(no subject)

[nverland]

Sugar Plums


2 cups (500 ml) whole almonds
1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
2 Tbs (30 ml) grated orange zest
2 tsp (10 ml) ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp (2 ml) ground allspice
1/2 tsp (2 ml) freshly ground nutmeg
1 cup (250 ml) finely chopped prunes
1 cup (250 ml) finely chopped dried apricots
1 cup (250 ml) finely chopped pitted dates
1 cup (250 ml) powdered (confectioner's) sugar

Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated
400F (200C) oven for 10 minutes. Cool and chop finely. Combine
the honey and spices in a mixing bowl. Add the chopped almonds,
prunes, apricots, and dates, mixing well to combine. Roll the
mixture into balls the size of small walnuts, wetting your hands
as necessary because the mixture is very sticky. Roll the balls
in powdered sugar and place in an airtight container with wax
paper separating layers. Refrigerate for up to one month. Makes
about 6 dozen.





Christmas in Egypt


The Coptic Church is an Orthodox Church and in the Coptic Church Christmas is celebrated on the 7th January. Advent is observed for forty days and during this period people are expected to fast eating no meat, poultry or dairy products. Some people only do this during the last week of Advent.

On the Eve of Christmas everyone goes to church wearing a completely new outfit. The Christmas service ends at midnight with the ringing of church bells, then people go home to eat a special Christmas meal known as fata, which consists of bread, rice, garlic and boiled meat.

On Christmas morning people in Egypt visit friends and neighbors. They take with them kaik which is a type of shortbread, which they take with them to give to the people they visit and eaten with a drink known as shortbat. Christmas Day is a public holiday for Christians.