Shortbread is a traditional Scottish biscuit, called short because of the traditional ratio of one part sugar to two parts butter which lends a high-fat content to the dough.
It’s simple to make. You only need three ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour (and vanilla or almond extract if you like).
Enjoy!
The most popular drinks at Christmas are mulled wine (hot wine with spices) and eggnog.
But I prefer hot chocolate and will be trying out different recipes.
I’d like to add a touch of my favourite spices. Perhaps a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom or even cayenne pepper.
And here’s a recipe I’m going to try out very soon (but with very dark chocolate).
It looks rich, thick, creamy, and yummy. Let’s see if it really is. 
Holly, ivy and mistletoe were originally used in pre-Christian times to ward off evil spirits—and are often used nowadays to decorate homes for Christmas.
Who hasn’t heard of the custom of kissing under the mistletoe?
But perhaps you also have a Christmas cactus, poinsettia (Weihnachtsstern) or amaryllis in your home. They’re Christmas favourites, too.
I mentioned Christmas carols not long ago. Do you remember? Those special songs only sung at Christmas?
Listen to the 30 greatest Christmas carols of all time.
One of my favourites is number 9, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”.
Listening to them all brings back wonderful memories.
Do you have a favourite carol?
Looking for a Christmas story?
Have you read the charming “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens?
I presume you’re very busy with Christmas preparations. But perhaps you have 12 minutes to spare to watch A Christmas Carol.
It doesn’t take long, and it’s beautifully illustrated.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Customs and traditions vary from country to country, but an elaborate meal is part of the Christmas celebrations wherever you look.
When we talk about Christmas dinner, in the UK we mean the meal served on 25th December. That’s on Christmas Day.
A lot of people prepare a stuffed turkey and serve it with roast potatoes, root vegetables and greens.
If you want to know how to stuff a turkey (something my mother always did), take a look at how Martha Stewart does it.
What about preparing roast potatoes? They’re quite easy to make. I love them, but to keep them special, I only prepare them at Christmas.
And if you like the idea of preparing Brussels Sprouts, add toasted almonds to the vegetables to make them special. It’s a favourite of mine.
Have you started planning the food for the holidays?
If not, and you need some inspiration, take a look here.
