Christmas gift idea - mini fruit cakes, recipe and tips please?

[LoveKnowsNoBounds]

Hello,

I have a big extended family. Usually I buy presents but I totalled the cost that it would require and nearly fell of the chair. Usually I just buy it over time so it doens't seem so bad. But this year we have bought a new house & we are stretched this year.

I came up with an idea to make individual fruit cakes, ice them, decorate and put it in a box or container as my gift to the extended relo's this year. Has anyone done something like this before?

Does nay have a tried and true recipe for it? How did you present it? Or any ideas? Where could I find a relatively cheap package or box to put it in that is good for food and looks nice?

How much would the ingredients cost? I'm lookign at making 10 mini cakes and did it drive you nuts? Lol

[Tinks]

OH wow! What a fantastic idea. I might do that too.

A lady at my work is giving me her Christmas pudding recipe. She made it up herself she's such a brilliant cook, I'll post it for you when I get it.

[KatieRabbit]

Doesn't answer your question but have you considered some less expensive items like shortbread, homemade fruit mince, rocky road, honey coated nuts, truffles, fudge, vinegars, cookies (Xmas ones like cranberry and pistachio) etc?

I also love little cellophane packages of puddings that you make using bought cake and juice (shaped into mini puddings say smaller than a golf ball), then topped with melted white choc, and mint leaves and cut red snake lollies. They are on the W/ Weekly website I think!

Just some other ideas. Or if you want fruit cakes make a few large square ones, cut into 4 smaller ones and ice with rolled icing and wrap a Christmas ribbon around the side.

[Rouge]

Great minds KR... I posted that earlier but thought it wasn't relevant. But you're right it might be a lot easier.

And also things like pretty jar's filled with layers of ingredients to make muffins or cookies, with a recipe card or label to go with. You can even buy those cute mini utensils so you could attach a mini wooden spoon.

[Floweryfields]

Each year I make something small for each of my staff (we also do secret santa, but this is just a personal thanks from me). Last year it was gingerbread people decorated to look like each of them, this year I decided to make little iced cakes, though I've decided to do little mud cakes as for one, I can do a gluten free one (one girl is gl intol) and I know they all like chocie cake, not sure about fruit.
My plan is to ice them and do a nice big icing bow on the top some how!
Good luck!

[Floweryfields]

Great minds KR... I posted that earlier but thought it wasn't relevant. But you're right it might be a lot easier.

And also things like pretty jar's filled with layers of ingredients to make muffins or cookies, with a recipe card or label to go with. You can even buy those cute mini utensils so you could attach a mini wooden spoon.

Oooh I love that layered ingredients idea!

[Netix]

I replied in the Chrissie section.