Christmas | Razan Masri

January 1st 2015,

Webdeh, Fuheis, Amman, Jordan

Stereotypes are pathetic… Yes the Middle-East is a mess, but the people are as human as everyone else around the world. We are people from different backgrounds, mentalities, beliefs, and profession. The Grinch never steals christmas from the hearts of those who wish to celebrate it, and the Grinch did not steal Christmas or New Year from the Middle-East. At least I am sure about Jordan & Palestine.

Jordan has flourished in celebrating this year, it has been very festive in several locations, and areas, Santa was all over the city, and Christmas Trees were decorated in public main attractions and in-front of houses and neighborhoods. Christmas is not only celebrated by Christians, many Jordanians and Palestinians who practice Islam or other religions also like to celebrate Christmas, write resolutions and wish everyone a happy New Year.

It is a mess almost everywhere around the world, let us work together to create love, we do not need the Politicians or the Media to tell us what to think of one another ,or how to predict the lives of other nations, or judge the differences, we are all human, we share the basics of soul, energy and heart. Religion was never the reason for war, or hate, politics only use it to cover themselves with and effect on the mass, all religions preach for peace love and unity. And I am not saying that from only knowledge, but also as a Muslim who has excessive passion to meeting people from all around the world who practice different lifestyles and beliefs.

Today is the first day of a new year, let 2015 be peaceful upon us, by being part of every celebration and away from any discrimination, let us hold hands and accept one another as souls of the earth, no matter how each one of us might like to interpret the meaning of our existence or the meaning of life, it doesn’t matter, what matters is bringing up the new generation in the name of Love. Have a wonderful and blessed New Year, where ever you are around the world, no matter what you believe in and what you do not believe in, we always deserve second chances, so let us make it a happy 2015.

Love my Canon 70D

Christmas Tree and holiday in Amman Jordan beautiful in webdeh paris circle

Christmas Tree and holiday in Amman Jordan

Christmas Tree and holiday in Amman Jordan beautiful in Fuheis near by amman in jordan

Christmas Tree and holiday in Amman Jordan beautiful in Fuheis near by amman in jordan christian church

Orange Cake Experimenting

For the Full Recipe click on: Navel Orange Upside Down Cake

I have learnt that with experience, learning, exploring, writing, baking and being all artistic in my own way is my way to get closer to discover myself, and since I will be meeting a lot of people for my next project, and since I wish to spread as much love as possible and since I have a beautiful blog and since I am trying to find myself…. Today I decided to start with exterminating baking with Oranges… and yes I want to explore and experiment until I find the best next orange cake recipe ever… I picked my first Orange recipe for this experimentation from the www.hummingbirdhigh.com by Michelle who is also behind my inspiration to start my own food section as a Middle-Eastern.

Before the hummingbirdhigh.com blog, I discovered the love for baking when I was trying to make moist chewy cookies that resembled to my childhood memory of some delicious cookies I once had. And after mastering my cookie baking “and I do bake amazing cookies” I just wanted to continue baking “the discovery of my passion for baking”.

So I went to nearest supermarket and started listing what I have to buy: Butter 1JD a stick, Brown Sugar 2.60JD, Lemon 1.30JD/Kilo, Navel Oranges 1.35JD/Kilo, All purpose flour 1JD a bag, Baking powder 0.75Fils, Salt container 0.40Fils, Vanilla tube 0.45Fils, 4Eggs 0.65Fils, Sour Cream 2.40JD. This recipe will cost (considering the amount needed): 10JD and if you do have the primary ingredients at home (Flour, Salt, Eggs, Baking Powder, Sugar): it will cost around 6JD. So I got what was missing from my house and went back home to start baking not my first cake with Oranges but my very first cake for this experimenting project: Navel Oranges upside down Cake.

I put my things on the table, played a song that has been on my mind all day by Shiny Toy Guns “If I lost you”

The original recipe: Blood Orange Upside Down Cake only I couldn’t find Blood Oranges and I am allergic to corn so I changed the recipe into all-purpose flour and navel oranges and renamed it to be the Navel Oranges upside down Cake.

I also divided the cake into 3 cake pans to share it with family, friends and my most beautiful grandfather. It turned out to be delicious, and so much fun to bake. So yes, I do recommend you try it at home, and you can share your notes if you have any with me, and if you have any questions I can always get back to you.