Official Christmas Baking/Cooking/Craft/Secret Santa Thread!

Drop by and talk about anything you want. This is where all cheese-related discussions should go
User avatar
TheRocket
Posts: 8429
Joined: 30 Nov 2006, 01:17
First Video: Those Games That We Played
Location: Lake Titicaca
Contact:

Official Christmas Baking/Cooking/Craft/Secret Santa Thread!

Postby TheRocket » 22 Nov 2010, 13:30

Good afternoon fellow Lrrites!

Since we are an epic bunch of people that do epic things all the time, I have decided to make an Official Christmas Baking/Crafting/Card exchange thread.
I know what you are thinkging..."But Siobhan! It's not even thanksgiving here in Americaland! Whyfor Christmas so early?!"
Fear not, I bring this thread to you in peace and so early because I want to give people the chance to plan, share and execute their ideas.

Christmas for me has always been a hectic time full of awesome projects. My mom bestowed great baking knowledge upon me, so I may go forth and bake great, tasty goodies. This Christmas is going to be hard for me because this is the first year I officially live in another country away from friends and family I would normally spend Christmas with. My friends and I would throw a Calgary Punk Christmas Party/Chinese gift exchange that was always full of awesome homemade food, debauchery and shenanigans. I would like to do my same baking this year and photo document it for my family back home, and I thought it would be super cool to see what you all are up to for the holidays.

So! In this thread will go awesome recipes, photos of your delicious goods, fun craft ideas, photos of your crafts and tutorials.
Also I wanted to see how many of you are interested in a LRR forumite Christmas card exchange! It's always fun to get mail!

I'll start by posting a couple things I made last year, and probably posted here too. But I need some type of nom nomering to get the thread rolling.

I made these last year, and they turned out to be Wraiths favorite treat.

Brownie Christmas Ornament balls:

You bake your fave recipie brownies.. (this one was just a box recipie because I was pressed for time.. SHAME!)
Then you wash your hands because the next step you take icing, dump it over the brownies and crush it up with your hands. Squish it all into a moist, pliable
dough and roll them in tiny spheres.
The next step I took candy melts, melted them and rolled the chocolate brownie spheres in them. Let them dry.
Image
Then take them off the sticks, take some lustre dust ( you can pick it up at Michaels) and dust it on with lemon juice of vodka.
I made the silver toppers with homemade fondant and silver lustre dust.

Then, the finished product can be packed how you like!
Image

Last year I also made red velvet snowglobe cupcakes... but they didn't turn out how I wanted because I was so rushed to get them done, and by that time I had given up all hope in humanity.
Here are some photos of them. I adorned them with homemade fondant Cocacola polar bears. The two ideas came from Bakerella.
Image
Image

Before I started my official Christmas baking, I made some chocolate chip cookies.. you know.. to tie me over ;)
Image


So what's in your guys recipie book this year?

EDIT:

LRR FORUM SECRET SANTA LIST


-MadMadamMimm
-Metcarfre
-Dubious Wolf
-Evil Jim
-Mister Fiend
-Vanguard
-Tak197
-2stepz
-Program IX
-Fayil
-King Kool
-Misty
-Tally
-Machalllewis
-xDeathKnightx
-FalconKnight
Last edited by TheRocket on 07 Dec 2010, 18:09, edited 16 times in total.
Walk in like DeNiro, and leave like Brando.

You're living proof that Darwin was a moron.
User avatar
Mad Madam Mimm
Posts: 2818
Joined: 14 Jun 2009, 12:30
First Video: Omnilingual
Location: Merry Ol' England. An almost interesting place. Almost.
Contact:

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Mad Madam Mimm » 22 Nov 2010, 13:41

I am so on this wwhen I get some time. You hve inspired me, Siobhan. And I totally wouldn't mind a yuletide card exchange.
Yaxley wrote:I think life occasionally needs someone to ask "Okay, seriously guys. What the hell is going on?"

2 Students, 1 Alien (1 cat, 1 blob and several supporting characters, not to mention weekly sillies)

Tap-dancing Transvestite Ventriloquist
User avatar
Theremin
Posts: 7603
Joined: 30 Nov 2008, 12:24
First Video: A girl must have some secrets.
Location: Bristol, England

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Theremin » 22 Nov 2010, 13:45

Great. Another incredibly talented person I'm gonna have to be jealous of.
User avatar
Metcarfre
Posts: 13676
Joined: 08 Jul 2008, 13:52
First Video: Not Applicable
Location: Vancouver, B.C.

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Metcarfre » 22 Nov 2010, 13:48

I'm down for cards!

I'm not too hip to the Christmastime baking myself - I leave that to my mom - but my wife and I made a cookbook we're giving to our families this Christmas!
*
User avatar
Dubious_wolf
Posts: 2761
Joined: 30 Nov 2009, 09:52
First Video: Mercenary Solutions 2
Location: My room eating YOUR cheese-its

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Dubious_wolf » 22 Nov 2010, 13:55

Theremin wrote:Great. Another incredibly talented person I'm gonna have to be jealous of.

Right? I hate that I don't have any particularly awesome traits and or abilities of a creative nature.
I'm interested in a LRR card exchange. But I think we need to get the crew involved. In fact I demand it.
^( " )^
winner!
User avatar
Mad Madam Mimm
Posts: 2818
Joined: 14 Jun 2009, 12:30
First Video: Omnilingual
Location: Merry Ol' England. An almost interesting place. Almost.
Contact:

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Mad Madam Mimm » 22 Nov 2010, 13:57

Someone shoudl donate for Tally to do another christmas card tutorial.
Yaxley wrote:I think life occasionally needs someone to ask "Okay, seriously guys. What the hell is going on?"

2 Students, 1 Alien (1 cat, 1 blob and several supporting characters, not to mention weekly sillies)

Tap-dancing Transvestite Ventriloquist
User avatar
Master Gunner
Defending us from The Dutch!
Posts: 19383
Joined: 29 Oct 2006, 12:19
First Video: How To Talk Like A Pirate
Location: In Limbo.

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Master Gunner » 22 Nov 2010, 14:07

I may be on the hook for Christmas baking this year because I get off on the 13th, while my mother (the normal baker) doesn't get off until the 23rd. So if I come up with anything interesting (that is, stolen from this thread), I will post pics.
TheRocket wrote:Apparently the crotch area could not contain the badonkadonk area.
Twitter | Click here to join the Desert Bus Community Chat.
User avatar
Danzama
Posts: 2891
Joined: 20 Apr 2010, 13:05
First Video: Wireless
Location: Exeter, England

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Danzama » 22 Nov 2010, 14:12

How much to ship you and wraith off to england?
Image
sleepingzombieXD
Posts: 113
Joined: 28 Jun 2010, 02:18
First Video: lost planet

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby sleepingzombieXD » 22 Nov 2010, 15:20

Marsipan dragon:

Sculp a dragon or another thing out of a lump of marzipan. Then melt DARK chocolate and our it over your sculpture. It should look and taste good.
User avatar
Evil Jim
Posts: 7265
Joined: 14 Jul 2007, 00:39
First Video: Shake Your Hands
Location: R'lyeh, Wisconsin
Contact:

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Evil Jim » 22 Nov 2010, 15:28

I can't bake but I'm totally up for a LRR forum gift/card exchange or secret Santa type deal.
Image
Arius wrote:People were just so awestruck by your awesomeness that they became catatonic.
ThrashJazzAssassin wrote:BURN HIM! BURN THE HERETIC! DEATH TO ALL WHO SCORN THE AWESOMENESS OF EVIL JIM!
User avatar
TheRocket
Posts: 8429
Joined: 30 Nov 2006, 01:17
First Video: Those Games That We Played
Location: Lake Titicaca
Contact:

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby TheRocket » 22 Nov 2010, 16:45

I was thinking a Christmas exchange, but people would have to be super serious, because mailing packages oversea during december is pricey and hectic.

I'll update the original post with the Christmas card exchange.
Walk in like DeNiro, and leave like Brando.

You're living proof that Darwin was a moron.
User avatar
Mister Fiend
Posts: 2898
Joined: 21 May 2009, 07:13
First Video: Three PS3's
Location: Behind your nightmares
Contact:

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Mister Fiend » 22 Nov 2010, 18:15

I"m down with the Christmas card exchange. And now

Peppermint Whipped Cream (Easy Version)
Take one container of Cool Whip or other pre-made whipped dessert topping. Crush a minimum of 3 candy canes into pieces. Stir crushed candy canes into the whipped topping until fully combined. Dip sugar cookies into the delicious, slightly crunchy concoction.

Mister Fiend's Root Beer Float Cookies
This recipe follows me to the grave.
metcarfre wrote:Fiend holding a Stampede while smoking a cigar just changed my life.

TACOS!
Image
Image
User avatar
TheRocket
Posts: 8429
Joined: 30 Nov 2006, 01:17
First Video: Those Games That We Played
Location: Lake Titicaca
Contact:

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby TheRocket » 22 Nov 2010, 18:24

That's a great idea! I imagine that would go good for a coffee topping as well.
Walk in like DeNiro, and leave like Brando.

You're living proof that Darwin was a moron.
JustAName
Posts: 7669
Joined: 30 Mar 2010, 21:08
First Video: Rapidfire I
Location: The Land of Unbearably Fashionable People and Lots of Cars

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby JustAName » 22 Nov 2010, 21:57

Man, those are cool. My standby cookies are basically sugar/butter cookies with raspberry jam in the center which the LRR crew "ate the shit out off" at PAX (I'm going to hope that's a compliment), but are hardly an amazing feat of culinary genius like your own projects. I used to also make chocolate/peanut butter truffle-y things which I may put up later, but I haven't done them in a while.
Alja-Markir wrote:Andy is the LRR Heart-throb.
Morgan is the LRR Crotch-throb.


And all I can do is read a book to stay awake. And it rips my life away, but it's a great escape.

Image
User avatar
Metcarfre
Posts: 13676
Joined: 08 Jul 2008, 13:52
First Video: Not Applicable
Location: Vancouver, B.C.

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Metcarfre » 22 Nov 2010, 22:11

Awesome/easy "recipe";

take plain Ritz crackers, spread with peanut butter to make a sandwich. Dip in melted chocolate, let set on cookie sheet in fridge.

DONE.

DELICIOUS.
*
User avatar
TheRocket
Posts: 8429
Joined: 30 Nov 2006, 01:17
First Video: Those Games That We Played
Location: Lake Titicaca
Contact:

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby TheRocket » 22 Nov 2010, 22:31

Ritz actually makes those to buy now (except without the peanut butter). I had some on Friday, They were really addictive! I will have to try some with the peanut butter.

I had a great recipie from a friend for Peanut butter balls. SO GOOD. I will see if I can dig it up.
Walk in like DeNiro, and leave like Brando.

You're living proof that Darwin was a moron.
User avatar
Metcarfre
Posts: 13676
Joined: 08 Jul 2008, 13:52
First Video: Not Applicable
Location: Vancouver, B.C.

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Metcarfre » 23 Nov 2010, 07:31

The nice thing is you can use whatever kind of chocolate you want. Dark, for example (my favourite).
*
User avatar
TheRocket
Posts: 8429
Joined: 30 Nov 2006, 01:17
First Video: Those Games That We Played
Location: Lake Titicaca
Contact:

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby TheRocket » 23 Nov 2010, 10:09

Mmmm.. Dark is my fave as well. I am going to try these for sure this holiday!

You know what is weird, the recipe I have for the peanutbutter balls calls for the slightest bit of paraffinwax, and I remember when I went to buy it at the grocery store the lady yelled at me and said "PARAWAX IS FOR CANNING, NOT FOR COOKING. YOU CAN'T EAT IT". Yet, my friends and I make these ever single time we throw a stitch n' bitch... no one has ever had an issue? I did a little more research and found this
"Parawax can be used with the chocolate to create a consistency that will stick together and not mess up your fingers when set. It is not harmful and is used commercially"

So HA! lady..HA TO YOU.

I will definitely post that recipe when my friend sends it to me. SO FUGGING GOOD. I made "SWAMP BLOBS" for halloween last year out of them.
Image

Usually you dip them one side at a time to creat a uniform ball, or dip them with a stick.. but I wanted to make them blobby and swampy for halloween ;)

I'm trying to think up a way to make them more "christmassy". If they were just spheres (and not blobs) I was thinking I could crush up some peppermint on them, but I'm worried peppermint and peanut butter do not go well together. Maybe some white chocolate swirl?
Walk in like DeNiro, and leave like Brando.

You're living proof that Darwin was a moron.
User avatar
Metcarfre
Posts: 13676
Joined: 08 Jul 2008, 13:52
First Video: Not Applicable
Location: Vancouver, B.C.

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Metcarfre » 23 Nov 2010, 10:15

Grocery store people - especially cashiers - have no idea about food. They eat Lean Cuisine for lunch. Always. My dad uses wax in his peanut butter balls too.

In my family it's all about;

- My mom's super-secret confetti squares
- Mom's butter tarts (my fave)
- Shortbread
- Cinnamon twists
- White-chocolate cranberry bark
- Dark-chocolate walnut bark
- Peanut butter balls

Hey Siobhan, for the balls maybe make a reindeer face with white chocolate, dried cranberry, and choco chips?
*
User avatar
Mad Madam Mimm
Posts: 2818
Joined: 14 Jun 2009, 12:30
First Video: Omnilingual
Location: Merry Ol' England. An almost interesting place. Almost.
Contact:

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Mad Madam Mimm » 23 Nov 2010, 10:25

MIMM'S CUPCAKE RECIPE!

100g sugar
100g butter

beat together until light and fluffy.
Beat in 1 egg.
Beat in another egg.
mix in flavourings of choice (i went for cocoa powder and glace cherries, other possibilities are choc chips, banana chips, vanilla essence, fruit segments etc)
fold in 100g flour
seperate into 12 cupcake cases.
Bake on gas mark 4 for 20 ish minutes.
Ice in seasonal designs
Nom

Don't overcook them like I did today. Crunchy cupcakes are not good.
Yaxley wrote:I think life occasionally needs someone to ask "Okay, seriously guys. What the hell is going on?"

2 Students, 1 Alien (1 cat, 1 blob and several supporting characters, not to mention weekly sillies)

Tap-dancing Transvestite Ventriloquist
User avatar
Metcarfre
Posts: 13676
Joined: 08 Jul 2008, 13:52
First Video: Not Applicable
Location: Vancouver, B.C.

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Metcarfre » 23 Nov 2010, 10:27

It's so weird how baking uses weights in the UK but volume over here.

Just FYI, most of us New Worlders don't have scales in the kitchen.
*
User avatar
TheRocket
Posts: 8429
Joined: 30 Nov 2006, 01:17
First Video: Those Games That We Played
Location: Lake Titicaca
Contact:

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby TheRocket » 23 Nov 2010, 10:29

Met, that is a cute idea! Thanks!

I LOVE butter tarts! I haven't had one in YEARS. *drooooooool* Due to certain events I have no money for the holidays, so I'm thinking of just making huge batches of goodies to give to people as gifts. So far I have on my list

- The most awesome treat that doesn't have a name but is made of addiction and lust.
- Snowballs
- Greek shortbread
- Normal shortbread with green/red sprinkles
-Super Soft + Chewy Ginger Snaps!



I'm definitely thinking about the dark chocolate walnut bark you listed... YUM.
Last edited by TheRocket on 23 Nov 2010, 15:03, edited 1 time in total.
Walk in like DeNiro, and leave like Brando.

You're living proof that Darwin was a moron.
User avatar
TheRocket
Posts: 8429
Joined: 30 Nov 2006, 01:17
First Video: Those Games That We Played
Location: Lake Titicaca
Contact:

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby TheRocket » 23 Nov 2010, 10:31

Woah gas mark 4? That sounds foreign and odd!

You know, I need to start making more cupcakes from scratch. I guess I'm always afraid they will turn out tasteless.
Walk in like DeNiro, and leave like Brando.

You're living proof that Darwin was a moron.
User avatar
Mad Madam Mimm
Posts: 2818
Joined: 14 Jun 2009, 12:30
First Video: Omnilingual
Location: Merry Ol' England. An almost interesting place. Almost.
Contact:

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Mad Madam Mimm » 23 Nov 2010, 13:44

I don't know the conversions, but a quick google search should set you all right ;)

Also, flavour is easy to include, you just need to include quite a bit of it
Yaxley wrote:I think life occasionally needs someone to ask "Okay, seriously guys. What the hell is going on?"

2 Students, 1 Alien (1 cat, 1 blob and several supporting characters, not to mention weekly sillies)

Tap-dancing Transvestite Ventriloquist
User avatar
Metcarfre
Posts: 13676
Joined: 08 Jul 2008, 13:52
First Video: Not Applicable
Location: Vancouver, B.C.

Re: The Official Christmas Baking/Craft/Card Exchange Thread!

Postby Metcarfre » 23 Nov 2010, 13:46

Included in our cookbook is an awesome recipe for triple-citrus cupcakes.
*

Return to “General Discussion”



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 39 guests