Growing up, Christmas, Onam, Deepavali and Holi were my favorite days of the year. In a diverse country like India, there are so many nice festivals and holidays. Friends and neighbors would come over with delicious sweets on Deepavali (and other festive occasions). On Christmas, it would be us returning the good will. The traditional Kerala plum cake (or fruit cake) is the best. Not to mention the traditional Appam & Stew.
Christmas in India was never about buying people gifts (Things are beginning to change). There was no last minute shopping. No stress and no panic. And no concept of Santa Claus. I always thought Santa Claus hovered around North America. It was simply a great day :)
Needless to say, I am feeling a little home sick. So I googled some and I found a traditional plum cake recipe. It looked a little intimidating. But I had to do it. To my surprise and delight, it came out pretty yum!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year every one!
Am off to California for some tree hugging.
Quote of the day
"Oh look, yet another Christmas TV special! How touching to have the meaning of Christmas brought to us by cola, fast food, and beer.... Who'd have ever guessed that product consumption, popular entertainment, and spirituality would mix so harmoniously?"~Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes (via quotegarden.com)
8 comments:
that definitely looks yummy!!! Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas! Was that the pic of the cake you made? Looks rich and delicious.
You are right, in my part of Kerala people do not give gifts even today. But in Bangalore we have been doing it since time immemorial. However gifting is confined to immediate family members. For friends and relations it is trays of Xmas goodies.It does add to the last minute shopping rush, but then it is such a joy to see people opening the gifts you have packed for them :)
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Kris,
Thanks. Merry Christmas!
Silverine,
Yes that is a picture of the cake I baked. That is true it is a joy to see people open up gifts and really LIKE the gift you gave. Merry Christmas.
That is so cool! Thanks for educating me about the holidays of India. Merry Christmas! Hug a few trees for me!
wishing u and ur family a merry christmas and a happy new year man!. any way to get that yummy plum cake? :p
Plum cake..oh dear ! that's my favourite. I could not find anything that comes close to it. My childhood memories of Christmas are the midnight Christmas carole (organize by our local boys) that goes from house to house, one week school holidays and ofcourse, plum cake.
One more reason: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !
...and that photograph is beautiful !
Jithu,
Wish you also a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Pippala Leaf,
Ah !! the local carol troop :) Yes, I remember them too. At times the singing can be way out of sync also :) Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too.
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