A2A Safaris - African Christmashttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/african-christmasenComing Together for Christmashttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/coming-together-christmas<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>If there is one thread that runs through Christmas celebrations across countries and cultures, it is the sense of sharing and connection that comes with spending this special time of year with your loved ones. The love of family is universal and is often expressed through food – what is more symbolic of Christmas than...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/african-christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">African Christmas</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/christmas-food" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christmas food</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/family-safaris" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">family safaris</a></div></div>Tue, 12 Dec 2017 07:00:24 +0000Anonymous1959 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/coming-together-christmas#commentsDesigning a Festive Feasthttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/designing-a-festive-feast<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>The African notion of ubuntu – literally meaning “humanity” but philosophically expressing the idea that we exist for connection and community – beautifully sums up the spirit of an African Christmas. At Singita, the holidays mean long, hot summer days spent in the company of those we love, sharing a festive feast under the stars...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/african-christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">African Christmas</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/christmas-food" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christmas food</a></div></div>Tue, 05 Dec 2017 07:00:05 +0000Anonymous1954 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/designing-a-festive-feast#commentsChristmas Celebrations: Cocktail Hour at Singita Saborahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/christmas-celebrations-cocktail-hour-singita-sabora<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Late afternoon at Singita’s lodges and camps is such a special time of day, especially at this time of year. In the Serengeti, where we are currently enjoying the lush grasses of the summer Green Season, thunder rumbles in the distance as the clouds gather for one of the brief rain showers that sustain the...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/african-christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">African Christmas</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/christmas-food" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christmas food</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recipe" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recipe</a></div></div>Thu, 22 Dec 2016 07:00:15 +0000Anonymous1855 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/christmas-celebrations-cocktail-hour-singita-sabora#commentsSweetness & Light: The Ultimate Afternoon Teahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/sweetness-light-the-ultimate-afternoon-tea<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>For anyone with a remotely sweet tooth, Singita can be a bit of a dangerous place to visit! Apart from producing homemade game drive snacks, delicious breakfast spreads, creative lunch menus, dinner every day, and a variety of special dishes for guests with alternative dietary requirements, our chefs are also rather talented when it comes...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/african-christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">African Christmas</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/christmas-baking" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christmas Baking</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recipe" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recipe</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-grumeti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Grumeti</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-sasakwa-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Sasakwa Lodge</a></div></div>Tue, 13 Dec 2016 07:00:53 +0000Anonymous1847 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/sweetness-light-the-ultimate-afternoon-tea#commentsChristmas on the Wild Sidehttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/christmas-the-wild-side<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>For many, the idea of the Serengeti landscape conjures visions of endless golden grasslands and the stark outline of dry, thorny scrub. This is indeed one face of this vast ecosystem, but it can also be a shimmering, emerald sea of dense vegetation and flowering plants; the summer “green season”. Christmas falls towards the beginning...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/environment" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Environment</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/african-christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">African Christmas</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lamai" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lamai</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/luxury-safari-tanzania" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">luxury safari in Tanzania</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-grumeti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Grumeti</a></div></div>Tue, 06 Dec 2016 07:00:07 +0000Anonymous1845 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/christmas-the-wild-side#commentsFestive Recipe: Fairy Light Cupcakeshttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/festive-recipe-fairy-light-cupcakes<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>The smell of gingerbread and cinnamon wafting from the kitchen is usually the first hint that the Singita team is gearing up for Christmas. Behind the scenes, recipes are being tested, decorations are being dusted off and carols are being hummed in preparation for the 25th of December. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/african-christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">African Christmas</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/christmas-baking" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christmas Baking</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/christmas-food" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christmas food</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recipe" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recipe</a></div></div>Fri, 02 Dec 2016 10:00:40 +0000Anonymous1844 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/festive-recipe-fairy-light-cupcakes#commentsA Festive Family Gathering at Singitahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-festive-family-gathering-singita<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/family_8.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10573" alt="family_8" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/family_8.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>At a time where solitude is hard to come by and quality time with loved ones comes at a premium, the exclusivity of Singita’s lodges, camps and private-use properties is the ultimate luxury in a fast-paced world. Each location allows us to share a unique part of the world with our guests, while maintaining respect for the natural environment and making a tangible difference in the local communities.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/family_2_4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10535" alt="Family time at Singita Castleton" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/family_2_4.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Families visiting Singita during the festive period are especially fortunate to be able to celebrate the season by spending time together in an unforgettable setting. Each of the five regions in which Singita operates offers something different; from the lush riverine landscape of the <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-sabi-sand/" target="_blank">Sabi Sand</a> and pristine wilderness of the <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">Kruger National Park</a> to the breathtaking grandeur of the <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-grumeti/" target="_blank">Serengeti</a> and tranquility of <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-malilangwe/" target="_blank">southeastern Zimbabwe</a>. There can be no better location for a family gathering at this wonderful time of the year.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/family_2_8.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10539" alt="Family time at Singita Castleton" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/family_2_8.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Each lodge caters for a variety of group activities, including guided safari walks, mountain biking, archery, star gazing, tennis, cooking classes and wine tasting*. Long, lazy afternoons spent by the pool are also a wonderful way to relax in the company of loved ones. Those craving peace and quiet can opt for a spa treatment, a browse around the extensive Boutique & Galleries or work up a sweat in the gym.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/family_3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10498" alt="Family Christmas at Singita Castleton" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/family_3.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Twice-daily game drives provide the perfect opportunity to see incredible wildlife, while spot-lit evening drives reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa. Game drives are all conducted in state-of-the-art Land Rovers, each accommodating a maximum of six guests. During your stay, you are likely to spot a great variety of local flora and fauna, including all of The Big 5; lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/family_2_6.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10537" alt="Family time at Singita Castleton" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/family_2_6.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Each game drive features a “bush stop” where guests can stretch their legs, enjoy a snack and share a drink or a cup of freshly-brewed coffee. Meals back at the lodge can be shared in the “boma”, in the main dining area or even in your room for the ultimate private dining experience. The kitchen teams prepare mouthwatering dishes using fresh ingredients from the vegetable garden, while others are locally-sourced or homemade by the talented chefs. A visit to Singita and all that it offers is full of unforgettable moments, not least of which are the hours spent together around the table, making guests feel truly at home.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/family_2_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10532" alt="Family time at Singita Castleton" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/family_2_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><em><a href="http://singita.com/contact-singita/" target="_blank">Chat to our Reservations team</a> to find out more about how the staff at each lodge can customize the perfect African Christmas experience for you and your family.</em></p>
<p><em>Special thanks to Brian Futter from <a href="http://www.theartofchristmas.co.za/" target="_blank">The Art of Christmas</a> for the festive decor seen in these photos.</em></p>
<p><em>*Please <a href="http://singita.com/lodges/" target="_blank">visit the website</a> to see which activities are available at each lodge. </em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/a-festive-family-gathering-at-singita/">A Festive Family Gathering at Singita</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/african-christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">African Christmas</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/family-safaris" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">family safaris</a></div></div>Fri, 19 Dec 2014 12:24:13 +0000Anonymous1070 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-festive-family-gathering-singita#commentsChristmas under the Sunhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/christmas-under-the-sun<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Across all our lodges, Christmas at Singita is a time of joyful celebration infused with Africa’s seductive warmth, vibrancy and generosity of spirit.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10487" alt="Christmas at Singita Castleton" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_3.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10488" alt="Christmas at Singita Castleton" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_4.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Meaning ‘<a href="http://singita.com/about/" target="_blank">place of miracles</a>’ in Shangaan, Singita is privileged to share the fascinating and diverse wonders of nature with our guests at this festive time of year marked by sharing, feasting and celebration inspired by the sunshine and the magical surroundings of the wilderness.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10489" alt="christmas_5" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_5.jpg" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MG_4135-christmas-cake-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10562" alt="_MG_4135 - christmas cake 2" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MG_4135-christmas-cake-2-298x300.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Whether visiting us with family or friends, we invite you to connect with your surroundings and embrace the luxury of space and sense of peace inherent in the Singita experience, and become part of our extended family this Christmas.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_6.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10490" alt="Christmas at Singita Castleton" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_6.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10486" alt="Christmas at Singita Castleton" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_2.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><em>Formerly the family home of Singita founder Luke Bailes’ grandfather, <a href="http://singita.com/castleton/" target="_blank">Singita Castleton</a> (shown here) is an exclusive use lodge. It is steeped in history, capturing the spirit of the original Castleton house, giving the lodge a historical and comforting nature. Contact our <a href="http://singita.com/castleton/enquiry-form/" target="_blank">reservations team</a> to find out more. </em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/christmas-under-the-sun/">Christmas under the Sun</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/african-christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">African Christmas</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christmas</a></div></div>Mon, 15 Dec 2014 05:03:24 +0000Anonymous1063 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/christmas-under-the-sun#commentsFestive Recipe: Hazelnut & Coffee Christmas Cakehttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/festive-recipe-hazelnut-coffee-christmas-cake<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>What do you think of when you imagine the smell of the holiday season? For many of us, it’s the rich aroma of Christmas baking; cinnamon-dusted cookie dough, spiced fruits and freshly baked gingerbread. It’s not much different in the kitchen at Singita during December, as the chefs prepare to welcome visitors and families from all over the world to our uniquely African Christmas table.</p>
<div id="attachment_10193" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 640px"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/christmas_cake_1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-10193" alt="Fruit & nut tart" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/christmas_cake_1.jpg" width="630" height="473" /></a><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">Fruit & nut tart</p>
</div>
<div id="attachment_10465" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 640px"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_recipes_4.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-10465" alt="Festive Cookies at Singita Kruger National Park" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_recipes_4.jpg" width="630" height="310" /></a><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">Festive cookies</p>
</div>
<div id="attachment_10458" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 640px"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_recipes_3.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-10458" alt="Hazelnut and Coffee Christmas Fruitcake" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas_recipes_3.jpg" width="630" height="628" /></a><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">Hazelnut and Coffee Christmas Cake</p>
</div>
<p>Here <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">Singita Kruger National Park</a>‘s Chef de Partie, <a href="http://singita.com/?s=Christien" target="_blank">Christien Schrecker</a>, shares her recipe for Christmas cake with a delicious nutty twist:</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients – what you will need:</strong><br />
250g sultanas<br />
250g dried cranberries<br />
250g chopped dried peaches<br />
50g glace cherries<br />
250g hazelnuts<br />
250g pistachio nuts<br />
1 cup sherry<br />
1 cup brandy<br />
1 cup Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur)<br />
1 cup strong black coffee<br />
125g butter<br />
½ cup brown sugar<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 tbsp instant coffee powder<br />
½ cup warm water<br />
½ cup plum jam<br />
1 cup cake flour<br />
¾ cup self-raising flour<br />
1 tbsp cocoa powder<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon</p>
<p><strong>Method – what to do:</strong><br />
1. In a large mixing bowl, soak the dried fruit and nuts with the alcohol and cup of coffee for 24 hours.<br />
2. After the 24 hours, strain the fruits and nuts and keep the liquid for later.<br />
3. Mix the tablespoon of coffee powder with the jam and water and keep aside.<br />
4. Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer with the paddle attachment until white and fluffy.<br />
5. Add the eggs, mix thoroughly, then add the jam and coffee mixture.<br />
6. Add the fruits and nuts and all the dry ingredients.<br />
7. Press into a greased tin and cover with foil.<br />
8. Bake the cake at 140˚C for 2 hours, then brush the cake with the leftover alcohol mixture when it comes out of the oven.<br />
9. The cake can get basted with liquid until all of it is absorbed, this can be done at 12 to 24 hour intervals over a couple of days.</p>
<div id="attachment_10468" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 640px"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/singita_ebony.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-10468" alt="Singita Ebony Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/singita_ebony.jpg" width="630" height="410" /></a><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">Singita Ebony Lodge</p>
</div>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/singita_ebony_2.jpg"><img src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/singita_ebony_2.jpg" alt="singita_ebony_2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10472" /></a></p>
<p><em>We would love to hear what your favourite Christmas recipes are – please share with us in the comments! If you need any assistance with metric measurements, try this handy <a href="http://www.convert-me.com/en/convert/cooking/" target="_blank">online conversion calculator</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/recipe-hazelnut-coffee-christmas-cake/">Festive Recipe: Hazelnut & Coffee Christmas Cake</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/cuisine" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Cuisine</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kruger-national-park" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kruger National Park</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-lebombo-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Lebombo Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/african-christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">African Christmas</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/christmas-baking" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christmas Baking</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/christmas-food" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christmas food</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/cuisine" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Cuisine</a></div></div>Wed, 10 Dec 2014 10:27:51 +0000Anonymous1057 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/festive-recipe-hazelnut-coffee-christmas-cake#commentsChristmas Continues at Singita Ebony Lodgehttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/christmas-continues-singita-ebony-lodge<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/redvelvet_5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8339" alt="Christmas at Singita Ebony Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/redvelvet_5.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/ebony-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Ebony Lodge</a> has been a hive of activity over the past few days. On Saturday, the team set about adding some festive flair to the public areas and guest suites with homemade wreaths and a dried thorn tree that serves as the main Christmas tree for the lodge. Tomorrow while the guests are on the evening game drive, each suite will receive its own small, decorated acacia tree while the wooden deck overlooking the Sand River is dotted with hurricane lamps that will twinkle in the enclosing dusk.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/redvelvet_11.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8335" alt="Christmas at Singita Ebony Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/redvelvet_11.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/redvelvet_21.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8336" alt="Christmas at Singita Ebony Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/redvelvet_21.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>They will return to find a carefully selected gift for each man, woman and child underneath their personal Christmas tree, as well as sparkling wine with the first turn down and cherry truffle at the second. The lodge will be brimming with festive cheer by the time they awake on Christmas morning, ready to gather together over candle-lit tables, open a few crackers and share in the wonderful spirit of the day.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/redvelvet_8.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8342" alt="Christmas at Singita Ebony Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/redvelvet_8.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/redvelvet_9.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8343" alt="Christmas at Singita Ebony Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/redvelvet_9.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The kitchen team will serve a celebratory feast, along with extra treats throughout the day, such as these delectable red velvet cakes that are topped with gilded cherries:</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/redvelvet_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8333" alt="Red Velvet Cake Recipe | Singita Ebony Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/redvelvet_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Ingredients – what you will need:</strong></p>
<p>For the sponge:<br />
350g cake flour<br />
300g sugar<br />
5ml bicarbonate of Soda<br />
5ml cocoa powder<br />
250ml buttermilk or yoghurt<br />
2 eggs<br />
250ml vegetable oil<br />
5ml white vinegar<br />
25ml red food colouring<br />
5ml vanilla essence</p>
<p>For the cream cheese icing:<br />
500g cream cheese<br />
200ml cream<br />
100g icing sugar<br />
5ml cinnamon<br />
5ml vanilla essence</p>
<p><strong>Method – what to do:</strong></p>
<p>Preheat the oven to 180°C.<br />
In a large bowl sift the flour, sugar, bicarbonate of soda and cocoa powder.<br />
In another mixing bowl combine the buttermilk, eggs, oil, vinegar, food colouring and vanilla essence.<br />
Mix into the flour mixture and pour the batter into cake pans.<br />
Bake for 30-40 minutes then remove from the oven and allow to cool.<br />
For the icing, place everything into a mixing bowl and whisk until thick and smooth.<br />
Place into a piping bag and pipe onto the cake once the sponge has cooled.</p>
<p><em>If you’re a baking fan, you’ll find <a href="http://singita.com/?s=baking" target="_blank">plenty of delightful recipes</a> on the blog with an African twist to inspire you. Highlights include <a href="http://singita.com/blog/chocolate-and-walnuts/" target="_blank">Double Chocolate Walnut Biscotti</a>, <a href="http://singita.com/blog/let-them-eat-cake/" target="_blank">Apple Caramel Cake</a> and traditional <a href="http://singita.com/blog/christmas-baking-lamingtons/" target="_blank">Lamingtons</a>. If you need to adjust the metric measurements, here’s a handy online <a href="http://www.metric-conversions.org/volume-conversion.htm" target="_blank">volume converter</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/christmas-continues-at-singita-ebony-lodge/">Christmas Continues at Singita Ebony Lodge</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/events" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Events</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-ebony-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Ebony Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/african-christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">African Christmas</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/christmas-baking" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christmas Baking</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/christmas-food" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christmas food</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/driving-to-singita-sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">driving to Singita Sabi Sand</a></div></div>Mon, 23 Dec 2013 13:14:10 +0000Anonymous543 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/christmas-continues-singita-ebony-lodge#comments