Christmas crowds

[Orin]

I had to go to the local Italian Centre for cheese and olives this afternoon. For a small store they were certainly busy. They have stacks of Panetoni of all diffefent varieties--chocolate chip, raisin, cream filled and lots more. I got a couple of raisin, a chocolate filled and a mandarin filled one. They make a light change from the overindulgence of Christmas cake and Christmas pudding. That always happens. I have taken to making my own Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and even my own mincemeat. there is nothing quite like mince tarts after Christmas dinner. I even ice the cake with home made marzipan and shiny white icing.

This year I intend to make my own cream filled chocolates. I haven't done that for several years but it is time to resurrect the tradition. I shall make peppermint creams, coffee creams and a flavour that you may not have heard of before--rose creams. Of all of them these are the most delicious. I have to find my recipe for fondant and go on from there. The only problem is the chocolate which has to be tempered or it will turn white as the chocolate butter separates and hardens on the surface. but the taste is worth all the trouble. Anyone hungry?

[Maximal]

I expect you to keep a few of the chocolates, I am especially fond of the peppermint but I am curious about the rose.