Shortbread cookies

I also baked a box full of Christmas-shaped shortbread cookies to bring to the camp. I made plain vanilla and chocolate ones. I used the recipe from the Western Star butter here. To make the chocolate shortbread, I added 2 tablespoons of cacao powder to half of the dough. The biscuits were buttery, crumbly and had a nice bite to them.

Spot the word in the centre

Christmas Eve Dinner

For Christmas eve, we had a really nice dinner. We had turkey with cranberry sauce, cauliflower gratin, honey roasted parsnip, garlic bread and salad (of course). It was easy to put up since most of the main dishes were cooked in the oven or just needed to finish off cooking in it.  It was all a matter of timing which goes in the oven at what time. Anyway, it all came together nicely. Everything was delicious and I was certainly left with a full and happy tummy.

Camping food prep + Photos of trip

We went camping this year for Christmas. I just returned yesterday and I had the best time ever. I could not wish for a better way to celebrate Christmas. We visited so many places and certainly made the most out of every single day. The day before, that is, Christmas eve, I prepared a lot of food to bring to the campsite, mostly sweet treats.  I made 16 sushi rolls (for lunch next day), a yule log, and choux (cream puff). The previous day, I baked a box of Christmas shortbread cookies, a few dozens  macaron, and made some creme patissiere (my first time success) to fill the choux the following day. I was so glad everything went well. Planning and organisation are the key. I will write a post for each of the items I prepared in the coming few posts since I took so many photos and I want to keep this one short.

Here is random selection of the views I had the chance to see. The south is so beautiful with some incredible sightseeing. We went down south to Augusta, visiting Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, along with Grace Town, Hamelin Bay,  Margaret River, Busselton, Bunbury and Australind. It's been such a great experience. Enjoy!

Heart-shaped rock found on Hamilton Bay

Kangaroos and wild rabbits at the campsite

Duckies at the campsite

Busselton Jetty

Rotary Park in Busselton

Hamilton Bay

Random bird prints on the sand

Hamilton Bay

Nativity set at Lumun Christi Church in Augusta

On the way to Grace Town

Random minion feature at the Sunflower Animal Farm

Grace Town 

Grace Town

Kangaroo paw plant

Water lilies in Margaret River

Margaret river 

Full moon 

From Campsite view - Molloy Island

Molloy Campsite

Hamilton Bay

Cape Leeuwin 

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

  

Another Nativity set at Lumun Christi Church in Augusta

Turner Caravan Park

Turner Caravan Park

Kangaroos at the campsite

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse from afar

Joey at the campsite

Merry Christmas

It is Christmas and it is a day to be filled with joy, sharing and hope. Another year of commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. I wish you all a safe and merry Christmas.

This is a photo of the lovely nativity set from the Thornlie Square shopping centre to mark what we are celebrating.

Here is a Christmas wreath I also baked to mark the festivities. This is a cinnamon and walnut-rich sweet bread, very flavoursome and I just can't get enough of that crunchy crust.

Happy Holidays !

First Day of Advent

Today is the first day of Advent, aka the beginning of the new liturgical year and the first of four weeks before Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. I'm not sure about you but I got all my Christmas decorations up and ready this year.
I made a DIY advent calendar (Christmas countdown house) to begin with. I have also put up two mini Christmas trees and decorated them. Then I have made some Christmas tree cones which turned out fantastic. I made some Christmas tree garland and finally I made a nativity scene papercraft to hang onto the wall. I'm pretty pleased with all the decorations. This really marks the beginning of this festive season.

Updated: I made a mini chimney.