OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 54,000 COPIES
VOL 9 ISSUE 35 /DECEMBER 18, 2015
SPECIAL
CHRISTMAS
ISSUE
G ET R EADY FO R CHRI S TM A S W I TH TH E B E ST S TOC K IN G STUFFE RS I N OMA N. PAG E 1 2
THIS WEEK IN OMAN
BOOK YOUR TABLE Celebrate Christmas with a traditional roast, an Italian supper, or modern Chinese at one of Muscat’s spectacular, holiday-ready hotels PAGE 8
Audited by
GO CAROLING
BUILD A HOUSE
Listen to the choirs around Muscat belt out traditional Christmas tunes. PAGE 20
Making a gingerbread house is a sure way to get in the holiday spirit, and a delicious way to spend an afternoon. PAGE 24
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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 35 DECEMBER 18, 2015
Give us a shout with questions, comments, compliments, complaints, or just to say “Hi� Founder Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong felicia@timesofoman.com
Executive Features Editor Felicia Campbell Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta
hubert@timesofoman.com
Editor Hubert Vaz
swati@timesofoman.com
Senior Editors T. A. Ameerudheen Faisal Mohammed Naim
faisal@timesofoman.com
ameerudheen@timesofoman.com
Chief Sub-Editors Mohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash ashishdubash@timesofoman.com
Online Editor Mahran Shaukat Ali shafeeq@timesofoman.com Multimedia Editorial Assistant Shruthi Nair, Asmaa Al Balushi shruthi@timesofoman.com
mahran@timesofoman.com asmaa@timesofoman.com
Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphic Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Ali Jani Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Geri Batara Sonny Gregory Fernandez Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison Photography MMG Photographers
aziz@timesofoman.com
richard@timesofoman.com
Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Ali Jani For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com
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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 35 DECEMBER 18, 2015
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THE WEEKEND LINEUP Catch the hottest events that are happening this week in our calendar.
17 18 19 FRIDAY
SATURDAY
7:00 pm Groove with Tanja Roxx
10:00am Celebrate the Season Filipino-style
Go hear hot house samples from Austrian DJ Tanja Roxx, who will be making a one-night appearance at the Golden Tulip Seeb during her Middle East tour.
The Philippine Embassy has organised ‘Pamaskong Handog Para Sa Mga Anak Ng Ofw Sa Oman’ to ring in Christmas week with a day of games, a charity bazaar, and a carol singing contest. Admission is free and open to all.
On The Rocks +968 9798 3333 tanjaroxx.com
9:00pm Learn Some me New Moves Zouk Elements and d Oman Salsa Zouk Group up have organised a Zouk & Kizomba Social Dancing Night at Hotel Intercontinental Muscat at where you can learn some new ew skills in a free beginner Zouk ouk class from 9:00pm to 10:00pm. 0:00pm. Señor ñor Pico Intercontinentall Muscat +968 9576 576 6194 zoukelements.com ents.com m
Take an Art Workshop
The Art of Living Foundation has organised Art Excel Workshops for children aged 8-13 years in Al Ghubra (Dec 18-22) and in Mumtaz area of Ruwi (Dec 18-23), as well as a workshop for teens in Shatti Al Qurum (Dec 18-21) to promote creativity, 18cclarity, concentration, and confidence.
Le Grande Hall Al Falaj Hotel +968 9781 5919 muscatpe.org
Art of Living Oman +968 9280 1152 artofliving.org
7:00pm Go See a Soprano 7:00 Wo World-renowned American soprano, Sondra Radvanovsky, sopra will be accompanied by the wil PKF - Prague Philharmonia, PK and cconducted by Emmanuel Villaume for her performance Villau the ROHM this weekend. at th Royal Opera House +968 2440 3300 rohmuscat.org.om
Photography: Supplied
THURSDAY
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Going out of town to see any of these events? Tag us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 35 DECEMBER 18, 2015
KHALEEJI HAPPENINGS Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (December 17, 18, 19)
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Thursday, December 17 Bikes in Action (Bahrain)
Popular among bike groups and individual motorcycle enthusiasts from the GCC and Middle East countries, if you love motorcycles, don’t miss the Bahrain Bike Week, an annual event comprising a bike show, bike parade, and dinner with entertainment, (Dec 17-19). The Bahrain Mall +973 1771 3716 (star events); bahrainbikeweek.com
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Friday, December 18 BBC Good Food Show (Dubai)
Catch internationally renowned culinary icons Paul Hollywood, James Martin, and Andy Bates, alongside Dubai-based celebrity chef Silvena Rowe, as they prepare their favourite dishes in front of a live audience at the BBC Good Food Show at the Supertheatre of the Dubai World Trade Centre Dubai World Trade Centre +971 55105 3766; bbcgoodfoodshowdubai.com
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Friday, December 18 Qatar National Day Celebrations (Qatar)
Join in Qatar’s National Day celebrations which begins at 7:00am with a fantastic parade by MOI, Emiri Guards, Lekhwiya, Civil Defence and other governmental bodies, besides an aerial and sea displays by the air force and navy. There will be over 43 events, including some international and national musical shows and a fireworks display. Around Doha Corniche +974 4499 7499; qatarnationalday.qa
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Saturday, December 19 Christmas Musical (Dubai)
Enjoy the run-up to Christmas with a heart-warming musical based on the classic film ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ in which Kris Kringle, an old man who claims he is the real Santa Claus, and spreads the spirit of love and holiday cheer throughout New York City. Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah +971 4366 6546; madinatjumeirah.etixdubai.com
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FIVE TO TRY ART CLASSES hiweekend@timesofoman.com
Doha Marriott, in partnership with Qatar Living, has organised a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony to ring in Christmas at The View, where the Marriott Christmas Choir will be performing every evening from December 19 to 25. The View, Doha Marriott +974 4429 8888; dohamarriott.com
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CRAFTING Get your creative juices flowing as you make stationary, create custom decorations, or bead jewellery at this creative workspace that offers programmes for adults and kids. +968 9946 0709; facebook.com/colourful.hands
PALETTE KNIFE PAINTING For a fun challenge, try your hand at this and a number of other interesting forms of painting at MuscArt’s weekly art workshops. +968 2449 3912; muscart.com
OIL PAINTING
EXPRESSIONIST ART
ACRYLIC PAINTING
Oil painting is a classic form of expression that uses pigments with a medium of drying oil as the binder. Learn it from Tahir Al Matani, an artist famous for his depictions of His Majesty in the Oman Avenues Mall. +968 9943 9969
Expressionism presents the world from the emotional perspective of the artist, learn the form from one of Oman’s best known Expressionists, Ibrahim Gailani, who teaches at Left Bank every two weeks. +968 9760 0851; gailaniart.com
Fast drying acrylic paints can be used to create effects ranging from dreamy watercolour to thick oil painting. Learn how at Creative Art Expressions in PDO every Thursday. +968 9252 6815; creativeartexpressions.com
Photography: Supplied
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Saturday, December 19 7:30pm Tree Lighting Ceremony (Qatar)
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C HRIS T M A S S TAY C AT ION
EAT, DRINK, & BE MERRY
HOTEL HOLIDAY CHEER
InterContinental Muscat HAVE A CASUAL SUPPER Enjoy a special Christmas spread at Musandam Café and Terrace Restaurant. Timing: 7pm Cost: OMR 26++ adults; OMR 13++ children under 12 years; children under 6 years are complimentary GATHER FOR A LAUGH Celebrate the Yuletide spirit at the Al Ghazal Pub Christmas Eve party. Dress as Santa Claus or his helper and receive a complimentary glass of your favourite Yuledite drink. Timing: 7.30pm Cost: OMR5, includes one drink
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY DECEMBER 25 ENJOY A CLASSIC FOURCOURSE MEAL Enjoy exquisite four-course dinner at Trader Vic’s, where chefs prepare the finest dishes from choice of glazed oysters rockefeller or caramelised beef-noodle salad to the traditional Trader Vic’s roasted turkey. Timing: 7pm Cost: OMR28++ TRY A LIGHTER OPTION For outdoor lovers, Tomato invites you to have with the festive three-course Mediterranean dinner in the midst of the picturesque ambience of the poolside. Timing: 7pm Cost: OMR19++
Spend the afternoon at the Musandam Café and Terrace Restaurant and savour a sumptuous brunch while the kids enjoy Christmas-themed games, face painting, and live entertainment. Santa Claus will hand out gifts to all children throughout the day. Timing: 12.30pm-4pm Cost: OMR30++ adults; OMR15++ for children under 12 years; children under 6 years free
BOOK InterContinental Muscat, Qurum +968 2468 0000 icmuscat@ihg.com
Al Sawadi Beach Resort & Spa ESCAPE FOR CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 25-26 STAY Enjoy a festive overnight escape including a room for two adults (plus up to two children at no additional cost), the Christmas BBQ buffet, holiday music, entrance to aqua fun, and brunch on Saturday. Cost: OMR120
DINE If you don’t have time to stay, enjoy a relaxing drive to the resort for a Christmas buffet dinner pool side replete with festive music. Timing: 7-10.30pm Cost: OMR19
BOOK Sawadi Beach Resort, Musannah +968 9350 4905 event.alsawadi@gmail.com
Photography : MMG
GO FOR CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER DECEMBER 24
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Shangri- La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel MAKE GINGERBREAD HOUSES DECEMBER 20-24 Gingerbread House Decorating classes will be held in the Al Maha Lounge. Timing: 4pm to 5pm Cost: OMR 7 for non-residing visitors, complimentary for inhouse guests
BOOK Al Bustan Palace +968 2476 4205 reservations.albustan@ ritzcarlton.com
SULTANAH Indulge in a festive six course menu in an elegant setting with live entertainment and jazz band. Cost: OMR 50
Santa will be meeting the little guests by the dhow area in Al Waha where kids can have their photos taken with Father Christmas while parents enjoy a complimentary festive refreshment. Timing: 3pm- 4:30 pm
SHAHRAZAD Celebrate Christmas Eve the Moroccan way with a delicious six-course menu served alongside live Moroccan entertainment. Cost: OMR 50 CAPRI COURT Enjoy traditional Italian dishes and discover a taste of Italy with our festive five-course menu. Cost: OMR 35
AL TANOOR/ SAMBA Enjoy a special Christmas buffet. Cost: OMR 25/ OMR 22
AN EXOTIC FEAST Instead of a traditional roast, go for a Chinese five-course tasting menu at China Mood. The Tea Sommelier will perform a special ceremony for the guests during the beachfront meal. Timing: 7pm to 11pm Cost: OMR 45+ taxes
CHRISTMAS BUFFET A sumptuous Christmas Eve Buffet boasting over 15 live cooking stations will be served at Al Khiran Terrace overlooking the pool and gardens. There will be holiday activities for children. Timing: 7pm to 11pm Cost: OMR 25+ taxes for buffet OMR 39+ taxes with beverages OMR 12+ taxes for children
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY DECEMBER 25
BAIT AL BAHR Sample seasonal seafood with a sumptuous five-course menu overlooking the tranquil waters of the Sea of Oman. Cost: OMR 35
HAVE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER DECEMBER 24
CHRISTMAS SEAFOOD Festive favourites will be on offer as part of a five-course, seafooddriven tasting menu at Beach Pavilion which will be accompanied by a live vocal performance at this startlit beachfront restaurant. Timing: 7pm to 11pm Cost: OMR 45+ taxes
GO OUT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER DECEMBER 24
AL TANOOR See the spectacular winter wonderland dessert buffet while enjoying a traditional Christmas Day buffet lunch or dinner at Al Tanoor restaurant. Cost: OMR 25 BAIT AL BAHR Enjoy Christmas dinner with a four-course menu of the finest, fresh seafood then make your way to the rooftop B.A.B. lounge for special Christmas beverages. Cost: OMR 25 CAPRI COURT Have an Italian-themed Christmas dinner with an innovative fourcourse menu created by specialty chefs. Cost: OMR 25
SULTANAH Dine in Sultanah restaurant and sample an exquisite barbecue buffet with unlimited drinks and selected beverages while listening to live entertainment. Cost: OMR 59 SHAHRAZAD Savour the flavours of Morocco in a five-course feast and enjoy entertainment from Moroccan musicians. Cost: OMR 35 *For an additional OMR 10 enjoy unlimited beverages, soft drinks and juices in Al Tanoor or Samba restaurants
DO A BOXING DAY DETOX DECEMBER 26 Clear your mind and balance your body in a special Boxing Day Yoga Balance Class. Suitable for ages over 16 years, and of all levels of ability. Timing: 4pm- 5pm
BOOK Shangri-La Resort +968 2477 6565 fbreservations.slmu@shangri-la.com
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY DECEMBER 25 The celebrations continue through to Christmas Day at Al Khiran Terrace where a day brunch will also encompass spectacular live cooking stations in addition to a vast array of food displays including seafood, international, and Arabic, cold cuts, grill and carving stations, and more. A guest pianist will set the mood and there will be a special appearance by Santa Claus to surprise younger guests. Timing: 12.30pm to 4pm Cost: OMR 35++ brunch buffet with complimentary dining for children under 6 years of age. OMR 49+ taxes with selected beverages OMR 59+ taxes with selected beverages and soft drinks OMR 16+ taxes for children above 6 to 12 Complimentary for children under 6.
GRAND HYATT MUSCAT HAVE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER DECEMBER 24 ITALIAN HOLIDAY Tuscany restaurant will transform into the ideal place for an intimate evening, offering an exclusive a la carte menu perfectly created by Italian Chef Mauro Ferrari. Timing:7pm - 11pm Cost: A la carte ROOFTOP FESTIVITIES At Safari Rooftop Grill House, revel-
lers are invited to an all-inclusive package of food and drinks including slow-roasted, American Butterball turkey. Timing: 7pm - 11pm Cost: OMR 33, OMR 39 or OMR 45 CHRISTMAS BUFFET Mokha Café will be offering a buffet of festive delights and live cooking stations. Timing: 7pm-11pm Cost: OMR 29 for adults, OMR16 for children
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY DECEMBER 25 Mokha Café’s ‘Jingle Bells’ Brunch will feature an appearance by Santa Claus, a bag full of goodies, live DJ, a lavish buffet, and a Christmas kids play area. Timing: 12.30pm to 4pm Cost: adults OMR 39, kids OMR 19
BOOK Grand Hyatt Muscat +968 2464 1114 nicole.bassit@hyatt.com
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To: Thuraya g A little somethin nd a t e e w s s a t s o m l a ! u o y s a s u o r o m a gl From: BFF
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 35 DECEMBER 18, 2015
OMR 10 OR LESS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Play Santa STORY HI EDITORS
PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI
Tis the season to spread joy with thoughtful gifts and trinkets, but sometimes you need a little extra inspiration as your list of recipients grows. So, the Hi editorial team hit the malls of Muscat looking for thoughtful, fun gifts that won't break the bank. Here are our picks.
PERFECT SQUARES
BEAUTIFUL BISCUITS
OMR 10
OMR 9
MINI SHOPPER OMR 1.6
TWO-BITE PARCELS SWEET SURPRISE ORNAMENT OMR 5
OMR 1.6
SWEET SURPRISE ORNAMENT OMR 9
Visit Fauchon Opera Galleria, Qurum +968 2234 6999 fauchon.com
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OMR 10 OR LESS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
LIGHT-UP CANDY CANE OMR 9.900
ARABIC HOLIDAY CARDS
OMR 2.500 each
FESTIVE DINNERWARE
OMR 2.500 per pack
HAVE A PARTY Plates Decorations Gift Crackers Lights Holiday Playlist
When it comes to creative, modern holiday decor, from fancy paper plates to banners and stylish cards, Boutique Muscat has the best selection in town with funky products imported from the United States and Europe. Go check out the shop in Jawharat Al Shatti or at the new location in Al Mouj Muscat (+968 9569 2280, boutiquemuscat.com).
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 35 DECEMBER 18, 2015
GOLDEN LETTERS
OMR 1.900 per letter
MAKE-YOUR-OWN CRACKER SET OMR 9
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OMR 10 OR LESS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
BEADED NECKLACE
From ALDO, Muscat Grand Mall, +968 9399 1027, appareluae.com. OMR 7.500
To: Sally A little bling to brighten your day. From: Ibrahim
GOLD-PLATED TRADITIONAL OMANI RING Special Christmas promotion from Mazayen Jewelry, Nadia Al Shamsi, +968 9946 9007, mazayen.jewelry@gmail.com OMR 10
PASTEL FENJANS
Set of 12 from Boutique Muscat, Jawharat Al Shatti, +968 9569 2280, boutiquemuscat.com OMR 8.500
COPPER-TASTIC PLATE
From Homes R Us, Muscat Grand Mall, +968 2439 6160, homesrusgroup.com OMR 5.175
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OMR 10 OR LESS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SULTRY SMOKE
WINTER WRAP
Any girl would love to receive a trendy new blanket coat, like this one from Forever 21, Muscat City Centre, +968 2455 8108, citycentremuscat.com OMR 9.9
With a box as beautiful as the smell is delicious, this Frankincense-spiked bakhoor makes a great hostess gift. Available at Beary outlets in Al Rowdha Boulevard, Al Mawaleh and Souq Al Taybin, Barka, +968 9761 7450, thebeary.com OMR 10
A MANLY SCENT
Gift a refreshingly woody, floral musk fragrance for men by AFNAN Perfumes, outlets in Al Khoud, Barka, MGM, and Salalah, +968 2453 3529, afnanperfumes.com OMR I0
GOLD LEAF
Present this expensive-looking gold leaf plate from Centrepoint, Al Khuwair, +968 9647 3106, centrepointstores.com OMR 5
VERSATILE BEAUTY
Put a bow on this cute, hammered copper pot, ideal for filling with Christmas goodies and trinkets, or using as a base for bonsai potted plants. Available from Marina Home, Avenues Mall, +968 2206 0999, marinahomeinteriors.com OMR 9
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Gifts are all about the thoughts behind them. What are a few of your loved-ones’ favourite things? Is it all about scents? Decorative touches? Cozy fashion? Foodie ďŹ nds? No matter what you give or receive, the spirit of generosity is what remains in the heart long after the holidays have ended.
To: Ahmed , o h , o h , o H Bro! g i a r C : m Fro
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DECEMBER 15 – 23
DECEMBER 18
Carol Singing, every evening after the 7.15 pm Mass, by students of various catechism classes in the compound of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi. +968 2470 1893; ruwiparish.org
Carol Singing by members of various Catholic communities at the outdoor stage of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi +968 2470 1893; ruwiparish.org
DECEMBER 21 7:30pm Carol Service, hosted by St Paul’s Mar Thoma Church, Ghala, at PSC Bosch Hall. Rt Rev Zacharias Mar Theophilus, Suffragan Metropolitan of Mar Thoma Church, will be the chief guest. +968 9928 4113; ghalamarthomachurch.com
JANUARY 16 7:00pm If you miss caroling before Christmas, you can still catch this Carol Singing Contest, hosted by St Paul’s Mar Thoma church Yuvajana Sakhyam, at Ghala Catholic Hall. +968 9928 4113; ghalamarthomachurch.com
STORY HUBERT VAZ
Christmas 2015 is here with holiday stars flickering in many windows around Muscat, hotel lobbies glittering with towering Christmas trees, and the hypermarkets packed with festive decorations and wrapping paper. The visuals are great for getting in the holiday spirit, but the festivities wouldn’t be complete without hearing some carols and attending a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service. Here’s where to sing and worship this year.
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CHRISTMAS MASS SPECIAL SERVICES IN MUSCAT SAINTS PETER & PAUL CHURCH, RUWI
ST FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH, SALALAH
December 24, Midnight Mass: 9:00pm (with outdoor seating) December 25, Morning & Evening Masses: 6:30am, 8:30am, 5:30pm, 7:30pm +968 2470 1893; ruwiparish.org
December 24, Midnight Mass: 10:00pm December 25, Morning Mass: 9:30am +968 2323 5727; mipcmuscat.org
HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH GHALA
December 24, Midnight Mass: 8:30pm (with outdoor seating) December 25, Morning Masses: 7:30am, 9:00am +968 2459 0373; holyspiritchurchoman.com
ST ANTHONY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, SOHAR
December 24, Midnight Mass: 10:00pm December 25, Morning & Evening Masses: 10:00am, 8:00pm +968 2684 1396; soharchurch.org
THE SYRO MALABAR CHURCH, RUWI
ST PAUL’S MAR THOMA CHURCH, GHALA
December 25, Christmas Afternoon Mass: 3:00pm +968 2470 1893; smcoman@ymail.com
December 25, Christmas Carol Mass: 6:00am +968 9928 4113; ghalamarthomachurch.com
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STOR RY SWATI DASG GUPT TA
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PHOTO OS SHABIN N E.
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 35 DECEMBER 18, 2015
s the season of Yuletide approaches, chefs and bakers around the world are preparing for the festivities with cakes, cookies, tarts, and other sweet treats. From candy-studded gingerbread men and spiced loaves of cake-like bread to the iconic edible houses, gingerbread in its many forms may be the most anticipated of the Christmas confection line-up. Decked with juicy gumdrops and candies, gingerbread houses were not originally associated with Christmas celebrations. According to Rhonda Massingham Hart, who wrote the book on these sweet crafts (Making Gingerbread Houses) the first known recipe for gingerbread came from Greece in 2400 BC and it was only in the late Middle Ages that the European version, which featured hard cookies in the shapes of animals, kings, and queens, was developed. The treats then were adopted as part of the wide range
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of Christmas treats, and now it is hard to imagine the holiday without them. Here in Muscat these spiced abodes can be found in many hotels and restaurants, but the most impressive displays can be found at The Crafty Kitchen, a café and culinary school ensconced in a quaint corner of Noor Plaza, in Madinat Sultan Qaboos. You can visit the shop to feast on all manner of holiday treats, but as we all know, making a gingerbread house is even more fun than eating it, so the shop also offers workshops for adults and for children and families during which you can learn the tricks and techniques for making your best gingerbread house ever. Not all gingerbread houses need to be architectural wonders, so if you’d rather make a simple structure in the comfort of your own home, we found a great, child-friendly recipe for you to try. No matter how you choose to conquer your gingerbread project, when it comes to the holidays, the results aren’t as important as enjoying sweet moments with loved ones. —swati@timesofoman.com
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Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes Preparation Time 1 hour 15 minutes Cooking Time 15 minutes INGREDIENTS FOR GINGERBREAD
• • • • • • • • •
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 cup light molasses or dark corn syrup 1 tbsp cinnamon 1 tbsp ground ginger 1 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp baking soda 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tbsp water
FOR ASSEMBLAGE AND DECORATION
• Melted white chocolate or royal icing (see below) • Gumdrops, licorice, and peppermint, as desired ROYAL ICING
• 1/2 kg (3-3/4 cups) powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy • 1 to 2 large egg whites, or substitute 4 tsp packaged egg whites and 1/4 cup water • 1 tsp almond extract, vanilla, or lemon juice
SEE THE SWEETEST HOUSES IN MUSCAT Visit Crafty Kitchen Al Noor Plaza, Madinat Qaboos +968 2469 6660, thecraftykitchen.com
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MAKE GINGERBREAD HOUSE PAPER PATTERNS Cut two rectangles, 3 by 5 inches, to make the front and back of the house. Two rectangles, 3 by 5 1/2 inches for the roof. Two pieces for the ends of the house, 3 inches wide at the base, 3 inches to the roof line, and slanted to a peak 5 1/2 inches from the bottom. Four smaller rectangles, 1 1/2 by 1 inch for the roof and sides of the entryway. And one piece, 2 inches wide at the base, 1 1/2 inches to the roof line, and slanted to a peak 2 1/2 inches from the bottom for the front of the entryway.
PREPARATION • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and baking soda together until the mixture is smooth. Blend in the flour and water to make a stiff dough. Chill at least 30 minutes or until firm. • Preheat oven to 190 degrees C. • Roll gingerbread dough out to edges on a large, rimless cookie sheet. Place paper patterns onto the rolled out dough. With a sharp, straight edged knife, cut around each of the pieces, but leave pieces in place. • Bake at 190 degrees C for about 15 minutes until dough feels firm. • Place patterns on top of the gingerbread again and trim shapes, cutting edges with a straight-edged sharp knife. Leave to cool on baking sheet. • Place royal icing into pastry bag with a writing tip and press out to decorate individual parts of house, piping on decorations, windows, door, as desired. Let it dry until hardened. • Glue sides, front and back of house together at corners using royal icing. Place an object against the pieces to prop up until icing is dry (it only takes a few minutes). • Glue the two roof pieces to the pitched roofline of the house. Then, similarly, glue the sides and roof of the entryway together with icing. Attach the entryway to the front of the house. • Continue decorating the house, glueing on gumdrops, licorice and peppermint, as desired. FOR ROYAL ICING Mix all the ingredients together using an electric hand mixer, until the icing is smooth and thin enough to be pressed through a pastry bag with a writing tip. Add more lemon juice, if necessary. Recipe courtesy of Beatrice Ojakangas/Food Network
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Fashion Show ‘Fusion of Design by Anita Dongre and Rizwan Beyg’, organised by KeyLight Productions at the lawns of Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Muscat. Photos: Purushothaman Kunnummel
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Cultural evening Coinciding with Diwali and National Day of Oman, the Uttaranchal Wing of the Indian Social Club hosted a cultural evening.
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Shop Inauguration Famous Omani Footballer, Imad Al Hosni inaugurates Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ 142nd outlet globally at Gold Souq Seeb, Oman in the presence of Khamis Al Mandhri, acting chief of West Asian Department, Oman, Shamlal Ahamed M. P., managing director, International Operations, Abdul Salam K. P., Group executive director, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, S. M. Basheer, Saleh Mahmoud Al Zajjali, Ministry of Metrology, Mansoor Al Rawahi, and Najeeb K. Regional Head – Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Oman.