Christmas is undoubtedly a time for indulgence and the sharing of gifts. Given these hard financial times however, you may be put off buying too many presents, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make some lovingly created Christmas treats at home. Below are some great sweet recipes from IWOOT.

Fudge. You’ll need:
• A non-stick heavy-based saucepan
• A candy thermometer
• Multiple baking trays
• 1lb granulated sugar, ½ pint milk, 2oz butter, 1 tin condensed milk.

Method: Heat all the ingredients in the pan very slowly, stirring constantly. When it reaches 115oC on the candy thermometer it should change colour and turn a lot darker. Take the fudge from the heat and as it cools continue to stir so that the mixture crystallises. Keep stirring until it becomes too viscous to stir by hand. Pour mixture into the baking trays, smooth out and leave to set. When set, cut into cubes and enjoy

Chocolate Chip Cookies. Here’s whats needed
• Bowl for mixing
• Grease-proof paper
• Baking trays
• 4.5.5oz flour, 2.5oz butter, 1 egg, 2oz brown sugar,2oz caster sugar, 4oz choc chips, ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Method: Add flour, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl and mix together well with your hands or a spoon if you don’t want to get mucky. Throw in the egg and mix until you reach a tacky consistency. Make some small balls out the mixture (about the size of a ping pong ball) and places them on the grease-proof paper which should be placed over a baking tray. Leave a space about the size of a cup saucer between each cookie ball as they will expand and flatten out. Heat in the oven at between 180-200oC for around 12 minutes, but it is best to keep an eye on the cookies as ovens vary in cooking speed. Let the cookies cool down for 20mins before taking a bite. For more gift ideas and treat recipes visit the I Want One of Those blog.