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Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

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Chocolates for Christmas, 2011

December 18, 2011 by Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

It wouldn’t be Christmas at our place without chocolate!

This year we’ve made Christmas trees using a mix of Callebaut 811 (54% dark) and 823 (milk), both Fairtrade.  The trees were a little fiddly to make and definitely a two-person assembly job.  The moulds cost a tiny $2 from Candyland Crafts…

My chocolate truffles were dipped in a dark 74% blend.  They’re looking a little rustic this year…

Finally, we’ve made plum pudding truffles by blitzing fruit cake in the food processor, then mixing it with a slosh of rum and melted dark chocolate.  The mixture was shaped into balls before dipping in tempered chocolate…

Only a few more sleeps!  I hope you’re all having a fun festive season!

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Posted in Food & Friends | Tagged chocolate christmas tree, christmas chocolates, homemade Christmas chocolates, homemade gifts | 63 Comments

63 Responses

  1. on December 18, 2011 at 1:06 am heidi

    Oh my! I would love to get lost in a small forest of those trees!
    And the fruit cake truffles? Sensational!


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:06 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Heidi! There really is a forest after today’s effort – nine more trees today, and I’m all done. The last lot were made with the “Kit Kat” chocolate that I blogged about a while ago…

      https://figjamandlimecordial.com/2011/07/17/paillete-feuilletine-and-fair-trade-chocolate/


  2. on December 18, 2011 at 1:28 am Lizzy (Good Things)

    Fantastic post, as always! And just $2 for the kits! Wow. Love the idea of the truffles. Happy cooking.


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:07 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Lizzy, I buy almost all my moulds from Candyland Crafts – the shipping is expensive, but there is such a wide variety to choose from. Hope the Christmas prep is all going well in your kitchen! :)


  3. on December 18, 2011 at 1:41 am Suelle

    Beautiful, Celia! The trees look delightful and the truffles are very tempting. And not at all rustic.

    I saw a bottle of Chritmas Cake flavoured essence somewhere recently! I think it was meant as a coffee flavouring but it would be interesting to use it to flavour all-chocolate truffles.


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:09 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Suelle! I’ve only ever made mint flavoured truffles, I’ve never tried other essences, but it would be an interesting experiment!


  4. on December 18, 2011 at 1:52 am Abby

    Oh my goodness, those trees are simply amazing! I can’t believe the beautiful creations you two make in your kitchen!!


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:10 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Abby, we were like a well-oiled machine by the end of it. I would paint on the chocolate “glue” and Pete would assemble, then we would both look and try to decide if the tree was lopsided. Making stuff for Christmas with Pete and the boys is one of the great joys of my year. :)


  5. on December 18, 2011 at 4:17 am ceciliag

    o Wow, those plum pudding truffles look divine, now what am i going to do? if i make them-. I will have to keep doing taste tests on those too!! I don’t know anything about working with chocolate because i don’t eat it. But i am sure i could make those. OK. I will try and find the melting chocolate.. c


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:11 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Celi, you don’t eat chocolate? I wish I didn’t eat chocolate today, after quite a lot of “taste testing”, I couldn’t eat dinner tonight! :)


  6. on December 18, 2011 at 6:06 am hotlyspiced

    The trees were ‘a little fiddly to make’??? I would think VERY fiddly. They look incredible and perfect and delicious. What a great idea. Beautifully photographed too.


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:12 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Charlie, thank you! They ARE delicious, and very gorgeous, but they ain’t dainty. We ate a test tree tonight, and we had to break it up with a rolling pin. Serious lump of chocolate, that.. ;-)


  7. on December 18, 2011 at 6:26 am Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

    Oh wow, I’m so impressed. I mean I’m happy with brownies, let alone an entire tree!


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:14 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Greg! They were fun to make – we like to find something different to do each year, and it was nice to find these moulds!


  8. on December 18, 2011 at 6:55 am teawithhazel

    you saved the best til last celia..the trees and chocolate truffles look absolutely delicious but it’s those fruit cake truffles that i would walk to sydney for..:)


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:14 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jane love, you walk to Sydney, and I’ll come out with a tray of truffles to meet you.. ;-)


  9. on December 18, 2011 at 8:26 am lindawoodrow

    wow! they look spectacular.


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:15 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Linda! All Fairtrade too, so this year my conscience is a little clearer! :)


  10. on December 18, 2011 at 8:46 am C

    They all look delicious Celia – oh to be in your house this festive season, or be the recipient of such a gift!

    I love those trees, they’re really special – you have such a talent creating beautiful chocolates, and so wonderfully festive. I am resisting clicking on your link, but may have to treat myself to some moulds in the new year!


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:16 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      C, I really do wish you lived closer, I reckon we’d have a ball! Do check out Candyland Crafts if you’re interested in chocolate making, they have oodles to choose from!


  11. on December 18, 2011 at 9:21 am Sue

    steady hand needed there I would say – simply divine celia.
    Question – how do you store the trees as I would be concerned they would get moist in the humidity?
    I’m envious regardless…


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:18 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Sue! This summer has been pretty cool, so we haven’t had a problem with the chocolate this year, but in really hot Christmases we store them in our airconditioned living room. If the chocolate is well-tempered, it won’t bloom unless the temperatures really get extreme.


  12. on December 18, 2011 at 9:56 am tania@mykitchenstories

    Delicious treats as usual. You sound like you are enjoying your self!


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:19 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Tania! It’s actually been a bit hectic, but I’m all done now, so I’m feeling quite pleased. :)


  13. on December 18, 2011 at 10:19 am Claire @ Claire K Creations

    Wow Celia. Wow! Those trees are fantastic. They’re better than anything I’ve seen in a shop.

    I just keep finding recipes I want to make. I’ve done more baking in the last week than in the last few months!


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:19 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Claire, thank you! It’s that time of year, isn’t it? We’ve done all our hampers now, but I’ll probably do some last minute baking next week!


  14. on December 18, 2011 at 10:20 am Rose

    Those look divine Celia!

    Back when you inspired me to go to the Chef’s Warehouse I picked up some Callebaut, I plan to have a play with some of it after Christmas during our annual fortnight off.


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:20 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Rose, thanks! The Callebaut is just so great to work with, I adore it! Hope you have a lovely fortnight break! :)


  15. on December 18, 2011 at 11:59 am Amanda

    Gorgeous Xmas trees, Celia – I so admire your patience.
    Christmas is such a good excuse for lots of chocolate, isn’t it!


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:20 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Amanda, thanks, I’m just about done with chocolate though. A little too much tasting today, I think.. ;-)


  16. on December 18, 2011 at 1:08 pm Alex

    Oh my goodness – we are all thrilled by those trees, though now that has prompted Louis to ask me to search for chocolate dinosaurs. Have a lovely Christmas Celia!


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:22 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Alex! Here’s a photo for Louis from Easter a couple of year’s ago (choccies came from Colefax)…


  17. on December 18, 2011 at 2:41 pm Just A Smidgen

    I would be if I could only have a little box of some of these.. and a tree please and thank you! I can’t believe you’ve made all these! I’m inspired to try my own chocolates!!


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:24 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Smidge, I wish I could send you some! Chocolate making is fun, but you need some basic kits (thermometer, heat mat, good chocolate) and patience! :)


      • on December 19, 2011 at 2:13 am Just A Smidgen

        I can only imagine how tricky it is. I melted chocolate in a bain marie just to dip my biscotti in and it seized up so quickly… maybe I overheated it? Very fussy stuff!


        • on December 19, 2011 at 6:22 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

          In case it’s of use, I wrote about tempering chocolate a couple of years ago…
          https://figjamandlimecordial.com/2009/06/26/how-to-temper-chocolate/

          It really is quite easy once you get the knack.. :)


  18. on December 18, 2011 at 2:47 pm Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

    Ooh as a lucky recipient of these I can vouch for how delicious the truffles are! They have a lovely thin coating a silky smooth centre. We’re going to serve the tree at Christmas dinner ;) That is, unless Mr NQN eats it first!


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:25 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Lorraine, make sure you break the tree up with a rolling pin! It’s a solid hunk of chocolate! Glad you’re enjoying the truffles.. :)


  19. on December 18, 2011 at 2:48 pm theonlycin

    You amaze me, just beautiful!


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:25 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Cindy! :)


  20. on December 18, 2011 at 4:51 pm InTolerant Chef

    What lovely cake truffles Celia! Those little trees are gorgeous too, especially witha dusting of sugar snow.
    Only a few sleeps to go indeed, I hope you’ve been a good girl this year :D


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:26 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hi darling, hope you’re feeling better! I’ve tried to be good this year, Santa, honest I have.. ;-)


  21. on December 18, 2011 at 5:20 pm Yvette

    your chocolate making looks wonderful and delicious! Have a great week! x


    • on December 18, 2011 at 6:26 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Yvette, thank you, hope you have a great Christmas week too! :)


  22. on December 18, 2011 at 6:48 pm cityhippyfarmgirl

    Plum pudding truffles? It’s fruit cake, it’s rum…and it’s chocolate. That right there is Christmas in a ball :-)


    • on December 19, 2011 at 6:23 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Brydie, they’re very easy to make! I usually use leftover Christmas pudding (I always get a couple of really nice ones as gifts each year), but this year I had an experimental fruit cake which didn’t quite cut muster, but it was perfect in this recipe.. :)


  23. on December 18, 2011 at 9:01 pm promenadeplantings

    I love the trees, so beautiful no matter how fiddly to put together!


    • on December 19, 2011 at 6:24 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Claire! All up we made 15 this year! :)


  24. on December 18, 2011 at 10:31 pm sallybr

    Celia, wonderful post all around…

    I left a comment but it never showed – I think my iPad is playing tricks on me when I try to comment using it…. strange

    anyway,I could never make those chocolate trees, you never stop amazing me!


    • on December 19, 2011 at 6:24 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Sally! I’m not sure what the problem is with iPads – another friend told me she had trouble leaving comments on blogs with hers too…


  25. on December 19, 2011 at 1:22 am Platanos, Mangoes and Me!

    Oh Celia how beautiful.

    Wishing you and yours a very Happy Christmas!


    • on December 19, 2011 at 6:25 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Norma, thank you! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well! I hope you’re feeling better… x


  26. on December 19, 2011 at 6:52 pm thecompletecookbook

    You are such an inspiration Celia! Beautifully done!
    :-) Mandy


    • on December 20, 2011 at 1:34 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks so much, Mandy! All the best for a wonderful Christmas! x


  27. on December 19, 2011 at 8:50 pm niasunset

    Oh, dear Celia these are so beautiful and I can eat all of them :) Thank you, with my love, nia


    • on December 20, 2011 at 1:35 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you, Nia! Hope you’re enjoying the festive season!


  28. on December 19, 2011 at 10:41 pm Gillian

    There is always a vacancy in my little chocolate kitchen for a patient dedicated passionate chocoholic as yourself. Those trees as amazing and I know exactly how labour intensive the assembly is. Do you cover your hands with chocolate mitts?


    • on December 20, 2011 at 1:42 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Gillian, if it wasn’t for the distance and the $2k air ticket, you know I’d be moonlighting in your kitchen. It would be so much fun! :)

      Don’t wear gloves, Pete and I got a system down pat after the first few. We’d paint the tempered chocolate glue on each layer, and then assemble quickly, touching only the bits that wouldn’t show on the finished tree. The icing sugar covered up any missed fingerprints. Our last batch were made from a blend of the milk and dark Callebaut, filled with the paillete feuilletine, which made them a little easier to break apart for eating.


  29. on December 20, 2011 at 3:13 am Joanna

    Meanwhile back in the forest of chocoate dreams the sky grew strangely dark, as chocolate snowflakes fell into their open mouths as they wandered stickily through the pine trees. Chocolate fruitcake snowballs flew through the air as the smiling bloggnomes waddled happily through the icing sugar…. Ah me xx


    • on December 20, 2011 at 1:42 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Oh how I would love to live in your imagination, Jo.. :) xxx


  30. on December 21, 2011 at 5:39 am Christine

    Those Christmas trees are just the cutest things! And the truffles looks divine, too!

    Some friends and I got together last week for a Christmas bake off in a hired community kitchen. Much fun although exhausting. Everyone divvied up their goods at the end of the day so we all came home with a wonderful assortment of treats! The belly is in overload, I feel….


  31. on December 21, 2011 at 5:50 pm Craig

    Oh boy, thos Truffles look like the stuff of dreams….


  32. on December 22, 2011 at 12:14 pm Nic@diningwithastud

    I love those trees :) Theyre fab!!



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