This year, I decided to scale things down a bit. Therefore, I will spend less time scouring the shops to buy gifts, in favor of handmade or homemade presents.
Not only this is infinitely less stressful, but it give me much more pleasure to make something by hand, helps me pass the time, and is far better for my wallet too! 😉
Hence this delicious, handmade (or homemade) lime marmalade, which is perfect to include in Holiday food hampers, to give to neighbors, as Christmas stocking fillers, or to add to your festive cheese boards at home!
The beauty of this Christmas edible gift is that you can make it now, and keep it in your pantry or fridge ready until Christmas. So it's one less present to worry about! 😉
This lime marmalade recipe can also be made with any citrus fruit that's in season, like tangerines, oranges or lemons.
The idea for this recipe came to me when I was given a huge box of limes a couple of weeks ago. Apart from the ton of Key Lime pies I made, I decided to preserve the rest of the limes for Christmas, and give it out as presents.
My recipe is a slight modification from the recipe I found on Taste.com.au. My recipe was scaled up to the quantity of limes I had at home, and I also skipped the extra step of soaking the lime skins overnight. Ain't nobody got time for that! 😁
I did keep a couple of jars of this delicious lime marmalade for myself, and I can tell you that's the BEST marmalade I've EVER tasted. No exaggeration!
I like to serve this lime marmalade to accompany a cheese or charcuterie board. It pairs really well with creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, or harder ones like mature Gouda and Parmesan (tried and tasted!).
This edible gift idea is also super cost effective, since you only need the fruit and sugar for the recipe. You can also save money by recycling glass jars!
The only thing you may need to buy, are the cute printable gift tags, which won't break the bank!😉
These printable gift tags are quite versatile, and can be used to adorn the packaging of any homemade present you create this Christmas, and are not just for edible goodies.
I have also included seven colors and 3 shapes in this printable gift tag kit, so you can pick whatever style suits you most!
Homemade Lime Marmalade Recipe
Yield: 6-8 200g jars
Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 2 HourTotal time: 2 H & 30 M
Homemade Lime Marmalade Recipe & Printable Gift Tags - easy and inexpensive, edible Christmas gift idea, perfect for hampers or a Holiday cheese board
Supplies
- 1.8 kg (3.9 lbs) limes
- 3.6 L (121 fl. oz) cold water
- 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs) caster sugar
Instructions
- Juice the limes, reserving half of the lime skins.
- Thinly cut the lime skins using a pair of scissor, into 2mm strips.
- Place the lime juice, strips and cold water in a heavy-bottomed pan. Bring to a boil over a medium to high heat.
- Cover the pan, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Remove the lid, add the sugar to the pan and stir until sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat to medium/high and boil without a lid, stirring often with a large metal spoon, for about 1 hour.
- Be sure to remove any scum (white froth) from the top of the marmalade as it boils. You'll have to do this several times over the course of the hour.
- When your the marmalade has reached the setting point (see how to test it below), take it off the heat and spoon it into sterilized jars, while it and the jars, are still warm . Seal the jars and store in a cool dry place, then in the fridge once opened.
Notes:
To test the setting stage of the marmalade: Place a small saucer in the freezer for 10 minutes. Drop a little of the marmalade onto the cold saucer. Push the marmalade with your finger. If it wrinkles, it's ready. If not, let it boil a little while longer until the "wrinkle" stage is reached.
To sterilize your glass jars: Peel off any labels, wash the jars and lids well in soapy water, rinse and dry. Then place them upright onto a baking tray with lids on the side, and everything in the over at 100-120 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes.
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Hope you like the ideas and feel inspired to have a go! If you do, tag me on social media #BirdsParty so I can see and share your creativity! 😍
Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday, 511. We will be live for our special Thanksgiving Edition on Tuesday this week, be sure and stop by! Hope you have a very special Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteMiz Helen
I tried lime marmalade when I was in France. You reminded me of my trip. Great recipe, I really want to try it at home. Looks awesome! Combining with cheese is an interesting idea!
ReplyDelete