Top Ten Christmas Gifts

One of the best gifts that you can give to your loved ones this Christmas is an Olympus digital camera, this is one of the best cameras that is preferably one with the best range and a 7MP resolution digital camera wether they are sitting at home, enjoying on a picnic or having a candlelit dinner, this digital camera will help them capture the most precious moments and keep them forever. Can there be a better gift than this! Great gift for anyone.

The latest Nintendo Wii console.Known as the best seller over the last three years is one of the top computures people cant get enuogh of.Apart from the legendary Nintendo franchises like Mario, Zelda and Metroid, it also offers new classics like Wii Sports and Wii Play. You can also create your own Mii character and even play with your friends, in the Wii games.Great gift idea for those of an older age bracket also as a usefull item to exercise and loose weight (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

After the sensation created by Apple iPod, it is now the time for the product's latest version to make news. Apple iPod Touch is equipped with the same multi-touch user interface that was introduced in the iphone. Apart from that, it also features Wi-Fi wireless networking, Safari browser, Google Search or Yahoo! oneSearch, YouTube application and iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store.

The year 2009 has brought the caster board into preview. It is basically a two-wheeled, self-propelled vehicle. Unlike a skateboard, while riding it, the feet do not need to leave the board to gain speed. In fact, more than a skateboard, it is a snowboard with wheels great buzz and fun hours of enjoyment.Very very fast so please take care that the person also has safety gear whilst learning to use this board.

Released by Apple in July 2008, iPhone is becoming one of the most-wanted Christmas gifts ever. An internet-connected multimedia smart-phone, it features a top of the range multi-touch screen and minimal hardware interface. Apart from being a camera phone, it serves as a portable music player and a mini laptop. Apple iPhone is perfect for those who love to own the latest gadgets.Spoil the one you love most.

A universl remote is something everyone will use some time in there life it cant be programed to operate. This Christmas,why not thank your parents or grandparents with a universal remote. It can be programmed to operate a number of electronic devices within the house, such as TV, DVD player, music system, air conditioner, and many more. The remote will comprise of a power button, channel and volume up/down selectors, numeric keypad, set button, etc.Very inexpensive so no excuse for those with little money to show your gratefull for all that was done for YOU through the year.

Hannah Montana is the name of a television series that debuted on Disney Channel in March 2006. The central character of the series leads a double life: as a school girl - Miley Stewart in the day and a famous pop singer - Hannah Montana in the night. The series became a hit amongst teenagers and now, Hannah Montana toys are amongst the most preferred gift items.

Baby toys, If your child is still an infant, then Lamaze baby toys present the perfect choice for Christmas gifts. Based on Lamaze baby toys its a Philosophy of good parenting, these toys help parents contribute towards the development of their baby.The selection of Lamaze toys differs according to the stage of a baby's development. Go ahead and buy these toys for your baby, help them grow properly.

One of the most popular Christmas toys for 2009 is the robot dog. It is but a robot that is designed to replicate a dog`s appearance as well as behavior. Many toy companies have come out with robots, covered with synthetic hair, which have been programmed to act like dogs. They give the paw, they sneeze, become hungry and even need to pee, just like a real live dog, an excellent idea for that child who wants a dog but was never allowed for obvious reasons.

If you are ready to spend the hard earned cash, then go ahead and buy an LCD TV for your loved ones. It is the latest gadget as far as Television`s are concerned and is sure to be liked by the recipient, especially if he or she loves to watch movies at home. If it's someone very close to you and you can afford to spend more, a home theater system is not too far away either and the`ll be over joyed with you

INGREDIENTS:

* 4 eggs
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 2 cups whole milk
* 2 cups good-quality bourbon, brandy, cognac, or dark rum
* 3 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 2 cups heavy whipping cream
* Freshly grated nutmeg

Directions:

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, lightly whisk together the eggs and sugar just until well blended.

2. Place the pot over very, very low heat and cook, whisking nonstop, just until the mixture is warm, 3 to 5 minutes. Continue whisking while you slowly pour in the brandy, rum, orange liqueur, and vanilla; then, still whisking, pour in half of the cream. Raise the heat just slightly and continue cooking, stirring frequently with the whisk, until the mixture is good and hot but has not yet started to boil, about 8 minutes.

3. Remove the pot from the heat. Whisk in the rest of the cream and immediately transfer the mixture to a heatproof punch bowl.

4. Serve the eggnog warm, if you like. If you'd prefer it cold, cover the punch bowl and chill in the refrigerator for several hours.

5. To serve, ladle the eggnog into individual double wall mugs or glasses or regular punch cups, mugs, or glasses. Freshly grate a little nutmeg over each serving.

INGREDIENTS:
* 225g cold butter , diced
* 350g plain flour
* 100g golden caster sugar
* 280g mincemeat
* 1 small egg , beaten
* icing sugar , to dust

1. To make the pastry, rub the butter into the flour, then mix in the sugar and a pinch of salt. Combine the pastry into a ball - don't add liquid - and knead it briefly. The dough will be fairly firm, like shortbread dough. You can use the dough immediately, or chill for later.

2. Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6/fan 180C. Line 18 holes of two 12-hole patty tins, by pressing small walnut-sized balls of pastry into each hole. Spoon the mincemeat into the pies.

3. Take slightly smaller balls of pastry than before and pat them out between your hands to make round lids, big enough to cover the pies. Top the pies with their lids, pressing the edges gently together to seal - you don't need to seal them with milk or egg as they will stick on their own. (The pies may now be frozen for up to 1 month).

4. Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack. To serve, lightly dust with icing sugar. They will keep for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.

INGREDIENTS:

100g (4oz) raisins

100g (4oz) sultanas

200g (7oz) currants

100ml (4fl oz) stout

4 tablespoons brandy

100g (4oz) diced candied peel

50g (2oz) finely chopped blanched almonds

50g (2oz) un-dyed glace cherries, chopped

½ tsp each, ground cinnamon and nutmeg

125g (4½ oz) unsalted butter

125g (4½ oz) dark muscovado sugar

2 medium eggs

1 tbsp treacle

180g (6½ oz) self-raising flour, sifted

50ml (2fl oz) milk

TO SERVE

Creme fraiche or cream

Method:

1 Place the dried fruits in a small pan with the stout and brandy and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until all the liquor has been absorbed. Transfer the fruit to a large mixing bowl and leave to cool for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir in the peel, almonds, cherries and spices.

2 Cream the butter and sugar together for several minutes in a food processor, then incorporate the eggs, one by one, then the treacle, the flour and the milk. Blend this cake mixture with the dried fruit mixture.

3 Butter a 1.2 litre pudding basin, line the bottom with baking paper and butter. Spoon the mixture into the pudding basin and smooth the surface. Cut out two circles of baking paper to cover the surface of the pudding, with several inches to spare on either side. Lay them on top of each other, pleated in the centre, butter the surface that will come into contact with the pudding and place over the top. Tightly tie the paper in place with string, just below the rim.

4 Place in a large pan with boiling water that comes two-thirds of the way up the sides, cover and simmer over a low heat for 2½ hours. Check the water level now and again and top it up if necessary. When ready to serve, run a knife around the rim of the pudding and invert onto a warm plate. Serve with creme fraiche or cream.