Merry Christmas 2013 and Happy New Year 2014

I haven't posted much toward the end of the year here. I was busy; who wasn't? :P
Guess, it's a time for a resume.
Mostly I was busy all year writing stories for an anthology series called Theme-Thology on G+.

We, as a team, even managed to get a book out this year. More had been planned, but this got delayed.
So, I am now looking forward to get those stories published with the others in their respective anthologies -
or, if it gets cancelled, will try to publish them on my own in the coming year.

Another story of mine will come out at the start of 2014 in another starting anthology series:
NovoPulp. This one will be a print magazine/book. I have not only contributed my story Journey to this,
but also helped a lot to get the project rolling and along to the finish line. What we did get done before teh end of the year is get some fan articles out.

I want to thank all of the others in those two projects for working together to get our "dreams" into reality.

What I did neglect a bit is the painting and drawing. I hope to get the two birds, I started at the beginning of this year, finally done - and do more of those kind of paintings during the year.

I did manage to regularly take photos - and take part in diverse challenges and communities about photography on G+: Scavenger hunts and Treasure hunts to name some. Not all of those photos are public though; they are not always the best to show. I did join a new photo site too. Viewbug -- with contests. Mine never will win against all those amazing photos, but it's sure nice to get recognition from total strangers on your little works.

And I did a lot of handicraft too: crocheting, knitting and sewing (which is also my work).

So, the coming year, switching from writing, painting, photographing and creating things with my hands, I just hope to have enough time to relax and rest and recover new strength for all my little projects. Oh, and to learn new things as well Coursera and Udacity are great online places to learn in your own speed most of the time - and with people from all over the world.

And keep up with reporting about my activities, of course. If not, be assured, I will have fun and laughter and happiness anyway.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2014.

Yes, I remember Mr Rabbit and his visit to me at the beginning of this year - and I really enjoyed taking those photos with him. 

Be happy, don't worry and keep the Love in your hearts.

Hazelnut Macrons and Vanilla Horns

Christmas time is over and with it baking time too.
But it's never too late (or too early) to be prepared for the next one.
So now, that I have a bit of spare time between the years, I will write down my recipes for those two types of cookies that looked so delicious on this year's Christmas greetings photo.

Hazelnut macrons:
You need:

• 200 g grounded hazelnut 
• 200 g fine sugar
• 3 - 4 egg white
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• a spurt of lemon or a bit lemon peal
• a sprinkle of salt

Mix all together in a small pot and heat to 30°C (be careful not to let it get too hot or even burnt). Then let cool down again.

Place small heaps (with the aid of two teaspoons) on pre-fabricated wafers (thin and about 50 cm in diameter is what I used). If using one egg white more you can also put it into a small decorating bag and squeeze on the wafers. My experience though is that they tend to flow flat when in the oven and get all messy.

Bake for about 20 minutes at 175°C with air circulation added; or 200°C normal electric oven.

Put on grid to cool out - done!

Vanilla horns:

You need:

• 250 g wheat flour (other types work too but change the taste)
• a bit of baking powder (which I left away and it worked just as well)
• 125 g fine sugar
• 2 packs (about 6 g) vanilla sugar (or equivalent amount of the vanilla spice)
• 3 egg yolk
• 200 g margarine (don't use butter)
• 125 g grounded almonds without the brown skin
• artificial almond aroma (or a shot of Amaretto if you don't serve them to children)

Knead all to a smooth dough and let rest if the fridge (or cold outside) for at least half an hour (up to a day if wrapped in foil). 

Then take small portions and make a roll of about 2 cm thickness and cut into 1 cm slices. 

Roll out these once more to about 8 cm length and form these to "horns" and place them on baking paper. Make sure to leave a bit of room between each as the do grow larger.

Bake for about 10 minutes (until the just start to brown at the ends). 

Take out and let cool a bit before sprinkling powered sugar over them. place on grid to cool - done.

Keep the Vanilla horns in air tight containers, the macrons can get some air  to stay hard. In air tight containers they tend to soften very much and feel as if still raw (unless you favor that, of course). 

Enjoy!! =))

Christmas is Coming

Christmas is coming

Christmas is coming,

Everyone is running

From one place to the other

And no one seems to bother.

Before at mother’s times

They could hear the angels’ chimes.

Where is it all gone?

The memory is still strong.

The snow would slowly fall;

All people big and small

Are outside having fun.

Where has it all gone?

Baking cookies with mother

Packing parcels with father

Singing carols on the street;

Those times were so sweet.

Christmas is coming

Everyone is running

All are busy with their buying;

Makes me feel like crying.

I want the old times back;

With no thought of lack,

With joy in abundance

As it had been once.

So if from the cycle I break free

All the little wonders I can see;

Children’s eyes still shine so strong

As they hear the angels’ song.

Not everything has gone.

It is easy to be done:

Just stop your running

And you know 

Christmas is coming.