Christmas Kitchen

Mince pies are a 'must' for most families in England (mainly at Christmas time, though jars of mincemeat are available to buy throughout the year) and there are many variations on a theme. The most popular mince pie has a pastry top and base. However, I have a favourite; light with a hint of orange, a touch of brandy and topped with meringue. Why not give them a try and make them all the year round? Follow the link to find the recipe.

If you are not able to buy jars of mincemeat in your area but do have access to the ingredients that include dried fruits, then please let me know. I have a super recipe for mincemeat as well! However if you would prefer to buy, then I might be able to source a supplier for you. I would certainly give it a try.

A friend of mine in a country far away from England thought that mincemeat was from an animal. Indeed years ago it most certainly was so, as she is vegetarian, she was pleasantly surprised to hear about the ingredients now. Sadly though, she found that mince pies are too sweet for her taste.

If you would like me to include one of your recipes on these pages to share with others, I shall be delighted to hear from you. Please send an email to me and do let me know if you are living outside of the United Kingdom. I can then include your recipe in a section especially for your country.

The Legend of the Candy Cane

A candy-maker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ.
He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and firmness of the promises of God.

The candy-maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Saviour. It could also represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd" with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy-maker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

Unfortunately, the candy became known as a Candy Cane - a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the meaning is still there for those who "have eyes to see and ears to hear".

I pray that this symbol will again be used to witness to the Wonder of Jesus and His Great Love that came down at Christmas and remains the ultimate and dominant force in the universe today.

Author Unknown