My Merry Christmas Wishes to all!

It’s Christmas time! The long wait and the journey towards the end of the year are almost over! It’s December 25^th. Meaning, it’s time to ask for gifts and money from someone who has it. It’s also a time to don yourself with new clothes and new gadgets you’ve bought on your christmas sales and last minute christmas shopping. It’s time to enjoy the yummy and delicious dishes our mom prepares for us in the Christmas Eve… Ahhh, it’s indeed Christmas.

So how would I spend my christmas? That was the question as I woke up in the morning. Nothing special. Since I have already gone to church last night for the midnight mass, I don’t have to go and attend mass today. So my plan is just to make this day just like an ordinary day. But I do wish to share the spirit of Christmas. I went ahead and log in to facebook. Although many of my friends would not be online, I still tried.

I go ahead and look for my friends profiles one-by-one and wrote “Merry Christmas” on their walls. For the special friends and loved ones, I wrote some inspirational and thoughtful Christmas messages. But for those who are my facebook acquaintance, I only wrote a short christmas greetings.

I know that there’s nothing special for what I did, but at least I would like them to feel that I remembered and thought of them on this special day. So I would like to do the same for my blog readers and supporters who read and hopefully enjoy my posts.

My warm Christmas wishes to everyone. May you all have the greatest, best and most wonderful celebration of Christmas. Fill your heart  and christmas cards with joy and love and spread the spirit of loving and sharing. Merry Christmas everyone!

image:http://www.hdwallpapersgo.com/christmas-cards.html

New year eve celebrations today

New year's eve celebrations are had to reflect and also be grateful for the ending year and also hope for a better new year. people are sending new year messages and Cards. Celebrate the New year eve with party and dance.If you have not properly prepared for this year's new year eve, it will be best to start making your plans. Every year begins with people planning for greater things in the coming years and some wonderful new year resolutions. These plans are what makes life worth looking forward to. It is always best to begin your new year celebration with advanced preparations. If you will be hosting some friends or members of your family in your home, it will be best to worry about decorations. Yes, no loved one of yours will appreciate entering a home with no decorations especially at this time of the year. Even if you are unable to decorate your home on time due to work and busy schedules, you can decide to use a simple decoration plan,.  

You must first start by concentrating on your entrance. Yes, decorating the entrance first will be the best decision to take. The entrance of your home must be pleasing to the eye. You can start with very brightly colored lights and a welcome doormat in beautiful colors. You can also add some nicely cut ribbons and aired balloons to match the theme of the evening. You can save yourself the stress by buying a flower wreath which you will need to make entrance look and feel more sophisticated. You can them come inside to decorate the living area which is definitely new year's eve dinner will be had. The dining area must also have simple decorations with flowers in vases on the table, banners with Happy new year wishes and neatly designed ribbons around dining room chairs. Also, decorating the stem of your champagne glasses will add more class to the evening and go further to tie ribbons on your tray handles. You can hang balloons all over the home from celings, doors, lights, chairs, etc.

There are many other ways to spend your new years' eve. Every year, new years' eve must be planned differently and must always stand out from the year before to make it more fun and increase the interest of people every year. This is why for large new years' eve celebrations, you will need to hire the services of credible event planners or organizers. Yes, hiring the services of credible event organizers that have many years of experience in this field is best. However; finding that right events company is not easy. There are so many of these event organizers. However; you will be able find the best out of the lot if you search and research the background of each company, exactly what offers they can offer you, check out their other client comments then you can consider cost of services.

There are so many factors that you need to take into consideration before you hire new year eve celebration planners for companies, etc. However; where a small family is concerned, these organizers are not needed. Sending out invitation cards ahead of time like a week or two weeks before time will be great to make all invited guests aware. New years' eve happens just one time every year. This means enjoying yourself on that day will be great for you and will be a great morale builder for the coming years. There are only a few people that do not really plan and think of their lives ahead of time. Sitting down and reflecting about stuff you did in the present year and things you will love to fix in the years ahead will be a great move in the direction. Depending on the home however; music played must be selected carefully to ensure that everyone has a nice time. You can also ask your family or friends that will be attending a specific dressing code or better still costumes. Also make sure the theme of the new years' eve celebration is simple but classy.

If you have been thinking of travelling outside your present location with your family, it will be best to plan the travel very well. London in the United Kingdom is one place you and your family can have total fun in on new years' eve. With so much space, so many people, so many clubs, etc; there is so much excitement always on the loose. Another city to have the best new years' eve in is Las Vegas in the United States of America. In Las Vegas, you can attend some of the great shows that happen on new years' eve. If you find yourself in New York in the United States of America during new years' eve, make sure you do not miss the opportunity of being at New York's Time Square during new years' eve. If you really want to party hard, New York won't be a wrong place to visit. In Germany, the city of Berlin has more than a million visitors coming in from all over the world just to party and witness the beautiful fireworks. Edinburgh in the United Kingdom is another great city to spend new years' eve night in. 

How To Save Money On Christmas Cards

As we approach the final stretch of the race to get ready for Christmas, here are a few money saving tips for preparing Christmas cards.

Make a list - The older we get the more people we know and hold dear. As tradition would have it, we want to send a card to all our loved ones and friends. The best way to include everyone is to make a list complete with each person's contact address. When the list is finalized you will have a good idea of how many cards you will be sending. Add ten extra for the people you may have forgotten. Try very hard not to make mistakes as this will add to your expenses.

Types of Christmas Cards

There are four basic alternatives to choose from when deciding on the cards to send; traditional store bought Christmas cards, home-made greetings, photo Christmas greetings and E-cards.

Christmas Cards from After-Christmas Sales

For those who love bargains, shopping for cards is usually done at the after-Christmas sales in the holiday season. Those who have a bigger spending capacity may prefer to buy the current cards on the market. For those still looking for a bargain, at this late stage of the game, can walk around the clearance shelves, dollar and discount shops in and around the neighborhood. Some charities have sales on cards to raise money for their cause. You can buy some from this source and support the charity of your choice.

Homemade Christmas Greeting Cards

For those who are nimble with their hands and enjoy creating arts and crafts, may consider making their cards from scratch and add personal Christmas messages. This will require a trip to your local craft shop if you have not already stocked up on the supplies.

Christmas Photo Cards

Some people prefer the personal touch of a photo-card. This is made from a photo shot of your choice. You have the choice of your local film developing studio creating the card, or getting a bargain from the on-line sites or doing-it-yourself (DIY) on your computer.

Christmas Ecards

The other online option for Christmas greetings is the Christmas E-card. Many card companies have opted to have an online department to sell their cards. As you do your search, you will find that there is no limit to your choices. The challenge will be ensuring that you have the correct email contacts for your recipients. The down side to E-cards is that many people find them impersonal and thus have taken a dislike to them.

New Year Party Ideas

Source: Nigelhowe

New Year Celebration

New Year is a fun holiday. Many people from different countries throw a celebration to commemorate the new beginning and bid goodbye to the old year. Those who use Gregorian Calendar celebrate New Year’s Day on the 1^st of January. Of course, the date may be different for those who use other type of calendar. Nevertheless, the celebration of this day is quite festive, highlighting fireworks, loud noises, resolutions, fasting and parties. There are many new year traditions and observations during the celebration of this event.

Party Theme

Popular new year party themes are fancy dressing, having an effigy or a casino type atmosphere. The theme will dictate the type of decoration that will be used to beautify the party hall or home. If you are holding the party in your home, consider locking your private rooms so that those who are up to mischief will not misuse your personal effects. Buy the decorations from your local retailer, party or craft shop. These can be New Year banners, flowers, streamers, white sparkling lights for both the indoors and outdoors to add a bright effect to the party.

New Year Party Invitations

Most parties at the end of the year have to be planned in advance so that the invited guests can plan accordingly. The New Year party invitations have to be sent out early after deciding on the theme of the party. The choice of invite is varied, from the homemade type to the formal custom printed ones to the fun store bought cards and the techy E-cards which can be made and sent at the touch of a button. Of course, you should use appropriate NewYear invitation wording.

Party Menu

Most people will come to the party with an appetite fit for a horse after training their tummies to expect loads of food from feasting during the festive season. Plan for a buffet with an array of New Year's eve recipes to satisfy all the guests invited from the kids to the adults, meat lovers to the vegans. If you choose to have alcoholic beverages please ensure that there are designated drivers or organize for cabs so that your guests are assured of seeing the dawn of the 2nd day of New Year after leaving your function. Many people fill up on vegetable based snacks and beverages during this party.

Party Giveaways

If your budget allows for favor packs, create small gift for the guests to take away with them as they leave the party. Children will enjoy noise makers, tiaras, party poopers and toys while a small practical utility item for the adults will suffice. Don’t forget to include your New Year messages and greetings attached to the giveaways.

Party Games and Music

Have different types of music at various stages of the party. Light mellow music can grace the dining area and the time of eating if you have planned a dinner for the guests before the real party begins. As the evening progresses the person in charge of the music can up the beat and get the party going for those with nimble bodies eager to wriggle them to the beat. If there are not many who are up for dancing then have games on hand for adults and the children in attendance. Some of the fun games include musical chairs, board and mat games as well as group games.

All in all planning is the key to a successful New Years party as people celebrate the start of the year. Consider above mentioned tips and new year party ideas to make your party successful and merrier.

New Year's Eve Recipes

 New Year's Eve dinner can be regarded as one of the most special events for the family. It is the time when the family gets together and gather themselves under dinner table to share with one another not only the food served but also, some wonderful stories of one another, accumulated over the year. It is also a time to exchange warm New Year messages and greetings to each other. Thus, New Year is one of the best time that we can show off to our loved ones our innate talent in cooking, and having a good menu contributes to the success of your New Year dinner.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Recipes

To help you in planning sumptuous yet easy to prepare dishes, here are some new year party ideas for dinner recipes.

Source: stevendepolo

Chinese Egg Rolls

This dish will only require you 25 minutes of preparation time and approximately, 45 minutes of cooking time. First, you have to prepare the following ingredients:

• 1 package egg roll wrappers (4 1/2" by 5 1/2")

Filling:

• 1 pound fresh pork (or barbecued pork)
• 1 medium onion (sliced)
• 2 stalks celery, cut diagonally
• 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 6 water chestnuts (fresh if possible), sliced
• 1/2 pound suey choy (Napa Cabbage), sliced thinly, 1 inch lengthwise
• 2 green onions, diced
• 1 pound fresh bean sprouts
• Pork Seasoning:
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A bit (less than 1 teaspoon) cornstarch

Gravy:

• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• Salt, pepper, accent (if desired) to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water*
• 2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying
• 2 to 4 cups oil for deep-frying

Preparation

1. Combine the ingredients found in the filling in one container and combine the ingredients in the pork seasoning in another, set aside the mixture for a while. Get the pork and cut it thinly in strips. 

2. Get the pork seasoning mixture and marinate the pork until the mixture becomes absorbed by the meat and set aside for a while. In the meantime, prepare the gravy by combining all the ingredients in one container. Stir the gravy mixture until the desired consistency is achieved.

3. Cut the vegetables diagonally and set aside. Heat the frying pan or you can opt using a non stick pan for a healthier meal. Pour on a dab of oil and stir fry the onion, celery and put a dab of salt and sugar to enhance the flavor, thereafter, fry the pork until golden brown and set aside.

4. Stir fry the vegetables consisting of mushrooms, water chestnuts, and bean sprouts; add a dab of sugar and salt to enhance the flavor of the vegetables. Drain the excess water from the cooked vegetables and add the fried pork in the wok and stir until the flavor of the meat and vegetable becomes well distributed. Set aside.

5. Get the egg roll wrapper and lay on a clean counter or plate. Take one tablespoonful of the meat and vegetable and line it in one side of the egg roll wrapper. Adjust the measurement according depending in the size of the egg roll wrapper and your desires. Fold and roll it neatly.

6. When you're done wrapping the entire egg roll filling in the egg roll wrappers you've bought, the next step would be deep frying them.

7. Pour generous amount of cooking oil in the wok and gently slide down each egg roll, careful not to break the wrapper. Fry until golden brown. When ready, cut diagonally and arrange. In a bowl, pour on the gravy mixture.

Source: avlxyz

Honey Garlic Barbecue Spareribs

They are not only easy to prepare but honey garlic spareribs are so delicious, they can't fail as your main entree.  What you will need are the following for this new year's eve recipe:

• 3 1/2 pounds of pork spareribs

For the marinade, prepare:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons housing sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 3 - 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/4 cup liquid honey or 2 tablespoons honey dissolved in 4 tablespoons water

Preparation:

1. First, cook the spareribs using a pressure cooker.

2. When cooked, cut the meat in individual strips of rib and prepare the marinade.

3. Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl and marinade the cooked meat for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for a more flavor.

4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Lay aluminum foil in the cookie sheet and place the marinated meat. Roast and serve.

Personal New Year Cards

Personal New Year Cards

Personal new year cards are so special and can boost the spirit of a new beginning in a relationship. Every new year should inspire a new change in lifestyle and attitude which will improve your relationship.

Personal new year cards are so special and can boost the spirit of a new beginning in a relationship. Every new year should inspire a new change in lifestyle and attitude which will improve your relationship.

Most couples are taking their clues from different guess out there. Some intend to travel for an expensive trips for their Christmas holiday, while some wish they had all the money to buy some expensive gift for their spouse. All of this sounds amazing and wonderful but how much time and money will be wasted in the process of achieving it.

Relationship is not judged by how much you have to give but how well you have expended your time and little cash to make your spouse happy. Changing some routine in a relationship will definitely spice it up and open a door for a more committed relationship. Sending a personal new year card with New Year Wishes to your partner is a perfect means of spicing up your relationship.

Compliments and comments, if well spoken can save a life. If not well presented can destroy life too. What we speak or comment has a huge impact both mentally, physically, and emotionally to the people we are referring to. Which makes compliments and comments the most effective means of expressing love and affection in a relationship. The worth of words and compliments are priceless, and even more preferable than any expensive trip or gift you can offer to your spouse. Use wordy expression to perfect your relationship by ordering a personal cards for your partner.

Every lovers out there should acknowledge the act of improving their relationship as year pass by. Observe the period of new year as a perfect time to show their beloved ones how important they meant to them. Personal new year greetings comes in different forms with a symbol of love and affection. Don't allow another year to pass without sharing the spirit of new year with your dearest one. Check out our wonderfully-made personal new year cards and create a memorable new year.

Happy New Year to a Friends

The issue of friendship is less regarded in the lives of most people, due to an increase in double-crossing attitude displayed by those people who suppose to be called our friends. Some people engaging in blossom friendship in recent times are now seen as risk takers, because they fail to understand what betrayal is all about. In order to avoid or protect our self from this wind of friendship scandals, most people has now given up the virtue of keeping good friends who will share their pains,their joy or any form of instability which they will experiences with time.

Believe it or not, true blossom relationship is worth fighting for. If you don't have such relationship in your life, try and create one. Develop good attitude that will attract people into your life. Your attitude will determine whether you will have friends or not. People habit and attitude will determine how they will attract people into their lives. If you have an attitude problem, how do you expect to have a huge list of friends?

Always ensure that you choose your friends and not your friends choosing you. Which simply means, don't allow your friends negative behavior to influence your good habit or better of avoid such people with negative influence. Find a true friend is not easy, you might experience a lot of failure on your quest for a true friendship. that's why it is necessary to appreciate them, if you have a true friend that have proven to care about you. Then this period of new year is the right moment to share true appreciation with your friend.

For those that has a blossom friend, this new year is the perfect time to give a shout out to your friends. Show your blossom pal how much he or she worth to you this season of new year by checking out, what we have for you and your friend this new year. Send a friendly new year cards to your blossom friends and exchange the pleasure of true friendship.

Different types of Christmas cards

Traditionally, there are twelve days of Christmas and on each day a present is given. In reality we only get these presents on Christmas day. So how about you change the tradition and make this Christmas more special to your friends and loved ones? There is a very easy way to do this: by sending them twelve Christmas cards. This might seem over the top but imagine getting twelve different and unique Christmas cards this Christmas from everyone you know. Not only is it exciting but it is also unique and special. But as the Christmas spirit says, Christmas is a time of giving and you can start your own tradition of twelve Christmas cards by sending your friends twelve cards. There are various different types of Christmas cards that you can use and so do not just use one type. There are screen savers that you can send them, online cards, printable cards and normal cards. Ensure that you put something extra special on the cards so that the person that will receive them will know how much you mean to them. You can do this by writing personal and unique Christmas quotes, sayings, poems and other greetings on the cards. For the normal cards, you can also put pictures on them so that they appear different and unique. In as much as buying a new card for your friend on Christmas is nice, it is even nicer to spend time and customize it so that your friend likes it much more. You can also do the same with the wall papers and screen saver. You can download a screen saver that you know your friend would like, add a few things to it to make it unique then send it to them. With today’s technology, you can send it via email and he or she will still get it the way you made it. 

Advantages of using online Christmas cards

Online Christmas cards are not only the modern way of sending out Christmas cards but they are also quite efficient. This is because you can customize these cards by adding your own Christmas card messages and send them from the comfort of your home. The receiver will also get them within a few minutes. So how do you know the best online cards to send to your friend? First of all you should ensure that the cards are appropriate according to your relationship with the receiver. There are different online Christmas cards that you can pick from. After you get the right card, you can then work on customizing it. Use the quotes below to make your online card more special.

• It is true that Christmas makes us become children again. As we remember the memories of the past and pass them on to our children to make more memories. Merry Christmas
• Gifts of time and love are the best ingredients for any Christmas recipe – Peg Bracken
• Christmas that is not found in the heart, can’t be found under a tree – Charlotte Carpenter
• If there is a New Year’s resolution that I always keep is that I will be home for Christmas.
• On Christmas day, I do not look forward to all the food and gifts under the tree. I look forward to all the laughter and love around the family table.
• There is no greater moment than that of breaking bread with your entire family on Christmas morning.
• Receive this online card as a wish for good tidings to you and your family this Christmas. Merry Christmas and Happy and prosperous New Year.
• Christmas is a time for giving love, best wishes and mending damaged relationships. Let this be your guide this Christmas Eve as we celebrate the birth of Christ

Using Printable Christmas Cards

Printable Christmas cards are also another way of sending cards to your loved ones this Christmas. These are typically online Christmas cards that can also be printed. If you decide on using these cards this Christmas ensure that you customize them nicely so that the receiver can print them well. You can also customize these online printable Christmas cards, then print them and send them or give them out to your loved ones. Customizing them is very easy since you can get all the necessary tools on the internet. All you need is a little creativity and you can make your own special Christmas cards. These cards will not only be special but they will also be unique. You can also add a few Christmas sayings on the cards before sending the out. You can do this using a pen and in your own handwriting so that they appear very personal. Here are Christmas messages you can write in your printable Christmas cards.

• At Christmas, all the roads lead to one place. Home.
• There is no sad thing than waking up on Christmas and not being a child – Erma Bombeck
• You do not have to worry that you will make a mess this Christmas Eve. There is no mess on Christmas, only memories.
• There is something new about old Christmas traditions. Maybe it is the fact that they remind us of our childhood.
• Let the joy of Christmas be in giving and not receiving for he who gives has received through the Lord.
• Peace and Happiness are saved in the hearts of those that believe in the spirit of Christmas. Wishing you all the happiness and the joy that the Lord has to offer.
• I send this Christmas card to you in email so that even after many years to come, you can still print it out and remember the feeling you had when you first received it. Merry Christmas

Make Christmas memories using photo Christmas cards

During the Christmas season, a lot of photos are taken to capture that special moment when everything in the world was covered with love. All the differences are forgotten and everyone on their best behavior. This is the feeling we get whenever we see the old Christmas photos. Since they are so many, this Christmas you can turn them into a lovely Christmas card. You can then send this card to every member of your family just for them to see how the Christmas spirit has brought you together over the years. All you need is a computer and scanner. You can scan the pictures and upload them on your computer. From this website, you can then make you beautiful photo Christmas cards. You can add beautiful captions on the cards that serve as Christmas greetings. Ensure that you make them printable so that you can give the family members a copy as well as send them online. There are very many things you can say on a photo Christmas card. If you do not have an idea, find some inspiring Christmas sayings below.

• Christmas is the time when our best miles are seen. Merry Christmas!
• Let this photo Christmas card always remind you of the joy we have together during Christmas
• Christmas is here again and other photos will be taken. But take a moment to look back and thank God for the many that you already took. Merry Christmas
• Let the joy of Christmas be in giving and not receiving for he who gives has received through the Lord.
• Peace and Happiness are saved in the hearts of those that believe in the spirit of Christmas. Wishing you all the happiness and the joy that the Lord has to offer.
• I can still hear the laughter that filled the room on that Christmas day. I hope that this Christmas will have even more laughter.

Get The Best Christmas Food Recipes

Nothing says Christmas more than good food and a bottle of good old wine. This is one of the reasons why people visit different places during this time in order to get a taste of different delicacies. You do not have to worry anymore about the best food to prepare this Christmas season. You will be surprised to know that most of the Christmas delicacies you crave for are the everyday foods that you use on a daily basis. All you have to do is add a twist of something special to make the normal and usual food more special. Most people also think that turkey is the best food for thanksgiving but it can also be very nicely placed in the Christmas dining table. This is because the whole family will be there and so cutting the turkey will still be an event. If you are preparing for the family, you can add potatoes and not forgetting some veggies. Use different tasty spices in order to get a different taste. If you are having Christmas dinner alone due to one reason or another, you can still be able to make the dinner memorable. Turkey won’t be the best food for a solo dinner but there are other foods that you can prepare. Meat dishes will go very well in such an occasion. You can do grilled meat, barbequed meat or, if you like it very much different, roast meat. Roast meat is a very simple recipe that will leave you licking your fingers after the diner. All you need is a good steak and enough heat on your grill. Just like grilled meat, this one has to be prepared using oil and you can even add onions. The onions will add a rich flavor to the meat. You can also marinate the steak over night in order to add more flavors in the meat.

Collection of the best christmas turkey recipes

If you are a food lover you will know that turkey is one of the best dishes to prepare during Christmas. If you have been looking for the perfect recipe to use on your turkey this Christmas season then you are at the right place. Below is a recipe of the best turkey recipe that will leave you full and wowed. Since Christmas time is always busy, you most probably want something easy but delicious to cook. This is why this recipe is perfect for you.

Ingredients

• 50 grams of butter
• Fresh sage
• 1 turkey
• Nicely cut piece of steak
• 8 cloves of fresh garlic
• 2 large onions
• A cup of bread cramps
• A few dried apricots
• 1 lemon
• black pepper and salt
• 1 teaspoon of rosemary powder
• 2 carrots diced
• Cooking oil, especially olive oil
• 3 pinches of plain flour
• 2 cups of chicken stock.

Method

The first thing you should do is preheat the oven. This is one of the basic rules when using the oven. This ensures that the oven is hot evenly before you place the turkey in. While the oven is heating up, you should prepare the pan you will use. Apply some oil on the pan and coat it with butter. Then add the steak beneath. Crush the garlic and cut one onion. You do not have to fine cut them; you can just chop them up. Add the garlic and onions in the pan and fry them up till they are golden brown. Add the bread cramps and apricots. Then leave the mixture for a while to stand and cool. After this, you can add all the other ingredients except the turkey of course. This mixture is the stuffing that you will use inside the turkey. Ensure to put more of the stuffing in the turkey breast area. This is important because this part often cooks well before the other parts of the turkey. Cover the turkey in olive oil and surround the tin with carrots, onions and garlic. Then put the turkey in the oven till it is cooked.

Easiest way to make your Christmas cake

Most people have a difficult time baking. This might be due to a wrong method or even the wrong temperature. All in all there is normally a thing or two that discourages most people from baking. However, you can bake this holiday season and get that shape that you always wanted. And you can do that in such an easy way! All you need to do is read and use the recipe below to get that perfect cake.

Ingredients

• Baking tin. This tin will determine the shape of the cake so you should choose a tin that has the shape you desire you cake to be.
• Self raising flour. It is important to have the right kind of flour so that the cake can have a beautiful texture and also rise evenly.
• 2 eggs
• Butter or margarine
• Milk
• 1 lemon
• 1 cup of white sugar
• A couple of dates sultanas and raisins

Method

It is important that the day previous to the day you want to bake, to wash the fruits well and leave them in a clean container to dry. Using wet fruit is not advisable since they tend to sink to the bottom and so you will not have any fruit on the middle and top parts of the cake. On the day you want to bake, preheat the oven to 170C or 325F. You should preheat the oven before you start preparing the cake to allow ample time for the oven to heat up well. You should then line the baking tin with grease paper. This is because the cake will tend to stick to the tin if you do not put the lining. If you do not have lining you can apply margarine. Mix the margarine and sugar in a bowl and use an electric fork to mix them up. You should mix them till the sugar is well mixed and the mixture is white in color. Then add the eggs and milk. Ensure that you incorporate enough air in the mixture so that the dough rises well. Beat in some of the flour while folding the mixture in one direction so that you incorporate the air in well. Add the dried fruits and mix well. The mixture should have a flowing consistency. It should drop easily when picked with a spoon. You should then put in the cake.

Make the best Christmas veggie wellington this season

Christmas dinner is not all about the meat dishes. It can also be about the veggie dishes. One of the best Christmas vegetable dishes that you can prepare this Christmas is the veggie wellington. This dish is easy to make and since it does not have a very strong taste that most veggie dishes have, anyone can enjoy it. Below is the best recipe for your veggie wellington this Christmas season

Ingredients

• 2 cups of Basmati rice or an equivalent
• 1 lemon
• Turmeric
• 1 finely chopped onion
• Melted butter
• Parsley
• 2 boiled eggs
• Salt and black pepper
• Pastry
• 1 beaten egg
• Gravy

Method

The first thing that you need to do is to preheat the oven and use 200C or 400F temperature. While the oven is preheating, cook the rice in a pan until it is ready. Then add the turmeric when the rice is still cooking. Add onions and butter in a pan and heat it up till they are ready. You should then add the rice and the eggs. You can dice the eggs before mixing them in. You should now focus on the pastry. Cut the pastry into a more manageable size if it is too big. Then put in the rice mixture in the middle of the pastry. Then bring the ends of the pastry towards the middle until all the rice is covered by pastry. Apply the beaten egg all over the pastry and wait for a few minutes. You can then sprinkle parsley all over the pastry and put it in the oven. Bake it till it is browned or for approximately 35 minutes. You can then serve the veggie wellington as part of your Christmas dinner. You will be surprised that everyone will enjoy this simple yet lovely dish.