Snap, Sparkle and Pop!
It’s time to start seriously thinking ahead for Christmas and I have been busy getting those ‘little things’ out of the way. The little things that make all the difference … you know the sort of thing – crackers that snap well; table gifts and stocking fillers that bring a sparkle to the eye; and poppers that ‘pop’ loudly! Plus a few titbits to pop in a tin for you and your ‘elves’ to nibble on while busy with the preparations.
I think I have found some real ‘crackers’ of ideas that I would like to share with you. Read on for some lovely things to buy and make that will give you a festive head start ….
FOR THE TABLE
CHRISTMAS SPROUT PARTY POPPERS
You may not like sprouts but you’ll love these! Iconic green sprouts disguised as party poppers.
Box of 8 £4.50 from littlecupcakeboxes.co.uk
CHRISTMAS FORTUNE COOKIES
A fun alternative or addition to crackers on the Christmas table that are sure to raise a laugh!
Box of 12 £10.50 from littlecupcakeboxes.co.uk
Spend less, decorate more with making your own special tied herby and fragrant napkins.
In the midst of looking after everyone else don’t forget yourself!
Tying together cutlery with a pretty ribbon is a simple and effective way to make the table look great.
Invest in a Bariatric Portion Plate and Portion Control Cutlery from Bariatric Cookery (details here)
FOR THE STOCKINGS
“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.”
Some bariatric-friendly ideas to stuff that stocking!
1. A packet of spiced nuts
2. A lottery ticket for the 25th December
3. A key ring
4. A few bath pearls or bottle of essence
5. A diary for 2017
6. Cinema tickets for 2
7. A festive coloured nail varnish
8. A scratch card (that could be lucky)
9. A special photo from 2016
10. A packet of nuts or seeds
11. A scented Tea Light Candle
12. Lip Balm
13. Shower Gel
14. A special bauble for the Christmas tree
15. Special tea bags
16. Travel toiletries for a weekend away
17. A wine glass charm
18. Special seasonings for cooking
19. A set of festive earrings
20. Hair clips or bands
21. False eyelashes
22. A notebook for ideas
23. An inspiring read of a paperback
24. A small portion of sugar-free candy/chocolates
25. A lippy to apply before standing under the mistletoe
FOR THE TIN
A small nibble of something festive keeps the spirits and energy high – make a batch of sugar-free Butter Cookies in shapes to suit. We’ve made snowflake and Christmas tree ones with cutters but use your imagination and free hand for adventurous ones – biscuit/cookie antlers look great on a Christmas bundt style cake. Flavour with spices if liked.
Not sugar but spice and all things nice …
Sugar-Free Butter Cookies: Preheat the oven to 200 C/400 F/gas 6. Cream together 225 g/1 cup or 2 sticks softened butter with ½ cup Truvia sweetener (we used the Baking Blend version), 3 egg yolks and 1 tsp vanilla extract. If liked 1-2 tsp spices like ground ginger or ground mixed spice can be added if liked. Add 250 g/2½ cups plain/all-purpose flour and mix to a smooth ball. Roll out on a floured surface and stamp out shapes; roll into small balls and place on a tray then flatten with a fork; or use a cookie press to make cookies. Place on an ungreased non-stick baking sheet. Sprinkle with coloured sugar. chopped or whole nuts or seeds if liked. Bake until a light golden colour, about 7-8 minutes but do not over cook. Remove with a spatula to a cooking rack. Store in an airtight tin for a few days.
FOR THE GIVING
Visiting friends and don’t want to go empty handed; need a thrifty but thoughtful gift idea; or stumped with finding a gift for that certain someone? Then these ideas might just be the answer …
Bake a batch of Best-Ever Bariatric Brownies and pack in a pretty jar
(recipe here)
Take the biscuit with a box of Christmas Biscotti (recipe here)
Tickle their tastebuds with a jar of No-Added Sugar Mincemeat perfect
for making filo mince pies (recipe here)
Or weigh up and improve the chances of them making a tray of cookies by
providing the ingredients for Peanut Cookies (recipe here)