Merry Christmas Everyone...

I haven't posted for a long while, however I do still read many of the blogs.

Just wanted to wish all of my readers and friends a very,very

MERRY CHRISTMAS...

Angel Wings

At Christmas angels are especially important in decorating the house.  They remind me of my Mom who loved anything with angels.  So when I found these I knew they would be a part of my Christmas this year. The wings just push into any size candle you are using to decorate.  These are a rustic metal, I'm going to spray paint another set silver for a different look.

Just in case I don't get another post in I want to wish my readers a very

Merry Christmas!

Chocolate Covered Coconut Macaroons

For the beginning of some Christmas baking I decided to try something I have never made before this year.  I searched about a dozen recipes before I found this video from Alton Brown.  I liked the idea of topping the macaroon with some dark chocolate, even though they were fantastic right from the oven without the chocolate!

The edges were crispy, the middle nice and chewy.  I'm not a huge fan of coconut, except when it is toasted or baked.  These were fantastic, A definite keeper.

Alton uses chopped macadamias, I used chopped pecans.  Any chopped nut would work, whatever your favorite nut may be.

NOTE:  My oldest stopped over tonight and ended up taking over a dozen home with him, he thought they were awesome and wanted to take some to a friends house!  I told you they were good!!

I'm joining Foodie Friday, stop by for some great Christmas goodies!

Thanks For Stopping By...

Christmas decorations...

My sis, Laurie, came over a week ago to put up some decorations for me.  Still a little clumsy with my wrist and came down with terrible flu like symptoms so didn't feel like doing much decorating.  But Laurie came to the rescue - she loves doing it, and I really appreciated everything she did.  A few little snipets, kept the living room mainly silver and the dining room the bronzes....

I love my 'sugar garland'

Even the ducks were gussied up...

A sweet gift from one of my fellow bloogers, Marsha from Marsha's Garden, deserved a place of distinction... just love the little snowmen

Angels were my Mom's favorite...

A little more later with a few of the goodies I was able to make.

Thanks for stopping by.....

Last Post Of 2009 !

My last post for the year of 2009 - actually I thought this year would never end! The beginning of a New Year seems to always bring along with it new hope of better things to come. And for one, I am looking forward to it with great aspirations!

Earlier this year a very dear sweet friend sent me a gift that I couldn't wait to put to use. Cynthia sent me my very first Peggy Karr Glass plate!



A beautiful Christmas tray, perfect to showcase any Christmas goodie I wanted to show off..



It has all the figures that remind you of Christmas... stocking, angel, reindeer, gingerbread man, stars and more! My favorite one is the angel which reminds me of my Mom who loved angels of every kind!



The detail work is magnificent, I wish my photos could catch it's real essence.





Then to decide what to premier on this gorgeous plate... I decided on a recipe posted my another dear friend, Jayne from A Grain of Salt... Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Squares!





The little cheesecakes were a big hit with my oldest son as well! My intention was to take these little morsels to our family Christmas get-together, but unfortunately it was cancelled due to about 20" of snow on Christmas Day! Since I didn't want them sitting around the house (for obvious reasons) I took them up to my local Courthouse so they could enjoy them. They were definitely a hit there also since I was requested to send them the recipe!

I want to Thank Cynthia again for the beautiful PK plate, I will treasure it for years to come. It will always have a special place of honor for every Christmas! Also to Jayne for the wonderful recipe which I will make again next Christmas..hopefully the rest of my family will get the chance to enjoy them.

Wishing my small group of followers a very Happy New Year! It means so much to me that you enjoy my blog and keep coming back!!

Flashback Friday - Sinful Christmas Goodies

Suzy from Kitchen Bouquet is taking a short break but was sweet enough to put Mr. Linky up for anyone who wants to reminisce...

My all time favorite Christmas candy is Divinity..it was also my Dad's favorite. The main difference between us is that Dad liked Black Walnuts in his... I DON'T !! Each year I make a trip to the cemetery to leave Dad a piece of divinity and wish him a Merry Christmas. I have visions of some squirrel out there Christmas Day running around with sugar overload!



My Aunt Valeria’s Divinity recipe is the ULTIMATE!!! The very best of the best …
Even when you don’t get it dropped fast enough and it looks a little “off” it still tastes just like the “pretty” ones. It literally melts in your mouth, almost pure sugar, and not the greatest health food, but that is why you only have it at Christmas! The time of year when we all have things we probably shouldn’t!



Aunt Valeria’s Divinity

3 Cups sugar
½ Cup warm water
½ Cup white corn syrup
3 egg whites or ½ Cup (be sure)
½ tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
Walnuts or pecans (optional)

Place sugar, water and corn syrup in heavy pan, bring to a boil and cook to a hard crack
Stage. While syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt – do not beat dry, just until it peaks.

Pour syrup mixture into egg whites slowly with the mixer at moderate speed. Beat until the mixture stand in soft peaks – 10 to 15 minutes. (Don’t give up) Add vanilla after the mixture is ready to drop.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper, pushing it off the spoon with your finger – do this QUICKLY! Top with nuts is optional. It is very helpful if you have at least two people dropping the mixture on the waxed paper.


The other flashback is Magnolia Lace Trumpets... a recipe from Paula Deen! The other night on Iron Chef she made them with Cat Cora! They can be a little frustrating to make but they are worth it!






Hope you can try out the recipes this Holiday season..you won't be disappointed...

A Dream or a Nightmare...

A number of my fellow bloggers have me remembering Christmas 2008 Baking Extravaganza! Still haven't decided if it was a dream or a nightmare.

I put the proverbial "foot in my mouth" when I declared I would bake a cookie or candy every day until December 24th! Can't remember the exact date I made the declaration, but I do know it was in EARLY December!

In joining Suzy from Kitchen Bouquet for Flashback Friday I am posting a sampling of the treats I made last year...

MAGNOLIAS


RASPBERRY LEMON THUMBPRINTS


SPRITZ


PECAN TARTS


SNOWPEAKS


NOUGAT


RED DEVIL'S FOOD WHOOPIE PIES



DIVINITY - my favorite


MOLASSES COOKIES


KRINGLA


CARAMELS


ANDES COOKIES


Needless to say I will not be making any proclamations this year...but I will do my share of baking and making candies for Christmas. Some will be repeats since they are family favorites, other will be new for the first time. After seeing Susan's Linzers last year, they are at the top of my list!!