Christmas gifts and treats from UAE confectioners

Eat, drink and be merry — for tomorrow you can diet.

The cheesy spin-off of the old adage feels most fitting when you consider the array of indulgent festive treats available to order from UAE bakeries, confectioners and restaurants this year.

We’re talking sugar overload meets holiday happiness. Here are eight for you to sample, or consider when rushing for last-minute gifts.

Gluten-free log cakes from Mama Rita

The log cakes come with a layer of crunch. Photo: Mama Rita

Lawyer, humanitarian, model and social media influencer Jessica Kahawaty is serving up two decadent Christmas log cakes via the restaurant and food delivery concept she runs with her mother, Rita. Suitable for those who are gluten-intolerant, the cakes are available in two flavours: vanilla almond and chocolate hazelnut — covered with a crunchy layer of caramelised almonds and hazelnuts respectively.

Priced at Dh160, available via Deliveroo and from www.mamarita.com

Chocolate truffle Christmas tree from Dalion

Confectionery boutique Dalion (a play on the word medallion) is offering a Christmas tree made from pine green chocolate truffles until January 7.

And, most importantly, the intricately crafted treats taste as good as they look.

The bakery is also offering themed panettone, cupcakes, cookies, macarons, gingerbread houses and yule logs as part of its Christmas menu.

Truffles from Dh120, available via Talabat and www.dalion.ae

Bonbons from Sugargram

Itty-bitty cupcakes aside, Sugargram is also serving up delectable chocolate bonbons this holiday season. Available in 12 artisanal flavours (think lemon yuzu, candy floss and hot chocolate marshmallow), the bite-size bonbons are handcrafted and can be personalised upon request. A box of five costs Dh40, while the Christmas tree packaging contains 25 bonbons for Dh165.

The brand is also offering a reindeer-shaped cake and edible Christmas ornaments.

Bonbon boxes from Dh40, available via Deliveroo, ChatFood and Talabat

Starry Night shortbread tin from M&S

A tin that opens to reveal a lit-up, rotating, music-spouting carousel is bound to spark joy in all those reaching for M&S’s deliciously buttery shortbread biscuits. The Christmas version comes in both butter and chocolate chip flavours, and can be enjoyed against the backdrop of Deck the Halls.

The brand is also offering edible gnomes, gingerbread house tins and chocolate topple towers.

Shortbread from Dh99, available in store and via www.marksandspencer.com/ae

Christmas wreath macarons from Brix Desserts

The macarons come in flavours such as Christmas spice, pistachio and raspberry-lime. Photo: Brix

Award-winning pastry chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez, of 3 Fils fame, is serving up an edible Christmas wreath this season, crafted from 10 handmade macarons. These come in seasonal flavours such as Christmas spice, pistachio and raspberry-lime, while the wreath also includes four popping candy bonbons in chocolate mousse and olive oil sable flavours, all presented in a ribbon-wrapped gift box, for Dh250.

Dh250, orders must be placed 24 hours in advance by contacting 056 525 5299 or book@brixdesserts.com

Assorted chocolates in Christmas tree packaging from Bateel

Top-notch dates aside, Bateel is known for its gourmet chocolates — and serves everything from truffles and pralines to ganaches and rochers. An assorted box is available for the festive season in a Christmas tree shape starting from Dh135. The square boxes, with mistletoe or shimmering star motifs, are priced from Dh75.

Square boxes from Dh75, Christmas tree boxes from Dh135, available in store or via www.bateel.com

Chocolate-coated ginger sticks from Forrey & Galland

More artisanal goodies come courtesy of Forrey & Galland, a luxury chocolate brand first set up in Paris in the early 1900s. For the festive season, consider a pack of its ginger sticks infused with a blend of spices from France and coated in rich dark or milk chocolate, for Dh79.

The brand is also offering Christmas tree boxes, gingerbread chocolate stars and reindeer-shaped cookies, plus a series of hampers, the largest of which costs Dh2,886.

Ginger sticks from Dh79, available in store at The Dubai Mall or via www.forreyandgalland.com

Christmas cakesicles from The Cake Boutique

These cakesicles are almost too cute to consume. Photo: The Cake Boutique

Recently opened in partnership with the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, The Cake Boutique brings British cake artist Beth Lauren's edible art to the UAE. For the festive season, sample the online store's cutesy cakesicles with stars, snowflakes, snowmen and other seasonal motifs, for Dh400 per box. Flavours include white chocolate and raspberry, Lotus Biscoff and cocoa.

The brand is also offering snowman and reindeer-shaped chocolate bombs, a vegan Biscoff cake that resembles Santa's button and fruit cakes.

Dh400, available to order via WhatsApp on 058 600 4547 or www.thecakeboutiquedifc.com

No more lice

Defining head lice

Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.

Identifying lice

Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.

Treating lice at home

Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.

Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital