Welcome 2012 England

Happy New Year England

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12101999

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights.
"There's always room for one more."

Bye 2011

Well the clock is ticking and there is not much more to say. But enjoy New years Eve where ever you are. Laugh smile make a memory.

Auld Lang Syne : Lyrics

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.


May you all near and far have a blessed and wonderful New year.
Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.

Bye 2011

In the last few hours of 2011 lets look back at some memorable times that England has had good and bad.
On April 29th Prince William married Catherine Middleton. Let's not forget that there was some great memories from that day. It was a historic date in the English history. But Beatrice Windsor took the biscuit so to speak with her hat.
Let's not forget the outrageous riots in London in August that destroyed buildings that had survived the bombing raids of London.
Yet in it all we venture forward to 2012 and the Olympics being held in the Capital and also the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
It has been a year that has seen good and bad throughout this world.
My advice as you reflect, is to look around England take the good and discard the bad. England is full of history and a country built on its determination and drive to keep going no matter what.
So as you might well leave England to go home from the hols. Grab a Blue Nose toy, or a book of English history or box of tea, but if anything you take from my England take that you going there are now apart of your own history and what you will tell your children or relatives to come.
Bye 2011.
Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.

What to do on New Years Eve 2012

Well if you are in England to see 2012 in here are some of my suggestions. I like Jamie Oliver and his wonderful books if you in London check out his restaurant called Fifteen
Reservation and general enquiries lines are open Monday to Sunday from 9:30am to 9pm.

Telephone:+44 (0)20 3375 1515

Fifteen London
15 Westland Place
London N1 7LP

Jamie Oliver has done so much to inspire young chefs and young people to eat correctly.
I suggest you find a good olde English Tea shop and have a good olde cup of tea along with your fish and chips.
You might want to find a book to take back with you that translates some of the things that we say. Like Telly and tea towel to name a few.
Trafalgar square is the place to be in the evening or if you are in Scotland well they celebrate into the wee hours.
Where ever you are in England for New Year's Eve make sure that you are with British folk. It is an experience you will never forget.
Let's not forget you and I for five hours in time will be in two different years. How cool is that!!
Now you may ask if I was in England where would I be on New Year's Eve. I would be with my dear friends either Julio and Eunice and their church or the Aspinalls and Kulesas at their church. If I was really wanting to do something special I would be on Tower Bridge with my amazing friends as I love Tower Bridge.
So enjoy and if you don't get to go to Jamie's restaurant buy one of his books. He is great.
Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights.
There's always room for one more.

The streets of England

While we are in the spirit of Christmas I suggest you walk down the streets of London, or villages. Stand for a moment in time and take in the magic, the history of my country. Smell the saltiness of the sea, smell the bakery and the fish and chips. Listen to the talk between people at the grocery store and others along the wind swept beaches. What can you take from this country of mine?
You can take one thing for sure we are proud to be British, proud of our heritage and to think you have walked the streets where perhaps Romans have walked, ate sweets from the world famous Cadbury company and had a good old British cup of tea.
You have experienced what many dream of. Take notes, save sweet wrappers and newspapers cherish these memories for years to come.
One thing I ask of you, just don't view England as that dreary rainy country. Because it is simply way more than that. Walk the streets, be a part of bringing in the new year, have a pork pie and bacon butty sandwich, look at the amazing castles, churches and countryside and then when you leave England you will have a bit of her in your heart.

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.

Traditions over the Hols

As a child we would listen to the Queens speech I probably thought it was rather borrowing. Since moving away from England I value listening to her yearly speech. It helps me feel connected to my England.
I encourage you to listen to it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16328788
It really talked about families and the importance of them. I was very encouraged.
http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/2292/
Here is another link for the Archbishop of Canterbury's sermon.

Also here is another link to the traditional Boxing Day swim. They surely are much braver than me.
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/picture_gallery_boxing_day_dippers_at_cromer_overstrand_and_mundesley_1_1163212

In all your adventures through England over the Holidays take time to be a part of my England. Listen to the Queens message, laugh and pull crackers, make memories in a country that you will never ever forget.

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.

Merry Christmas Eve. Twas the night before Christmas

I thought it was appropriate to post this poem tonight.
From my family to yours may God bless you all.


Twas the Night before Christmas Poem

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.
Merry Christmas to you all.

Our Favorite Christmas songs

Well to all my readers near and far I wish you a Merry Christmas Eve, Eve.
Here are three of our favorite Christmas Carols.

The origin of the Christmas carol we know as Silent Night was a poem that was written in 1816 by an Austrian priest called Joseph Mohr. On Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small alpine village called Oberndorf it is reputed that the organ at St. Nicholas Church had broken. Joseph Mohr gave the poem of Silent Night (Stille Nacht) to his friend Franz Xavier Gruber and the melody for Silent Night was composed with this in mind. The music to Silent Night was therefore intended for a guitar and the simple score was finished in time for Midnight Mass. Silent Night is the most famous Christmas carol of all time!


Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace




Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "



Good King Wenceslas

The words to the carol "Good King Wenceslas" were written by John Mason Neale and published in 1853, the music originates in Finland 300 years earlier. This Christmas carol is unusual as there is no reference in the lyrics to the nativity. Good King Wenceslas was the king of Bohemia in the 10th century. Good King Wenceslas was a Catholic and was martyred following his assassination by his brother Boleslaw and his supporters, his Saint's Day is September 28th, and he is the Patron Saint of the Czech Republic. St. Stephen's feast day was celebrated on 26th December which is why this song is sung as a Christmas carol.

Good King Wenceslas last looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel








"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather

"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing


Here is the website where we got the information above: http://www.carols.org.uk/index.htm

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights.
"There's always room for one more."

Christmas Cake Recipe

Christmas Cake Recipe

Ingredients
225g/8oz plain flour
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp mixed spice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
200g/7oz butter
200g/7oz dark brown sugar
2 tbsp black treacle
1 tbsp marmalade
¼ tsp vanilla essence
4 free-range eggs, lightly beaten
800g/1¾lb mixed dried fruits
100g/3½oz chopped mixed peel
150g/5oz glacé cherries, halved
100g/3½oz blanched almonds, chopped
brandy
To decorate
200g/7oz marzipan
1-2 tbsp apricot jam, warmed
royal icing
3 free-range egg whites
600g/1lb 5oz icing sugar, sieved
1½ tsp liquid glycerine - optional
1 tbsp lemon juice
Preparation method
Heat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas2. Grease a 20cm/8inch round or an 18cm/7inch square cake tin and line the bottom and sides with baking parchment.
Sieve the flour, salt, mixed spice and cinnamon into a bowl.
Cream the butter and the sugar in a large mixing bowl and then mix in the sugar, treacle, marmalade and vanilla essence until light and fluffy.
Technique: Creaming butter by hand

Watch technique
0:50 mins
Mix the eggs a little at a time into the mixture adding a tablespoon of flour mixture with the last amount.
Fold in the remaining flour mixture until well mixed and then mix in the dried fruit, mixed peel, glace cherries and the almonds.
Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and make a slight hollow in the centre.
Bake in the oven for 3 hours and then test with a skewer. If not ready bake for up to another hour testing every 20 minutes until the skewer comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes.
Turn out on to a wire rack and leave to cool.
Once cool, make a few holes in the cake with a skewer and pour over 3-4 tbspof brandy. Let the brandy soak into the cake.
Store the cake wrapped in foil and in an airtight tin or plastic container, holes side up.
OPTIONAL: For a rich and moist cake, spoon over a few tablespoons of brandy every week until you are ready to ice and decorate your cake.
To decorate the cake, place the cake on a foil board or cake plate.
Dust your hands and the work surface with a little icing sugar and knead the marzipan until soft.
Technique: Kneading bread

Watch technique
2:35 mins
Roll out half the marzipan to fit the top of the cake and roll out the rest in strips to fit around the sides of the cake.
Brush the cake all over with the warmed apricot jam and then place the marzipan on top and around the cake.
Cover the cake with a clean tea towel and then leave in a cool place for at least one day.
To make the icing, lightly whisk the egg whites adding the sugar at intervals. Beat well until the icing reaches soft peaks. Add the glycerine if using and the lemon juice.
Spread icing all over cake either flat iced using a clean ruler or by forming soft peaks. Decorate with Christmas ornaments.

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights.
"There's always room for one more."

How you can make a difference in England this Christmas.

When you get on a plane to leave England you are often asked to put in your change and that money goes to help an organization. However I encourage you to think twice. Loss change is simply that to many people but to some it is all they have in their purse. There are many great organizations in England who do great things
the RSPCA helps animals.http://www.rspca.org.uk/home and is an amazing group.
The national trust helps maintain many homes, gardens and much more in England http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/.
Doctor Barnado's is a group that provides homes for many children.http://www.barnardos.org.uk/
The salvation Army http://www2.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/www_uki.nsf
The Hedgehog society provides help for my little friends http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/FAQS/hedgehog_homes.htm
Gingerbread provides help for single parents.
http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/
Here are just a few. So before you drop your spare change on the plane. Consider the many ways you could make a difference this Christmas and always.
If all you have is spare change and your heart is in the right place then your money will make a huge difference but please think before that change hits the bottom of that bucket how would you feel if you were the one in need and all someone gave you was loose change.
May God Bless you and thank you.

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.

Talk a walk and make a memory in England with me.

As I sit here a long way from the English shores. I often walk down cobbled roads, drive down twisting lanes and gaze in my mind at places I love. I can smell the sea in Cromer and feel the cold dampness of London. I smell the vinegar from the fish and chips and smell the smog and pollution of the buses at the airport. I see the frost on the trees down a country lane and the frost on a washing line. I hear children and marketers at the market stalls. I hear children singing near a village school. I smell sticky buns from a bakery, the smell of fish at fish mongers and the smell of rich soil been turned after a harvest. I see hedgehogs and hares and robins and deer's. I smell the fires and see the smoke appearing from many a chimney pot. I see my Mum and her warm inviting face, Marina my friend with the kettle on and her husband Steve with his feet up. Eunice another friend and her loving accent and arms that chill the coldest day. Sharon and her love for me is waiting at the door with a cup of tea.
I see it all in my memory.
So today if you are in England walk down a village road, stop and smell my England, walk in a forest, brave the cold of the North sea. Come with me and make a memory.

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.

My England at Christmas

I would not be me if I did mention a few of my favorite things I loved in England at Christmas. I loved singing Christmas carols in Stanton Village church and hearing carols been sung in many churches.To hear the bells been rung at midnight on Christmas eve.To celebrate the Holidays with amazing friends and family. To see Robins on post boxes. To buy a tree from Elveden farms http://www.elveden.com/
Go to this site it has changed a bit since I was there but I loved it and I am sure it is still amazing. As a child I loved singing carols in Cromer and buying a tree from Felbrig hall.Love walking around the market square in Bury St Edmunds.
If you need a good frame made go to Stanton framing in Stanton.
Stanton Framing

Unit 5 / George Hill Units
Barningham Road
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP31 2AD

Telephone: 01359 251851
Fax: 01359 251851

Steve Aspinall is just a wonderful English chap that will make a picture into a master piece.
Sharon Kulesa draws Christmas cards for Queen Bee Designs she is amazing http://www.queenbeedesigns.co.uk/
You can pick up some of her cards which are been sold through St. Nicholas Hospice Care.
You could call her dad at Stanton framing and commission her to draw you an amazing picture.
The best thing about England at Christmas for me are the people I love. My mum, sister and friends.
Take a moment to walk down the roads have a hot cup of tea and live in a world for a moment that I call home.

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.

Visit a good olde English pub this Christmas

I really would suggest if you are in My England over Christmas that you enjoy a pub meal. There is nothing like going into a pub at Christmas the fire going, the smells often of yesterday. Many have old beams and the jolly feeling that although you might be a foreigner you are welcome in. It is as if you are part of this family. That has been my experience. Pub food is priced fairly well in comparison to eating out a restaurant in England which can be very pricey.

You see that many pubs date back a long time the oldest pub in England dates back to 795 Ye Olde fighting Cock in St.Albans well that is at least what my computer has informed me.

I loved going to some of the pubs and having a meal. I felt like I was transported back in time.

You have to try some turkey sandwiches on Boxing Day the day after Christmas and enjoy sitting back in a chair by the fire.

I love the sandwiches in the summer at a local pub, so take a trip to a local pub and enjoy a wonderful Christmas sandwich with all the trimmings of mustard and pickles on the side.

I don't drink alcohol but i do love the family feeling and the meals that one can enjoy there.

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights

There's always room for one more.

Dare to see a Nativity in England

If you are heading to England for the holidays, I dare you to venture into a small old church and watch the children put on a Nativity play. The little girls laughing and the boys being shepherds. Least we forget the baby doll, that some how always gets dropped. In saying all that there is magic when you go in and watch children telling a story of long ago. Your heart and soul smiles.

Take the time to listen to their voices singing Carols maybe slightly different than where you are from. To me I close my eyes and see my nephews Christmas play and carols been sung in Aylmerton and Stanton village. From Christmas services to end the school year at Cromer to singing carols at The Potters house in Bury St. Edmunds. They are cherished memories that I ask you to share and be a part of.

If you dare to venture into a church you will be captured in a part of England that is only captured at this time of year.

Truly may God bless you in doing so.

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights

There's always room for one more.

Christmas in London 2011

Christmas in any major city can be full of fun. I have ventured into London for a few. To see the amazing lights and window displays is pure magic. The bookstores seem to flood with magic as old stories come to life of sugar plum fairies and Scrooge, seem to fill our minds of a time captured in books from long ago.

The many places to ice skate take us back to a time when perhaps life was just a little bit more simple. The many markets with traditional wreaths and sweets galore and you can even find chestnuts been sold, will cheer any soul. You might well find sweets and traditions from many countries as you walk the many streets of London.

The buses seem to have no end to the journey up and down Oxford street and oh dear Covent Gardens. I loved walking around Liberties and looking at the wonderful material's.

Garlands and lights fill this city and the traditional Christmas tree in Trafalgar square to me just brings a smile across my face. The many musicals and pantomimes that can be watched around London you just have to see one Panto' to be pulled in and love them.

Westminster Abbey and many churches throughout the city will have amazing services throughout this time of year. You might learn a new carol or two.

It is just magical, even landing in London over Christmas is just special.

So take the time to walk down the old streets of London try a mince pie or two, see a Panto and experience a magical city that you will never ever forget.

Below are some useful links enjoy.

http://www.londonforchristmas.com/ http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

http://www.londontown.com/London/Christmas-Carols-and-Services-in-London?searchCriteria=Southbank%20Centre

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights

There's always room for one more.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26 each year. Here is a few countries that celebrate it: Australia, Britain, New Zealand, and Canada. This holiday started in the nineteenth century in Britain while Queen Victoria was reigning. The name Boxing Day comes from the tradesmen who went out to get their Christmas boxes. The boxes were given the day after Christmas and were for their hard work and trustworthiness throughout the year. On this day, people celebrate by eating the leftovers from Christmas day in a sandwich or in a dinner with roast potatoes, vegetables, and much more. My Nana would give salt beef for dinner to her family on Boxing Day. This beef would have to be ordered in. Usually people will give money or something to charities, people who need it, or those who have been in service jobs.

No one is for sure when Boxing Day actually started but some think that it could have started in the Middle Ages (A.D. 400's-1500's), or in England when the lords and ladies gave presents in boxes to their servants. They have also thought it might have started with the priests who opened their charity boxes and gave money to the poor. All of these traditions, along with many others, were done the day after Christmas.

A lot of sports are held of Boxing Day. Fox hunting used to be done in England where the higher class of people dressed in red and brought their dogs to hunt the poor foxes down. Football matches and horse racing are well-known games that are watched on TV. The Boxing Day Dip (swim) started in 1970 in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with the Tenby Boxing Day Swim. People will dress up into silly clothes and swim in the North Sea. This a charity event held in Europe. The largest Boxing Day Dip (swim) is held by Lions Club of Sunderland, England.

"Good King Wenceslas", a Christmas song loved by my Nana, tells of St. Stephen who was the first martyred Christian. Just a little after Christ's crucifixion, St. Stephen was stoned, but he is still well-known in his Christmas carol. Because of him, Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen's Day.

So this year's Boxing Day (December 26) remember to enjoy the day and have fun.

Emily

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights.

There's always room for one more.

Christmas lights in England.

There is something special and fairy tale like about seeing Christmas lights. As a child I remember going window shopping in Norwich and seeing all the window displays.

London has some amazing lights and can be seen by going around on the buses or simply walking.

But every city and even village has it's magic.

From Santa dashes in many towns and cities to lights on a Melksham house England and it's magic will leave an everlasting impression on your minds of a time past and wonders to come.

Many transport us back into time.

So if you find yourself in England this Christmas enjoy the lights be a child again and allow that magic to transport you back in time.

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights

There's always room for one more.

Christmas Crackers the party version.

Required Supplies and Equipment	Wrapping paper (cut to 7.5 x 12 inches) -- crackers made with lighter weight papers will tear apart easier when pulled. Stiffener ends (cut into 2.25 x 7 inches -- use 60-70 weight white card stock, such as 67# Exact Vellum Bristol. Fortunes, jokes or riddles. Cracker snaps. Paper hats. Small gifts or novelty items (at least one per cracker). Cracker rollers (1 pair). Cardboard tubes (2 x 4 inches). Low temperature glue gun. Scissors. Curling ribbon.
Step by Step Directions	1 -- Insert rollers into ends of cardboard tube (if fit between tube and roller is not snug enough, add a little masking tape to smaller (red) end of roller).
	2 -- Lay roller-tube assembly on back of wrapping paper making certain tube is centered across length of paper. Apply a small drop of glue from glue gun to bottom middle edge of paper and roll tube back over glue.
	3 -- Place snap under front (leading) edge of roller-tube assembly, making certain snap is centered across length of paper.
	4 -- Roll paper onto roller-tube assembly to within a half inch or so of paper's end. Make certain paper rolls evenly (straight) onto tube.
	5 -- With glue gun, run a narrow bead of glue along back of paper about a quarter inch in from top edge. Roll paper over glue keeping glued seam pressed against work surface for several seconds to allow glue to harden (placement of glue bead may have to be adjusted slightly inward if glue flows out of seam onto outer surface of wrapping paper).
	6 -- While holding paper cylinder in middle (one hand grasping cardboard tube), remove roller from each end of cylinder.
	7 -- Roll stiffener end into slightly smaller diameter cylinder than cracker and insert into end of cracker until even with outer edge. Do not cover snap during this procedure -- it must remain free in end of cracker.
	8 -- Spread stiffener out firmly against inside wall of cracker end and glue into place with glue gun. 9 -- Repeat step 8 on other end of cracker.
	10 -- Using thumb and forefinger, crimp (gather) one end of cracker between tube and reinforced (stiffened) end.
	11 -- Securely tie a 10 - 12 inch length of curling ribbon onto the gather of the cracker using a double knot. Then clip off the loose ribbon ends.
	12 -- Insert gifts/messages into open end of the cracker. The fillable central part of the cracker measures 2 inches in diameter by 4 inches in length. Your items must fit comfortably into this space in order for the cracker to be closed and finished. When filling your crackers, make certain you do not push the cracker snap into the center of the cracker.
	13 -- Repeat steps 11 and 12 for open end of cracker.
	14 -- Check the finished end of the cracker to make certain the snap is located near the outer rim of the cracker and not too far down into the cylinder. Reposition with fingers as necessary.
Your cracker is now finished and ready to be shared with your party guests. Some practice is usually required to make a consistently well-wrapped and formed cracker. Techniques such as the one described above using solid core centers, rollers, and stiffened ends have been found by many people to be among the easiest methods for making nice looking crackers. Other techniques and directions for making your own party crackers can be found at the following web addresses: http://www.oldenglishcrackers.com/make-your-own-crackers.htm I found this site which explains very clearly how to make our English Crackers. Everyone who has ever gone to England at Christmas will be familiar with the good olde English Cracker. As a child many of us will remember getting a party hat and a joke. We even had little crackers on the tree. The gifts inside really are up to you. Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights There's always room for one more.