CHRISTMAS and CAKES WINES

Christmas is celebrated as a religious and cultural festival by billions of people around the world. It is an annual festival that recalls the birth of Jesus Christ observed most commonly on the 25th of December and is an integral part of the holiday season. Carol singing, decorating the house in red and green and preparation of a sumptuous meal are the highlights of the celebration. One of the most important part of the special holiday celebration, is the food that is prepared and served. Based on the cultural practises, the meal varies greatly from country to country. A standard Christmas meal in the United Kingdom and the countries influenced by its tradition include large birds like turkey or goose, potatoes, vegetables, sometimes bread and cider. Rich fruitcake, Eggnog, Christmas pudding are few of the special desserts. During winter, oranges are one of the fruits associated with Christmas and are available in the northern countries. Orange peelis candied or the juice from orange is used in cakes. Brandy, rum, wine or bourbon are often added in cooking or consumed as such. It gives warmth to the body and pacifies the mind. Without a glass of sweet grape wine and a piece of fruitcake, Christmas dinner would be incomplete.

Homemade Christmas Wine:
Wine making is a longstanding tradition, which holds good especially during Christmas. The homemade wine preparation begins early in October, as the weather is not as ideal in tropical countries as compared to the west. Wine making is still done at home by few while many opt to buy them from stores. The fermentation period is briefer for sweet grape wine as the process is halted before all the sugar turns to alcohol. The color of this wine is from the red pigment in the grape skin. Grapes give the flavor, sweetness is from the sugar, the yeast ferments, and spices bring out the aroma. Wheat or barley acts as the clarifying agent and adds strength to the wine.