The magic of Christmas is once again upon us - the tree is out with baubles and string lights, the wreath is placed on the main door, the stars shine through our window (unlike Kerala where almost every house will have a Christmas star outside), and the plum cake preparations and baking are going on.
Today I did the first batch of plum cakes - trying the recipe from My Mother's Kitchen - using orange juice-soaked dry fruits. Next will be the rummy one and as always I will pray that my oven sans temperature regulator will not disappoint.
Talking of cakes, V got us marble cake, plum cake and the star cake from Kerala bakeries upon his return on 19th. The star cake pictured above is a Kerala special from yore. I first saw it on my granpa's memorial day in 1979 I guess, and we nicknamed it achante poo (father's/priest's flower) as it was presented on the feast table of the officiating priest at the ceremony. Though I am not sure if it has the same magical taste today - what essence would they have used then? - it has been a favorite with the children for sometime now. I guess its taste and texture may not have been all that great then - just that we had none of today's yummy and design-freak cakes in the 70s and 80s.
The month leading up to Christmas is the most exciting for everyone - here in the UAE it starts with the national day on 2nd, and the cool clime that heralds myriad festivals and activities, and malls come up with the tallest possible trees. But once Christmas day is over, disappointment sets in and the next hope is the New Year celebration and fireworks.
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