Merry Christmas 2011!

Merry Christmas everyone! I know you are all tucked in bed, tummies full of wine and turkey and excited about Christmas Day tomorrow. I'll be busy tomorrow so I'm uploading some photos of tonight's Christmas Eve's dinner at my friend Elaine's house.

Elaine is a terrific cook. She throws elegant dinners where people stay and stay because the company's always fun and her home is beautiful and welcoming. I wish I have a long dining table too and a house with glass walls from where I can see the city lights. I was stunned by the spread she had on the table. Simple dinner she said, so I offered to make a couple of simple desserts and when I saw her table I just wanted to go home and whip up something more befitting to the occasion.

I need to get up early to prepare for tomorrow's dinner so I'll stop writing and just upload my photos.


I couldn't find marzipan anywhere so I thought I'd make my own. If there's one thing I'll remember about this Christmas, it's that I made my own marzipan and it's darn easy and cheap too! Just knead 500 gm ground almonds, 500 gm sifted icing sugar, 2 egg whites and either 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla essence or a few drops of almond essence until well-blended and smooth. Chill until ready to use. Home-made marzipan tastes way better than store-bought (store bought usually has more sugar and less almond) and this recipe makes a great-tasting marzipan that's not too sweet.






I thought this photo was pretty funny. The guys had to carve. Looks chaotic but it was fun.


Excellent turkey with stuffing.


New Zealand leg of lamb done so well I decided it's better to eat than to look slim.


Delicious cookies. Must get the recipe.


My fruit cake, covered with marzipan.


Candied fruits.

Chocolates and stollen.


My choc cupcakes.


Merry Christmas, dear friends!