Make Extra Money for Christmas with Your Baking Skills

With Christmas approaching, you might be looking for ways to make a bit of extra cash to ease the holiday expenses. 

If you’re skilled in baking or confectionery, now is the perfect time to turn your talents into a profitable festive side hustle. 

Christmas fairs, markets, and sales events provide an ideal venue for selling seasonal treats, where beautifully crafted bakes are always a hit. 

Here’s how you can use your baking skills to create irresistible treats that capture the spirit of the festive season.

1. Pick a Festive Theme

A Christmas-themed spread is visually appealing and instantly grabs attention. Think of classic favourites like mince pies, shortbread, gingerbread biscuits, and yule logs. These traditional items are always popular, but you can make yours unique by adding a personal twist. For instance:

Gingerbread People and Houses: Offer customisable options for gingerbread people or intricate gingerbread houses, which can double as edible gifts or decorations.

Snowflake or Star Biscuits: Elegant, shaped biscuits dusted with icing sugar, edible glitter, or delicate royal icing details add a touch of winter wonder.

Festive Flavours: Incorporate seasonal flavours like cinnamon, nutmeg, cranberry, or peppermint to stand out from the standard offerings.

2. Experiment with Edible Gifts

Christmas markets thrive on festive giftable items. Try packaging treats in small, gift-ready portions that make easy stocking fillers. Options include:

Decorated Biscuit Tins: Offer decorated tins filled with an assortment of biscuits, a gift that looks just as delightful as it tastes.

Hot Chocolate Kits: Create kits with homemade hot chocolate mix, mini marshmallows, and a chocolate stirring spoon, all beautifully wrapped for gifting.

Candy Cane Fudge or Peppermint Bark: Colourful and festive, these treats are easy to make and eye-catching at the stall.

Marzipan Fruits or Chocolate Truffles: These indulgent treats can be arranged in small gift boxes, perfect for a luxury feel.

3. Perfect Your Presentation

How you present your products is nearly as important as the taste. People are more likely to be drawn to a beautifully displayed stall with festive decorations, so consider using:

Seasonal Packaging: Christmas-themed boxes, paper, or cellophane wrapping add to the seasonal charm.

Labels and Signage: Clearly label each treat with the name, ingredients, and price, and don’t forget to list any allergens.

Gift Tags: Small touches like a “Handmade with Love” tag can elevate the perceived value of your items and attract buyers looking for unique gifts.

4. Offer Sample Bites

Sampling can be a powerful way to entice customers to make a purchase. Offer small bites of some of your best treats so people can taste before they buy. This is particularly effective if you have something a bit unusual, like a new flavour combination or a twist on a classic.

5. Price for Profit

One of the biggest challenges in selling handmade goods is pricing them right. Take into account your ingredient costs, time, and any packaging materials. It can be tempting to underprice your items, but remember to value your time and skill. Many customers at Christmas fairs are willing to pay a bit more for quality, especially if it’s presented as a unique or artisanal product.

6. Spread the Word

If you’re going to be at a particular fair or sale, let people know in advance through social media or community boards. Share pictures of your treats and provide details on where and when you’ll be selling. Encourage family and friends to share your posts and help spread the word.

7. Prepare for All Weather

Many UK Christmas fairs are outdoors, so be prepared for all weather conditions. Consider bringing a waterproof covering for your treats and a way to keep them warm if needed. A festive thermos of hot tea or cocoa for yourself can keep you comfortable as well!

8. Keep Track of What Sells

Each market will have its own quirks, so track which items sell best and make notes. If people love your peppermint bark but only sample the spiced biscuits, focus on producing more of the popular items. Adjusting as you go can help increase your profitability.

Final Thoughts

Turning your baking skills into a festive business venture is a great way to spread Christmas cheer while earning a little extra. From selecting popular seasonal treats to presenting them in creative, gift-worthy ways, there’s plenty of opportunity to make an impact at local Christmas fairs. So, dig out your best recipes, start baking, and enjoy the fun of spreading a bit of festive sweetness while giving your holiday budget a boost. Happy festive baking!

A Homemade Christmas: Learning to Make Your Own Breads, Biscuits, and Cakes

As we just pointed out, homemade Christmas treats are amazing. But how do you do it? What can we cook? It's funny you should mention that! Because here is part 2 of your homemade Christmas.

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house during the festive season. 

As Christmas draws closer, many of us start thinking about indulgent treats, comforting bakes, and creating a cosy atmosphere that warms both heart and home. 

This year, why not take your festive baking to the next level by learning to make your own breads, biscuits, and cakes from scratch?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the joys of homemade Christmas baking, offering tips and inspiration for mastering your own festive creations. With a bit of practice and some simple ingredients, you can create delicious homemade treats that will not only impress your guests but also become a cherished part of your Christmas traditions.

1. The Joy of Homemade Bread

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a loaf of freshly baked bread out of the oven, especially when you’ve made it yourself. While breadmaking might seem daunting at first, it’s a rewarding skill that can transform your Christmas meals. Imagine serving up a warm, crusty loaf to accompany your Christmas dinner or enjoying slices of homemade bread with cheese or pâté.

Basic White Loaf Recipe

500g strong white bread flour

7g fast-action yeast

1 tsp salt

300ml warm water

2 tbsp olive oil

Method:

Mix the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.

Slowly add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until you form a dough.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and leave to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Once risen, shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf tin. Leave it to rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

This simple recipe can be adapted with different flours, seeds, or even a touch of festive flavouring like dried cranberries or cinnamon for a seasonal twist.

2. Festive Biscuits for Gifting and Sharing

Christmas biscuits are a must during the festive period, perfect for sharing with guests or giving as homemade gifts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, biscuits are a fun and easy way to bring a little Christmas magic into your home.

Classic Gingerbread Biscuits Recipe

350g plain flour

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon

125g unsalted butter

175g light brown sugar

1 egg

4 tbsp golden syrup

Method:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line two baking trays with parchment.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, and cinnamon.

Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then stir in the sugar.

Beat the egg with the golden syrup and add it to the dry ingredients, mixing until it forms a smooth dough.

Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 5mm thick and cut into festive shapes.

Place the biscuits on the prepared trays and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.

Once your gingerbread has cooled, you can decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for that extra festive sparkle.

3. Traditional Christmas Cakes

No Christmas celebration would be complete without a rich, fruity Christmas cake. Learning to make your own is a rewarding experience, and the best part is you can personalise it to suit your taste – more fruit, extra spice, or perhaps a dash of brandy for a boozy twist.

Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe

225g plain flour

225g unsalted butter

225g soft brown sugar

4 large eggs

50g ground almonds

1 tsp mixed spice

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp black treacle

500g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)

100g glacé cherries, halved

100g chopped nuts (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange

4 tbsp brandy or rum or a good quality Scotch (optional)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C fan) and line a deep 20cm cake tin with baking parchment.

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Sift the flour, mixed spice, and cinnamon into the mixture and fold in gently, followed by the ground almonds, black treacle, dried fruits, cherries, nuts, and zest.

If using, stir in the brandy or rum.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Once baked, leave the cake to cool in the tin. If desired, you can ‘feed’ the cake by piercing it with a skewer and drizzling with extra brandy every week leading up to Christmas.

Finish your Christmas cake by covering it with a layer of marzipan and icing, decorating with festive motifs like holly leaves or snowflakes.

4. A Homemade Christmas: The Benefits

Learning to make your own bread, biscuits, and cakes for Christmas is not only a rewarding way to embrace the season, but it also offers several benefits:

Personal Touch: Homemade gifts and treats are far more personal and meaningful. Your loved ones will appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into making something from scratch.

Customisation: When you bake at home, you can tailor your recipes to suit personal preferences or dietary requirements. Whether it’s adding more spices, less sugar, or creating gluten-free options, homemade baking gives you complete control.

Cost-Effective: Buying baked goods can add up, especially around Christmas. By making your own, you can save money and make larger batches for sharing.

Creating Traditions: There’s something special about making the same recipes year after year. These baking moments can become cherished family traditions that make Christmas even more meaningful.

Conclusion

This Christmas, why not try your hand at making your own breads, biscuits, and cakes? Whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete beginner, these recipes will help you create delicious, homemade treats that add a personal touch to your festivities. Embrace the warmth of the season, the joy of baking, and the magic of sharing your homemade creations with those you love. Happy Christmas baking!

A Homemade Christmas: The Benefits

Learning to make your own bread, biscuits, and cakes for Christmas is not only a rewarding way to embrace the season, but it also offers several benefits:

Personal Touch: Homemade gifts and treats are far more personal and meaningful. Your loved ones will appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into making something from scratch.

Customisation: When you bake at home, you can tailor your recipes to suit personal preferences or dietary requirements. Whether it’s adding more spices, less sugar, or creating gluten-free options, homemade baking gives you complete control.

Cost-Effective: Buying baked goods can add up, especially around Christmas. By making your own, you can save money and make larger batches for sharing.

Creating Traditions: There’s something special about making the same recipes year after year. These baking moments can become cherished family traditions that make Christmas even more meaningful.

Conclusion

This Christmas, why not try your hand at making your own breads, biscuits, and cakes? Whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete beginner, these recipes will help you create delicious, homemade treats that add a personal touch to your festivities. Embrace the warmth of the season, the joy of baking, and the magic of sharing your homemade creations with those you love. Happy baking!

Incidentally jazz pianist, accordion player and baker of retro treats, B. Dylan Hollis has written a book called Baking Yesteryear which is available from Amazon and all good book retailers. Here's a link to our coverage of his book:- https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2024/06/baking-adventures-with-b-dylan-hollis.html

Trewithen Dairy 'Cornish Clotted Cream' Is a Christmas Season Essential

Rich, luxuriously thick and golden, Trewithen Dairy's award-winning 'Cornish Clotted Cream' is the only accompaniment to enjoy with those festive treats this Christmas. 

Whether it's the crowning glory of a warm mince pie, slathered shamelessly on a Christmas pudding, or used as an ingredient in sweet or savoury cooked dishes to add an unmistakable lushness, no dish is complete without a pot of Trewithen Dairy 'Cornish Clotted Cream'.

Made using methods that have been handed down for generations, Trewithen Dairy produces the most delicious 'Cornish Clotted Cream' using high-quality Cornish milk from well-cared-for cows that are raised and grazed on Cornwall's lush pastures. 

Deep river valleys and undulating land create a unique grass-growing landscape for dairy farming, resulting in the delicious flavour of the milk. This flavour is achieved through a perfect balance of butterfat and protein.

Their holistic approach to 'the perfect blend', is achieved from the rich diversity of herds, and working with a close network of farming families who share the same ethical and responsible practices. It's this combination that contributes to the taste and overall quality. Trewithen Dairy 'Cornish Clotted Cream' is registered as a Protected Designation of Origin product meaning it has received official recognition for its unique characteristics, production methods, and geographical origin. 

It's also really easy to cook with clotted cream and there's a fine selection of inspiring festive recipes here such as a no-churn Christmas Pudding Ice cream, Creamy Brussel Sprout Gratin, Tipsy Trifles and a Festive Meringue Wreath. 

Trewithen Dairy 'Cornish Clotted Cream' is available in 200g direct from select Asda, Co-op and Spar stores throughout the South West, via Ocado.com, and from November, it will be on the shelves in Tesco. RRP £2.45.

Look out for Trewithen Dairy's '12 Days of Christmas' festive recipe selection across Instagram and Facebook in the run-up to Christmas for further seasonal inspiration. 

Trewithen Dairy reveals a sense of great pride to be a sponsor of the Guild of Food Writers' Awards 2023.

Trewithen Dairy has been recognised as a champion food producer of the West Country, and most recently awarded Gold by the Taste of the West judging panel for 2023, for both their salted butter and traditional 'Cornish Clotted Cream'. 

https://www.trewithendairy.co.uk