I have always loved Christmas, and it grows with each year. Unlike some who dont get the feeling, I realised a long time ago that you have to actively participate to find the Christmas Spirit. I work to have it. I always decorate my home, even if I dont put up a Christmas Tree there are decorations galore and lights, lots of sparkly Christmas lights. I bake treats like Shortbread, Chocolate Mint Bark, Christmas cake. On Christmas day I have roast turkey and vegetables with a glass of good Aussie Sparkling Shiraz(my favourite is Peter Rumball Sparkling Shiraz).

This year I have a Turkey Breast fillet wrapped in Prosciutto roasted for 45 minutes covered and another 30mins uncovered. Separate pan I have done roast vegetables as per previous post.

In the spirit of the season, below are 2 recipes, the first Chocolate Mint Bark and the Christmas Cake recipe.

Chocolate Mint Bark

50g mint-flavored candy canes (crushed)
200g dark or milk or white chocolate melted

Line a baking tray with baking paper. Pour the melted chocolate over it and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes across the melted chocolate. Leave to set for approx 20 minutes. Break into pieces and serve.

Sandra’s Christmas Cake

I have been making this recipe for about 40years now. Its been a wedding cake for numerous weddings, a christening cake, aniversary cake and also birthday cake. A gift for friends and family who didnt have the time to make the cake.

1kg mixed fruit
400g soft brown sugar
125ml sherry or bourbon or whiskey or brandy
1/2 teaspoon each of nutmeg, cinnaamon, ground ginger, salt, bicarbonate soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
250g butter
125 ml milk
3 eggs
450g plain flour

Combine mixed fruit, brown sugar and sherry in a bowl. Cover and let soak for a minimum of 2hrs or overnight. Add spices, salt, & soda stir.
Combine butter and milk in a saucepan, heat until butter is melted, add to fruit mixture and stir. Add beaten eggs, essence and flour combine thoroughly. Pour into a triple lined 8 inch cake pan, bake for 2 – 3hours in a preheated oven at 150C.

Some Christmas decorations…I love the Christmas Gnomes this year.

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#christmas #christmasfood #chocolate #cake #zerotohero #roastturkey