Christmas: Yummy gifts, Garage sale, Kid-made gifts

Yummy gift ideas
Rum Balls & Apricot Balls are easy to make and not too expensive.  Kids can help make for their teachers, coaches and tutors as there is no cooking required.


Rum balls
1 tin condensed milk (light is OK)
125g crushed plain biscuits (can use wheat free varieties)
2-3 tablespoons cocoa, sifted
1/2 cup sultanas
2-3 tablespoons rum
1 packet dessicated coconut

Combine all ingredients other than coconut in a large bowl. Add just enough coconut to the mixture until it is firm enough to roll into balls (don't add the whole packet!). Pour more coconut onto a plate. Take teaspoons of the rum ball mixture, roll into balls between your palms, then roll in the coconut until coated and no longer sticky. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.


Apricot balls
1 tin condensed milk (light is OK)
1 cup dried apricots, chopped finely
2-3 tablespoons dry sherry
1 packet dessicated coconut

Combine all ingredients other than coconut in a large bowl.
Add just enough coconut to the mixture so that it is firm enough to roll into balls.
Pour more coconut onto a plate.
Take teaspoons of the apricot ball mixture, roll into balls between your palms, then roll in the coconut until coated and no longer sticky.
Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.


These simple but tasty treats are best made at least a couple of weeks in advance so that the alcohol can permeate them properly. They are delightful served as an after dinner treat, or any time, really!


De-clutter and help charity
Organise a street garage sale in the first few weeks of December to raise funds then the proceeds go to a nominated charity to purchase christmas hampers. It means you can meet your neighbours, get rid of some clutter and give back to those less fortunate.


Kid-made gifts
Friendship bands - have the kids collect old wool, string, leather from the neighbours and make their friends and teachers christmas presents.

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This post is brought to you by Tracy Gough, Remedial Massage Therapist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl.

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Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.