alarm at night boys and girls;)

And of course, never forget to leave a plate of cookies and a glass of milk on the table for dear old Santa and carrots for the reindeers!

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Today's going to be a busy day as we're going to start making edible gifts with Oranges & Lemons three-ways; quite a lot of work but really worthwhile.

Orange Peel Curls

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Sweet Orange Marmalade

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Lemon Curd

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PREPARATION

• Today's gifts are delicious preserves which cost very little and your loved ones will enjoy so start collecting pretty glass bottles, strip labels off, wash it in hot soapie water, rinse in hot water and place in a hot oven to sterilize and dry.
• Only use good quality fruit and rinse well under running water.
  

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We will start with the most difficult gift of all, this will be for a very special friend
ORANGE PEEL CURLS

• 2 large oranges (with a thin peel)

• 250 ml White Sugar

• 250 ml Cold Water

• 20 ml Lemon Juice

• Wash fruit, slice into 8 wedges & scrape as much of the white pith off

• Roll each wedge up tightly and string onto a strong cotton, tying the ends together
  

• Place in a deep stainless steel pot and cover with water

• Bring to a boil, then drain water off and add fresh water

• Boil on a low heat till skins are soft - test with a match stick

• Drain liquid off

• Bring to a boil 250 ml water and 250 ml sugar plus the lemon juice

• Boil on a medium heat till syrup thickens and peel is softer

• Spoon into sterilized bottles and seal immediately

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ORANGE MARMALADE

Quantities will vary according to the size of the fruit; basic recipe is:

• 4 Oranges diced

• Juice & Pips of 1 Lemon - soak pips in a little boiling water, this helps with setting marmalade

• Measure the fruit and add double the amount of water

• Soak fruit in water overnight in a stainless steel pot

• Keep lid on to avoid evaporation and bring to the boil the next day till skin is soft approx half an hour

• Weigh fruit, add equal measure of sugar - I used half brown, half white

• Stir well to dissolve sugar, add lemon pips water and bring to a boil without lid
  

• Boil rapidly until it starts to thicken, not forgetting to scoop off the scum that develops.

• Test for setting stage by placing a teaspoonful on a cold saucer, place in fridge for a couple of minutes and tilt saucer

• Spoon into sterilized bottles and seal immediately
  

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Next up is a real quick and easy
LEMON CURD

• Rind of 2 & Juice of 4 Lemons

• 625 ml white Sugar

• 500 gram Butter

• 4 Eggs - beaten

• Place all in deep stainless steel pot on medium heat, stirring constantly

• As soon as mixture starts to bubble, remove from heat
  

• Spoon into sterilized jars, leave to cool before sealing

• Store in refrigerator
  

Gorgeous golden sweet Orange Marmalade and luscious Lemon Curd, gifts your loved ones can savour at breakfast times long after after Christmas has passed.

Enjoy making these treats to give away as gifts for your loved ones, until next time when we will share more Gifts from the Heart, Gifts from the Kitchen Edition 2019

Original Content by @lizelle

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