In the Christian religion Christmas is the day that the birth of God's son, Jesus Christ, is celebrated. On this day Christian tradition states that the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger in the town of Bethlehem. Christmas is observed on December 25th and marks the end of the Advent season, a period of waiting. Three Kings, or Magi, make the journey to see the newborn King following a bright star in the sky that marks the birthplace. The day they arrive is celebrated as Three Kings Day, (also known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night) twelve days after Christmas Day.
An heirloom variety of bean which is large and flat, light cream in colour with maroon splashes. It has a buttery texture and chestnut flavour.
Christmas pudding is a heavy, steamed suet pudding traditionally served, ablaze with brandy, when one is already filled to the brim with turkey or goose and all the trimmings. It is usually accompanied by brandy butter or brandy sauce and your slice may contain a coin or charm of some sort. The original Christmas pudding was called "frumenty", made with boiled beef, fruits and spices and alcohol of some sort, usually wine though this later became ale. The Puritans disliked this alcoholic version, which had been a favourite of Henry VIII, and Oliver Cromwell actually banned it as having an evil influence. Under George I it had a revival. Its long history has endowed it with many traditions, such as those who believe it must mature for a year and those who make it with precisely 13 different ingredients to represent Christ and his disciples. It is commonly also called plum pudding and is traditionally made with the help of all members of the family.
A variety of russeted eating apple raised by Mr Manser and then introduced commercially before 1893 by Mr Bunyard of Maidstone in Kent. It is a late-season variety which is picked from early October in South-East England, is stored and is at its best between November and January, particularly at Christmas.
Cherry pepper. Round red or green chillis which are usually sweet and mild but can sometimes be hot. Popular in the Balkans, where ithey are frequently pickled. They are handy to add to soups and stews. Heat = 1-2.
Viewed as the last day of Christmas, this day celebrates the twelve day biblical journey of the three kings bearing gifts to the Christ Child as well as the revelation of God in human form. The day of Epiphany is celebrated as a festival in many Christian traditions. The tradition of the king cake is said, “to draw the kings” to Epiphany.
