I started decking the halls two months ago. I placed lights on top of the bookcases and lanterns on the dining room table.
In the windows went the battery-operated candles with timers: beacons to welcome us home from work and school. During the October snowstorm, we sat by our electric fireplaces with their "embers burning". That really kicked the coziness up a notch! And at Thanksgiving time, we visited the fun & festive Yankee Candle Flagship Store and chose the irresistable scented candles, Red Velvet Cake and Christmas Cookie.
I'm glad that I rushed the season. It would have been hard to make an effort during the dark days of this December.
I remember my mother telling me how, when our father died, it was the fact that she had four children to take care of that she was able to go on. She had to go on. Making an effort, showing strength, despite having none, for the sake of others.
Sweet, familiar things have a way of making us feel better. These little angels were my mother's. They spend every Christmas with us. They're standing on an embroidered napkin that my mother made.
And speaking of sweet, familiar things, is this old time recipe making a comeback? My assistant made me a batch of this deliciousness last week. Another friend contributed it to a staff party and won first prize for best dessert. Here is her version of this simply yummy treat. So easy and so good!
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Arrange the crackers side by side in a single layer on the foil. (They'll just fit).
In the windows went the battery-operated candles with timers: beacons to welcome us home from work and school. During the October snowstorm, we sat by our electric fireplaces with their "embers burning". That really kicked the coziness up a notch! And at Thanksgiving time, we visited the fun & festive Yankee Candle Flagship Store and chose the irresistable scented candles, Red Velvet Cake and Christmas Cookie.
Bring on the holidays!
I'm glad that I rushed the season. It would have been hard to make an effort during the dark days of this December.
I remember my mother telling me how, when our father died, it was the fact that she had four children to take care of that she was able to go on. She had to go on. Making an effort, showing strength, despite having none, for the sake of others.
Sweet, familiar things have a way of making us feel better. These little angels were my mother's. They spend every Christmas with us. They're standing on an embroidered napkin that my mother made.
And speaking of sweet, familiar things, is this old time recipe making a comeback? My assistant made me a batch of this deliciousness last week. Another friend contributed it to a staff party and won first prize for best dessert. Here is her version of this simply yummy treat. So easy and so good!
Time: 20 minutes, plus overnight freezing
Yield: about 2 lbs.
Ingredients:
48 saltine crackers
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 lb. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3 c. semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Arrange the crackers side by side in a single layer on the foil. (They'll just fit).
In a small saucepan, melt the sugar and butter. Bring to a simmer and cook while stirring 2-3 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla. Drizzle mixture over the crackers. Bake for 7 minutes.
Remove pan from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the crackers. Return to the oven and bake 3-5 minutes more. (Chips will soften, not melt completely.)
Remove the pan again and spread chocolate evenly over the crackers with a clean spatula. Cool for ~20 minutes before transferring the tray to the freezer to sit overnight.
The next day, peel off the foil and smash the brickle into pieces. Keep frozen or refrigerated until ready to serve.
Wishing you and yours
joy & peace.
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