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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Marmalade

I love marmalade...when I'm in a restaurant I've been known to search through every jam packet on the table for the little marmalade beauties.  It's totally a bonus if I find more than one, and if there's none at my table I'm not above searching any and probably every unoccupied table near mine.  Seriously, I should just carry my own jar!  Hehe. 
To make my marmalade, I use the recipe in the Barefoot Contessa at Home cookbook.  It's AMAZING!  Well, I love anything from the Barefoot Contessa, but I'll save my love for her for another day...today, it's about the marmalade. 
I was surprised at how easy this is to make - oranges and lemons, sugar and water...that's it.  I think the hardest thing is cutting the fruit thin enough.  The first time I made it, I didn't do a very good job, but I just ran it through the food processor each time I would open a jar.  I think I did much better this time around.
There's a lot of cooking and stirring.  
And then you get this - yes, magnificent!
 
I paired jars of marmalade and jam to put together a sweet gift.  My goal in packaging was to do something rustic and wintery and something that would show off the sparkling jars.  These little wooden berry baskets were perfect!  I found them at the local Tractor Supply store (more on that another day, too).    
 
I added a simple striped grosgrain ribbon, and in keeping with the rustic and wintery theme, I stamped this adorable snowman from Papertrey Ink's Holiday Tree stamp set on a kraft tag and attached it with red and white baker's twine. 
I always make a card that matches my gift packaging, and this was perfect and super easy to boot! 
I'm keeping this little packaging station ready to go for an easy gift that can be ready in minutes as the holidays get closer.
Thanks for stopping by, and God Bless!

17 comments:

  1. What a lovely gift! I love anything citrus flavored, I'm sure this is delicious!

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  2. How thoughtful! (and yummy!) LOVE your rustic packaging - just the perfect little something to make it more special.

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  3. I love the Barefoot Contessa. The jam looks yummy. Great way to package them too. They will make great gifts!

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  4. Wow! thats a lovely homemade gift, Sue! Love love your packaging :)

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  5. Your wooden berry baskets are so cute. I would certainly appreciate a gift like this - yummy!

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  6. Love the simple packaging. The perfect setup for this yummy looking sweet treat!!!

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  7. the packaging on these is great...so homey and sweet...my uncle loves marmalade...maybe i'll try making my own too:)

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  8. Sue this looks FABULOUS! I LOVE those little baskets.. hmmm must find the nearest tractor store! :) What a WONDERFUL goodie for the holidays! I too LOVE Barefoot Contessa! :)
    Thanks for playing along on the 12 Days of Xmas!
    Have a GREAT day!

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  9. Mmm, yum! These look fab and I love the little baskets!

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  10. Wonderful gift Sue. The goodies as well as the packaging and card. Very creative.

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  11. What an awesome homemade gift!!! I wish I could come over and make some with you!!! Love the tag too!!!! You are amazing!!!

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  12. Sue, I accidentally clicked on your blog link while reading the "I just have to smile" post on the PTI forum. It was so perfectly appropriate since, after browsing your blog, I can say that you are one of those amazing artists.

    The packaging you created is just right for the homemade marmalade. Ina would be proud.

    Nancy

    PS - I'll be back again to visit.

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  13. What a great gift, Sue! I really like the kraft tags and card with the snowman. Great job!

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  14. Beautiful job on the tags and cards. Love the kraft/red/white combo this season!

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  15. Homemade jam is an amazing gift. Definitely one of my favs.

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  16. It's amazing how beautiful a simple and rustic package is!! This is so pretty, Sue! And yummy I'm sure!

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  17. Completely scrumptious!!! Love everything about it...now do you need my address for somewhere to send it???

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