Christmas is the perfect time to bake something special — a cake that feels as celebratory as the season itself. From rich, fruit-packed classics to spiced modern creations, holiday cakes bring warmth, colour, and joy to the table. Whether you want something traditional to make ahead or a show-stopping centrepiece for Christmas Day, these six homemade Christmas cake ideas are guaranteed to delight family and friends. 1. Classic British Fruitcake with Brandy Soak A dense, deeply-flavoured cake packed with dried fruits (sultanas, currants, raisins), often soaked in brandy (or other alcohol) and matured for weeks. Traditionally covered with marzipan and royal icing. Rich, moist, and keeps well — perfect for…
-
-
Top 10 Ways You Save Money
Saving money might seem hard, but it doesn’t have to be. You can save more without giving up fun. Whether for a big buy or just to be smarter with money, there are easy steps. In this post, you’ll find ten easy ways to save money that fit into your daily life. These tips can help you avoid spending too much and save more money. By making a few changes, saving money is easy to start today. Crafting a Budget Creating a budget is a smart way to manage your money. It helps you see where your cash goes and plan for your goals. Here’s how you can take charge…
-
How To Thicken Soup
Thick and creamy soup is a favourite among many for its comforting taste, especially when it’s chilly outside. But getting it just right in texture can be tough for some folks in the kitchen. Whether you’re making it with broth or cream, there are a bunch of ways to get the thickness you like. A well-known trick is to whip up a roux, which is just a mix of equal parts flour and fat. Cook this combo low and slow until it turns a light brown colour, and then throw it in your soup to make it thicker. Another thing you can try is making a slurry, which is made…
-
Choux Pastry Balls
Ingredients: 1 cup water 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup all-purpose flour 4 large eggs Instructions: Prepare the pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let the mixture cool slightly for about 1 minute. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the…
-
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang is a 14th-century Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was once home to the Emerald Buddha and is a popular tourist attraction. The temple’s most prominent feature is the chedi, which has undergone several renovations over the years. It is a must-see destination for those interested in Thai history and culture. History of Wat Chedi Luang Wat Chedi Luang is a Buddhist temple located in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand. The temple’s name translates to “Temple of the Big Stupa”, referring to the massive chedi (stupa) that dominates the temple grounds. The construction of the chedi began in the 14th century, during the reign of…
