Posted on

Siena Panforte – spread the festive cheer…

What brings smile to your face when you think Christmas ? For me its the Christmas cakes and bakes! And most of all the very festive fruit cake! As you travel around the world, the fruit cake varies slightly depending on the local ingredients. But the key ingredients remain the same, more or less – candied and/or dried fruits, nuts and spices. The cake can be optionally soaked in spirits and could be decorated. It can sometimes even be chocolate flavoured. And some could have yeast in them. Continue reading “Siena Panforte – spread the festive cheer…”

Posted on

Gingerbread Cookies

Christmas tree decorations have always fascinated me.  My daughters loved the ritual of decorating the tree and getting presents which they then thought Santa had left them. When you bake all the ornaments that go on the Christmas tree, the fun doubles up because the house fills up with the holiday spirit as the sweet smell of ginger, cinnamon and cloves coming out of the oven spreads . And decorating the cookies with the icing makes you so cheerful! Continue reading “Gingerbread Cookies”

Posted on

Gingerbread Cupcakes

As the autumn fades into winter, not only does the weather changes, but also ones frame of mind!. Christmas appears to be around the corner and one starts getting the festive and holiday vibes early on!  To quote the Santa from the movie Miracle on 34th Street, “Christmas isn’t just a day. Its a frame of mind”. And I get into this frame of mind very fast ! I l simply love the smell of cinnamon and ginger that wafts through the house when you bake Christmas goodies, especially the gingerbread cookies and cakes. Continue reading “Gingerbread Cupcakes”