What puts you in the festive Holiday mood?

A family sized tin of Quality Street chocolates. Julie Andrews yodeling on the TV in The Sound of Music. Lashings of heavy cream dolloped over steaming hot Christmas pudding, and soft, crumbly mince pies filled with pockets of plump, sweet fruits. These are the things of my Christmases of past. The triggers that spark childhood memories of growing up in England. They instantly put me in the holiday mood.

I also must add clementines to that list. My father has a penchant for clementines (or "satsumas" as he calls them). He would buy them by the truck load every Holiday season.

They would be swiftly devoured (and I do mean swiftly as there were 6 of us in my family!). My dad even used them as stocking fillers!

This year, far away from the winter beaten streets of London. Nestled in my Los Angeles home. I found myself wanting to continue this family tradition.

Off I toddled to the grocery store last week to buy my own immense box of tangerines. My citrus bounty was proudly displayed on our living room table for all to see. Waiting to be eaten....

Waiting...

Waiting...

Waiting...

In my house there are only three of us. My husband: who is not particularly fond of tangy fruit. My son: a three year old with limited tummy space. And me.

The rapidly browning little oranges were not going to make it.

200 degrees in the oven and 2 hours later.

Oven dried orange slices for Potpourri!

Add a few pine cones and some cinnamon sticks and now the house smells like Christmas!

What scents and memories make you think of Christmas?


Jackie
My Submarine To The Future

P.S. Just a quick tip.... if you try making these at home don't forget to either spray the baking sheet first, or put a layer of wax paper down to avoid the orange slices sticking.