Like I mentioned in my previous post, the Christmas season is yet not over for me as there are still parts of the world that celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January. For the first time ever, I would like to celebrate Christmas with those who observe the Gregorian calendar. Now that the crass holiday commercialism and materialism have subsided and everything has gotten back to normal, I hope to enjoy a quiet Christmas that is best celebrated in the heart.


Amish Date Pudding

1 cup chopped dates
1 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 and 1/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
2 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp salt

 Caramel sauce 

1 cup brown sugar
300ml thickened cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
60g butter

Cream butter, sugar, and egg together. Put dates, soda, and boiling water together; let set until cool and mix everything together. Make caramel sauce. Alternately, you can use David Leibovitz amazing perfect camael recipe. Pour in greased 9x13 pan and caramel sauce over top. Bake 40 minutes at 375 degrees.


My favorite  Christmas short story by far is A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote. I have read this literary gem a thousand times. This semi-autobiographical short story is both sweet and sad and just like fruitcake, it gets better with time.

I'm happy to find the Emmy award winning television version on You Tube. Watch and enjoy!