CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

**Author - Alee Venkatesh **




C H R I S T M A S 

is almost here with Santa, gifts, good will & cheer







Annual festival & integral part of the holiday season, observed as a religious and cultural celebration by billions of people around the globe.

It is an annual festival among Christian community commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ which is observed primarily on 25th December each year.  

It is religiously celebrated by a majority of Christians as well as culturally by many non-Christians who have adopted many of the secular aspects of Christmas such as giving gifts, decorating their homes and Christmas trees.



Here are some Christmas Cookie ideas & Recipes


Lemon Shortbread




Ingredients (makes 15-20 pieces)
  • 2 cup plain flour
  • 250 gms softened butter
  • 1 cup sugar, powdered
  • 2-3 tsps. Lemon juice + lemon rind

Method - Cream butter & sugar, add flour, lemon juice & lemon rind – mix well to combine, knead gently until smooth.  Shape shortbread dough into your desired shape.  Wrap in baking paper, refrigerate for 20-25 minutes.  Preheat oven to 160°C, line baking trays with baking paper.  Cut shortbread dough into your desired thickness, place onto prepared baking trays and refrigerate for another 30 minutes or until firm.  Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until light brown and firm to the touch.  Remove from oven, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Choc-Macadamia Cookies



Ingredients (makes 10-15 pieces)

  •  1 cup plain flour
  •  1 cup self-raising flour
  •  ¾ cup brown sugar
  •  1 tsp. vanilla essence
  •  125 gms softened butter
  •  150 gms chopped unsalted macadamia nuts
  •   200 gms chopped chocolate (white or dark chocolate)
  
Method - Preheat oven to 175°C, line a baking tray with baking paper.  Mix butter, sugar, vanilla essence until well combined.  Add 2 flours, mix well.  Then add chopped macadamia nuts & chocolate pieces to form chunky mixture.  Place a spoonful of the mixture on to the prepared baking tray, gently press down to flatten.  Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until light brown. Remove from oven, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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