QFD Christmas in July Swap

Thanks to the girls from QFD for organising the Christmas in July Swap. I received my gifts from Sue in Darwin.

I am so lucky with the bits and pieces she sent to me.

I had a trip to Darwin in October and got to meet Sue which has made this swap even more special. Not only Sue did I meet but her best friend Jasper who made me feel so welcome.

Connor's Graduation

Grandson Connor had his graduation from Primary school yesterday. He will start high school in the new year. Where has that nearly 13 years gone??

Christmas Recipe

Microwave Christmas Pudding

⅓ cup currants

½ cup raisins chopped

1 tablespoon glacé cherries chopped

1 small apple peeled cored and grated

1 small carrot peeled and grated finely

1 tablespoon mixed peel

⅓ cup blanched almonds chopped

grated rind of one lemon

grated rind and juice of 1 orange

½ cup plain flour

½ teaspoon mixed spice

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

⅓ cup brown sugar

½ cup fresh breadcrumbs

½ cup grated suet

⅓ cup beer

2 tablespoon brandy

1 tablespoon golden syrup

2 eggs beaten

2 teaspoon Parisian essence

Combine the dried fruit, peel, nuts, grated rind and juice

Add apple and carrot

Sift in the flour and spices

Add to the fruit with the sugar, breadcrumbs and suet

Mix well before adding remaining ingredients.

Cover and allow to stand overnight

Spoon into a prepared 1 litre pudding basin.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap

Cook on MED for 7 minutes

Let stand for 2 minutes then test

If skewer is still wet cook a further 2 minutes or until cooked as all microwaves cook differently

Garnish with holly and berries

Serve hot with brandy sauce custard or cream or icecream