Elsie Jenkins was very excited to make Christmas shortbread.
Santa loves his cookies, and the Jenkins household goes all out to make sure their special guest gets the tastiest and freshest around.
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Plus there has to be a few extra for the family to enjoy too.
Maryann and her 19 month-old granddaughter Elsie have been baking shortbread for the occasion at Maryann’s Pretty Pine home.
Elsie was involved throughout the festive cooking process, including cutting the biscuits with the Christmas-theme cutters.
“She was very excited, especially to make the shapes, such as the Christmas trees and stars,” Maryann said.
Maryann said the family tradition is the youngest, capable family member gets to help her with the cookies each year.
And by the looks of it, Elsie was more than excited to finally get her turn.
Elsie Jenkins rolling the shortbread.
Elsie Jenkins observing her work.
Vinnies appeal
If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for a loved one this Christmas, consider making a donation in their name to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
At the same time, you can help make a difference in the lives of people facing hardship this festive season.
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is aiming to raise $1.45 million through the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, to enable them to respond to the growing demand for assistance across the state.
The Society NSW distributed about $13.7 million in financial and material assistance during the last year, including $8.1 million in food assistance.
In that time, demand for assistance has increased by more than 14 per cent across NSW - including the local area.
To donate to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
Avoid Xmas food poisoning
The NSW Food Authority has issued an important warning this week, in attempts to avoid food poisoning at Christmas and over summer.
Its acting CEO Lachlan Porteous said cases of food poisoning typically surge at this time of the year because they are preparing food for more people, trying new recipes or leaving food out in the open for longer periods.
Cross contamination of ready-to-eat foods and raw meat is usually a big cause, as is undercooking meat.
And as for those inevitable Christmas leftovers, the NSW Food Authority says they should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking, and must be eaten or frozen within three days. Anything sitting out longer than two hours should be thrown away.
V/Line passengers have been encouraged to familiarise themselves with extreme heat timetables this summer.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s climate outlook for January to April said warmer than average days are likely across Australia.
V/Line executive director of operations Rochelle Reynolds said extra precautions will be in place on days forecast to be above 36°C, ensuring passenger and staff safety.
“Safety is our top priority,” she said.
“On those really hot days, steel tracks can expand in the heat, which is why trains may run at slower speeds, or be replaced by coaches when necessary.”
Passengers can download a copy of the extreme heat timetable for their corridor at vline.com.au, or check the V/Line app and X (Twitter) for updates.
23°C