Present ideas for a 93 year old

[yeknomyeknom]

Hi all,

Our 93 year old neighbour will be alone this Xmas. Usually she dines with a neighbour but we are all away this year. She should be fine. She is very independent and peppy. As we are away we want to leave her with something festive. I am thinking of making up a hamper. She used to be a bit of a dancer and she plays the organ. So I have invested in some music from 1920s-1940s. I want to get some food and some other bits. I want to avoid the obvious hamper stuff and make something bespoke. I guess my question is, is there a brand of food or item that used to be popular and is perhaps harder to get these days. I know the war didn't allow for much in the way of treat items. Is there something reminiscent I could get that would pep up her Xmas day? Any advice from people around in this era or with people close to them with ideas. Much appreciated.

[womanofdulwich]

My Dad is 90 .He loves a Tunis cake. They are quite tricky to find. It's a huge quest every year. I thought I had it cracked last year at Waitrose but the eat by date was boxing day.

[yeknomyeknom]

A few mentions of the Tunis cake now. I've found a recipe http://thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/mary-berrys-tunis-cake/

So will try to make nearer the time if I can't source one. If anyone spots one in the shops nearer Xmas., do let me know!

[Bellenden Belle]

A tipple might be appreciated.

Dubonnet was apparently the Queen Mother's favourite!

[curlykaren]

Blackfriars Settlement hold a Christmas Day meal for the elderly, could you arrange for her to visit there?

[edanna]

What a lovely idea. My grandma loved lemon curd - she thought M&S was the best, I hope they still make it!

[Mustard]

The Duchy Organic Originals lemon curd is very good and Waitrose does a Seriously Zesty Lemon Curd which is sharper.

[yeknomyeknom]

How funny, I just added bith the above to my ocado basket then opted for the sharp one.

I wanted a mix of objects. Re food I need to mix sweet and savoury as not sure her preference.

So far I am thinking:

CD (1920-1940s nostalgia)

East Dulwich through Times book

Rose Bubble Bath

Hand wash and cream

Lemon curd

Port

Little box of chocs

Carrs cheese crackers

Madelaines

Tunnocks tea cakes

Piccalilli

Beef in ale ( cupboard staple)

Lamb hotpot (cupboard staple)

A bit random. But at least there should be something in there she likes.

[Mustard]

I bought some nice CDs from the shop at the Imperial War Museum. It was a selection of music from the Forties.

Dubonnet and bitter lemon was a Seventies drink. Does anyone drink it anymore?

[WorkingMummy]

My now deceased grandparents loved crumpets, spread thinly with fish-paste (not your modern tubed seasoning/curry base, but something spreadable that used to come in small jars) or piled high with "cheese and onion". But that last one was always made fresh, with raw grated onions, cheese and milk.

They also loved corned-beef and tinned pilchards. Anything that was considered a luxury in the War was always considered a treat.

Actually I have a hankering for this stuff myself at times.

[Mustard]

Shippams Fish Paste?

Anchovy Paste?

Nice sardines?

Melted cheese on crumpets is great in winter, top with chutney to finish.

[yeknomyeknom]

Added some shipmans, bargain.

[uncleglen]

When my granny was 80 I started asking her what she wanted, or needed for xmas.....it worked very well

[yeknomyeknom]

My neighbour doesn't expect a gift. I suspect if she knew I was looking for one for her she would be mortified.

[LucyInTheRye]

You're a very nice neighbour. What a lovely idea :-)