Are you looking for some ideas on where to go and what to eat during the festive season? Well, you’re in luck, because I have compiled a list of some of the best places to visit for Christmas and Christmas food to savor. Whether you want to enjoy a snowy wonderland, a sunny beach, or a cultural city, there is something for everyone on this list. And of course, you can’t forget about the delicious food that comes with each destination.
Finland: If you want to experience a true winter wonderland, Finland is the place to go. You can visit Santa Claus Village, see the Northern Lights, go on a reindeer or husky safari, and stay in an igloo hotel. For food, you can try some traditional Finnish dishes like poronkäristys (reindeer stew), joulukinkku (Christmas ham), and glögi (mulled wine).
Australia: If you prefer a warm and sunny Christmas, Australia is a great option. You can enjoy the summer weather, go surfing, visit the Great Barrier Reef, or explore the Outback. For food, you can have a barbecue on the beach, eat some fresh seafood, or try some Aussie classics like pavlova, lamingtons, and mince pies.
Germany: If you love Christmas markets, Germany is the place to be. You can stroll through the festive stalls, buy some handmade crafts and ornaments, and sample some of the best German food and drinks. For food, you can enjoy some bratwursts, pretzels, stollen (fruit bread), and lebkuchen (gingerbread). And don’t forget to drink some glühwein (hot spiced wine) or feuerzangenbowle (flaming punch).
France: If you want to experience some of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, France is a wonderful choice. You can visit Paris, the city of lights, see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. You can also explore other regions like Provence, Normandy, or Alsace. For food, you can indulge in some of the finest French cuisine like foie gras, bûche de Noël (yule log cake), and crêpes. And of course, you can sip some champagne or vin chaud (hot wine)
Japan: If you are looking for a unique and fascinating culture, Japan is a must-see destination. You can visit Tokyo, the bustling metropolis, see the Imperial Palace, the Tokyo Tower, and Harajuku. You can also experience some of the traditional aspects of Japan like temples, shrines, gardens, and hot springs. For food, you can enjoy some of the most delicious and varied dishes like sushi, ramen, tempura, and mochi. And don’t miss out on the amazing illumination displays that light up the streets and buildings.
Prague, Czech Republic: If you want to immerse yourself in history and culture, Prague is a stunning choice. You can stroll through the medieval streets, visit the castle, admire the astronomical clock, and explore the Christmas markets. And don’t forget to taste some of the delicious Czech food, such as roast duck, dumplings, and trdelnik.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: If you want to celebrate Christmas with a carnival vibe, Rio de Janeiro is a fun destination. You can enjoy the beach, dance at the samba schools, see the giant floating tree, and join the midnight mass. And of course, you can feast on some of the amazing Brazilian food, such as feijoada, churrasco, and brigadeiro
These are just some of the places and food that you can enjoy during Christmas.
Wherever you go and whatever you eat, I hope you have a merry and tasty holiday!
Festive destinations and delicious dishes to spice up your Christmas Holidays
Are you looking for some festive destinations and delicious dishes to spice up your Christmas holidays? Well, look no further, because I have compiled a list of some of the best places to visit and food to savor during this magical season. Whether you want to enjoy the snow, the sun, or something in between, there is a perfect spot for you. And of course, you can’t forget about the mouth-watering cuisine and drinks that each place has to offer.
–Lapland, Finland: If you want to experience a winter wonderland, Lapland is the place to go. You can see the northern lights, ride a reindeer sleigh, visit Santa’s village, and stay in a cozy igloo. And what better way to warm up than with some traditional Finnish food and drinks, such as salmon soup, reindeer stew, cinnamon buns, and glögi (mulled wine)?
– Sydney, Australia: If you prefer a sunny Christmas, Sydney is a great option. You can enjoy the beach, watch the fireworks, and join the locals for a barbecue. And don’t miss the chance to try some Australian delicacies and drinks, such as pavlova, lamingtons, prawns, and beer.
– New York City, USA: If you want to feel the Christmas spirit in a big city, New York City is hard to beat. You can admire the Rockefeller Center tree, skate in Central Park, shop at the holiday markets, and watch a Broadway show. And of course, you can indulge in some of the most diverse food and drinks in the world, from pizza and bagels to dim sum and tacos, and from coffee and hot chocolate to eggnog and cider.
– Prague, Czech Republic: If you want to immerse yourself in history and culture, Prague is a stunning choice. You can stroll through the medieval streets, visit the castle, admire the astronomical clock, and explore the Christmas markets. And don’t forget to taste some of the delicious Czech food and drinks, such as roast duck, dumplings, trdelnik (pastry), and svařák (hot wine).
– Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: If you want to celebrate Christmas with a carnival vibe, Rio de Janeiro is a fun destination. You can enjoy the beach, dance at the samba schools, see the giant floating tree, and join the midnight mass. And of course, you can feast on some of the amazing Brazilian food and drinks, such as feijoada (bean stew), churrasco (barbecue), brigadeiro (chocolate balls), and caipirinha (cocktail).
These are just a few places and food and drinks that you can enjoy during Christmas.
Wherever you go and whatever you eat and drink, I hope you have a merry and tasty holiday!
Kash Pals loves to read, write and travel, DIY, Coffee, Music, Photography, Family, Friends and Life.
She believes as you move through this life…you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life- and travel- leaves marks on you.
Enjoy great treats for all good deeds with these Christmas special delicacies like Roast Chicken with Mustard and Mushroom Jus, Turkey Roast, Prawn Cocktail, Crab Salad with Kalamata Olives, Fish in Yellow Bean Sauce, Roasted Chicken tossed with pickle vegetable, Thai Lamb with glass noodles and Smoked Chicken with roasted pepper.
Relish on a variety of Christmas Plum cake, Yule log cake, Bundt Cake, traditional
Dundee cake, Baked Alaska with unlimited champagne for Christmas Special brunch.
Rejoice to the tune of Christmas
carols while kids enjoy the amazing sight of Gingerbread city made of biscuits,
royal icing and candies.
Christmas is undeniably a glorious season, a busy time for most, caught up in the pressures of the season and that special day. But as most festivals, and in the pursuit of happiness, one must retain the true essence that this marvellous day embodies. Finding real joy is not in all that hurrying and scurrying to get more done, but the real joy is to just focus on what’s important.
Christmas village
The true celebration of Christmas should simply reflect love and selflessness taught by the Saviour, born in a stable, cradled in a manger, who came forth to reshape the world, which prevailed in those days and, henceforth, taught mankind that sacrifice and love is above all. The spirit of Christmas should illuminate the picture window of one’s soul; it should throb with every beat of your heart. What we are mistaken about is that Christmas is not just about a day or a mere season, Christmas is about the human spirit, living the truth every moment of every day. While it’s easy to soften our hearts, forgive our enemies, and obey the word, the gospel truth is that like all religions Christianity is also about living this philosophy day in and day out all through our lives.
The complexion of Christmas wears a paint of brotherly love. Joy filled Christmas is not about the gifts you receive or give, nor how lavish the festivities are, but imbibing the gifts of true understanding and compassion, service and friendship, kindness and gentleness.
Somewhere in the recesses of my memory, a simple poem penned by English poet Christina Rossetti always springs forth during this season:
What can I give Him?
Poor as I am?
If I were a Shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part,
Yet what can I give Him?
Give my heart.
These are indeed such beautiful words, simple but deep. Something to think upon, something to contemplate!
So, while December brings forth the only Christmas Day in the year, let there be Christmas all through the year in things you do and say. It isn’t about the tinsel and decorations, the tree and gifts; the mince pies or Christmas cake, it’s not about your hearths being warm and your holidays being grand, it’s all about your hearts being warm and your generosity being grand.
It’s all about giving your children the right perspective on the fantasy of Santa and the angels, the miracles and wonders. Cinch in that thought that Christmas is not about you what you buy. It is about what you make, the traditions, memories and bonhomie. A Christmas that holds you, can revive and reshape you. Make this season one for kindling the fire of hospitality in your homes and the genial flame of charity in your hearts.
A merry and joyful Christmas to all!
Cook Yourself a Yummy X’Mas Feast!
Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
1 whole Turkey
Butter 100 gm,
Chopped Onion 100 gm,
Chopped Celery 100 gm,
Crumbled sage and thyme 10 gm,
Salt and pepper to taste,
Chopped fresh parsley 10gm,
1 bay leaf,
Garlic minced 10 gm,
Balsamic vinegar to taste,
Sugar 20 gm,
Cranberry 150 gm.
Method– In a skillet melt butter over medium heat. Stir in onions, celery, sage, thyme and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes or until brown. Remove giblets and neck from the turkey cavity, keep for gravy.
Rinse turkey inside out with running water. Stir together with a little of the remaining butter, sage, salt and pepper, rub over turkey, inside and out. Loosely pack stuffing into neck and body cavities, fold over and skewer neck flap closed over stuffing. Tie legs together.
Place turkey, breast side up on a rack in roasting pan. Cover with foil and roast in 325 degrees F oven for about 1.5 hours, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to roast or 1 ¾ hour, basting every half hour. Keep it aside for carving.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring chicken stock turkey neck, giblets, onion and bay leaf to boil. Reduce heat and simmer. While cooked turkey rests, skim excess fat from roasting pan whisk in flour until well combined. Gradually whisk in reserved giblet stock. Bring to boil and cook. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Strain and serve alongside turkey.
For cranberry sauce in a small saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; stir in onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until softened. Put balsamic vinegar, boil for 5 minutes or until reduced. Now mix together cranberries, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix into onion mixture. Bring to boil and cook until cranberries are tender, and sauce is thick.
Gingerbread with jaggery
Ingredients:
100 gm unsalted butter at room temperature,
135 gm jaggery granules or jaggery chopped fine,
45 ml honey,
30 ml water,
1 tsp dried ginger powder,
1 tsp cinnamon powder,
Zest of 1 orange,
1 tsp. baking powder,
½ tsp. baking soda,
2 eggs,
175 gms whole-wheat flour,
Demerara sugar for sprinkling over.
Method: Preheat oven to 180 c. Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly grease 5 mini cake moulds. Place the jaggery, butter, honey and water in a heatproof bowl. Then heat in microwave for a minute, until the butter has melted. Whisk well with a balloon whisk until the jaggery and butter have combined.
Add the ginger powder, pie spice, orange zest, vanilla extract, baking powder and baking soda. Whisk well to mix.
Whisk in the eggs one by one. Now fold in the whole-wheat flour gently.
Ladle into prepared tins, sprinkle over dried orange crystals. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until risen and light golden brown. Use a tester to check if done.
Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes and then gently loosen sides to demould. Serve warm as it is or with a drizzle of unsweetened whipped cream.
Gluten-free Christmas cake
Ingredients
300 gm pre- soaked Christmas dry fruit with orange and lemon zest,
200 ml jaggery syrup,
150 gms almond flour,
100 gms grated apple,
175 gms butter,
4 medium eggs.
Method– Preheat the oven to 140 degrees. Put the remaining ingredients except for the flour in a large bowl. Beat with a hand-held electric mixer until well combined. Fold the almond flour well.
Grease a deep 23 cm round tin or 20 cm square cake tin with butter. Line with a double layer of baking paper and grease the paper. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin. Level the top.
Bake for about 2 hours until firm to the touch and a skewer pushed into the middle comes out clean. Leave the cake to cool in the tin.
When the cake has cooled, remove the baking powder, pierce the top in several places with a skewer, then pour over a little brandy. Remove cake from the tin but wrap it with baking powder, then wrap with foil. Then store in a cool place to mature.
Decorate the cake with Glace fruit, marzipan or ready-to-use icing.
Yule log
Chocolate yule log- Eldriva -Flickr
Ingredients–
Dark chocolate 100 gm
Fresh Cream 50 gm,
Whipped Cream 70 gms,
Nutella 100 gms,
Milk 1 litre,
Milkmaid 500 gms,
Curd 500 gms,
Castor sugar for dusting,
Maida 150 gms,
Baking powder 70 gms,
Baking soda 30 gms,
Cocoa powder 150 gms,
Oil 50 ml
Method– Prepare the log sponge by mixing milk, Milkmaid, curd, sugar. Add all dry items in the mixture and oil at the end. By heating cream and dark chocolate and make the ganache. Now add whipped cream and Nutella into the ganache and assemble in a log shape, serve in plate and dust icing sugar (castor sugar).
Recipes courtesy – Executive Sous Chef Lokesh Jarodia of Novotel Imagica Khopoli and Executive Chef Gopal Jha of Grand Mercure Bangalore.
If you are wondering how to spend your Christmas, read on for a few ideas to get you started
Deck your hall with these DIY lovely Christmas stocking, an essential part of any Christmas Decoration and perfect way to bring in the Christmas cheers.
Christmas stockings decoration
If you want Santa to bring you a wonderful gift, you have to make sure your Christmas stocking is decorated properly with an expert in a fun workshop.
Learn something new to deck up your hall this Christmas with these alternative DIY Christmas tree craft made out of paper, wood, card board and balloons.
Wood Art Christmas Tree
These pop-up Christmas trees are fun to make and will bring warmth to the festive décor
Where is this happening?
DIY Christmas Stocking & Alternative Christmas Tree Making Workshop
@ Growel’s 101 Mall
Date: 22nd & 24th December 2018
Venue: Growel’s 101 Mall, Kandivali East
Time: 4 to 6 pm
Each cake is handmade and is a perfect balance between cake, nuts, fruit and rum. These rich, dark and moist fruitcakes are baked slowly and aged in small batches under the careful supervision of the Trappist monks in Ava, Missouri.
But hurry and order your fruitcake now, because quantities are limited! Or give an original Dresdner Reimann Stollen in a festive gift tin. Each stollen is hand-made in Emil Reimann’s Backerei in Dresden, Germany and is affixed with a seal of quality from the Dresdner’s Baker’s Guild. This cherished Christmas cake is made with fresh butter, eggs, raisins and candied fruit.
This holiday gift special is a cake lovers dream! Plus you save too! Select any of delicious 28 oz coffee cakes at the regular price and get a second 28 oz coffee cake of your choice for half price.
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is synonymous the world over with providing the right blend of service, luxury and quiet efficiency. Internationally acclaimed for all-round excellence and unparalleled levels of service, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts have received innumerable awards and accolades.
