tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post5165753229047265953..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: The Vicky Challenge. Saving on food gifts.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-86976695304351353262016-11-30T05:01:09.798-08:002016-11-30T05:01:09.798-08:00I love that comment, "Homemade is always bett...I love that comment, "Homemade is always better because it has love in it!"Cristyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11885394458317264217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-76222210341148497432016-11-30T05:00:31.613-08:002016-11-30T05:00:31.613-08:00I love that comment, "Homemade is always bett...I love that comment, "Homemade is always better because it has love in it!"Cristyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11885394458317264217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-22774381982451543032016-11-30T04:57:05.672-08:002016-11-30T04:57:05.672-08:00Sure, Rachel. I'll make some up and make a pic...Sure, Rachel. I'll make some up and make a picture. I'll send the recipe and to Annabelle.<br />Cristyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11885394458317264217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-73187738245458037192016-11-30T04:56:43.038-08:002016-11-30T04:56:43.038-08:00Sure, Rachel. I'll make some up and make a pic...Sure, Rachel. I'll make some up and make a picture. I'll send the recipe and to Annabelle.<br />Cristyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11885394458317264217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-75675458743743220332016-11-30T03:57:52.988-08:002016-11-30T03:57:52.988-08:00Lynette, lemon is my favorite pie too. This is the...Lynette, lemon is my favorite pie too. This is the first year I made the Impossible Pumpkin pie. Here's the link. bettycrocker.com/impossible-pumpkin-pie. We like our pie a little bit more spicy than the recipe calls for so I added just a bit more. When you read the reviews you'll see it doesn't make a traditional pie crust. However my family thought it was quite good and I was able to make one gluten free for those who follow a gluten free diet. You'll see that some people who reviewed the recipe added pecans, whiskey, or altered it in some other way, so the sky's the limit with this recipe. Hope you enjoy it. Cookie Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-28294051352832021242016-11-29T20:20:42.144-08:002016-11-29T20:20:42.144-08:00Thank you for the conversion!
Debby in KS... I ha...Thank you for the conversion! <br />Debby in KS... I have been learning so much US lingo! haha! I love it. I love certain expressions such as "put up" so I say that now.. I put up several jars of honey today! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-57422306615463626552016-11-29T20:19:05.536-08:002016-11-29T20:19:05.536-08:00Dear Debbie,
I would love to see your recipe. That...Dear Debbie,<br />I would love to see your recipe. That sounds like a salad that will travel and keep well. I love these! <br />I hope Chloe's biscuits worked for you! She churns those out and says no one notices it is the same recipe with variations she does with it! <br />People seem to love it if you turn up with food! I agree a cake is always good. A pavlova gets you in anywhere I always say! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-54833390028515708082016-11-29T20:16:02.011-08:002016-11-29T20:16:02.011-08:00Dear Lynette,
I think food gifts are so helpful. I...Dear Lynette,<br />I think food gifts are so helpful. Its a good idea.<br />Anzacs are a great biscuit and keep quite well also.<br />Mum makes bulk biscuits similar to those I think, for Christmas they have a cherry and so on to vary slightly. They are very good. Jars of biscuits are a lovely gift.<br />I expect you will have a lot of work to do for Christmas at your MILs as I think she basically provides the venue and you do all the cooking. At least you have a slight break between the two celebrations! Just as well! Lots of love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-65562388627776180152016-11-29T20:12:39.827-08:002016-11-29T20:12:39.827-08:00Dear Michelle, Thank you! I hope it works well for...Dear Michelle, Thank you! I hope it works well for you! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-74876916344603858952016-11-29T20:12:10.371-08:002016-11-29T20:12:10.371-08:00Dear Bridge,
Well done on the Christmas cakes! The...Dear Bridge,<br />Well done on the Christmas cakes! They are a lovely gift.<br />It is high time I made trifle. Chloe did the other day and everyone she had over for dinner went crazy over it! I think making it in little jars for a picnic would be really lovely so that is my plan.<br />I love greek salad, zucchini slice... all so welcome and a gift of help too. Many thanks Bridge! Love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-33881534692102295072016-11-29T20:08:56.278-08:002016-11-29T20:08:56.278-08:00Dear Cherilyn,
Welcome! Thank you for commenting I...Dear Cherilyn,<br />Welcome! Thank you for commenting I am so glad to have you here.<br />It sounds like you have a very busy life! <br />In Australia you would be very popular turning up anywhere with cinnamon rolls! You would pretty much be a star.<br />Yes please on the recipe that would be just wonderful!<br />Wrapping them individually for 20 treats is a fantastic thing to do. What a nice gift!<br />I also love the scones with the preserves. Brilliant. And your brittle and treats baskets sound beautiful too. You do very well! I think you must be loved by your co workers! Thank you for all of this. I hope you get time to give us that recipe it sounds great. Take a photo to next time! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-25017985002071886602016-11-29T20:04:33.122-08:002016-11-29T20:04:33.122-08:00Dear Leigh, I have never made apple butter... I ma...Dear Leigh, I have never made apple butter... I make lemon butter but I would love to try it. Yours is obviously good!<br />I do have vanilla brewing... and it is looking and smelling good. I need to source some nice little bottles for that. <br />Your braider bread sounds beautiful! I am working on my sour dough... I have some rising... it is looking ok so far but we will see! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-18789979085447039222016-11-29T07:15:36.490-08:002016-11-29T07:15:36.490-08:00What a fun post and comment thread!
I agree that h...What a fun post and comment thread!<br />I agree that homemade bread is a marvelous gift. At one of the churches my husband and I have served I was known for making a certain type of braided egg bread. I'd take it to church auctions and gift exchanges and it was always prized. Homemade apple butter was another favorite at those church auctions. One time a gentleman paid $80 (US) for a half pint! I'm sure he paid so much because it was a fundraiser, but it didn't hurt my ego any!<br />Homemade vanilla extract is another of my favorite foodie gifts. Few people in my circle make their own, so a gifted bottle is always admired.<br />Perhaps it's because I lived so long in the suburbs where more things are bought than made, but I think homemade anything taken to a pitch-in meal or given as a gift is valuable. Homemade treats, particularly when they're seen as "rare" as in the 'burbs, always go quickly at potluck suppers. I've taught my children since they were young that homemade is always better because it has love in it!<br />Blessings, LeighLeighhttp://achatovercoffee.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-52983116677704242402016-11-29T05:48:23.400-08:002016-11-29T05:48:23.400-08:00Red beans and rice is a typical "Cajun" ...Red beans and rice is a typical "Cajun" meal. It is very common in New Orleans. When I moved to South Alabama, only hours from New Orelans, many people made it so I learned how. It's yummy and cheap to make.Cristyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11885394458317264217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-75852196042877032692016-11-28T23:45:49.840-08:002016-11-28T23:45:49.840-08:00Cookie could you also please pass on your pumpkin ...Cookie could you also please pass on your pumpkin impossible pie recipe - I love lemon but my second favourite is pumpkin.<br /><br />Thankyou<br /><br />Lynette<br />XXXXAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-86936389304803026292016-11-28T23:44:43.078-08:002016-11-28T23:44:43.078-08:00Christy, I'd love to see the red bean and rice...Christy, I'd love to see the red bean and rice recipe!<br /><br />Regards,<br />Rachel HoltAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-14298137478963820702016-11-28T23:41:07.247-08:002016-11-28T23:41:07.247-08:00Hi Cherilyn!
I got to read your sign-off before y...Hi Cherilyn!<br /><br />I got to read your sign-off before your comment! I had to show my husband! Thanks for the laugh!!<br /><br />I wanted to reply - bring on your recipes! Your family cinnamon roll recipe, the orange honey butter, burnt milk candy ...... We Bluebirders like treasures! Also, you don't have to like food to be in Annabel's mob, but it sure helps!<br /><br />The more characters here, the merrier!<br /><br />Regards,<br />Rachel HoltAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-61417194038616136092016-11-28T22:49:08.998-08:002016-11-28T22:49:08.998-08:00Dear Jenn,
Nuts have become very expensive here al...Dear Jenn,<br />Nuts have become very expensive here also. Unfortunately! <br />It sounds like you have your family contribution well sorted out! I can't wait for these recipes thank you so much Jenn! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-13924614272974543432016-11-28T22:47:12.943-08:002016-11-28T22:47:12.943-08:00Dear Cookie, Thank you very much for sending me th...Dear Cookie, Thank you very much for sending me the recipes! For anyone waiting on them a post is coming soon! <br />Many people are gluten free so that is very hand that you have a recipe for them. Much appreciated I would say.<br />Thanks so much! Love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-24003487906079492842016-11-28T22:45:16.714-08:002016-11-28T22:45:16.714-08:00Dear Tania,
Thank you so much! I will be trying th...Dear Tania,<br />Thank you so much! I will be trying the cherry ripe truffles. I have someone in mind to make them for as a gift. I will box them up. I think this will be amazing!<br />It is great to pick this recipe up from you thank you! Plus also for the pineapple one.<br />When you see truffles usually they are sold individually and a box full would be worth a small fortune! yikes! <br />Ill get the biscuits from Aldi then Ill be set... Many thanks! Love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-34425156361687246952016-11-28T22:42:50.317-08:002016-11-28T22:42:50.317-08:00Dear Mimi, I love your ideas and I love the feta! ...Dear Mimi, I love your ideas and I love the feta! Yum! I also really like the idea of mixes and ready to make items... <br />I have done things like add herbs from the garden including a branch of bay leaves etc.<br />Your deserts would basically and you could get into any even invited or not! haha that could be handy! <br />It seems homemade is more sought after than ever and deemed special and fabulous. I am so happy about this! <br />Thank you for your ideas! With love AnnabelxxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-76859730586880515982016-11-28T22:31:59.691-08:002016-11-28T22:31:59.691-08:00I love this idea! It is so nice to hear about oth...I love this idea! It is so nice to hear about other people's go to dishes. I work a weird schedule, live miles from town, and we run a small farm, so I always try to have things on hand to make something for surprise gifts or Food Events. I live in Texas, so I'm not sure what the Australian corollary is, but I take cinnamon rolls to a lot of "get togethers ". It's an old family recipe. Well, recipe is a loose term. There aren't really hard and fast recipes for yeast breads, but if anyone is interested I can give a basic how-to with hard measurements for what can be measured. I take them to church breakfasts, work meetings, and meals with my husband's family. In fact, in 1992, my mother in law nervously asked if I would make her a large batch for Mother's Day and freeze them uncooked and individually. I was happy to. She was thrilled to have about 20 breakfast treats and I saved money as they are inexpensive to make. Cinnamon rolls have become her traditional Mothers Day/birthday gift. <br /><br />For gifting, I often make a couple of different kinds of scones and package them up with four ounce jars of homemade jams and preserves. I also make honey butter, orange honey butter, brandy butter or pecan butter to include. Another thing I do is make several batches of candy: nut brittle, chocolate truffles, Mexican burnt milk candy, fudge, or pretty chocolate covered marshmallows (or candied ginger or dried apricots etc..). Then I divide them up and do baskets with some of each. Last year I used cheap little cellophane bags and tide brown paper labels on with jute. I wrote on the labels with red and green ink. Piled in a basket, these samplers were very popular with my coworkers, and dividing the candy out stretches the number of gifts I can make within my budget. <br /><br />I love your gang and lurk here often!<br />Cherilyn in TexasAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-70657796481513207662016-11-28T21:59:52.024-08:002016-11-28T21:59:52.024-08:00Whoops sorry Annabel, I missed the biscuits. There...Whoops sorry Annabel, I missed the biscuits. There is a packet of crushed biscuits in the mix!<br /><br />Here is the recipe...<br /><br />http://www.whatson4littleones.com.au/cherry-ripe-balls-recipe.asp<br /><br />And this one sounds yummy too. It adds a peppermint crisp bar as well. Must try this one myself :) <br /><br />http://www.kidspot.com.au/kitchen/recipes/peppermint-cherry-christmas-balls-1615<br /><br />And the recipe for pineapple truffles...<br /><br />http://www.goldencircle.com.au/en/recipes/modern-recipes/summer-truffles<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />Love Tania xx<br />Taniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10176661940614462611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-20540846715949016482016-11-28T18:01:53.289-08:002016-11-28T18:01:53.289-08:00Hello Annabel, I seriously love your gifts. Your U...Hello Annabel, I seriously love your gifts. Your Uncle's one sounds soooo good! I am very proud to be giving your Christmas cakes as gifts his year. I am so excited fact. In terms of what plates I take...meatballs have gone down well, as has potato salad, a simple greek salad and zucchini slice. My family always enjoys trifle at Christmas. It is funny because at work morning teas, curried egg sandwiches have always gone quickly. Something as simple as that. It just shows people really do appreciate home made rather than something bought. I seriously want to try those ginger biscuits! And Chloe's! They look beautiful. Yum yum yum! Love, BridgeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-46670745488149752822016-11-28T17:39:42.600-08:002016-11-28T17:39:42.600-08:00Thanks! I've learned so much Australian lingo...Thanks! I've learned so much Australian lingo since I started reading this blog!Debby in KShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10678580135625880717noreply@blogger.com