The Daily Festivals

Romantic Valentine Recipe #3: Valentine Coffee Cream Dessert

2012-02-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

After a romantic Valentine date with your special someone, cuddling while sipping a delicious and yummy coffee can be ideal. So here’s a simple dessert recipe for Valentine’s day that you may want to give a try.

Ingredients:

3 cups of Heavy cream
3 tablespoons of Sugar
1.5 ounces of Unsweetened chocolate
½ tablespoon of Instant espresso powder
2 Egg yolks
1 teaspoon of Vanilla
Whipped cream (for garnishing)
Chocolate shavings or chips (for garnishing)

What to do:

1. Heat your oven to a 300°F temperature.

2. Boil water using a kettle.

3. Place the heavy cream and sugar in a saucepan and allow it to simmer.

4. Remove it from the stove and add in your unsweetened chocolate and instant espresso powder.

5. Add egg yolks and vanilla. Whisk them together until you observe a smooth consistency.

6. Place this mixture in heart-shaped custard cups and on a baking pan.

7. Pour hot water inside the pan until it reaches a halfway level of the heart-shaped custard cups.

8. Bake them for about 25 minutes.

9. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or chips.

10. Serve it to your loved one.

Romantic Valentine Recipe #2: Valentine Horseradish-crusted Salmon with Golden Beet Sauce

2012-02-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

Want to treat your man a special lunch or dinner? Then you may want to try this Valentine’s Day recipe that will surely make the day extra special. This romantic valentines food is easy to cook and will surely make your man feel appreciated and well-treated. This is best given together with your Valentines love cards and Valentines gifts. So let’s start.

Ingredients

4 pieces of Salmon Steaks
½ fresh Horseradish root
Beet juice from 3 Golden Beets
1 small piece of Ginger
3 cloves of Garlic
2 sprigs of Thyme
½ cup of Dry white whine
2 cups of Fish stock
½ tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of Sour cream

What to do:

1. Prepare the salmon steaks.

2. Peel and grate the fresh horseradish roots.

3. Sauté the salmon steaks for around 2 minutes.

4. Get the salmon steaks out of the pan and put the grated horseradish on either side with liberal amounts.

5. Put the salmon steaks with the grated horseradish inside the oven with a temperature of 400°F until the salmon turns golden brown.

6. Get started on your beet juice by coating the golden beets with olive oil, ginger, and garlic. Put them inside the oven with a temperature of 400°F for 1 hour.

7. When the beets are cool, juice them.

8. Put the onion and thyme in a pan and release their extracts.

9. When the onion and thyme have already “sweated” out, add the dry white wine and fish stock and observe low fire.

10. Add the beet root juice, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until completely blended. Then lastly, add your sour cream.

11. Get it out from the stove and serve it.

More Valentine's Day Recipe.

Romantic Valentine’s Recipe #1: Valentine Coffee and French Toast

2012-02-09T20:03:00.000-08:00

“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”. It is cliché but it does mean something. Cooking food for your man not only makes him full, but also touches his heart. He would surely appreciate your efforts in cooking him food. Valentine’s Day is coming. Have you thought of the food you are going to cook for your man? Make this year’s Valentine’s Day extra special this home-cooked meal that we suggest.

Valentine Coffee and French Toast Perfect for Breakfast

Ingredients:

6-7 eggs
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 pinch of salt
1 cup milk
1 loaf of bread
Butter
Syrup

What to do:

1. Cut bread slices to heart shapes and set aside.

2. Crack eggs open into a bowl.

3. Beat the eggs gently using a fork. Add the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ingredients namely: sugar, salt, and milk.

4. Set your stove on medium heat.

5. Melt and heat butter in your pan until it is ready to cook your French toast.

6. While heating your pan, soak and coat your heart-shaped bread slices in the egg mixture one at a time.

7. Put the egg mixture coated heart-shaped bread slices into your heated pan. Cook until they turn golden brown.

8. Serve your Valentine’s French toast together with butter and the syrup of your choice.

French toast is best paired with coffee. Make coffee according to your man’s taste.

Chinese New Year 2012: Kung Hei Fat Choi!

2012-01-22T16:34:00.000-08:00

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

That's the greetings we usually hear during Chinese New Year. On TV, you'll see that almost every show have Chinese theme as part of the celebration. You will see parades and dragon dance performances being held in many shows and major roads. China Towns in every country is filled with people and tourist trying to feel the atmosphere of Chinese New Year.

Chinese foods are also popular during this time. Delicacies like dimsum, tikoys (nian Gao) are also popular. People wear reds with gold, considered as the lucky color, during this festivity.

This year, the year of the water dragon. I would like to greet you a Happy Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year Dishes

2012-01-20T00:49:00.000-08:00

The Chinese New Year is an event that involves abundant foods. There are a lot of dishes served during the Chinese New Year. They nourish the body and at the same time they invite good fortune to enter one’s home.

Traditional Chinese New Year Dishes

Eight Precious Pudding - This dessert is made up of eight different dried sweet fruits. These fruits represent eight precious stones. It is also a lucky food because eight is a lucky numeral for the Chinese.

Flowering Chives Stir Fry - This is a Chinese delicacy and is best paired with noodles, fish, and the like. Flowering Garlic Chives represents eternity.

Jai - It is a dish made up of fibrous and root vegetables. It is believed that no animal should be killed during the first day of the Chinese New Year, which is why Chinese had come up with this vegetarian dish.

Jiaozi - Jiaozi are Chinese dumplings. Ingredients are ground meat that is enveloped by a thin wrapper that is sealed on its edges. Jiaozi represents wealth because it has been derived from the name of China’s earliest paper money. One jiaozi has a golden coin inside and the person who coincidentally has it, would have a lucky year in terms of wealth and properity.

Lettuce Wraps - Lettuce wraps is a delicious Chinese appetizer. It symbolizes more good fortune to come.

Lion’s Head Meatballs - This dish features oversized meatballs with “bok choy”. This dish symbolizes courage, strength, and unity among family members.

Longevity Noodles - It is otherwise called “Long life noodles”, so you should not cut it when you eat it.

Nian gao - This is a round-shaped sticky rice dessert. It symbolizes a sweet year and the union of the family members.

Peking Duck - This is a well-known dish of the Chinese. Duck symbolizes loyalty and commitment in Chinese.

Spring Rolls, Egg Rolls, and Clam Sycee - These are Chinese appetizers and they symbolize wealth and fertility.

Steamed Whole Fish - Fish represent abundance. As you eat this meal, you are welcoming abundance to your New Year.

Sweet and Sour Pork - The “sour” word found in the name of the recipe sounds like “grandchild” in Chinese. This dish symbolizes a soom-to-come grandchild.

Tea Eggs - Tea eggs are delicious snack or appetizer for the Chinese. These are eggs boiled in tea. Eggs represent fertility.

White Cut Chicken - This meal is made by poaching whole chicken with wine and seasoned by different spices. It represents prosperity and wholeness.

Yu Sheng - Yu Sheng is also called “The Chinese New Year Salad”. It is commonly cooked and served during the 7th day of the New Year. It is believed that when you toss the salad high, you get lucky for the whole year.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T19:49:00.000-08:00

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Christmas Carrot Pudding

2011-12-19T22:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas is incomplete without sweet, yummy treats. Now, here I am going to share you this easy Christmas recipe called Christmas Carrot Pudding. A healthy, but yummy treats for your kids and family. Let’s get cookin’!

Christmas Carrot Pudding Recipe

Ingredients:

· Two pieces of eggs

· One cup of white sugar

· One cup of brown sugar

· One teaspoon of soda

· One teaspoon of cinnamon

· One-third cup of butter

· One teaspoon of nutmeg

· One cup of shredded raw carrot

· One and a half cup of flour

· One teaspoon of salt

· One cup of grated raw potato

· One cup of walnuts

· One cup of dates or raisins

Ingredients for the Brandy Sauce:

· One-half cup of butter

· Four tablespoon of brandy

· One cup of sugar

· Six tablespoon of sweet cream

Directions:

· Pour all the ingredients in a bowl and mix it all together.

· Firmly wrap a foil on the bowl.

· Put the bowl in an oven and bake it in a 325-degree temperature for about two to three hours.

· While baking the pudding, mix the sugar and the butter start making the brandy sauce.

· Put the sweet cream into the mix and heat the mixture on a stove. Be sure to stir the mixture continuously.

· Pour in the brandy into the mixture right after.

· Once the pudding is done, take it out from the oven and serve it with the brandy sauce.

Easy Homemade Christmas Tree Ornaments

2011-12-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

Almost all homes have Christmas trees during this season as the birth of Jesus is celebrated. Starting early with the decoration will give one the opportunity to get their creative juices running.

Jute and Jingle Bell Decoration

Material Needed

Jingle bells of different sizes and colors
18” jute twine (cut into 3 equal pieces)
12” jute twine
16” red ribbon
Scissors

Directions

Tie the 3 equal pieces of twine together with a knot at one end. String the bells on each strand of twine, tying a knot after two or three bells so that they do not bunch up at the bottom of the twine.
Ensure that the three strands are not heavy laden with bells. Tie a knot at the end of each strand and trim.
Take the 12” twine, thread through the top of the 3 strand and tie a big shoe lace bow at this point.
Take the ribbon, pass it under the jute bow and tie above the bow to make a hanger.

Retro Ringed Christmas Ornaments

Materials Needed

Cardboard tubes
Pipe cleaners
Scissors
Thread/string
Pencil
Ruler
Hole punch

Directions

Flatten out the cardboard tube and measure ¾” wide sections and cut them forming rings.
On each ring, measure and mark a point ¾” from the folded end and punch a hole using the punch.
Pass a pipe cleaner in one hole of the rings and bend it to form a circle, joining the two ends. Put 10 rings per pipe cleaner. Link two pipe cleaners end to end forming a pipe cleaner that is double the original length.
Thread the long pipe cleaner through the outer holes of the rings.
Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner in a circle after passing it through the smaller circle thus creating concentric circles with the rings between the pipes.
Use string to hang the ornament.

New Year Traditions and Customs

2011-12-16T01:24:00.000-08:00

The historians believe that the tradition of celebrating New Year began 4,000 years ago with the Babylonians. Over the years the Egyptians, Romans, Celts upheld the tradition and it is cherished to date in a lavish way. Most countries celebrate New Year on January 01 as established by Julius Caesar when he invented the Julian Calendar in 46 BC. Some countries which have other religions and traditions follow different calendars, celebrating their New Year on other days in the year as per their customs. Following are some New Year facts and traditions engaged in by those who adhere to the Gregorian calendar on the 1st of January.

New Year’s Eve – The celebration of the upcoming year gets geared up on the 31st of December with hotels, pubs, restaurants and other public institutions organizing parties, balls, and other activities to usher in the New Year. People eat, dance, participate in games and contests as they enjoy the closing of the current year and prepare to welcome the upcoming year. In several countries, New Year occurs in the middle of winter and it tends to be extremely cold. Bonfires are built to keep those outside warm until midnight when they greet the New Year with cheerful noise and a display of fireworks, hugs and well wishes for the New Year are exchanged by those in attendance. For those who are far apart, phone calls are made and short messages sent via text on mobiles or computers to friends and family.

New Year’s Day Celebrations – This day is marked with dressing up in new clothes, cleaning the house and spending the day with family, friends and dear ones. Some people visit their friends and family as they exchange well wishes and gifts for the New Year. Many people go to restaurants, malls and multi-complexes on this day and statistics show this to be a very busy day for many establishments. Some go out for picnics or visit exotic tourist destinations to enjoy the day.

New Year Resolutions – This tradition began way back when the early Babylonians made it a point to start the New Year with a clean slate and return any borrowed farm implement to its owner. The tradition of making resolutions on this day has been observed over the years. These days many have both grand and small desires for the New Year like losing weight, giving up smoking, being more organized and more. Unfortunately, many of these desires do not see the light of the second week of the year as they have been shelved during the course of the first week. Credit must be given where it is due for those who are determined enough to see their resolution to a successful conclusion.

New Year’s Parades and Games – There are world famous parades organized by several cities like the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena California, Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco and the New Year Parade of London. These occasions are watched by millions of people on television and attended by those who are close to the parade route. During these parades, floats (vehicles) are decorated with flowers and other displays for the enjoyment of those watching. Before or after the parades the same cities and others have cricket, athletics, soccer and football games for sports enthusiasts to participate in, watch live or via television. Other families bring out their favorite indoor games and they have quality time together on this first day of the year.

New Year Greetings - Exchanging New Year wishes during this festive occasion is quite common. As the clock strike midnight of the 31st, people will start greeting their loved ones a Happy New Year. New Year greetings could be in different forms such as traditional paper card, ecard, SMS or email. Depending on the situation, you may send each of them to your recipient this New Year's Day.

Christmas Dinner Recipe for Baked Ham

2011-12-07T00:10:00.000-08:00

Diving onto a delectable Christmas dinner loaded with irresistible menus is the best way to be merry this season of cheer. Christmas dinners are meant to be died for no matter what foods are served. This season is for reunions of families and friends. Kids regard this season as the season in which they can enjoy their favorite dishes without limit. Though having a pleasant dinner in a restaurant is nice way to celebrate Christmas, nothing can still top Christmas dinners made and eaten at home.

Christmas is the time of the year wherein people take their chance to try out a new and one-of-a-kind recipe. So, it would be such a great idea for you to make fascinating dishes for your Christmas dinner that your loved ones will totally enjoy. To help you come up with an idea on what dishes you can prepare, here’s a recommendation that will provide an enticing flavor for your Christmas celebration.

Christmas Baked Ham Recipe

Ingredients:

· One 4 or 5 pounds of cooked and tender ham with cut fat

· One sliced of a medium-sized onion

· Three tablespoon of fresh sprigs of parsley

· One sliced of large carrot

· One tablespoon of vegetable oil

· One tablespoon of butter

· One piece of bay leaf

· Four ounce of Madeira wine

· One-third cup of powdered sugar

· One and a half cup of canned beef broth

· One-fourth teaspoon of dried thyme

Cooking Procedure

· Preheat the oven up to 350 degrees of temperature.

· Fry the vegetables in a saucepan until the color becomes golden brown.

· Put the ham at the top of the vegetables. Make sure that the fat is facing upward.

· Pour in the beef broth and Madeira wine then transfer the saucepan on a stove-top to simmer.

· Cover the roaster or the casserole and put in inside the oven. Make sure to place it in the middle.

· Adjust the heat to ensure that the liquid will simmer for one and a half hours while seaming juices in the pan regularly.

· Take the roaster or casserole out of the open to put sugar in it and place it back inside the oven once again.

· Keep the roaster or casserole in the over until the ham becomes golden brown.

· Once the ham is done, take it out and cool it down then put it inside the refrigerator.

· Make thin slices once the ham is cooled. Assemble the slices on a plate and serve it at a room temperature.

Christmas Craft for Kids: Yarn Candy Cane

2011-12-05T03:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas is one of the joyous holidays in a year – a perfect time to bond and reconnect. As you decorate your home this Christmas, you may want to boost your creativity and work with your kids. You may create your own Christmas ornaments and in this post, we will be discussing how to make your own Candy cane – not edible though.

This easy Christmas craft is perfect as Christmas tree ornaments. Have fun with your kids and create your own Christmas crafts.

Yarn Candy Cane

Materials Needed:

2 skeins of DMC cotton yarn (one red and one white)
Red pipe cleaners
Ribbon
Scissors

Directions

1. Open the cover of cotton yarn and cut the looped ends giving you 2 bunches of each color.

2. Take a little horde of each color and tie a knot at one end of the pipe cleaner. Twist each color alternately around the pipe to make the stripe. At the end of the pipe, tie another knot and trim the yarn.

3. Bend the top of the pipe to make the cane.

Christmas Recipe for Christmas Cookies

2011-12-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a time for joy and fun. During this season, almost every table has delicious meals on it and air is filled with excitement and zeal. Most household prepare special Christmas recipes for the family as they celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ. Although there are many families opt to celebrate the Christmas Eve in restaurants or food shop, nothing beats in eating something special that is cooked by your family member.

This Christmas, make your Christmas sweeter and more special with this Christmas dessert recipes – the Christmas cookies. Your kids and kids at heart would surely love this yummy treats. So let’s get cookin’!

Christmas Cookie Recipe

Ingredients for the Cookies:

· One piece of egg

· Three-fourth cup of softened unsalted butter

· One-half cup of sugar

· One teaspoon of vanilla

· One tablespoon of thinly shredded lemon peel

· Two and one-fourth cup of unsifted all-purpose flour

· One-fourth teaspoon of salt

· One and a half tablespoon of water

Ingredients for the Icing:

· Three pieces of egg whites

· Three and a half cup of powdered sugar

· Two teaspoon of water

Cooking Procedure for the Cookies

Beat both the butter and sugar in a small bowl until the mixture becomes fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla, lemon peel and salt to the bowl and beat if with the mixture.
Add the flour gently in the mixture and beat it in slowly until it becomes completely done.
Using a plastic wrapper, wrap the dough and keep it in the refrigerator until it becomes firm.
Set the oven’s temperature up to 350 degrees and grease four cookie sheets.
Roll out the dough on a surface covered with flour. The dough should 1/8-inch thick.
Cut out a variety of cookie shapes with the use of cookie cutters.
Place the cookies inside the oven and bake it for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges become golden brown.
Once the cookies are already totally baked, take it out and put them in a wire rack to cool. The cookies can only be decorated after cooling.

Preparation for the Icing:

· Whist the egg whites in a bowl until they become lathered.

· Add the powdered sugar and gradually stir it with the egg whites until the mixture becomes gooey and soft.

· Pour some water adequate enough for the icing to have an appropriate spreading consistency.

· Spread the icing on the cookies and add other decorations according to preference.

This Christmas treat can also be a great Christmas gift this holiday season. Send out your Christmas greetings to your loved ones in a form of sweet and yummy treat. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Ornaments Ideas for Homemade Christmas Balls

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Almost all homes have Christmas trees and Christmas decorations during this season as the birth of Jesus is celebrated. Starting early with the decoration will give one the opportunity to get their creative juices running. And whether you want to boost your creativity or you just want to save money by making homemade Christmas ornaments, this DIY Christmas ball could be your option. So, let’s start.

Materials Needed

Glass ornaments
Ribbon
Acrylic craft paint
Paint brush
Water
Empty egg carton
Clear glaze spray for glass

How to Make your Own Drip Christmas Balls

1. Remove the top from each ornament and set aside. Place each ornament between four cups of the up-side down egg carton. This will serve as your holder for the ornaments and excess paint.

2. Place some paint on a palette and mix with water until the paint drips off the brush.

3. Scoop some paint on the brush and hold over the ornament and let the paint drip onto it and begin to run down the sides. Mix the colors as per your decorating theme. Allow the paint to dry.

4. Replace the top with a ribbon tied to it as a hanger, when dry.

5. Place the Christmas ornaments on a rod in a well ventilated place and spray with the clear glaze. Allow to dry.

And there you have your homemade Christmas balls. You may take some pictures of your artwork and include it to your Christmas greetings or holidays cards. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Decorations – Decorating Homes for Christmas

2011-11-21T22:00:00.000-08:00

As the festive occasion comes closer, there will be a lot of things to do and prepare to get ready for the big day. To avoid being overwhelmed with the rush, making a list of what you need to do before Christmas day would help. Policy should be first things first. Start with decorating your homes for Christmas. Consider these simple and easy Christmas decorating ideas.

Christmas Tree Decorations

One of the most popular activities during Christmas is decorating Christmas tree. This Christmas, set up your tree with the family and decorate it using colorful and attractive Christmas ornaments. There are many themes and designs that you can use as your decorate your tree. Use garlands, Christmas lights, stockings, ribbons and Christmas balls for decorations. Encourage your kids to join you as you decorate.

Decorate Your Dining Table

As you prepare the table for the big meal, use place mats that complement your décor for the season. Have a fresh fruit basket for your centerpiece. Here you will kill two birds at a go; have a decorative item and a source of nibbles for those who love to snack. If a fruit basket is not your cup of tea, then an arrangement of fresh flowers or poinsettias is an idea to think about. The silk variety of flowers and fruits are available for those who do not have time to keep the real deal looking alive and fresh.

Homemade Placemats

Take your old Christmas cards which are too beautiful to throw away, cut them up and create a collage in any shape you fancy. Glue them onto a piece of paper then laminate the finished product. These will make adorable placemats. These old cards can be used to make ornaments and card-flowers for the centerpiece for your table.

Holiday Aromas

Buy your favorite ingredients for homemade potpourri which can be used to fill the home with a sweet aroma which will compliment the delicious scents from the kitchen. There is an array of scented candles to choose from to use to bring about a warm atmosphere in the home in the evenings. Ensure that the candles are blown out before you go to sleep as they are a fire hazard if left to burn to the end on their own.

Halloween Recipes: Pumpkin Loaf

2011-10-26T23:04:00.000-07:00

Image: lobster20 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you’re planning to prepare simple laid-back refreshment for the trick-or-treaters, or maybe just something to eat on a lazy Sunday afternoon Halloween style, then this pumpkin bread load recipe is perfect for you. It is also best partnered with Halloween drinks on Halloween party. Let's start!

Makes: 2 loaves

Preparation time 20 minutes

Cooking time 30 minutes

Ingredients

3 ½ cups flour
500 ml canned pumpkin, unsweetened
4 pcs eggs, beaten lightly
2/3 cup water
3 cups sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 cup vegetable oil
½ tsp cloves
1 tsp all-spice
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon

Procedure:

1. Grease two loaf pans and with butter and then flour them.

2. Combine sugar and oil then add the eggs and pumpkin, and stir together to mix well.

3. Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Gradually add water into the mixture, blending them completely and thoroughly. Pour the batter into the two loaf pans evenly.

4. Bake the bread in a preheated oven, 350 degrees, for around 30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick at the center comes out clean.

5. Let it stand for around 10 minutes before removing it from the pan to cool.

And there you have your yummy Halloween pumpkin loaf! Different kinds of jams and jellies are perfect for this Halloween recipe.

Halloween Costume Ideas for Halloween 2011

2011-10-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for fun and creative Halloween costume ideas for this year’s Halloween party? Then search no more as this article is what you’ve been looking for. I’ve listed below some of the few fun Costume ideas for Halloween 2011. Enjoy!

Halloween Ideas #1 - Be Johnny

If you want to look seriously scary, try Jack Nicholson’s character in The Shining. You will be going to need some scruffy beard and messy hair. In the film, the character smashed his head through a door. For the door, you may use an illustration board or a thin piece of wood and paint it white. Create a hole at the center with jagged edges. Make it big enough to accommodate your head. Secure it on your head using a strap and then carry a fake hatchet.

Halloween Idea #2 - The Burglar

If you’re looking for the perfect costume to impress your friends, try out this burglar Halloween Party costume. This costume can easily be made with materials you probably already have. You will need some plain white pajamas, black marker or tape, a wide –brimmed black hat, a yellow tape, a black cape, red gloves, red sneakers, a black fabric, and a red tie with hamburgers on it.

Create stripes on your plain white pajamas using the black marker or tape. Wound a yellow tape around the base of the hat’s crown to create a yellow hatband. Then make a bandit mask by cutting eye holes on the piece of black fabric. Voila! You have the complete ensemble. You can now give stealing burgers a try.

Halloween Ideas #3 - Cupcake Halloween Costumes

This costume is very easy and quick to do with only a few materials used. You will need some corrugated cardboard, some paints with any color of your choice, pink chiffon fabric, a red plastic bowl, glitters and a couple of straps.

Create the bottom of the cupcake by forming the corrugated board into a circle just wide enough to circle your hips. Add some color to it using the paint, and then secure it on your body using straps attached to your shoulders. Create the frosting using the chiffon fabric attached to your chest. Add some sprinkles to the frosting using glitters. Add a cherry on top using a red plastic bowl turned upside down, and then put a fake cherry stem on top.

Halloween Ideas #4 – The Lady with Beard

If you are a guy with a beard, this costume is great for you. All you need is a pink tutu, some tights, some make up and then a wig. If you don’t have a beard or a mustache you can create a fake one using crepe hair.

Halloween Ideas: Spooky yet Economical Halloween Decoration Ideas

2011-10-06T01:47:00.000-07:00

Halloween decoration should induce the feelings of fear and fright to make it spooky enough. It should also have dark and eerie quality. During Halloween, having a cemetery environment in your front yard could be appropriate. The main goal is to make the house frightening.

Now if you like to make your house dark and spooky for this year’s Halloween while sticking to your budget, you may want to consider these Halloween ideas on decorating.

Spider Web Designs and Décor for Halloween

Buy an artificial spider web decoration and drape your porch with it. Behind the drape, put mini strobe lights to add creepy and ghostly atmosphere the decoration.

As an alternative, you can use spider-inspired items to decorate both exterior and interior of your house. Make some spider designs on your windows or doors with the use of acrylic paint and peel-&-stick spider webs.

You can also welcome your guest to your Halloween Party with hanging spiders. You can use thin fishing line to hang them.

Jack-o-Lanterns Halloween Ideas

These are considered as the traditional decoration for Halloween and are usually displayed outdoors. Almost every house in Western region has Jack-o-Lanterns during Halloween.

First, find a large enough pumpkin. Carve it and create a scary-looking face. Then, put a glow stick or candle inside the pumpkin for eerie effect.

Aside from being an outdoor Halloween décor, Jack-o-Lanterns can also be used as table centerpieces in Halloween parties.

Skeleton Decorations

Create even spookier atmosphere with skeleton décor in your porch or tree in front yard. You can also use this Halloween idea inside your house. Hang the skeleton items near the chandelier.

Get more Halloween Ideas by clicking here.

For spooky Halloween pictures, click here.

Navratri Greetings and Navratri Ecards for Navratri Festival 2011

2011-10-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

Navratri Festival - one of the fortunate festivals among Hindus, is here! Share the blessings and wishes that Goddess Durga shower you and your family with these Navratri Greetings!

www.365greetings.com

www.365greetings.com

More Navratri Ecards, visit www.365greetings.com

Navratri Festival Recipes – Kottu Pakora

2011-09-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Navratri! Here's another recipe from truly yours.

Though a festival, Navratri is period of fasting, for seven or nine days. In case of partial fasting a strict diet is adhered to comprising mainly of fruits and vegetables. Below is the direction for preparing a simple yet mouthwatering Navratri meal.

Kottu Pakora Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup buckwheat flour also known as Kottu ka Atta
3 medium half cooked boiled potatoes
2.5 gms of Salt
2.5 gms black pepper powder
Finely chopped coriander leaves – ½ cup
4 gms of baking powder
Vegetable oil or ghee for frying

Method

1. Mix the flour, black pepper, coriander, and salt in a bowl.

2. Add water, beat the mixture till it becomes smooth and consistent

3. Cover with a lid and set it aside for at least twenty minutes.

4. Let the potatoes cool then peel and slice them into diagonally.

5. Heat the oil or ghee in a kadhai ready for deep-frying using moderate heat

6. Place a few wedges of potato into the batter then cover them fully.

7. Deep each slice of batter-coated potato into the frying hot oil and let the slices fry on both sides until crisp or reddish gray. Serve hot.

And there you have it! Enjoy this year's Navratri Festival with these recipes.

For more Navratri Recipes, click here.

Happy Navratri!

Navaratri Recipe: Aloo Pulao

2011-09-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

Navratri the Festival of ‘9 auspicious nights’ is marked with fasting for a period of seven days or partial fasting. The devotees mainly rely of fruits and vegetable and common salt being substituted with rock salt. Traditionally aloo pulao was one of the delicacies prepared during Navratri festival.

Here is how the delicacy is prepared;

The Aloo Pulao Recipe

Ingredients

A cup of parsai ke chaawal - Samwat Rice
10 gms of ghee
5gms cumin Seeds
2 pieces Cloves
A bit of Cinnamon
2 pieces of green cardamoms
1 large diced potato
2 tsp. Rock Salt
5 gms Red Chili Powder
3 cup Water
Coriander for garnishing

Preparation

1. Heat the ghee using a pan

2. Put the cumin seeds, cardamom, cumin seeds and the cinnamon in the oil

3. Wait for the ingredients to release the aroma, then add the rice and potato cubes

4. Stir briskly while frying till it turns to a light brown

5. Sprinkle the rock salt and the chili powder then add some water

6. Cover and let the meal simmer at low heat for the next fifteen minutes

7. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve

Happy Navratri!

Rasmalai - Another Mouth-watering Diwali Recipe

2011-09-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

Diwali festival is incomplete without lighting Diyas, rangoli making, home cleaning and decorating, exchanging Diwali greetings and, of course, feasting. Hindus cook different kinds of dishes as part of the Diwali celebration. There are many recipes beings cooked during these auspicious occasions. Now, let me share you this yummy and mouth-watering Diwali recipe – the Rasmalai.

Rasmalai Recipe

Ingredients:

Saffron

Half cup of sweetener (sugar)

2 tablespoon of green pistachios (crushed)

1 cup of Riccota cheese or cows milk

¼ teaspoon of cardamom seeds (crushed)

½ cup almonds

32 oz of milk

Cooking

1. Combine the sugar, cheese and cardamom powder. Then, spread the mixture on the baking tray.

2. Bake it for about 35minutes at 350F. When it thickens and sets down, it’s done. But make sure that it shouldn’t get brown.

3. Remove it from the oven and set aside to cool. Once it cools down, cut it into pieces.

4. Place the pieces on the desert bowl. Set aside.

5. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a separate bowl except green pistachios. Then, pour the mixture over the baked pieces.

6. Garnish the dessert with pistachios and chill for about 2 to 3 hours. Serve cold.

With this yummy dish, you will surely have a joyous celebration. It can be a great gift to give to close relatives. Put it on beautiful dish bowl and let them have a taste of this delicious recipe. Best given together with your printable Diwali greetings or diwali cards.

Have a happy Diwali!

Channar Payesh - A Yummy Diwali Recipe

2011-09-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

Yummy Channar Payesh

Making the traditional dishes during the Diwali Festival is most observed by the hindu Families all over the world. In this very special Diwali celebration, expect for scrumptious and delightful recipes and be overwhelmed by the experience. This Diwali, trying out new taste would certainly give a new special feel for your guests during the feast. This is where Channar Payesh comes in because this is one perfect dish to try out and to indulge in.

Channar Payesh Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

2 Tablespoons Raisins
2 Tablespoons Nuts
500 ml Milk
1 can Condensed Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 Cup Water
Chenna (Cottage cheese)

PROCEDURE:

1. First,prepare a thin syrup by combining Sugar and Water in a casserole in just medium heat so as not to caramelize it.

2. In a separate bowl, pour in the syrup then add the chenna or cottage cheese and mix it thoroughly. Set aside.

To make the Milk mixture:

3. In another casserole, pour ½ liter Milk and bring it to boil. Add the condensed milk while stirring continuously and simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes then remove from fire to let it cool.

4. When the milk is warm enough, carefully spoon it to the syrup with chenna until all the milk mixture is blended well with the syrup.

5. Pour it into a serving bowl then mix the nuts and raisins all over and evenly. Place it in the refrigerator for a few hours to chill. Serve in individual serving dish while cold.

And there you have your delicious Channar Payesh!

Diwali Scrap from 365greetings.com

This one of a kind and delicious dish is best given for families and loved one together with your Diwali greetings or Diwali wishes.

Another idea is to take a nice photo shot of this diwali dish and attach to any printable diwali greetings. This would surely melt your recipient heart.

Cheers! Have a happy Diwali guys!

Gulab Jamun For a Happy Diwali Festival

2011-09-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

Preparing sweet delicacies is part of Celebrating Diwali. It’s not a satisfying occasion if it’s not about feasting sugary bits and pieces. Indian families make some of the best sweet dishes especially during Diwali and one of those delightful ones is the Gulab Jamun Recipe.

This diwali recipe is made out of Milk and Flour made into sweet and moist softballs perfect for those who love to munch on tasty desserts. It is very easy to make though it takes a long time to prepare but it’s all worth the wait. Follow the simple steps listed and enjoy the experience.

Gulab Jamun Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup Bisquick Pancake Mix OR ½ cup all-purpose flour + ½ tsp. baking soda
1 cup Carnation Milk Powder
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 cups Sugar
1 cup Water
Whole Milk for the dough
Cooking oil
4-5 slightly crushed Cardamom pods
Kesar

PROCEDURE:

Prepare the syrup beforehand to allow it to cool before adding the Gulab Jamuns.

1. First, mix 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup water. Add slightly crushed cardamom pods and a few strands of kesar. Pour the mixture in a casserole and put it on medium heat for about 5-10 minutes just enough to dissolve the sugar and be careful not to caramelize it.

2. Put it on a corning serving dish to keep it warm

Next, prepare the Gulab Jamuns.

3. In a bowl, combine the Pancake mix or Flour + baking soda, milk and melted butter to make dough. Gradually add whole milk and knead to make medium-hard dough.

4. Make 18-20 small balls out of the dough by rolling it between your palms gently. Arrange it on a platter and cover it first with damp cloth

5. On a frying pan, heat the cooking oil. Slowly lay each ball on the pan and continuously shake it so as not to brown just one side of the ball. After a few minutes, the balls will rise or float. Make sure to brown all sides of the Gulab jamun and set it on medium fire so it won’t break or burn.

6. When they are done, toss it over to the syrup prepared earlier and coat evenly. Leave it overnight to let it absorb the flavor.

And there you have it! You now have delicious Gulab Jamun as you celebrate the festival of light!

From me to all of you, May you have a happy Diwali!

Watch How to Cook Gulab Jamun on Youtube:

Sweet Rice Puttu Recipe for Onam Breakfast!

2011-09-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

The Onam Festival is expected to have organized a great feast during their celebration. It has been their tradition that every single household should set up a delectable banquet serving the most appetizing customary dishes.

The tenth day of the Onam is a day of feasting and the early start of tasty treats begin at breakfast serving up delicious and healthy recipes such as the Rice Puttu. This is a dish that is very easy to prepare and requires a little time to cook. Simply follow a few easy instructions down below and enjoy a lip smacking breakfast in Onam.

Rice Puttu Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

½ kilogram Uncooked Rice
½ grated Coconut
Salt
Water

PROCEDURE:

1. In a clean basin, soak the rice in just enough water for about 4 hours. After that, drain the remaining water and let it dry for a moment. Then carefully grind the rice to make a fine powder.

2. In a pan, roast the rice powder in medium heat and stir continuously for 5 minutes or until you are able to smell the nice aroma of the rice. Remove from fire and set it aside to let it cool.

3. Mix a little salt in water and gradually add the water mixture to the rice flour just enough to make it wet and mix thoroughly.

4. In a puttukutty, place a handful of grated coconut. Next, pour in another handful of Rice flour in and repeat the process until it fills the vessel.

5. Steam this in about 2 or more minutes until done then remove from pot. Use a spatula to take it out of the container and arrange in serving dish.

6. You may serve it with ghee or potato curry for a perfect meal.

Watch how to Cook Rice Puttu on Youtube

Delicious Sambhar Recipe For Onam

2011-09-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

One of the most awaited events in the celebration of the Onam Festival is the delightful banquet prepared by every Malayalee Household. It has been part of the tradition that every Malayalee family should set up a feast and eat during this occasion even if it means selling all your possessions. Cooking the traditional dishes is also observed especially during the tenth day of Onam.

One of the wonderful customary dishes served in Thiruvonam is the Sambhar Recipe. It is done in many different styles of cooking by Keralites, but in here stated is the simplest way to do it nevertheless enjoy it in the same way.

Sambhar Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups Tuvar dal
1 teaspoon Sambhar powder
3 Chilies (red)
3 Chilies (green)
¼ teaspoon Methi
1 teaspoon Salt
2 teaspoons Mustard
¼ teaspoon Tamarind paste
½ teaspoon Turmeric
Curry leaves
A pinch of Hing (Asafetida)
Cooking oil
2 teaspoons diced vegetables (green peppers, okra and eggplant)

PROCEDURE:

In a Casserole, cook the Tuvar dal and Turmeric with water in medium heat. When nicely done, set it aside the Tuvar dal separately.

With the water used to cook the Tuvar dal, cook the vegetables along with the turmeric and a teaspoon of salt.

Next, add the tamarind paste.

In a separate pan, heat the oil and combine mustard, methi, red and green chilies, hing, curry leaves, turmeric and sambhar powder and stir fry for a few minutes.

When cooked, add it directly to the casserole of vegetables together with the Tuvar dal and leave it boiling for a few more minutes. Serve hot

And there you have your delicious dish for Onam! Enjoy!

Watch Sambhar Cooking Video from Youtube

Badam Phirni Recipe for Diwali

2011-09-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

During the Diwali Festival, Indian Families traditionally prepare food as part of the celebration. Usually, Sweets are part of the delightful menu set to receive guests who arrive for the feast and getting it all ready for the welcoming of the Goddess Lakshmi. One dish that is truly a delicacy worth looking forward to gobbling up is the Badam Phirni which is a smooth and creamy low fat dish perfect for Diwali celebration. Here’s a simple way to do it.

Badam Phirni Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

12 pieces Almond Nuts
8 strands Saffron
5 tbsp. Sugar
4 tbsp. Rice Flour
2 ½ cups Milk

1 teaspon Cardamom powder

PROCEDURE:

1. First, blanch the almonds to remove skin. Then grind it in a food processor while adding ½ cup milk until it forms into paste.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the almond paste and rice flour thoroughly then set aside.

3. Heat a casserole and bring the rest of the milk to boil, add the Sugar while stirring constantly until it dissolves. Take a tablespoon of the milk mixture then dissolve the Saffron in it.

4. Next, slowly add the almond paste and rice flour mixture to the milk including the saffron. Continue stirring until it thickens in texture.

5. Dust the Cardamom powder over and remove from fire to let it cool.

6. Lastly, pour in individual serving bowls and garnish with pistachios or almond nuts over.

7. Refrigerate then serve.

Note: the image use for this recipe does not belong to dailyfestival.blogspot.com. We don't intend to violate any copyright laws.

The Celebration of Onam Festival

2011-09-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

Onam Festival is the largest Festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, India. It is celebrated for ten days at the beginning of the Malayalam Calendar, where malayalees all over the state and the world tries to bring their culture and traditions to commemoration. In this event, different activities take place in the whole celebration like dances and feasts, etc. all participated by members of the community. Read through the article to get to know more about what happens in this captivating event.

Onam Festival Wallpaper from 365greetings

Dance Performances portray most of what culture and tradition a place has. For kerala, kaikoti kali is the main dance of the onam festival, where middle-aged women in saree and accessorized with gold jewelries perform the dances. Another dance usually performed during this time is the Pulikali. This is a dance piece where performers dance along with an accompaniment called udukku and thakil while the artists, which are mostly men, paint themselves with stripes in red, black and yellow close to a tiger-like pattern.

Onam Pookalam Wallpaper
from 365greetings.com

Pookkalam are floral rangolis made to decorate the entrance of malayalees homes. They traditionally place pookkalam from the first day of the festival and families decorate them with flowers and paint to make it special for the occasion. Malayalee communities even organize pookkalam competitions during the celebration.

Feasting is an essential part of the onam celebration. Malayalees are almost obliged to hold a feast even if it means selling their possessions. But what makes this happening worth looking forward to be the delectable and exquisite dishes prepared.

Boat Race or Vallamkali is a sporting event organized all over the state where competitors join in exuberance.

Vallamkali in Kerala

Playing games is part of the activities done in the Onam Festival. The Talappanthukali, kayyankali, attakalam, Ambeyyal and kutu-kutu are just some of the games played in the celebration of the onam.

Sweet and Yummy Peda Recipe for Diwali Festival

2011-09-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Diwali is a Celebration where people in India come together for a day of happiness and thanksgiving, lots of decorations and traditions, and feasting and gift-giving. Of course, aside from exchanging diwali wishes, the occasion is not complete without the delicacies prepared to feast on and one sweet treat is never missed during this event, peda, and preparing it is as easy as eating it. Here’s how:

Recipe for Peda

INGREDIENTS:

½ kilo soft white Khoya (grated)
½ tsp. Cardamom powder
1 tsp. Cardamom seeds (semi-crushed)
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp. crushed pistachios

PROCEDURE:

1. In a mixing bowl, mix grated khoya with powdered sugar.

2. Heat skillet or a non-stick pan on high and pour in the khoya mixture. Continue stirring and gradually lessen the heat until the mixture becomes thick.

3. Then gradually add the cardamom powder and mix until well blended.

4. Remove from fire and let it cool for a few minutes. Turn it over from time to time.

5. With the use of Cookie moulds, shape the pedas into patty like shapes. If not, form the mixture into balls and press it gently to form a flat round shape.

6. Sprinkle the Cardamom seeds and crushed pistachios over the patty and press it gently onto both sides of the mould.

7. Let it set, then turn it over to remove from mould.

VARIATIONS

You can try to doll up your peda by adding color to it. Yellow, orange and green are attractive colors that coincide with the diwali theme.

Add up some toppings to your peda such as cashew, almonds and walnuts.

If you want variety in flavor, try adding

½ cup cashew powder for cashew flavor or
2 tbsp. cocoa powder and additional ½ cup powdered sugar or
½ cup walnuts

NOTE: Images used for this blog does not belong to dailyfestival.blogspot.com. We don't intend to violate any copyright law.

Ganesha Chaturthi - The Holy Hindu Festival

2011-09-01T03:42:00.000-07:00

Ganesha Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated by Hindus throughout India and Nepal to honor Lord Ganesha – Son of Parvati and Lord Shiva. Ganesh Chaturthi festival, or Vinayaka Chaturthi for some devotees, is the Lord Ganesha’s birthday.

Lord Ganesha is widely worshipped as for being a symbol of good fortune, prosperity and wisdom. It is also believed that Lord Ganesha blesses devotees by vanishing their life’s obstacles.

This auspicious festival marks the fourth day of the period of waxing moon (shuklachaturthi), in the month of Bhaadrapada in Hindu calendar. The date of Ganesha Chaturthi typically falls between the month of August and September. It is a 10-day long holy festival which usually ends on the 14th day of Shuklachaturthi or Anant Chaturdashi (Hindu calendar).

Celebration of Ganesha Chaturthi

Divine Lord Ganesha: Grabbed from 365greetings Wallpaper

In the 10-day long Ganesh Festival, each and every part of Indian regions is full of merriment and festivity. There are a lot of cultural programs being held as part of the celebration. One of the main attractions of Ganesha Chaturthi is the making of Ganesha's Idols. The festival ends by taking the best Ganesha idol in a procession and immersing it in the sea. The festival itself brings the essence of togetherness to Hindus and Indian people.

With the Hindus migrated in different parts of the globe, Ganesha Chaturthi is not just widely celebrated in Nepal and India. Hindus in Canada, Fiji, UK and United States also participate in this auspicious celebration.

When is Ganesha Chaturthi?

In 2011, the date Ganesha festival will fall on September 1st.

For upcoming years:
September 19, 2012 (Wedneday)
September 9, 2013 (Monday)
August 19, 2014 (Friday)

“May the Lord Ganesha shower you and your family with success in all your life’s endeavors!”

Happy Ganesha Chaturthi!

Eid ul Fitr – Muslim Festival (Breaking the Fast)

2011-08-30T01:14:00.000-07:00

What is Eid ul Fitr Festival?

Eid ul Fitr is one of the well-celebrated Muslim festivals. Derived from “oud”, an Arabic word of “Eid” which signifies “the return”, so as the festival name suggests. Eid ul Fitr is considered as one of the most significant festive event of Muslims, not just because of its religious implications but also for its timing.

Ramadan & Eid Celebration

Image grabbed from: 365greetings

Eid ul Fitr festival is celebrated at the end of the fasting month of the Ramadan, (usually falls on the 9th month of Islamic Calendar or Muslim year) and on the 1st day of the month of Shawwal (in Islam calendar). According to Islamic legends, it was the time when Prophet Mohammed discovered the Koran.

Eid ul Fitr - Islamic Tradition

Marks the last days of Ramadan, the fasting month, Eid ul Fitr is related to the collective aspect of fasting – expressing huge part of Muslim’s basic values as community including charity, patience, worship, empathy for poor neighbors, steadfastness etc.

As part of the Islamic tradition, Muslims fast during the month-long Ramadan, believing that fasting will help them in developing their self-control and a holy way to get closer to their God – Allah.

Eid ul Fitr Celebration

Eid festival is a three-day long celebration which marks the beginning of merriment. As part of the celebration, women are preparing some sweets and all Muslims wear new dresses. Eid ul Fitr, for Muslims, is equal to joyfulness and thanksgiving. The joyous spirit of the festival makes non-Muslims celebrate Eid as well.

Eid Greetings

Just like other holidays and festivals, Muslims, and even those non-Muslims, celebrate this holy and joyous festival through exchanging Eid wishes and greetings in a form of card. But since there has been immense advancement of technology and communication, people can send their Eid greetings in a form of ecards or electronic Eid cards.

For beautiful collection of Ramadan greetings, Eid wishes and ecards, you can visit 365greetings and search for Ramadan Greetings.

Eid Mubarak!