Thursday, 31 December 2009

Happy New Year!

As the year has come to an end I decided to remember some of the new things I learnt in 2009 while browsing other blogs and writing my own – things I liked a lot and made a big impression on me. So let’s announce the awards!

Painter of the year – Alfred Wallis: http://www.alfred-wallis.co.uk/

Alfred Wallis (18 August 1855 – 29 August 1942) was a Cornish fisherman and artist, who started painting when he was over seventy, as he said "for company" because his wife had died and he did not care for the rest of the company in St. Ives, where he lived for the last fifty years of his life. The paintings might seem childlike, but I love the colours and perspective. Well, look where they ended up – even the Tate gallery! So, next year, when you decide that you’re too old to start doing something, please remember Alfred.

Writer of the year – Jodi Picoult: http://www.jodipicoult.com/

Jodi Lynn Picoult (born May 19, 1966) is an American author, who has an amazing ability to talk about the things that we usually avoid to talk about – feelings. If you haven’t read any of her books (pretty unlikely) – try them, I can guarantee it will be hard to put them down. And in the coming year start to express your feelings, life should become easier.

Singer of the year
– Duffy: http://www.iamduffy.com/

Aimée Ann Duffy (born 23 June 1984), better known by her stage name Duffy, is a Welsh singer-songwriter. This is the woman, who was asked to leave her school choir because her voice was "too big" and she "didn't fit in”! She’s good and hmm… different. Well, even if you don’t like her songs, next year don’t believe in everything people say – simply know that you can do it!

Happy 2010!

May it bring you lots of nice expierences xxx

And the last award goes to Anne, my blog reader of the year ;) - http://nikkipolani.wordpress.com/

Thank you for your kind comments and would like to wish you all the best for the year ahead!

Monday, 28 December 2009

German Honey Spice Cookies

This is the last recipe this year. I found it in a book called “Easy Christmas. Classic recipes for the Perfect Christmas”.

I must admit I haven’t tried any of the other recipes listed in that book, but these cookies are really EASY to make!


Ingredients:

150g plain flour
1 table spoon ground cinnamon
¼ table spoon ground ginger
¼ table spoon ground mixed spice
85g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
3 table spoons clear honey (mine wasn’t clear though)
Something for decorating (use your imagination)

All you need to do is mix all of the ingredients together and form soft dough. After you’ve done it chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Roll out the dough to about 5mm thick. Cut out shapes using biscuit cutters and put them on a baking tray (spread them apart a bit). Bake in a preheated oven at 180C (350F) for about ten minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool. Decorate.


Done!

Thursday, 24 December 2009

Wishing You All...

Merry Christmas!

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! ~Author Unknown