How to Make Pomanders



I love the smells of Pomanders! And they are so easy to make.


Though their origin dates to medieval Europe, they were part of most Colonial American households. Pomanders are easy to make by studding oranges, tangerines or lemons with whole cloves and dusting with spices.

First~ decide upon a design. You do not have to cover the whole fruit with cloves. Be creative!

Then poke a hole first with a skewer, nail or knitting needle in your desired design. Make the holes approx. 1/4" apart. Then fill the holes with cloves.

Next, take some dried spices like ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg or coriander and put in a baggie. Add your pomander creations, one at a time and shake. (You can also drip or spray essential oils on them instead)

Then let dry. You could put in the fridge or even over a radiator.

Then you can hang on your tree ( you will need to add a ribbon) , around your house, give as gifts or even display them in a bowl on your table.

For more ideas see Martha Stewart or Garden Home & Party

Enjoy and Merry Christmas

Homemade Liquor Gift Ideas

Every year about this time, I make a batch of Homemade Kahlua to give as gifts as its a great liquor and can be used in many ways. It's great on the rock, mixed with milk or cream and also good with orange juice just to name a few.

But this year I am looking to expand my knowledge of making homemade liquors and will share my new recipes with you too!


First, my tried and true Kahlua.

3 cups of unflavored vodka (any kind will do, but I suggest a medium priced one)
2 cups of water
2 cups of white sugar
2 cups of packed brown sugar
2/3 cups of freeze dried instant coffee
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Mix all in a 2 quart jar. Cover lightly with saran wrap or a lid and let stand at room temperatures for two weeks minimum, stirring daily.

Pour into chosen bottles for gift giving, add a bow and gift card and you are done.
( Old wine bottles will work just fine – make sure to sterilize them by rinsing them out in boiling water first)
No refrigeration is needed.


And now onto some new recipe I want to try .


Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream

1 Cup Cream
14oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 Cups Whiskey
1 tsp Instant Coffee
2 TBS Chocolate Syrup
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tsp Almond extract

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate overnight.
Keep refrigerated & use within 3 weeks.

Amaretto

1 cup water
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups unflavored vodka
2 tablespoons almond extract
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Combine water, white sugar and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat until boiling and all sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let mixture cool for about 10 minutes. Pour in vodka, almond extract and vanilla. Mix well and store in a sealed bottle.


Have you ever made homemade liquors or cordials?

Do you have a favorite tried and true liquor recipe that you can share?

Share :)