Hi Weekly - December 18, 2015

BOOK YOUR TABLECelebrate Christmas with a traditional roast, an Italian supper, or modern Chinese at one of Muscat’s spectacular, holiday-ready hotels PAGE 8

THISWEEK IN

OMAN

GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS WITH THE BEST STOCKING STUFFERS IN OMAN. PAGE 12

S P E C I A L C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

GO CAROLING Listen to the choirs around Muscat belt out traditional Christmas tunes.PAGE 20

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VOL 9 ISSUE 35 /DECEMBER 18, 2015

BUILD A HOUSE Making a gingerbread house is a sure way to get in the holiday spirit, and a delicious way to spend an afternoon. PAGE 24

H I W E E K L Y V O L U M E 9 I S S U E 3 5D E C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 504

FounderEssa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali

ChairmanMohamed Issa Al Zadjali

CEOAhmed Essa Al Zedjali

Chief Executive EditorScott Armstrong

Executive Features EditorFelicia Campbell

Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta

EditorHubert Vaz

Senior EditorsT. A. Ameerudheen

Faisal Mohammed Naim

Chief Sub-EditorsMohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash

Online EditorMahran Shaukat Ali

Multimedia Editorial AssistantShruthi Nair, Asmaa Al Balushi

Chief Creative OfficerAdonis Durado

Associate Art DirectorWaleed Rabin

Graphic EditorAntonio Farach

Design EditorSahir K.M.

Lead DesignerAli Jani

DesignersAntonio Ismael Sandiego

Geri Batara SonnyGregory Fernandez

Director of Digital TelevisionJoe Morrison

PhotographyMMG Photographers

Chief Sales OfficerRichard Pakenham

Head Of Advertising & MarketingAziz K. Baker

Production ManagerShafi Shaik

On The CoverDesign by Ali Jani

For general inquiries or comments:[email protected]

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H I W E E K L Y V O L U M E 9 I S S U E 3 5D E C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5 05

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Tell us what you’re doing this weekend:

Tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman; tag us in your weekend

instagram photos @hiweekly_oman;

or share with us on FB/hiweekly

17 18 19THURSDAY

Take an Art WorkshopThe 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,

clarity, concentration, and confidence.

Art of Living Oman

+968 9280 1152

artofliving.org

7:00pm Go See a Soprano World-renowned American

soprano, Sondra Radvanovsky, will be accompanied by the

PKF - Prague Philharmonia, and conducted by Emmanuel Villaume for her performance

at the ROHM this weekend. Royal Opera House

+968 2440 3300

rohmuscat.org.om

FRIDAY SATURDAY

THE WEEKEND LINEUP

Catch the hottest events that are happening this week in our calendar.

10:00am Celebrate the Season Filipino-styleThe 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.Le Grande Hall

Al Falaj Hotel

+968 9781 5919

muscatpe.org

7:00 pm Groove with Tanja Roxx

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.

On The Rocks

+968 9798 3333

tanjaroxx.com

9:00pm Learn Some New Moves

Zouk Elements and Oman Salsa Zouk Group have

organised a Zouk & Kizomba Social Dancing Night at Hotel Intercontinental Muscat where

you can learn some new skills in a free beginner Zouk class

from 9:00pm to 10:00pm.Señor Pico

Intercontinental Muscat

+968 9576 6194

zoukelements.com

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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

Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (December 17, 18, 19)

K H A L E E J I H A P P E N I N G S

FIVETO TRY

ART [email protected]

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04 Thursday, December 17Bikes 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

01

Friday, December 18BBC 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 CentreDubai World Trade Centre

+971 55105 3766; bbcgoodfoodshowdubai.com

02

Friday, December 18Qatar 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 19Christmas 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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Saturday, December 197:30pm Tree Lighting Ceremony (Qatar)

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

05

CRAFTINGGet 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

EXPRESSIONIST ARTExpressionism 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

ACRYLIC PAINTINGFast 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

OIL PAINTINGOil 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

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


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C H R I S T M A S S T A Y C A T I O N

EAT, DRINK, & BE MERRY

HOTEL HOLIDAY CHEER

GO FOR CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER DECEMBER 24

HAVE A CASUAL SUPPEREnjoy a special Christmas spread at Musandam Café and Terrace Restaurant. Timing: 7pmCost: OMR 26++ adults; OMR 13++ children under 12 years; children under 6 years are com-plimentary

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 compli-mentary glass of your favourite Yuledite drink.Timing: 7.30pmCost: OMR5, includes one drink

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY DECEMBER 25 Spend the afternoon at the Musandam Café and Terrace Restaurant and savour a sumptu-ous 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-4pmCost: OMR30++ adults; OMR15++ for children under 12 years; children under 6 years free

InterContinental MuscatENJOY A CLASSIC FOUR- COURSE MEALEnjoy exquisite four-course din-ner at Trader Vic’s, where chefs prepare the finest dishes from choice of glazed oysters rockefel-ler or caramelised beef-noodle salad to the traditional Trader Vic’s roasted turkey. Timing: 7pmCost: OMR28++

TRY A LIGHTER OPTION For outdoor lovers, Tomato invites you to have with the fes-tive three-course Mediterranean dinner in the midst of the pictur-esque ambience of the poolside.Timing: 7pmCost: OMR19++

Al Sawadi Beach Resort & SpaESCAPE FOR CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 25-26

STAYEnjoy a festive overnight escape includ-ing a room for two adults (plus up to two children at no additional cost), the Christ-mas BBQ buffet, holiday music, entrance to aqua fun, and brunch on Saturday.Cost: OMR120

DINEIf you don’t have time to stay, enjoy a re-laxing drive to the resort for a Christmas buffet dinner pool side replete with fes-tive music.Timing: 7-10.30pmCost: OMR19

BOOK InterContinental Muscat, Qurum +968 2468 0000 [email protected]

BOOKSawadi Beach Resort, Musannah +968 9350 [email protected]


Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel

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, inter-national, 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 4pmCost: 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.

MAKE GINGERBREAD HOUSES DECEMBER 20-24 Gingerbread House Decorating classes will be held in the Al Maha Lounge.Timing: 4pm to 5pmCost: OMR 7 for non-residing visitors, complimentary for in-house guests

HAVE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER DECEMBER 24

AN EXOTIC FEASTInstead 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 SEAFOOD Festive favourites will be on offer as part of a five-course, seafood-driven tasting menu at Beach Pa-vilion which will be accompanied by a live vocal performance at this startlit beachfront restaurant.Timing: 7pm to 11pm Cost: OMR 45+ taxes

CHRISTMAS BUFFETA sumptuous Christmas Eve Buf-fet boasting over 15 live cooking stations will be served at Al Khi-ran 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

BOOKAl Bustan Palace +968 2476 [email protected]

GRAND HYATT MUSCAT

GO OUT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER DECEMBER 24

SULTANAH Indulge in a festive six course menu in an elegant setting with live entertainment and jazz band.Cost: OMR 50

SHAHRAZAD Celebrate Christmas Eve the Moroccan way with a delicious six-course menu served alongside live Moroccan entertainment.Cost: OMR 50

CAPRI COURTEnjoy traditional Italian dishes and discover a taste of Italy with our festive five-course menu. Cost: OMR 35

BAIT AL BAHRSample seasonal seafood with a sumptuous five-course menu overlooking the tranquil waters of the Sea of Oman. Cost: OMR 35

AL TANOOR/ SAMBAEnjoy a special Christmas buffet.Cost: OMR 25/ OMR 22

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY DECEMBER 25

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

AL TANOORSee the spectacular winter wonder-land dessert buffet while enjoying a traditional Christmas Day buffet lunch or dinner at Al Tanoor restau-rant.Cost: OMR 25

BAIT AL BAHREnjoy 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 four-course menu created by specialty chefs.Cost: OMR 25

SULTANAHDine in Sultanah restaurant and sample an exquisite barbecue buffet with unlimited drinks and selected beverages while listening to live entertainment.Cost: OMR 59

SHAHRAZADSavour the flavours of Morocco in a five-course feast and enjoy entertain-ment 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

BOOKShangri-La Resort +968 2477 [email protected]

HAVE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER DECEMBER 24

ITALIAN HOLIDAYTuscany restaurant will transform into the ideal place for an intimate evening, offering an exclusive a la carte menu perfectly created by Ital-ian Chef Mauro Ferrari.Timing:7pm - 11pmCost: 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 - 11pmCost: 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-11pmCost: OMR 29 for adults, OMR16 for children

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY DECEMBER 25Mokha 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 4pmCost: adults OMR 39, kids OMR 19

BOOKGrand Hyatt Muscat +968 2464 1114 [email protected]

Shangri- La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

12 H I W E E K L Y V O L U M E 9 I S S U E 3 5D E C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

BEAUTIFUL BISCUITS

OMR 9

PERFECT SQUARES

OMR 10

SWEET SURPRISE

ORNAMENTOMR 9

SWEET SURPRISE

ORNAMENTOMR 5

MINI SHOPPER

OMR 1.6

TWO-BITE PARCELS

OMR 1.6

Visit Fauchon

Opera Galleria, Qurum +968 2234 6999

fauchon.com

To: Thuraya

A little something

almost as sweet and

glamorous as you!

From: BFF

Play SantaTis 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.

STORY HI EDITORS PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

OMR 10 OR LESS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE


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).

LIGHT-UP CANDY CANE

OMR 9.900

FESTIVE DINNERWAREOMR 2.500 per pack

ARABIC HOLIDAY CARDS

OMR 2.500 each

HAVE A PARTY Plates

Decorations

Gift Crackers

Lights

Holiday Playlist


15H I W E E K L Y V O L U M E 9 I S S U E 3 5D E C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

MAKE-YOUR-OWN CRACKER SET

OMR 9

GOLDEN LETTERS

OMR 1.900 per letter


GOLD-PLATED TRADITIONAL OMANI RING

Special Christmas promotion from Mazayen Jewelry, Nadia Al Shamsi, +968 9946 9007,

[email protected]

OMR 10

PASTEL FENJANSSet 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

BEADED NECKLACEFrom ALDO, Muscat Grand Mall, +968 9399 1027, appareluae.com.

OMR 7.500

To: Sally A little bling to

brighten your day.

From: Ibrahim


18 H I W E E K L Y V O L U M E 9 I S S U E 3 5D E C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5 OMR 10 OR LESS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

GOLD LEAF Present this expensive-looking

gold leaf plate from Centrepoint, Al Khuwair, +968 9647 3106,

centrepointstores.com OMR 5

WINTER WRAPAny 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

SULTRY SMOKE 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

VERSATILE BEAUTYPut a bow on this cute, hammered copper pot, ideal for filling with Christmas goodies and trin-kets, or using as a base for bonsai potted plants.

Available from Marina Home, Avenues Mall, +968 2206 0999, marinahomeinteriors.com

OMR 9

A MANLY SCENTGift 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


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 finds?

No matter what you give

or receive, the spirit of

generosity is what remains

in the heart long after the

holidays have ended.

To: AhmedHo, ho, ho,

Bro!

From: Craig


Christmas 2015 is here with holiday stars fl ickering 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.

JANUARY 167:00pm 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

DECEMBER 15 – 23Carol 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

DECEMBER 18Carol Singing by members of

various Catholic communities at the outdoor stage of Saints Peter

and Paul Church, Ruwi+968 2470 1893; ruwiparish.org

DECEMBER 217:30pm Carol Service, hosted by St

Paul’s Mar Thoma Church, Ghala, at PSC Bosch Hall. Rt Rev Zacharias Mar Theophilus, Suffragan Metro-politan of Mar Thoma Church, will be the chief guest. +968 9928 4113;

ghalamarthomachurch.com

STORY HUBERT VAZ


CHRISTMAS MASS

SPECIAL SERVICES IN MUSCAT

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: 10:00pmDecember 25, Morning & Evening Masses:

10:00am, 8:00pm+968 2684 1396; soharchurch.org

ST FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH, SALALAHDecember 24, Midnight Mass: 10:00pm

December 25, Morning Mass: 9:30am+968 2323 5727; mipcmuscat.org

SAINTS PETER & PAUL CHURCH, RUWIDecember 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

THE SYRO MALABAR CHURCH, RUWIDecember 25, Christmas Afternoon

Mass: 3:00pm+968 2470 1893; [email protected]

ST PAUL’S MAR THOMA CHURCH, GHALADecember 25, Christmas Carol Mass: 6:00am

+968 9928 4113; ghalamarthomachurch.com


STORRY SWATI DASGGUPTTAA • PHOTOOS SHABINNN E.


s the season of Yuletide ap-proaches, chefs and bakers around the world are prepar-ing 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 Christ-mas confection line-up.

Decked with juicy gumdrops and candies, gingerbread houses were not originally associ-ated 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

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 man-ner 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 architec-tural 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 ginger-bread project, when it comes to the holidays, the results aren’t as important as enjoying sweet mo-ments with loved ones. —[email protected] then were adopted as part of the wide range ments with loved ones. —[email protected]


SEE THE SWEETEST HOUSES IN MUSCATVisit Crafty KitchenAl Noor Plaza, Madinat Qaboos+968 2469 6660, thecraftykitchen.com

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutesPreparation Time 1 hour 15 minutesCooking 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


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 ICINGMix 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

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.


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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




Cultural evening Coinciding with Diwali and National Day of Oman, the Uttaranchal Wing of the Indian Social Club hosted a cultural evening.




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.

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Hi Weekly - December 18, 2015