"Toast to Joy: Homemade Wines to Celebrate the Season with Flavour and Tradition"

A Toast to Begin the Party

    What better way to kick off your festive celebrations than with a Homemade Wine paired with a slice of rich Fruit Cake? It's a time-honoured tradition that brings people together—raising glasses of homemade wine and celebrating the season. Whether you're at a family get-together or hosting a lively Christmas party, a toast with homemade wine marks the beginning of something special.

Why Homemade Wines Add Extra Zing

    Let’s face it: no party is complete without wine. But homemade wines? They add an extra zing that truly elevates the celebration. The charm of homemade wines lies in their unique flavours and the personal touch that comes with each batch. If you're serving up your Classic Fruit Cake, there's no better partner than a glass of homemade wine. But don’t worry, if you're not a fan of fruit cake, you can serve your favourite cake instead—after all, it's your celebration!

Try these delicious homemade wines:

• Raisin Wine
• Banana Wine
• Grape Wine
• Apple Wine
• Ginger Wine
• Pineapple Wine
• Dates Wine
• Ginger Ale (Perfect for non-alcoholic sippers!)

Raisin Wine - A Sweet Start

Banana Wine - Unique and Delightful

Grape Wine - Timeless Favourite

Apple Wine - Fruity and Refreshing

Pineapple Wine - Tropical Paradise

Dates Wine - Sweet and Earthy

Ginger Wine - Bold and Spicy

Ginger Ale - Refreshing for All

Pairing Homemade Wines with Festive Cakes

    What better way to enjoy your homemade wine than pairing it with a cake that’s as delicious as your drink? The combination of Classic Fruit Cake with homemade wine is sure to impress your guests and create unforgettable memories.

"A Toast for All: Christmas Cocktails and Drinks for Every Guest"

    Whether you’re planning a festive night for friends or a family get-together, these homemade wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages will bring joy to every guest. From mulled apple juices for the sober sippers to spiced teas for a warming twist, this guide has everything to make the holiday season unforgettable!

    Not everyone at the party may enjoy alcoholic drinks. So, why not plan for some sober options? There’s no harm in having a variety of drinks to suit all your guests. In addition to your wines, why not add some vibrant Mocktails or fun Cocktails to spice up the party?

Mulled Apple Juice

Spiced Apple Tea - Unique and Delightful

Piña Colada - A Tropical Delight

Dragon Cocktail With Ginger Wine - Fiery and Refreshing

A Mix for Everyone: Sober Drinks & Cocktails for Non-Drinkers

    Alongside the wines, these non-alcoholic drinks will keep everyone in the mood. Add your favourite mocktail mix or a dash of alcohol for a party twist!

• Mulled Apple Juice - A festive, warm treat for all ages.
• Spiced Apple Tea - A cozy blend, perfect for non-drinkers craving flavour.
• Piña Colada - Classic tropical flavour for a hint of summer.
• Dragon Cocktail - Exotic and refreshing with vibrant Oranges & Ginger Wine.

For more Cocktails/Mocktails, Click here…

So, What’s Next for Your Celebration?

    You’ve got your homemade wine, classic fruit cake, and festive mocktails. Now, let’s make it a celebration that everyone will remember!

First Option: The Quintessential Kerala Breakfast – Perfect for Festive Lunch Too!

    In Kerala, a hearty breakfast often includes Appam and Stew—a combination beloved across generations. For festive occasions in our family, we often bring this cherished pairing into the lunch menu, serving Appam with Stew and a side of Cutlet to start off with a comforting, flavour-packed course.

    For your Christmas or New Year celebration, try this versatile dish as a Breakfast Menu or Second Course in a Kerala-style lunch. Here are some ideas to elevate this course with options that include Instant Rava Appam paired with a comforting Kerala Stew. Or, for a spicier twist, serve Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk in a traditional style. This course also goes beautifully with a few slices of Bread if you prefer a lighter side.

Add a Sweet Note - Sweetened Coconut Milk or Nendhra Pazham in Paani as accompaniments for a sweet finish

    To bring in a touch of tradition with a sweet twist, serve Sweetened Coconut Milk or Nendhra Pazham in Paani (bananas in a sweet syrup) alongside the curries. These accompaniments add an extra layer of flavour and texture to your meal, giving guests a taste of authentic Kerala.

Fluffy Instant Rava Appam - A Quick & Tasty Addition

Vellayappam - Soft & Spongy, Perfect for Curries

Vegetable Stew - Creamy, Comforting, and Full of Flavour

Sweetened Coconut Milk - A Traditional Kerala Delight

Kerala Christmas/New Year Menu – Second Course Options:

• Instant Rava Appam
• Vellayappam
• Vegetable Stew
• Sweetened Coconut Milk

    Each dish adds something unique to the meal, from the light and fluffy appams to the creamy richness of stew and the sweetness of coconut milk. Make sure to prepare enough for seconds because this course is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Second Option: Malabar Parotta with Delicious Kerala Curries

Give the Traditional Meal a Twist

    If you're looking to add a bit of flair to the traditional Kerala spread, nothing beats a Malayalee favourite: Malabar Parotta served with rich, flavourful curries. This versatile flatbread is an absolute delight, pairing beautifully with spicy curries for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Quick Parotta Recipe - Flaky & Delicious

Easy Parotta Recipe - Perfect for Beginners

For meat lovers, pair the flaky parottas with classic Kerala beef dishes like Beef Vindaloo or Beef Ularthiyathu. Not a fan of beef? Take a culinary detour to Tamil Nadu and serve Parotta with Chicken Salna or Prawns Gravy – it's a combo that’s sure to please the crowd!

Beef Vindaloo - Spicy & Tangy Delight

Beef Ularthiyathu - Kerala Style Beef Fry

Prawns Gravy - Rich & Creamy

Chicken Salna - Tamil Nadu Style Curry

 Discover more ways to serve Parotta! Click here for additional Curry Recipes.

Kerala Christmas/New Year Menu – Parotta & Non-Vegetarian Curries

• Malabar Parotta: A flaky, multi-layered flatbread that's a treat with any curry.
• Beef Vindaloo: Spicy and tangy, this dish is perfect for a festive menu.
• Beef Ularthiyathu: A Kerala-style beef fry, full of intense flavours.
• Prawns Gravy: Rich, aromatic curry with prawns for a coastal touch.
• Chicken Salna:A flavourful gravy that pairs wonderfully with parottas.

Vegetarian Sides for Appam & Parotta

    Not everyone in the family loves meat, so it’s a good idea to include vegetarian side dishes that complement both Appam and Parotta. For a crowd-pleasing vegetarian option, serve Vegetable Kuruma or Paneer Bhurji alongside these breads. These dishes are packed with flavour and make great alternatives for vegetarian guests.

Vegetable Kuruma - Spiced Vegetable Curry

Paneer Bhurji - Flavourful Indian Cottage Cheese Dish

• Vegetable Kuruma: A mild, coconut-based curry with a combination of vegetables, that complements Malabar Parotta beautifully.
• Paneer Bhurji: A spicy, scrambled paneer dish that’s perfect with parottas or Indian Breads like Naan, Kulcha, Chapatis etc.,

Explore more vegetarian sides for Appam & Parotta! Click here for additional recipes.

Fourth Course

Plain Rice with Fish Curry & Seafood Delights

    For a Keralite, it would be unthinkable to serve a celebratory meal without featuring fish or seafood. We’re coastal people with a deep love for the ocean’s bounty, and a Kerala-style Christmas party simply isn't complete without rice served alongside spicy fish curry, crispy fish fries, or a prawns masala that packs a punch.

Rice Options for the Festive Meal

Rice Options for the Festive Meal

Choose from a variety of rice options to accompany your fish and seafood dishes:

Kerala Rose Matta Rice – the classic, nutty-tasting staple of Kerala

Steamed Basmati Rice – light and aromatic, a perfect balance for spicy curries

Parboiled or Raw Rice – traditional choices that pair well with rich seafood dishes

Choose from a variety of rice options to accompany your fish and seafood dishes:

• Kerala Rose Matta Rice – the classic, nutty-tasting staple of Kerala
• Steamed Basmati Rice – light and aromatic, a perfect balance for spicy curries
• Parboiled or Raw Rice – traditional choices that pair well with rich seafood dishes

For a detailed step-by step guide on How to Cook Different Varieties of Rice, click here 

Classic Kerala Seafood Side Dishes for Rice

Classic Kerala Seafood Side Dishes for Rice

Bring authentic Kerala flavours to the table with these beloved seafood sides, perfect with steamed rice.

Kerala-style fish curry.

Chemmeen Manga Curry - spicy & Tangy prawn and mango curry.

Karimeen Fry - Fish Fry.

Nadan Prawn Roast.

• Fish Curry - The star of the meal, Kerala-style fish curry is tangy, spicy, and utterly addictive. Whether prepared with coconut or raw mangoes, it brings out the best of our coastal cuisine.
• Chemmeen Manga Curry - A prawn and mango curry, delightfully tangy and spicy, adding a fresh zing to the meal.
• Fish Fry - Golden-fried fish with a crispy coating, a side that no Kerala feast is complete without.
• Prawn Roast - Fiery prawns, roasted to perfection with spices and onions, a crowd-favourite.

For more mouthwatering Seafood Recipes, click here and dive into Kerala’s coastal cuisine.

Popular Vegetable Dishes to Complement the Meal

Popular Vegetable Dishes to Complement the Meal

Add a balance of freshness and zest to the meal with these popular vegetable sides.

Cabbage Thoran - Shredded cabbage with coconut.

Moru Curry - A spiced yogurt curry.

Instant Lime Pickle - A zesty, tangy pickle.

A Kerala Christian feast wouldn’t be complete without a touch of green. Vegetables are given their due with dishes like thorans (stir-fried vegetables) and mezhukkupuratti (vegetables stir-fried with coconut oil). Here are some must-haves:

• Cabbage Thoran - Shredded cabbage with coconut and mild spices, adding a fresh, crunchy element to the meal.
• Moru Curry - A spiced yogurt curry that’s both soothing and aids digestion.
• Instant Lime Pickle - A zesty, tangy pickle that adds a burst of flavour to every bite.

Vegetable lover? Click here to explore more Kerala-style vegetable dishes to complement your feast.

Finishing Touches: Rasam, or Curd

Finishing Touches: Rasam, Curd, Sambharam

End your festive meal with soothing and digestive accompaniments – Rasam, Curd, and Sambharam – perfect for a well-rounded experience.

Rasam - A tangy, spicy soup that aids in digestion.

Curd - Plain yogurt, a soothing end to the meal.

Sambharam - Refreshing spiced buttermilk.

    Finish off the rice course with Rasam, or a serving of Curd. These dishes not only round out the meal but also help in digestion, a fitting end to the hearty fourth course.  Choose for the tangy, spiced Rasam or simple and refreshing Pacha Moru/Sambharam to complete your meal. Or if you love thick Curd, serve a fresh homemade curd to balance your meal.

For more Rasam Varieties, click here...

Pappadam & Pickles: The Ultimate Meal Companions

Pappadam & Pickles: The Ultimate Meal Companions

No Kerala meal is complete without crunchy Pappadam and a variety of tangy pickles. These sides bring texture and a burst of flavour to every bite.

Pappadam - Crunchy and perfect to scoop up every bite of the meal.

Pickles - Tangy, spicy, and a perfect balance to rich flavours.

• Pappadam: What’s a Kerala meal without the crunchy goodness of Pappadam? A Kerala feast isn’t complete without a limitless supply of crisp Pappadam, marking the end of a satisfying course.
  
• Pickles: Add a smidgen of pickle on the side, and you have the ideal finish to a traditional Kerala spread.

Want to learn how to make your own Pickles at home? Click here for the recipe.

Fifth Course

Desserts – A Sweet Finale

    No Kerala-style feast is complete without a delightful dessert to end on a sweet note. Traditionally, Payasam takes centre stage in most homes, but for a twist on the classics, why not try a variety of desserts that can be prepared in advance and ready to serve? These options bring a delicious finish to your festive table and can be stored ahead of time, making your hosting smooth and stress-free.

Kerala Christmas & New Year Dessert Options

Apple Pie - A spiced, warm dessert perfect for Christmas

Pear Crumble - Crispy topping over tender pears, a festive delight

Kulfi Falooda - Creamy layers of kulfi and vermicelli, a colourful dessert

Lychee Pudding with Nuts - Rich, silky pudding with a tropical touch

Apple Pie

• A warm and comforting Apple Pie brings a taste of Western tradition to your Kerala spread. The spiced apple filling and buttery crust are perfect companions for the rich, savoury courses that came before.

Pear Crumble

• Pear Crumble is an easy-to-prepare dessert with a crisp, golden topping over tender pears. This delightful crumble adds texture and sweetness to round off your meal perfectly.

Kulfi Falooda

• For a touch of Indian flair, serve Kulfi Falooda – a layered dessert of creamy kulfi, vermicelli, and basil seeds. This indulgent treat is a colourful, cool, and refreshing choice that guests will remember long after the feast.

Lychee Pudding

• Lychee Pudding is a rich, silky dessert that’s a favourite among both kids and adults. The tropical flavour of Lychees add an extra dimension, making it a luxurious finish to the festive meal.

   

  Dessert Recipes for Every Festive Occasion!  Looking for more dessert inspirations? Explore Dessert Recipes to find the perfect sweet endings for any celebration!

   

*Pro Tips for Preparing Festive Desserts:

• Make Ahead: All of these desserts can be prepped ahead, saving you time on the big day.
• Store Carefully: Keep the desserts in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain freshness.
• Serve with Style: Garnish with fresh fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate for added appeal.

Celebrate the Festivities with the Perfect Spread

    After indulging in a typical, hearty lunch, it’s only natural to sink into a post-meal coma. But before you drift off, someone will surely offer a round of coffee or tea—accompanied by an irresistible lineup of nadan palaharams (traditional snacks) to elevate your tea time to a whole new level. After all, it's a celebration, and we’ve got the snacks to prove it!

Festive Snacks to Delight Your Taste Buds:

• Achappams (Rose Cookies)
• Diamond Cuts
• Avalose Unda (Rice flour, jaggery & coconut balls)
• Kul Kuls / Square Biscuits
• Unniyappams / Neyyappams
• Kozhalappam
• Murrukku
• Vattayappam
• Aval Vilayichathu (Sweetened beaten rice flakes)

    This delightful list will have you drifting into another food coma, but don’t worry—just when you think you’re done, it’s time for round two! Dinner is calling with even more irresistible dishes to keep the celebrations going.

What's a Celebration Without Great Food?

    Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand feast, these Christmas & New Year’s Eve Recipes are sure to impress. From homemade wines to traditional fruit cakes, appetizers, and desserts, this curated menu has everything you need to treat your guests to a memorable feast.

Here’s what’s in store for your party:

• Festive Appetizers: Perfect starters to set the tone
• Traditional Christmas & New Year’s Eve Recipes: A blend of rich, authentic flavours
• Show-stopping Desserts: End the night on a sweet note!

Let this menu bring joy and celebration to your table!

Elevate Your Festivities with These Tried-and-True Recipes

    Are you ready to create a festive feast that will have everyone raving? Look no further than my exclusive collection of Christmas & New Year recipes—handpicked and tested for that perfect holiday touch. These recipes are more than just food; they’re about creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Get your party started with the most-loved recipes of the season:

• Homemade fruit cakes bursting with festive flavours.
• Warming cups of spiced wine to toast the season.
• Delectable desserts that promise to be the highlight of your meal.

    So, why wait? Start planning your menu now and make this holiday season the most memorable one yet. Browse through the recipes, get inspired, and let the food do the talking!

Wishing You All a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! 🎄🎉

May your celebrations be filled with love, laughter, and, of course, fantastic food.

Want more festive recipes?

    Click here to explore the full Christmas/New Year Recipe Collection and make your celebration even more spectacular. Don't forget to share your creations with us—we'd love to hear your thoughts and see your culinary masterpieces!

Cheers to a Merry Merry Christmas & a Delicious New Year!!!