Still baking......Traditional German Biscuits.

Pfeffernusse, traditional Central European Christmas Cookies are loaded with spicy flavour from cardamon, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and of coarse a generous amount of black pepper!

The biscuit dough, once mixed is allowed to rest in the fridge overnight, then rolled into little balls ready for baking.

Once baked, allow to cool then sprinkle generously with icing sugar.

 

Some more gift ideas, should you still have time and energy to be creative!

Homemade gifts are always welcomed, especially when wrapped with love....and a bunch of herbs, presented on a useful tray.

Spicy Cinnamon, Apple and Raisin muffins.

 

 While you are busy with the festive baking, prepare a batch of these delightfully spicy apple, cinnamon and raisin muffins and store in the freezer for after the Christmas rush.
Soak the raisins in rum for added flavour and juiciness....It is a good idea to do as Austrian cooks do and keep a bottle of raisins soaking in rum ready for baking apple muffins, cakes, strudels......the combination of flavours is a great marriage.  


Back to the creative side and the sewing machine......Here are some easy, useful and fun gifts to make.

Using offcuts of interesting red fabric, this cracker was created and finished off with red ribbon.

Fabric gift bags and crackers make wonderful gifts to be placed at each guest's place setting.

 

 

 

Another great way of using up festive and the not so festive fabric scraps is to make these fabric wreaths. One simply cuts out circles of fabric.  Gather them at the top, using cottonwool or wadding as stuffing. 

Once you have prepared 12 puffed up circles, thread them all on a cord and tie securely.
Attach a ribbon and a bell at the bottom of the wreath for an extra festive touch.  Enjoy the pleasure this simple decoration will provide year after year! Merry Christmas  and Happy Holidays!

A festive toast to the holiday season and some more time to reflect on the year gone by.

How beautiful is the colour of this Rose......and how perfect is the reflection? Create memorable occassions with magical festive settings this year. Cheers!!!