Monday, December 21, 2009

{cooking} for christmas

growing up, christmas was more about the food than it is about the presents (still is!). there are a few staples that i have to make, for it to really feel like christmas... both these recipes come from my mum. i use the same recipe, but mine never turn out exactly perfect like hers does! don't be deterred, they are always crowd pleaser's!


shortbread 
...the ingredients
250g butter, chilled, cubed
2 heaped tablespoons rice flour
1/2 cup icing sugar
2 cups plain flour

method...
place all ingredients in a large food processor and mix until mixture begins to form into a ball.
press firmly into well greased small patty-pans, or into one large lamington tray.
prick with a fork in a decorative pattern.
Optional: get extra fancy and push a walnut or pecan into the mixture.
bake in a slow oven (150degrees celcius) for 45 minutes.
cut in the tray when still warm and allow to cool in the pan.



rum-less rum balls 
(so as not to feel guilty about eating these for breakfast every day in december, i usually omit the rum... hey they have weetbix and sultanas! that's a totally healthy breakky, right?!)
...the ingredients
12 weetbix, crushed finely
400g can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup coconut
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 cup sultanas
method...
Combine all ingredients and mix well
roll handfulls of mixture and roll in extra coconut.
chill until hard.



what goodies make up your christmas?

Sunday, December 20, 2009

a little festive cheer...

 


a little hand knitted plum pudding...




a plywood evergreen... i have an adversion to plastic green chistmas trees.
nothing personal if you have one, but they're just not my cup of tea.




Noel... a french word for christmas... makes me think of beautiful carols like the first noel, carol of the bells, Handel's Messiah...



there should be a lot of love at christmas...

and lots of mum's shortbread. mine will never be as good as hers!





how have you got into the festive spirit??


Saturday, December 19, 2009

a lovely film

tonight i saw a lovely film...




you've probably heard about it :: bright star. jane campion, writer and director, has made a this beautiful film. it's so vivid, so full. so dreamy. the cinematography is breathtaking: so captivating. it makes me want to visit hertfordshire in the spring...

have you seen it? what did you think?


Sunday, December 6, 2009

a little trip

oh friends, i am just too excited! we're going on a holiday... a wonderful holiday! the flights are booked, so let the planning begin!

one glorious month, just the two of us...  
chicago. new york. london. paris. florence. rome.



image :: etsy


tres exciting, non??


if you know where to find some travel inspiration, let me know! maybe you've blogged about your trip, or know of a great website to visit. maybe you've been there and know that exact restaurant i should go to, and which photo opportunity i should not miss!


i have been following peonie's latest posts on new york with much anticipation!


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