Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Gifted.....Marmalade

I may be predictable and boring, but every year I give the gift of marmalade.  To me a jar of homemade marmalade tells my friends and neighbors how much I care about them.  I want them to have something special made by me. I am trusting that if they are sick of it, they will drop me a small (or big) hint.  I've met so many really lovely people on my blog, I wish postage of a 2lb jar wasn't just plain ridiculous or I would send you a jar.

Each year I change it up just a little bit...one year old mason jars, last year clay tags (you can see those HERE).  This year I decided to go Old School, so I used Ball jars, a simple brown paper lid wrapping cut out from left over wrapping paper. You could also use brown paper grocery bags.  A silver shimmery ribbon and a little robin stamp on the top. No further wrapping needed.

I've just boxed some up in my parcels heading to Montreal.  My son's new Grandmother-in-Law, is a big fan of my marmalade.  Her 83 year old husband bring her toast and marmalade in bed...so I need to keep George well stocked.

I made a double batch which gave me nine 16 ounce jars.  I tried for many years to get real Seville oranges (the best for marmalade) here in Canada, but if available the quality sucks, so I use Marmade...a tin of fresh Seville Oranges, already peeled and ready to go..it doesn't get much easier than that.  You can see my post on Marmade HERE if you are wondering about it.

I know some people think making jam or marmalade is a daunting task, but it really is simple and makes a really inexpensive and old fashioned gift.  If you have any questions about making a batch, just ask me. 

18 comments:

  1. i just caught up with your last few posts. they are all so great. love the diy shirt your beautiful daughter made. so pretty and clever! love the canadian christmas decor. that sarah richardson is something. and your marmalade gifts. i'm giving jam this year. so glad i learned how to make it b/c wow is it saving me money and no shopping in the stores! yay to that!

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  2. What a lovely gift, Chania, and perfectly presented. I've seen those tinned Seville oranges for sale here and must give it a go.

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  3. I love, love, love marmalade. My mom always makes it and I get some. And although I make so many other things - jams included, I've never attempted marmalade.
    Maybe this year...

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  4. I think it is a wonderful, gorgeous gift and I love to receive anything homemade. There are 9 lucky people in Canada
    <3
    z

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  5. I am going to make myself make that marmalade!

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  6. See what I am missing ? living down here at the bottom of the world ? homemade marmalade :(
    besos .. Happy Holidays !

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  7. Not boring at all...thoughtful and caring I would say. The best gifts are the ones made by our hands and from our hearts. I'd say your friends and family are very lucky. And I feel lucky to be a part of your world through your blog. Have a lovely Christmas!

    xo Sarah

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  8. I couldn't imagine anybody being tired of those lovely gifts. Have a great Christmas Chania

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  9. What a lovely idea. I love home made gifts - they mean so much more.I may well give that a try myself! Sarah x

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  10. They look lovely! And I love the simple wrapping. Perfect. Kit

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  11. This would never bore me as it is thoughtful, beautiful, homemade, and most of all from you.

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  12. Sweet as can be your gift and I bet they all love the facet that every year you change up the packaging.

    You are a great neighbor and friend, as ever I'm sorry i don't live closer:)

    xo jane

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  13. Chania, you've decorated them so beautifully! I'd love a bite on a biscuit!
    Brenda

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  14. My trademark is raspberry jam. I'm sure it is appreciated.

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  15. I would swap you some marmalade for a knitted garland ;) These look so pretty.

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  16. Ah I want! What a thoughtful gift. And the bird stamp makes it even better :)

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  17. I love seeing simple hand made gifts like this so beautifully wrapped, I'm going to try to do this next year but my wrappings always let me down.

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I love to read each and every comment and are thrilled that you take the time to send one. Thank you so much. Chania