Let's be candid! It's time.

At Christmas there are several things I like to make to share with my family. One is my deluxe mince pies, which need candied peel, so I make lots and dip the extras in chocolate.
In the next instalment of these Countdown to Christmas cooking sessions I will make the mince pies and do the dipping. Oh - there is so much to do at this time of year!
Check out my Patreon Page if you want to support me here
/ thelasthomelyhouse
and check out my shop for a few last minute treats in 2018
thelasthomelyhouse.bigcartel....
and check out this BIG HUG I'm sending all of you!
xxxxxxx
Mary Berry's mincemeat recipe is here
www.maryberry.co.uk/recipes/ch...

[@user-nz4ym8ko5z]

Hi Kate ..Ihave never watched a KZbin video before. I have been ill and you helped get me through it. Im the poorly one on the end of the Lime Green Sofa. Simply adore your colourful quilts. It has inspired me to start crafting again. I find your videos comforting to watch ..like sharing time with a chum. Thanks Kate X

[@ashgreenspinner1503]

I also will put them straight from the fruit into a jar of honey in the fridge. Eventually they candy up and the texture changes. It’s delightful. After a time if you want, you can take the left over honey and make a cordial from it, as it draws out the moisture of the peels some and makes a fantastic citrus flavored drink.

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

Kate your videos and channel are my #1 online pleasure. Could literally listen to you as I work, for hours. It is so much like being at a friends home visiting, with such great usable information. Thank you!

[@wendybellhouse5731]

I agree ❤️ definitely a happy place 😊

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I'm late replying to these comments because its all been a bit hectic here - but you are so very lovely! I really do enjoy what i do - but it makes it all worth while to know that you enjoy it too! Thank you so very much! xxxxx

[@lifeofjoy9404]

Kate, never fuss about taking up our time! We're all comfy here on the Lime Green Sofa and love all of your content, so you could make a four hour video of you doing laundry and we'd watch it all the way through!❤

[@Victorialands]

I watched this video just before Christmas and I want to thank you for the idea. If not for you I’d never have thought or even tried to make mince meat filling. While I watched you put yours together it was like I could almost smell the mince meat and it’s been so long since I’ve had any. I don’t like the store bought stuff so I thought I’d give it a try. Low and behold it turned out! I truly enjoyed the process and it filled the house with the most wonderful fragrance. It is now going to be added to my yearly Christmas traditions. So again, thank you for making this video and planting that idea in my head :)

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I like my homemade because I can leave out the Beef! who wants beef suet in their sweet pies? I'm glad you tried it - its really easy isn't it!!! xxx

[@Victorialands]

The Last Homely House East of the Sea Yes, I totally agree... Beef suet isn’t something it needs. It’s wonderful this way.

[@suzanmenihan1634]

I check at least twice a day to see if you have a new video posted. Watching the videos are always a highlight of my day. It's like a way to treat myself. Just can't wait to see your new commission quilt videos or other quilt videos.

[@margm4]

Love how you’re able to do so many things. You’re just so talented. Cooking, gardening, sewing, bee keeping, candle making, glasswork, cards, books...you’re an absolute wonder! 👍☺️🇦🇺

[@margerycummings8158]

Thank you so much for my lovely package Kate, you are so kind and thoughtful x. I can’t resist your beautiful things in your shop lol 😀. Have a wonderful day, much love xx

[@CalmDownMyDear]

You have a beautiful soothing voice, like someone who could be a presenter!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

thank you so much! xxxx

[@gwynwellliver4489]

Oh, I am drooling. You are making two of my very favorite Christmas goodies. Rare treats I make with my mom, the every other year we spend Christmas together. She and I are the only two family members who like mincemeat. "Plumptuios" - lovely word. :) Glad to hear that all is well in your garden, both plant and animal. Looking forward to the pie vlog!

[@leslieordoyne7884]

Cook book with all your favorite and secret recipes!!! That would be great ! You would have a best seller ! #1 cookbook for 2019 ! I’m going to try that pie and orange peel very soon . Looking forward to your pie shell recipe. You are such a dear sweet lady . ❤️

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

thank you! I want the mince pies to be fresh for christmas so I will be making them next week! xxxxx

[@tammyselbo132]

In this video you made me MISS my mom ! Every Christmas growing up in the 1950s her and I made mince for pies ❤️‍🩹

[@nanpark1365]

We have a grapefruit tree and I like bitter marmalade made with orange, lemon and grapefruit peel. All these peels are great as candy. But, I use the juice of grapefruit and oranges. I boil the peels 3or 4 times, strained and cooled. Then sugar and a bit of honey. Simmer until thick, jar, seal and a water bath to seal the jars. Lovely. Mince looks very good without the suet. Thank you.

[@deenawatts3257]

I'd love a story book of your recipes. I certainly would purchase it. Re: mixed spice. What an interesting combination. Quite unique. Cassia is a strong cinnamon like spice. I think I'll just have to make something to substitute.

[@gigglegiggles3189]

Yes and her drawings. You can catch them here and there when she doing her thing. So wonderful. Like magic she is!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

that's interesting about cinnamon/cassia - Thank you ... I'm thinking of recipes - that would be a fun project for next year.xxx and Heather - I cannot draw to save my life! ha ha ha!!!

[@christinepease890]

lovely Kate, could not sleep so making new year cards and found your new video :) thank you x

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

Chris Pease you are a kindred spirit! I have been doing my water colour holiday cards to mail and watching this relaxing informative video.

[@victoriahanke5086]

Lovely. It is always lovely visiting you. ♥️🙏🕊

[@sherrienewell2578]

Dad absolutely loved minced pies. Always had to make sure there was one for him at Christmas.

[@daphnestamey4404]

My mouth is watering, I love mince pies . A touch of home, thank you for your videos.

[@sarahj734]

Wow starting to sound like a Christmas pudding lol

[@cathysabat2877]

I made mincemeat for the first time last Christmas..so delicious and so Christmas-y!

[@saffronhammer7714]

Minced meat pie is my father's absolute favorite holiday dessert and I make it for him each year. A favorite old time New England treat.

[@veemcg3682]

I've just enjoyed watching this on Jan 13 2021 and am going to make some candied peel. I like to put some in scones with ginger or honey but as I eat oranges and lemons I might as well use the peel instead of buying candied peel in the supermarket. Thank you Kate. I do love becoming more self sufficient and love using every bit of things. Looking forward to learning more from your videos Kate

[@sharonmccartney4673]

Hello Kate! I love how your mince doesn't have meat in it. All of the ingredients made it sound delicious. I've never tried the mince meat here in the US because it didn't look or sound good to me with meat in it. I'll bet yours' is delicious! I would definitely buy your cook book story book.I love how nothing ever goes to waste in your kitchen.

[@lorettahenderson8979]

I liked your mince vegetarian mixture❤

[@mandytaylor1008]

Have to tell you Kate you are addictive I could sit and watch you all day long and not get anything done. Don’t feel guilty about that be happy and satisfied you are pleasing so many I am sure.🦆😺

[@juliesew_me_something699]

So much nicer than bought mince it smells lovely 😋 glad you look and sound so much better xxx

[@ireneclai578]

Looks wonderful.

[@Quackingdaffs123]

Love all your Christmas posts...so inspiring. Love the word plumpious🥰😍xxx

[@Quackingdaffs123]

Maybe that should be a c not an i but who cares...fabulous word🥰

[@toodie535]

I'm going to paint my table and chairs--you've inspired me! * and maybe my cabinets

[@debrablanson2288]

I’ve never tried mince meat but your recipe sounds delicious, and never tried candied oranges they sound good too

[@beverlyjames2850]

Hooray! You have 10k subscribers! Awesome.

[@mariecurrie7657]

I love mince pies! I put a dollop of almond paste/frangipane style (ground almonds, butter, sugar and eggs) on the top of each before baking. Finding muscovado sugars is tough in Canada. They are lovely though! Rita IS very pretty.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

the special pastry has ground almonds! I've never made frangipane - but I think I should give it a try! hmmm .... another for the list maybe? xxx

[@kathyabel5338]

Haven't watched the video yet, just wanted to say how I love your haircut, Kate. So easy to take care of, I love keeping my short. I'm making an appointment for my holiday short cut next week. Merry Christmas.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

Thanks Kathy - I love it short too - I gave me hairdresser a copy of my calendar (because she is lovely!) it has the picture on the back like my profile - and, after she thanked me she said - you need a haircut in that picture! ha ha ha! a true professional!

[@aikitherese]

I used to make fruitcakes with the same kind of ingredients...different nuts, but I did use the canned pineapple. But now I have the idea for making mince pies. I made candied peel last year, but have none left...you're inspiring me :)

[@annefaught6009]

Plumpsious? What a lovely word! Don't forget dried cranberries on your list...... And the white lillies on the table look very seasonal somehow......xo

[@lauraleecreations3217]

My grand mother taught me how to do candied orange peel.... thought it was only her thing❤️ glad to know it’s someone’s else’s to👍❤️

[@SandraOranje]

I'm looking forward to your next video because candied orange covered in chocolate was something I always got from my grandmother as a small kid. I never realized I could make it myself. 😉😁 Never had mince pie. Didn't even knew what it was. But you got me curious about your special pastry. And I don't mind long videos 😉 to me it feels like visiting. 😁 xxxx

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I've very recently started editing on my computer and I realise that is why I was limited to time - the iPad won't let you upload more than 15 minutes, but with this computer I can drone on about things for hours!!! The candied peel is sooooo easy! you could give it a try! xxx

[@irhonda31]

Mixed spice - don’t know what combo that is. Another wonderful video!

[@pamwineinger2764]

Absolutely love mincemeat pies without the meat! I also like raisins in it

[@lindenbergers]

Oh i wish i was coming for Christmas, yum!

[@marsworld7513]

oh i just love watching you cook... funny because im not really much of a cook... But i have made 2 batches of Divinity and 1 batch of Creamy Pecan Pralines. ive never made candies before.. 1st batch of Divinity was a complete fail and was the Creamy Pecan Pralines. But im gonna try again.. haha ive got to look into those candied orange peels... i slightly remember going to my Great Grandmothers Sister house back in the 70's and having some.. Im glad your feeling better... xoxo From Georgia USA

[@lalagamma4452]

I've always disliked mincemeat pies, but yours sound so 😋 yummy! I simply adore candied orange or lemon peels! TFS your recipe. I make a wickedly good candied watermelon rind! Beautiful cat. Wuvs ya & cats all tons!!! ❤xo💜xo💙xo💛xo💖xo💚

[@margaretblank9351]

I LOVE candied peel! I find the best oranges for it are navel oranges, which have a lovely thick skin. I don't peel them all at one go, though. Instead, I save the peels as I eat them. They can be sliced and put in sealed bags in the freezer till I;m ready to make the candy. As for mince meat -- no one in my family -- likes it so I rarely make it, but I have a *terrific* recipe for "mock mince meat" using green tomatoes, which are quite common 'round here due to our short summer season. :-) Raisins, cinnamon etc. make it lovely. And it's best if made one year before using as it ages beautifully (even though there's no alcohol in it) as the flavours mingle in the jars.

[@CountanceD]

One of my favorite cookbooks is called Everything is Better with Butter! 😂

[@gingerleegirl6697]

Your giving me inspiration. Now I have to go look up what is sultanas and muskavado sugar.

[@heatherfoley4945]

I want that jam jar you keep your brown sugar in! Wow! I didn't know that about almonds! Lovely Rita...."Plumpcious" :) I made homemade mincemeat this summer too. No suet. I used more apple, green tomato....no nuts but will next time and I added black pepper because I like spice!...I had to candy my own peels too. I only got two jars also so when I make my pie I put the mince on the bottom then add a layer of fresh apple to stretch my mincemeat. Yummy! See you soon Kate!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

ooh - your pies sound fantastic! extra apple! and pepper! what great ideas - I sometimes put chilli flakes in - but not everyone likes that - I can't see my Dad eating them for instance! The jar used to contain Heinz mayonnaise - I bought it by mistake because I always buy Hellmans, but ended up with the wrong one - yes - the jar is lovely! xxxx

[@heatherfoley4945]

@@thelasthomelyhouse Hellmans mayo for sure! Our mayo jars are all plastic now in US :(

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I think it's odd how different holiday treats are here in the US considering most people's European roots. I haven't any idea where to even get sultanas or muscovado sugar. Nonetheless, I've really enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing your Christmas preparations!

[@rebeccajourney3183]

Oh I love mincemeat pies, but never with meat and only a homemade one once, so delicious! The pineapple juice would have been nice! I love cranberries. Made cranberry sauce last year for the first time! So easy and delicious!!

[@christiewright6137]

Just found you a bit ago...love watching! Do you have the biscotti with cranberries and nut recipe? Sounds amazing. I tried your scone recipe....very tasty. Thank you for being here....I get a cup of coffee and “visit” with you every morning. So interesting!!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

Thank you Christie - I think you could put anything in the basic recipe - but that sounds delicious! xxx

[@suedale1865]

Can smell it in my imagination 👏🏻👏🏻

[@angielovett4159]

I like doing grapefruit peels, and lemons too!. My lime peels came out too tough, not sure if I’ll try those again or not.

[@toodie535]

I have an 'elixor' recipe like yours but also with garlic and cayenne pepper, with fresh lemon juice. Good for what ails ya

[@jjudy5869]

Kate, I hope you saved the leftover syrup from making your candied peel. A spoon of it tastes delicious in tea or a cup of hot cocoa.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

YES, I did, I poured out the bitter water from the first two boilings, but the orange syrup is safe in the fridge for just such use. The video was already way too long - so maybe when I get to dealing with the peel in another episode I'll talk about that then - I can also use it to moisten cake - I have a lovely recipe for apricot and almond cake which would be improved by a bit of syrup! JOY!!! xxx

[@gigglegiggles3189]

Y"all so domestic.

[@jjudy5869]

@@thelasthomelyhouse - I hadn't thought of moistening a cake...So little syrup and so many tasty things to do with it!

[@pjd2709]

Kate that looks great, (hey let me know when the minced pies are ready, and I'll pop in) lol! The candied peel looks great, being from Aussie originally, there are a few things that I can't get here in the States, (although some things are here, in some specialty shops), but there's a price with that too. Items are golden syrup, the cherries you chopped up, and the list goes on, but I improvise. I do have recipes too for making some things, and I also found a few recipes for golden syrup, haven't made it as yet, as I still have some, will need to replenish my supply soon! Love watching your channel it's great! Thanks for sharing with us! ❤🐱‍👓🐱‍👤🐱‍💻😃

[@rough-hewnhomestead4751]

New sub here. Loving your videos and looking forward to new ones...and catching up with older ones! God bless!!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

Welcome! when you guys say 'homestead' I think we would say 'smallholding' ... That's what I am - a very small smallholder! happy to have you on board! xxx

[@rough-hewnhomestead4751]

Yes! Homesteading=smallholding and I am a very small smallholder, too! ;) I live in the US in a small rural town in WV. I feel like I've found a trunk full of goodies that I'd forgotten about in watching all of your videos. I am plowing my way through them--loving it! Thanks for replying. :)

[@TheSlowens]

I'm still here Kate, another procedure on my back. Have enjoyed your story telling... had to write and let you know that your little "problem" is mine as well. Like I have said before.... EVERYTHING is better with BUTTER... remember to get more at the store. May try the orange peels... 2 trees out back and so far it looks like fairly easy. Thanks for sharing... another good "smelling" video.

[@somelikeitrita3835]

Vegan with butter!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

You know what sort of vegan I am ha ha ha!!!

[@suzisaintjames]

21:39 please give me the link to the mince meat into pies and dipping the orange peels in chocolate video. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@claudiaebert7842]

Hello Kate! How great, in Germany mince pies are completely unknown. How nice if you will make a video about it. I love candied orange peel, even if it tastes a bit bitter. I love, for example also real English bitter orange marmalade, and not the terribly sweet, which can be bought in some places. This year, I've gotten ideas from various KZbin channels for small, homemade gifts, for food, for body care or for the home. I simply love such gift ideas. Thanks for this nice video Kate. Now I'm so excited about your specialty dough for the mince pies. Greetings, big hug and see you soon Claudia

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

Generally, I don't like mince pies, the pastry is hard and the mincemeat tasteless - but I pile on the flavours with this version - I'll show you how we eat them when I make the second instalment - I have a few christmassy ideas brewing! xxxx

[@avrilcrisp5725]

I have always put pineapple in my mincemeat and instead of brandy or sherry I sometimes use Guinness.

[@lilyvillager]

Are you used to your cabinet color yet? I'm used to it and like it very much. Never ate orange peels before but would certainly eat yours. You have a magic kitchen!

[@cheryl8280]

Wherever did you get those lilies on the table behind you? So beautiful. Are they the aromatic variety like Stargazers? Glad to hear you're feeling better. Nothing worse than a cold to drag you down, but you seem to be raring to go! Definitely NOT your fault but I'm still waiting for my package from you. Unfortunately, we have a country wide postal strike here in Canada. Millions of parcels are backlogged so it could be awhile. Take care and we'll chat again later, Kate.

[@annettewhitbeck6072]

I make mincemeat but with venison and fat. So so very good.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

not so great with custard? sounds like Rachel's trifle in Friends - which Joey loved if i recall!!!

[@laurafifer4453]

Please tell us about the chandelier behind you?? Beautiful, makes it look so joy full in the room. Did you make it?

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

It is a wire contraption I got a number of years ago and every year i add more and more decorations at christmas - but then i never take them down - I do like sparkly things!!! xxx

[@deenawatts3257]

That looks delicious. My aunt made it with the beef suet and I didn't like it. What is included in mixed spice? I've not seen anything in the states called that.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I hate having meat in my sweet pie! I'm reading off the jar Deena - Dried orange peel, cassia (what is that?) ginger, nutmeg, pimentos, caraway seeds. It is very common in the uk - I've never questioned what was in it till now! xxx ha ha ha

[@wendybellhouse5731]

Cassia is a cheaper version of cinnamon. It is very similar but a little darker and stronger, and not so naturally sweet. Actually much of what is sold as cinnamon is Cassia. It is not as healthy for you as cinnamon.

[@WistfulCreative]

Do you ever make orange marmalade? Do you have a favorite recipe?

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

No, I don't, I like marmalade, but hardly ever , so it would be a bit extravagant to make it for maybe one jar a year! sorry xxx

[@charismall6152]

What's in the "mixed spice?"

[@reinadegrillos]

My mami used to make these pies I think. Are these the ones that can be from one year to another? I don't remember my mami in the kitchen, but i know she used to make these pies for Christmas.

[@sarahj734]

Do you tell us how to make the biscotti🙏

[@Angela10226]

I would rather have the longer video than the quiet bits, I think the majority of viewers don't have issues with that. I realize that this is a personal issue for you but I think if you asked you would find out that we don't mind. I love minced pie and when you were talking about the pineapples I thought Mary Berry would be proud, then you said her name when you were reading the recipe. Maybe I missed it and you said it was her recipe but I don't think I did. I really love watching your videos especially when I learn something. I had been wondering when I watch Mary and Paul when they refer to the sugar (forgot what you called it) so very happy to see that it is dark brown sugar. Happy days something else that I can tick off! Very happy to see that your feeling better although you still sound stuffed but this time you have not looked poorly like you did the other times you've been. Did you and your daughter in law finish her mum's quilt? Can you remember that first quilt you ever made and how satisfying it was? How is your soap coming along did you use any yet? xx Angela

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

do you mean you would rather I don't speed things up like that? I think people have limited time and I'm always a bit anxious about posting really long videos? I'm 100% better now thank you - but today is SO cold its hard to get warm? brrrrrrr

[@TOBY_AND_LUCYS_ADVENTURES]

Is pineapple a Liverpool ingredient coz my nanny put it in hers😊

[@Anita3kidsS.]

So nice to watch while you make you’re lovely yummy items. Just a question... is it “ CANDID” or “CANDIED” peel? I always thought it was the latter. Have I been saying it incorrectly all these years? I’ve always wanted to try my hand at mincemeat & candied fruits. Hard to find Currants & Sultanas (?) in the US. Took me almost a year to find dried currants in an somewhat upscale store we stop at a few times a year . *** Please write a cookbook Kate! 📕 Can’t wait to see you make the upcoming goodies. My Mom’s Aunt ALWAYS ate mincemeat pie during the Holidays ( either Thanksgiving or Christmas) I rather liked it. I was eight years old at the time lol . We just saw organic mincemeat in a jar in the UK section of a grocery store. It had brandy as well as one other spirit involved I believe Lol Rita reminds me of the cat my Grandparent’s had while I was growing up. Her name was “Lady”. Glad you’re feeling better. Love the long videos😁. Hugs, Anita

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

no - you are right - I was having a joke! being candid - telling some new truth! but no, just making some candied peel! ha ha! I'm really interested in the difference between UK and US standards - I'll be making the mince pies so they are fresh for christmas - so a little while yet - and yes! I could do a collections of my recipes! that's a great idea! xxxxx

[@Anita3kidsS.]

The Last Homely House East of the Sea. I thought you were having a bit of fun!! Just checking (place the DUNCE cap on me now)😹 Looking forward to the next yummy videos. As I do "ALL" of your videos💜 . WHO would ADORE a cookbook by Kate?

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

ha ha ha!!! thanks you! It wouldn't be a cook book so much as a story with recipes! Now there's an idea!!! I'll do it if enough people say they want it!!! xxxxx

[@mariecurrie7657]

@@Anita3kidsS. that cookbook idea gets a thumbs up from me!

[@cjacob9875]

you could have use pineapple juice !

[@ndlz1]

Just wondering, did you ever add the candied orange peels to the mincemeats? They were cooking while you were adding ingredients to the bowl as I recall.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I did - I might not have mentioned it - but they added a lovely citrus kick! and i covered what was left in chocolate and gave them as gifts! xxx

[@mrscms831]

Whats muscovado (sp)sugar? special kind of brown sugar? I love your kitchen. Is your chandelier functional or decorative OR BOTH?

[@gigglegiggles3189]

Is it burger or pork that gets minced in. Does that happen with the pastry,

[@wendybellhouse5731]

It isn't a meat dish. The English call that mixed fruit concoction 'fruit mince' and make fruit mince pies from it. They are a sweet Christmas treat.

[@gigglegiggles3189]

@@wendybellhouse5731 thank you. I even watched some Martha Stewart today lol.

[@gigglegiggles3189]

First of all love the new cover picture

[@gigglegiggles3189]

A brain wave. A cook book. Lol. Hmmmmm.

[@gigglegiggles3189]

I just want to go buy some almonds and do that!

[@gigglegiggles3189]

Put chocolate and gin in lol snort giggle snort

[@heatherstewart7131]

Orange peel

[@amdupreez2188]

1

[@scottpenaluna5330]

HOWDY 💜👩‍🎤🇺🇸 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 I hope all the BEES. are just fine California. USA. is known for our Oranges.. I am going to have to try making some CANDY ORANGES. Signing off Scott's wife Vickie

[@noorhassan7875]

Mam are you single???