Monthly Archives: December 2012

New Years Resolutions

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So being the 5th weekend of the month it falls to me to bring you some pearls of wisdom from my good self… well of sorts anyway.

How was christmas for everyone? A happy occasion? full of lots of gifts, food, drink?

Now we reach New Years Eve! Amazing how fast one year can go before we start looking into the next. I always like this time of year when I can think on what the past year has been. For me this year has been a mixed bag. Highlights such as a promotion, having the opportunity to go back to Chennai and see old friends, weddings and baptisms of friends and family. Within the good there has been the lows with the loss of a much loved Grandmother.

When looking back on the year we have a great opportunity to learn from mistakes or situations and resolve ourselves to a new attitude or behaviour… don’t we?

How many of us make that list at the end of a year with everything that we wish to change from how we look to how we act.

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Does yours end up looking like this? What a way to start the year, even more disappointing when we fail to reach the end of January still on target!  We are creatures of habit and yet we are so surprised when not only embracing changes but also sticking to them is so difficult.

Not that I am one to brag but I was hoping next yedeclutter%20(1)ar to be a little more organised in my home life as I manage it so well at work. I have had a great start by de-cluttering drawers and cupboards and already have that feeling of a fresh new start.

For some though I’m sure this is not as easy as I make it sound. Would it not be easier to give ourselves one goal that we can focus on as we start a New Year. Something that we see ourselves achieving.

How about making one resolution that will not only affect you but someone else. Better time keeping, I know this is one resolution that will please a lot of people should I manage it. Could you appreciate people more, taking the time to talk to your neighbour or colleague.

Maybe this year is the year you resolve to ignore resolutions as you never manage to keep them.

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Either way, I for one will be thankful for the year that has been and look forward to all that 2013 has in store.

‘Happy New Year’ readers and see you in 2013!

 

Gingerbread – the gift of giving!

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Now if there is one thing I love, except for coffee, it is gingerbread!  During Christmas, I especially enjoy buying the gingerbread coffees and this year, Costa’s amazing gingerbread muffin. Interestingly, gingerbread has been the one item to remind me that the great joy of Christmas is not only the wonder of nativity, but the opportunity to practice generosity.

On Wednesday morning I experienced the gift of giving first hand when Cathy (fellow project leader) and my sister Suzanne both generously gave up their free time to come and teach my Year 6’s how to decorate cupcakes and gingerbread biscuits. Not only were the children able to experience a more professional approach to cake decorating but it meant I was able to eat some amazing gingerbread biscuits made by my sister. Now these were the most incredible, homemade gingerbread biscuits I have tasted; crunchy yet melt in the mouth tasty!  

At this time of year, giving can sometimes feel like an obligation and a burden rather than the privilege it is. My challenge is that this coming year we should give generously; not grudgingly, but cheerfully.

I have included the recipe for the most amazing, incredible, melt in the mouth gingerbread biscuits below as my gift to you this festive season.

 

Gingerbread Biscuits

Makes: 50 Biscuits              Prep: 10 mins            Cooking Time: 14 mins

Ingredients:

  • 450g (1lb) Plain Flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 4 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 200g (7oz) Caster Sugar
  • 250g (9oz) Unsalted Butter, diced
  • 4 tbs golden syrup
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Salt

 To make:

  • Sift the flour, baking power, ginger and cinnamon into a mixing bowl. Add a little salt.
  • Add the sugar and butter and rub in with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs.
  • Mix the golden syrup and egg together and then stir into the mixture with a wooden spoon.
  • Bring together with your hands and knead to form smooth, stiff dough.
  • Shape into a ball and cover with Clingfilm – refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Pre-heat oven to 180°C, 350°F, Gas mark 4.
  • Roll out dough and cut into shapes using a cutter of your choice.
  • Place biscuits onto a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper.
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown then transfer to a cooling rack.
  • Decorate and enjoy!