Love in the Kitchen - making fast, healthy, homegrown meals you'll enjoy

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas?





Don't you love poinsettias at Christmas?  These are beautiful (even if covered in rain water....)!  We've had a ridiculous amount of rain this week, with more to come.  Floods everywhere.

But, I think it will be clear for Santa's big ride, and Christmas Day will be beautiful and green!


Zentmrs

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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

My House Smells Like Christmas!

 A Christmas bakery at least.

This is what has kept me busy the past two evenings:


Ahh, candy cane cookies.  An old family favorite!






We've got:
  • sugar cookie stars (72)
  • peanut butter blossoms (48)
  • spritz wreaths (84)
  • Scottish shortbread (72)
  • candy canes (36)
  • lemon cookies (72)
  • brownie drops (72)
  • melting moments (84)
For a grand total of: 540 cookies.  Give or take (I think The Mr may have sampled a few.  For quality control purposes of course.)

Now to package and distribute!

What is your favorite cookie?


Zentmrs

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Office Christmas Decorations

Okay, these guys are actually too cute!



They are solar powered - I love the afternoon when I get the sun streaming through my window - they go crazy!

How is your office decorated?

Zentmrs Pin It

Sunday, December 19, 2010

A Disney Christmas

Our present from my in-laws every year is a trip for the family to Disneyland. I love this kind of present - an experience is wonderful!

This year we went on a Monday. On Monday's Disneyland is not open until midnight (which we would prefer) but going on a Monday is totally worth it because there are not many people! I LOVE it when there are no crowds!

Though I took the camera with me, I didn't take many pics. Here are a couple of nice ones:


The Family (minus The Girl - she was already off with her friend by this time.... our gift to her is letting her take a friend with her and letting her hang out by herself to the extent that she wants to)


The Family in the sleigh - this is right outside where the turkeys that are pardoned by the President live

The Boy and I with Pluto!



My personal favorite - The Mr and me!



Zentmrs


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Saturday, December 18, 2010

Christmas Wish List

Christmas is nearly upon us.  I've finished my Christmas shopping, and I've finished shopping for The Mr's birthday (which is the 29th).

I've been asked what I want for Christmas.  Well, I already know that my #1 Christmas wish is going to be fulfilled - I'll be with all of my family on Christmas, and truly, nothing is better than that!  And if we have word on my new niece, that would  be the best bow on top of the present that we could have!

But, I can share a few other things from my wish list too…
- La cruscet pans 


- This cool apron 


- Macro lens 




- Walk-about lens  




- and while we're dreaming here, the Canon 50D!  



What's on your wish list?




Zentmrs

Mhnaty! Pin It

Friday, December 17, 2010

Cornflake Wreath Cookies

Christmas is a time of tradition and a time of memories.  The sights and sounds and smells all evoke memories for me. 

Just seeing a picture of these cookies makes it feel like Christmas to me.  These are cookies from my childhood.  My Grandma made these every Christmas, and they were absolutely my favorites.

They are really easy to make (though they don't ship well) and I hope you try them!

 
Cornflake Wreath Cookies

¾ cup butter
4 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp green food color
4 cups corn flakes
red hot candies
silver dragées

Melt butter, add marshmallows, stirring until all marshmallows are melted. Add extracts and food coloring; stir until it is a uniform green color. When mixture is smooth, add corn flakes; mix well but gently so as not to crush the cornflakes. Form into wreath shapes on sheets of waxed paper, decorate with red cinnamon candies and silver dragées. Let cool.

What is your favorite childhood Christmas cookie?


For more great recipes, check out The Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap! If you have a recipe to share, please join in the fun!




Zentmrs

Mhnaty! Pin It

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday (yea!) and I wanted to take some time to thank the people most important in my life.

My parents, who (those many years ago) gave me my life.  I've been so blessed over the years to have them.

My sister, who has been my closest friend for just about my entire life.  She is truly a class act, despite all of my years of influence.  ;-)

The Mr, without whom I would be less than half the person I am today.  Corny as it sounds, he is the other half to my soul, and I am thankful every single day that we found each other.

My family who surrounds me with love and support, no matter what is happening.

My friends, near and far, old and new.  Friends are the heartbeat that keep our lives going.  Love to all of you.

All of my best memories have you all in them.  My worst memories are alone, because even when bad things happen, having my friends and family around makes whatever it is a lot more bearable.

You all are the gift that gives year after year - thanks to all of you!


Zentmrs

Mhnaty! Pin It