Christmas Food Supplies, Shopping Lists and a Few Plans

I have been and done a little food shopping today; not much but a little. Still a lot more to do and we are planning on going to Tallington veg shop over the weekend to buy in a lot of fresh veg and some fruit and possibly some more meat.  I had planned on going on Friday.  However have moved the planned trip as we need to go to the Tip.  Weather-wise Friday is looking as a good day to get rid of a load of the rubbish that needs to go to the Tip.

I have also been trying to ensure that there is food available for the coming month by way of ingredients in the Freezer, Fridge and Pantry.

Today however, I have come across a few bargains.  Have bought in the following:

• Italian sponge biscuits/Lady's fingers which I always prefer for using in puddings or indeed a trifle.  Two of these came home with me at £1.69 a packet.
• 3 bags of Coconut Bites, which are a bit like a Coconut version of Ferrero Rocher. These are £1.69 a bag though.  Totally delicious.
• 2 small crates of Sweet Clementines at £3.50 per crate.  Predominantly for fresh eating but if any left over they will be used up in preserves.  These are currently being stored in the extremely cold outside shed.
• 4 Tubs of Cornish Cottage Cream which had been reduced to £1.40 per pack.  These have gone into the freezer.  Use by date is today.  As it is thick double cream though, it should freeze well.  Intend to  use this in some pastries i.e. apple puffs or with some homemade scones with jam or indeed in a simple sponge cake with some fruit. I have Strawberries and Raspberries in the freezer.  Simple pleasures are always the best.
• Have also bought in another Melon.  That will now be two available for Christmas eating. I like to have a lot of fresh fruit available where I can.  Will be looking for some small crates of grapes as well.
• Some Beauvale Stilton. Only a small wedge.  We still have half of the Colston Bassett as well.
• An extra large Block of Barbers Strong Cheddar Cheese.
• Crackers.
• A Plum Loaf.
• Chipolatas and Streaky bacon for turning into "Pigs in Blankets".   Also to go into the freezer.  Just need to get a load of Sausagemeat for the stuffing and also for making homemade sausage rolls.  Will probably get this at the weekend.

Me thinks that I need to sit down and write a shopping list of the items that I do need.

I plan on making a lot of stuff myself simple things that we like and get back to a more traditional Christmas like we used to have when I was a lot younger.  I shall therefore be baking over the weekend and on Christmas Eve which is the traditional day that my family always does a big bake up usually for quick additions or a big pastry bake

We are having a very low key Christmas this year.  Preferring to be sensible as there are a lot of things that need to be done in the coming year.  Me learning to wallpaper by trial and error very much at the forefront.  We have agreed and chosen not to buy each other a present this year and to focus on some nice food that we will both enjoy.  Generally speaking we would prefer the money to go towards something that we really would like rather than buying something that we do not really need and to be able to purchase that when we need it.  I usually find a craft project or equipment and G usually needs something for his fishing. 

Come New Year will probably hit the ground running on a few projects which have come to a stall for one reason or another.  However, they need tackling including decorating.

Unfortunately I have not been too good of late, which is a fact of my life during the Winter months in particular.  I therefore need to move around this and get things done in advance where I can.  Now to top everything off have a problem with a tooth which is niggling at the moment. Something else to get dealt with in the New Year as well.

We also have a Gas Inspection due in the middle of January as well so there will be a lot to achieve.  Therefore intend to have a couple of quiet days over the Christmas period and then start to get stuck in with a vengeance.

Tea tonight is a treat and bearing in mind my irritating tooth; we are having a Prawn Cocktail and then some Plaice for tea with fresh bread from the Bakery.  We also have an Apple puff with cream or custard for pudding.

Therefore am feeling very blessed.

Have a lovely evening everyone.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

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