A magical children's Christmas story suitable for younger readers to read to themselves or for smaller children to have read to them as a bedtime story.
This is the eighth in a set of 24 piano pieces - "Advent Nocturnes" - (one for every major and minor key) written by British composer, Robert Steadman.
They are being released one per day as a musical Advent calendar from 1st December 2013 to 24th December 2013.
This is the second in a set of 24 piano pieces - "Advent Nocturnes" - (one for every major and minor key) written by British composer, Robert Steadman.
They are being released one per day as a musical Advent calendar from 1st December 2013 to 24th December 2013.
This weekend we, in Englsnd & Wales, have two bank holidays or public holidays), and, in quick succession, there's both May Day and Whitsun. In all, on a normal non-Jubilee and non-Royal Wedding year, we get 8 days off in this manner.
We're actually quite low in the league table of days off for public holidays compared to other countries around the world, and there is what feels like a interminable campaign to make the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar into an extra day's holiday in the autumn (always good to celebrate historic military victories over what are now close political allies - NOT!).
People seem to like bank holidays; I guess people just like having a day off.
I find bsnk holidays both patronising and feudalist.
Yes, workers should have a number of days off each year and it is right that there is legislation to protect those days off from any unscrupulous employer, but, really, in the 21st century do we really want a government to dictate when we have to take those days off?
Isn't that a bit of an archaic approach to labour laws?
Surely we should be able, in negotiation with our employer, be able to choose when we have those days off?
As an atheist, I don't want days off to celebrate fictional events from 2,000 years ago, but I might want a couple of days off in September instead. And if I want to spend those days with my friends or family, is it beyong the wit of man for us to be able to organise our calendars in such a way that we are all off together?
Ok, some jobs have restrictions on when holidays can be taken. Teachers, for instance, can't take a couple of weeks off mid-term and that makes sense, but I don't see why any government has a right to choose my days off for me.
Not for anyone on a diet, or anyone with cholesterol problems!
This is a warming and seasonal drink, an alternative to mulled wine or gluhwein.
Ingredients
6 whole eggs + 2 extra egg yolks
474 ml (1 pint) whole milk
178 ml (3/8 pint) double cream (or even extra thick double cream)
4 Tablespoons PLUS 2 Tablespoons of sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
474 ml (1/2 pint) brandy (or whiskey, or rum)
Process
*Whisk the eggs, yolks, sugar and salt together in a large pan until well-blended.
*Continue whisking whilst slowly adding the milk until it is completely mixed-in.
*Put the pan on the stove on the lowest possible setting.
*Continue to gently whisk ingredients for 25/30 minutes or until the mixture reaches 70°C and will coat the underside of a spoon.
*Remove from heat and strain it into a large bowl (make sure you remove any pieces of cooked egg).
*Stir in the alcohol, vanilla, and nutmeg, and transfer your mixture to a covered dish. *Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
*When ready to serve, whip the double cream and fold in the chilled mix, pour, serve in punch cups.
Mmm... Eggnog
Eggnog can also be added to coffee to make a great after dinner drink!
