Thursday, December 18, 2008

Contest Winner Is................

Contest Winner Is................
***Marilyn***

Rex picked your post over the other entries-
He loved that you do a lot of the same things
we do for our traditions!!!

Congratulations!!
Please reply to your eMail
to confirm shipment of Sweets!!

Thanks to all who entered
May you & your have a Wonderful Christmas
& Joyful New 2009 Year!!


Sunday, December 14, 2008

baking........finally

Saturday December the 13th,
started out as a early day-7'ish AM
all the dogs were wide awake
We hit the kitchen about noon time after
several trips through the kitchen & out to the shed
finally we had ALL things gathered for our baking.

Rex & Spot had there list in hand.
Circles on recipe cards were for liquids
& Stars were for dry ingredients.
Bowls were set out along with measuring spoons.
& MY FAVE Kitchen Aid Mixer!!!

We started with our Triple Threat Cookies
but, after re-looking at the recipe-the boys & I decided
there wasn't enough chocolate in it...
There Can NEVER be enough chocolate in a cookie...
So thus for-the Suicide Cookie was born!!!
It contains over 7 different chocolates
It's outer side is like a cookie but,
the inside is more like a brownie!!
Sweet Perfection!!!

One lucky winner of our contest will win 4 of these!
Yes they are big enough to share or
eat alone with a BIG glass of milk!!!


Once those were finished being mixed &
scooped in the baking pan-
we moved on to rex's favorite cookies
Rex Cookies...I know how original on the name but,
It is his favorite & yet I don't know anyone else who
makes them like we do...soooo that is it's name!!
& family can identify with it!

Winner of contest will receive 6 Rex Cookies.

Same as before I labeled the ingredients with circles & stars.
The boys had their list in hand & started mixing.
This recipe has 2 layers of almond *special recipe* cookie mix
& 2 of molasses *special recipe* cookie mix
Once the ingredients are mixed as needed I layered them in the pan ready to bake.

We went over to my mother's kitchen to bake everything**
(mind ya' 4 years back I broke my oven-
poor thing didn't stand a chance with me that year)
Of course while I baked the boys played...
But, when it came to testing our cookies they were 1st in line!!

Everything came out amazingly awesome!!
The family gave everything 5*****
After returning home I was exhausted
I went pass out while spot & juicy were sleeping.
Rex stayed spend the night with the g'dogs.
when I woke up I wrapped everything firmly in brown paper for safe storage.
Also I had to hid them in containers. With the way my dogs are-
they will try to smell them out & EAT them ALL...
I can NOT have that...I did place a few on the side for them-

Come Monday we will make our Holly Balls.
These are about 2-3 dozen balls liquor for the adults
& 2-3 doz. balls for the children non-liquor.
of course made with Chocolate, at least 3 different kinds.

The topping change each year for I always manage to
find powders that I find to give a new unique taste to the holly balls...
The winner of our contest will receive 6 of each. Making 1 dozen.


I also have one other item that I
will be shipping out to our Contest Winner.
It is my very own special secret recipe!!
Star's Cajun Bread Pudding.
It will arrive in loaf size.
Enough to share with others!!
OR be greedy...it's ok...Eat it all by yourself!!!
I have been preparing this recipe for what will be 8 years this Christmas day.
so...I guess you can say it's a tradition of mines...& It is to DIE for!!
LOL or I like to say "So good it'll make you wanna slap yo' momma"
(please No physical momma abuse)

That is it...Our Saturday-wasted on baking
Not to bad if I say so myself....

Best of Luck to the Winner of our Contest!!
Stay tuned for the Announcement on Thursday AM
BUT.....Still time to Enter if you haven't so YET!!!
ONE Entry Per Person Please...
Contest!! Page
XOXO

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Day 6--Chocolate Covered Snow Peaks


Times:

Prep
40 min
Inactive Prep
8 hr 0 min
Cook
1 hr 0 min
Total:
9 hr 40 min

Yield

about 24 cookies





Ingredients

  • 4 large egg whites at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons superfine granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 225 degrees F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat egg whites on low-medium speed with the whisk attachment until the whites become foamy. Add the cream of tartar and turn speed up to medium, beating until just fluffy. Add the sugar gradually, so it incorporates into the whites slowly without collapsing them. Once all the sugar has been added, add the vanilla and increase the speed to high, whisking until the meringue is firm and glossy, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Place meringue mixture into a piping bag with a medium-sized nozzle attached. Pipe 24 bite-sized "kiss"-shaped meringues onto the trays and place in the oven. Bake for 1 hour undisturbed then turn off heat and leave in the oven overnight to really dry out.

Melt chocolate over a double-boiler or in the microwave on medium power for 30 seconds. Holding each meringue by the peak dip the bases in chocolate so the bottom half of the meringue is coated. Let any excess chocolate drop off before placing on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Allow to set at room temperature - do not put in the fridge. Once set, store in an airtight container

Day 5--Hazelnut Tea Cookies



Hazelnut Tea Cookies

Times:
Prep 18 min
Inactive Prep 1 hr 5 min
Cook 25 min
Total: 1 hr 48 min
Yield 45 cookies


Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 2 sticks butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, plus additional for coating
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups hazelnuts, toasted and finely chopped

Directions

Heat oven to 325 degrees F and arrange racks in upper and lower third. Combine flour and salt in a medium bowl and whisk until aerated and evenly combined; set aside.

Place butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add sugar and vanilla and continue to mix until whipped and light, about 2 more minutes.

Add half of the nuts and mix until evenly incorporated and nuts are broken up, about 1 minute. Add flour and mix until well combined, about 1 minute. Remove bowl from mixer and stir in remaining nuts.

Shape dough into 1 tablespoon balls and place on baking sheets, spaced at least 1 inch apart. Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until underside of cookies are brown, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes on baking sheets.

Meanwhile, place some powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Once the cookies have cooled, roll them in the powdered sugar until just coated and tap off excess. Let cool completely and re-coat in powdered sugar, tapping off excess sugar, before serving.

**NOTE**
Add pecan instead of hazelnuts.
This way it's called a Cocoon-
A Special Cajun Cookie
For Christmas every year my mother
& her BF used to prepare these.
It used to take 5 gals in the kitchen
to completely prepare these to be enjoyed!!

Amazingly Delicious!!!
~ Maybe one day when I have a kitchen
with a oven that works

I may try these with my boys....L

Day 4--Peppermint-Chocolate Sandwich Cookies



Peppermint-Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: 2 hr 25 min
Cook: 10 min
Total: 2 hr 55 min

Yield 12 sandwich cookies


Ingredients

  • 1 (16.5 ounce) tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • Decorating suggestion: crushed candy canes or peppermint candies; white, red and green sprinkles; or red and green decorating sugar
  • Special equipment: a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, and a 1/2-ounce cookie scoop

Directions

Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, knead together the cookie dough and 1/4 cup flour until smooth. Lightly flour a work surface. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thick. Using a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. Knead together any scraps of dough and roll out again. Continue to cut out pastry circles until there are 24 pieces in total. Place the dough circles on the prepared baking sheets. Bake until the cookies are slightly golden around the edges, about 10 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Reserve 1 parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Combine 1 cup of chocolate chips and the cream in a small bowl. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Whisk in the peppermint extract and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour. Using a 1/2-ounce cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure, place the chocolate mixture in the center of the flat side of 12 of the cookies. Place the remaining cookies on top and gently squeeze to distribute the filling evenly. Place on a baking sheet and freeze until the filling has set, about 25 minutes.

Combine the remaining chocolate chips and the vegetable oil in a small bowl. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Dip the top of each cookie in the melted chocolate and return to the baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store in an airtight plastic container.

Day 3--Gingerbread Cookies



Gingerbread Cookies

Cook Time 25 min

Yield 60 (1 1/2-inch to 2-inch) cookies

Ingredients

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
  • 6 tablespoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
  • Pinch of salt
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 2 eggs

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Sift the flour, baking powder, spices and salt together in a large bowl, and set aside.

In a small saucepan combine the butter, honey, sugar, lemon juice and the lemon and orange zest. Bring this to medium heat and cook until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Let cool to about room temperature and beat in the eggs.

Make a well in the flour/spice mixture and add the egg/sugar mixture to the well. Using a fork, begin to gradually incorporate the flour into the egg mixture. When the flour has mostly been incorporated, turn the mixture out onto a clean work surface and gently knead until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Knead in a little more flour if the dough seems sticky. Chill dough for 1 hour or overnight.

Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to an even thickness of about 1/4-inch. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place on a lightly greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cookies are firm and lightly browned. Let the cookies cool for 3 to 4 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.

When the cookies are completely cool decorate, as desired.

Cook's Note: If you are planning to hang the cookies, make a hole for the string before baking

Day 4--Chewy Chocolate-Cinnamon Cookies



Chewy Chocolate-Cinnamon Cookies

Ingredients:
  • 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
  • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Beat butter until creamy. Add brown sugar and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; beat until blended. Add egg, baking soda, corn syrup and vanilla; beat well.

3. Stir together flour and cocoa; beat into butter mixture. If batter becomes too stiff, use wooden spoon to stir in remaining flour. Cover; refrigerate about 30 minutes, if necessary, until batter is firm enough to shape. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and cinnamon; roll balls in mixture. Place balls 2-inches apart on prepared cookie sheet.

4. Bake 9 to 10 minutes or until cookies are set and tops are cracked. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. 40 cookies.

These cookies would be nice tasting with a cup of hot tea or apple cider.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Day3--Greeting Card Cookies



Greeting Card Cookies

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • DECORATIVE FROSTING(recipe follows)

Directions:
1. Beat butter, sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl until fluffy. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture, blending well. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm enough to roll. Cut cardboard rectangle for pattern, 2-1/2 x 4 inches; wrap in plastic wrap.

2. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease cookie sheet. On lightly floured board or between two pieces of wax paper, roll out half of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. For each cookie, place pattern on dough; cut through dough around pattern with sharp paring knife. (Save dough trimmings and re roll for remaining cookies.) Carefully place cutouts on prepared cookie sheet.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet. (If cookies have lost their shape, trim irregular edges while cookies are still hot.) Carefully transfer to wire rack. Repeat procedure with remaining dough.

4. Prepare DECORATIVE FROSTING; spoon into pastry bag fitted with decorating tip. Pipe names or greetings onto cookies; decorate as desired. About 12 cookies.

DECORATIVE FROSTING: Beat 3 cups powdered sugar and 1/3 cup shortening in small bowl; gradually add 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, beating until smooth and slightly thickened. Cover until ready to use. If desired, divide frosting into two bowls; tint each a different color with food color.

Day 3--Butterscotch Nut Fudge

This looks like a "slap yo' momma Good" recipe
Watch out Mommas IF you come to my house!!!



Butterscotch Nut Fudge

Ingredients:
  • 1-3/4 cups sugar
  • 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
  • 1-3/4 cups (11-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S Butterscotch Chips
  • 1 cup chopped salted mixed nuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Line 8-inch square pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan.

2. Combine sugar, marshmallow creme, evaporated milk and butter in heavy 3-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to full boil; boil and stir 5 minutes.

3. Remove from heat; gradually add butterscotch chips, stirring until chips are melted. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan; cool.

4. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours. Remove from pan; place on cutting board. Peel off foil. Cut into squares. Store tightly covered in refrigerator. About 5 dozen pieces or about 2-1/4 pounds candy.

NOTE: For best results, do not double this recipe.

day 2--Chocolate Sour Cream Cake



Chocolate Sour Cream Cake

Ingredients:
  • 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1-3/4 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 container (16 oz.) dairy sour cream
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • FUDGE FROSTING(recipe follows)

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

2. Stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add butter, sour cream, eggs and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 3 minutes. Pour batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Frost with FUDGE FROSTING. 12 to 15 servings.


FUDGE FROSTING

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/3 cups powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter in small saucepan over low heat. Add cocoa; cook, stirring constantly, just until mixture begins to boil. Pour mixture into medium bowl; cool completely. Add powdered sugar alternately with milk to cocoa mixture, beating to spreading consistency. Stir in vanilla. About 1 cup frosting.

Day 2--Cranberry-White Chocolate Cookies

Cranberry-White Chocolate Cookies



Prep: 15 min., Bake: 12 min. per batch

Yield

Makes about 3 dozen

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 1/3 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups white chocolate morsels
  • 1 (6-ounce) package sweetened dried cranberries

Preparation

Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; set aside.

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.

Add flour mixture to butter mixture gradually, beating at low speed until blended. Stir in white chocolate morsels and cranberries.

Drop cookie dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets.

Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned on bottom. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Gingerbread House Contests

Here below is a link of a recent gingerbread house contest.
I have to admit I wish to hold a contest like this one year
How much fun that would be??!!
We usually do christmas trains here-
but, maybe a house wouldn't be such a bad idea to try.

I'm always up to the challenge-how about you??

Check out these houses & get inspired!!

This contest is still on-going till December 15
log into site for more details-
Best of Luck to all those who enter!!!



Gingerbread House Contests

Holiday Cookies Day 2

I'm behind on this & I apologize.
Here is the catch-up to those days missed.

Please be advised the recipes are additive!!




Pistachio Linzertorte with Cherry Jam
  • Cook Time 15 min

  • Level Intermediate

  • Yield about 40 sandwich cookies


Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 1/2 cups ground roasted and salted pistachios
  • Cherry jam

Directions

In a large bowl, beat butter and confectioners' sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in egg yolks until combined.

In a small bowl, combine flour, nutmeg and cardamom. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until combined. Beat in ground pistachios. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with a 2-inch star-shaped cookie cutter. Cut out centers of half the cookies with a 1/2-inch star-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets, and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool on pan for 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Spread cherry jam evenly over flat sides of uncut cookies. Top with flat sides of cutout cookies. Return to baking sheets, and bake for 2 minutes. Let cool completely on wire racks. Store in airtight containers.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Meringue Stars

Meringue Stars


I remember as a small child going to the local bakery with my g'father & looking into the glass case to pick out what special sweet treat I wanted. These were always at the top of my list. I found the same recipe our local bakery uses but with a little twist. Chocolate dipped bottoms. Oh how yummy!! my local bakery uses candy sprinkles just before the meringue stars set to cool.
It's a nice flare for a childhood favorite.

I know if my g'father was alive today he would gladly try a hand full of these.

I think that is where I got my "sweet tooth" from.


on to the recipe-Post back if you don't mind once you try these yourself.

Meringue Stars

yield: Makes about 7 dozen cookies

active time: 35 min

total time: 4-1/2 hr (includes cooling)


Ingredients
  • 3 large egg whites, at room temperature 30 minutes, divided
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 pinches of cream of tartar, divided
  • 3/4 cup superfine granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons instant-espresso powder
  • 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 (3 1/2-ounce) bar 70%-cacao bittersweet chocolate, melted
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Equipment: 3 (12-inch) disposable pastry bags; a 1/2-inch star tip

Preparation

Make vanilla and coffee meringues:
Preheat oven to 200°F with racks in upper, middle, and lower thirds of oven (or use 2 racks and bake in batches). Line 2 or 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Beat 1 egg white with vanilla (for vanilla meringues) and a pinch each of cream of tartar and salt with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until it just holds soft peaks. Add 2 tablespoons superfine sugar, a little at a time, beating, then increase speed to high and beat until meringue holds stiff, glossy peaks. Fold in 2 tablespoons superfine sugar gently but thoroughly.

Transfer meringue to a pastry bag fitted with tip, then dab some meringue under corners of parchment on all baking sheets to secure to sheets. Pipe 1-inch-wide stars (1 inch high) about 1/2 inch apart.

Make coffee meringues using same amounts and procedure as above but using espresso powder (1 1/2 teaspoons) in place of vanilla.

Make chocolate meringues:
Sift cocoa through a fine-mesh sieve and whisk together with 2 tablespoons superfine sugar.

Beat remaining egg white with a pinch each of cream of tartar and salt with mixer at medium-high speed until it just holds soft peaks. Add remaining 2 tablespoons superfine sugar, a little at a time, beating, then increase speed to high and beat until meringue holds stiff, glossy peaks. Fold in cocoa mixture gently but thoroughly.

Transfer meringue to a pastry bag and pipe more stars.

Bake meringues:
Bake, switching position of upper and lower sheets halfway through baking, until dry, crisp, and firm, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. (Meringues are done when they release from parchment.)

Turn off oven and cool meringues in oven with door propped open about 1/2 inch using handle of a wooden spoon 1 hour, then slide parchment with meringues onto racks to cool completely.

Dip meringues in chocolate:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.

Stir together chocolate and vegetable oil until completely smooth. Peel meringues off parchment, then dip bottom of each into chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Transfer meringues to lined baking sheet, arranging as close together as possible, and when baking sheet is full, freeze meringues just until chocolate is set, about 3 minutes. Remove meringues from freezer.

Cook's notes: · We used a Wilton 2110/1M star tip for our meringues. An Ateco 885 swirl star tip also works well. · To avoid stickiness, try to bake meringues on a dry day. · Dipped meringues keep, layered between sheets of parchment or wax paper, in an airtight container at cool room temperature 1 week or frozen, container tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, 1 month. Thaw frozen meringues, still in wrapped container, until container reaches room temperature, at least 30 minutes. (Do not unwrap and open container until completely thawed.)

Operation Phone Home


Support our troops in the best possible way-by helping them call their loved ones back home. Lonely...tired...half a world away from home and family...the troops defending our freedom around the world ache for the sound of a loved one's voice. Pre-paid phone cards are the #1 requested item from soldiers.


*Click either banner or here for link*

Holiday Traditions Plus Contest

That is the thought that comes to my mind come Dec. 1st-I try my best to stick with the traditions that my parents did with me as a child-I should say US meaning my brother & I and my 2 childhood girlfriends-Our mothers are best of friends, we lived but 3 houses from each other on a family own land/street & had but only each other to play with or fight with Depending on what the day brought!! But, our mothers were dead set on Traditions Which was a good thing. For me that is...I have my 3 dogs, my brother has 4 children, & the girlfriends/more like sister I never had-well they are childless...I'm not completely sure with traditions from The Mothers that my brother still carries on to his children BUT For me that is the reason for the post.

I still....bake cookies with my boys every year

I still....go out & pick be best tree & the fattest for that matter every year

I still....help the boys decorate the tree (was with traditional hand-me-down ornaments BUT, they were falling apart & super glue wasn't working as well as it did the 1st 5 times-New up-to-date ornaments bought 07 year) ever year

I still....decorate the house inside & out with our holiday cheer & some of the same items my mother used when I was a child-that I'm now using for my children every year

I still.....take the time to find perfect wrapping paper & special bows every year

I still....wrap up present for loved ones adding special note cards, bows, string ribbons every year

I still....send out christmas cards with our names hand written inside with the thinking about you this year & love with my boys every year

I still....drive around the tri-parish in our truck on christmas eve in our pajamas listening to our favorite holiday songs ( some on the radio-last 5 or so year Veggie tales greatest Hit CD) & looking out at the most beautiful light displays on peoples homes every year

I still....allow my boys to open ONE present from under the TREE on the Christmas Eve-& with that I ask them to make a Wish for what Santa' may bring while they are sleeping every year

I still...take a special "Santa' Key" out the box & hang it on the outside door knob for santa' to come in while we are sleeping to drop off the presents for the boys every year

I still....set out our special "for santa' only" cookies with a shot of whiskey & carrots on back deck for reindeer every year

I still....watch old christmas movies on tv & 2 all time favorite ones (Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas & Dr. Susses The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (with Jim Carrey) with my dogs every year

I still...tuck in my dogs on christmas eve night-kissing them on the head-telling them to have sweet dreams & rest peaceful for tomorrow all their dreams will come true every year

I still....wake up like a fool before the crack of dawn to see my boys RIP through their presents like MAD DOGS not paying attention to notes & who their from or more so who their for every year

I still....allow the boys to play with their toys while I make a special christmas breakfast every year

I still....get the dogs all dressed up & head out the door with gifts for family & friends who we'll be poppin' in & visiting through out the day every year..............BUT not in the last 2 years!!! 2 years ago I just couldn't image how in the world I was going to get 3 dogs, big dog, & myself dressed & out the door in time for lunch-I had 2 boys who wanted to stay home & PLAY with their new toys & 1 baby pup who just wanted to sleep!!! that is when I decided that this was to much for the 5 of us for one day. NOW we stay home enjoy the time with each other & the NEW toys that santa brings & we let family who has far less members or children then we do come to us for that special day!!!!

I still....allow the boys to play ALL day long with their gifts-being we have trains, planes, & construction trucks & automobiles I allow the to build, create, & lay down tracks straight through the house-on this special day every year

I still...prepare days in advance & cook the day of Christmas a special to remember holiday dinner every year

I still...Allow my boys to wear their favorite pajamas & freaky weird socks ALL day long on our family's special Christmas at home day every year

I still....pass out around 9 PM in exhaustion from a long month of preps, light trips, gift wrapping, cookie baking, holiday food eating month every year

I still...wake up the next day wondering how in the world I'm going to fit all the NEW toys into their already over packed bedrooms full of been having toys every year



NOW I want to know what is it that you do EVERY YEAR that makes your TRADITIONS Special to you & your family??!!

One poster's comment will be picked by Rex-oldest dog-& we shall send you a special box full of our home-made sweets!!

HURRY to comment-this comment contest ends Wednesday, December 17th @ mid night central time zone

The Winner will be announce right here-new post on Thursday December 18th in the AM hours & the sweet gift will be send out via-express mail.

**be sure to include your eMail address so I may congratulate you on your WIN & also find out where to send the Goodies.....The winner has 5 days to reply-If on the 5th day No reply has been made-the 6th day Rex will pick another poster's comment for the prize!!!**
**These are our rules-No exceptions will be taken-To be fair to all who enter**

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Givers Gain...

A good flbyu buddy of mines is holding a challenge.
"Givers Gain" Now that is what I'm talking about...
Check her blog out.
Hopefully you will join in on the Challenge!!

My Favorite "F" Word

Southern Girls

I am a southern girl who can appreciate this to the fullest!!

Friends vs. Southern Friends

FRIENDS: Never ask for food.


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Always bring the
food.

FRIENDS: Will say 'hello'.


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will give you a
big hug and a kiss.

FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and
Mrs.


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Call your parents
Mom and Dad


FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Cry with you.


FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner
table and leave.


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will spend hours
there, talking, laughing, and just being together.



FRIENDS: Know a few things about
you.


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Could write a
book with direct quotes from you.


FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if
that's what the crowd is doing.


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will kick the
whole crowds' back-ends that left you.



FRIENDS: Would knock on your door.


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Walk right in and
say, 'I'm home!'



FRIENDS: will visit you in jail


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: will spend the
night in jail with you



FRIENDS: will visit you in the
hospital when you're sick


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: will cut your
grass and clean your house then come spend the night with you in the
hospital and cook for you when you come home



FRIENDS: have you on speed dial


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: have your number
memorized


FRIENDS: Are for a while.


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Are for life.


FRIENDS: Might ignore this.


SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will forward this
to all their Southern Friends


Which one are you?

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

1st Day--Chocolate Truffles Part 2

Easy Chocolate Truffles

This is the recipe I do with the dogs...
It really is easy & much fun!!
Once we are finished creating the balls into delicious truffles
I allow the boys to lick their hands clean-

Prep Time:

30 min

Total Time:

1 hr 30 min

Makes:

6 dozen or 24 servings, 3 truffles each


Ingredients:
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1-1/2 pkg. (12 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla

suggested coatings, such as ground PLANTERS Walnuts, unsweetened cocoa, powdered sugar and/or BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut

Instruction:

BEAT cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add sugar, mixing until well blended.

ADD melted chocolate and vanilla; mix well. Refrigerate 1 hour or until chilled.

SHAPE into 1-inch balls. Roll in walnuts, cocoa, powdered sugar or coconut. Store in refrigerator.

Size-Wise
Put these truffles in pretty fluted candy cups and display on a silver platter for an elegant presentation. Each one is a very special treat. Enjoy a serving after dinner with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Easy Spirited Chocolate Truffles
Prepare as directed except omit vanilla. Divide truffle mixture into thirds. Add 1 Tbsp. liqueur (almond, coffee or orange-flavored) to each third of mixture; mix well.

Defined--Ganache

Ganache

A mixture of chocolate and heavy whipping cream,

melted together and mixed slowly.

Warm ganache can be poured over brownies or

poured over a cake to give it a shiny coating.

Chill the ganache, and it can be scooped

into balls to make truffles.

Chocolate Truffle Defined

Chocolate Truffle

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chocolate truffles are a group of chocolate confectionery, traditionally made with a chocolate ganache center coated in chocolate or cocoa powder, usually in a spherical, conical or curved shape. Other fillings may replace the ganache: cream, melted chocolate, caramel, nuts, almonds, berries or other assorted sweet fruits, nougat, fudge or toffee, mint, chocolate chips, marshmallow and popularly liquor. They are named for their resemblance to the truffle fungus.

Varieties

There are three main types of chocolate truffles: American, European, and Swiss:

  • The "American truffle" is a half-egg shaped chocolate-coated truffle, a mixture of dark or milk chocolates with butterfat and, in some cases, hardened coconut oil. Joseph Schmidt, a San Francisco chocolatier, and founder of Joseph Schmidt Confections, is credited with its creation in the mid-1980s.[1].

  • A Canadian variation of the American truffle, known as the Harvey truffle, includes the addition of graham cracker crumbs, and peanut butter. Other American companies may shape their truffles similar to that of peanut butter cups.

  • The "European truffle" is made with syrup and a base made up of cocoa powder, milk powder, fats, and other such ingredients to create an oil-in-water type emulsion.

  • The "Swiss truffle" is made by combining melted chocolate into a boiling mixture of dairy cream and butter, which is poured into molds to set before sprinkling with cocoa powder. Unlike the previous two kinds of truffles, these have a very short shelf-life and must be consumed within a few days of making. [2]

1st Day--Chocolate Truffles Part 1

Chocolate Truffles Part 1

*Pack up nicely is a festive decorated box a dozen
It makes a perfect gift to the Chocolate-Connoisseur in the family*




  • Cook Time 5 min

  • Level Intermediate

  • Yield 30 to 35 truffles


Ingredients

  • 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, and/or toasted coconut, for coating truffles
  • 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine

Directions

Place the 10 ounces of chocolate and butter in a medium size glass mixing bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and stir, and repeat this process 1 more time. Set aside.

Heat the heavy cream and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from the heat and pour the mixture over the melted chocolate mixture; let stand for 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, stir gently, starting in the middle of bowl and working in concentric circles until all chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently stir in the brandy. Pour the mixture into an 8 by 8-inch glass baking dish and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Using a melon baller, scoop chocolate onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and return to the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Place the cocoa powder, nuts, and/or toasted coconut each in its own pie pan and set aside.

In the meantime, place the 8 ounces of chocolate into a medium mixing bowl which is sitting on top of a heating pad lined bowl, with the heating pad set to medium. Depending on the heating pad, you may need to adjust the heat up or down. Stirring the chocolate occasionally, test the temperature of the chocolate and continue heating until it reaches 90 to 92 degrees F; do not allow the chocolate to go above 94 degrees F. If you do, the coating will not have a nice snap to it when you bite into the chocolate. Once you have reached the optimal temperature, adjust the heat to maintain it.

Remove the truffles from the refrigerator and shape into balls by rolling between the palms of your hands. Use powder-free vinyl or latex gloves, if desired.

Dip an ice cream scoop into the chocolate and turn upside down to remove excess chocolate. Place truffles 1 at time into the scoop and roll around until coated. Then place the truffle into the dish with either the cocoa powder, nuts or coconut. Move the truffle around to coat; leave truffle in the coating for 10 to 15 seconds before removing. In the meantime, continue placing the chocolate-coated truffles in the cocoa or other secondary coating. After 10 to 15 seconds, remove the truffle to a parchment lined sheet pan. Repeat until all truffles are coated. Allow to set in a cool dry place for at least 1 hour; or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Truffles are best when served at room temperature.

1st Day-Paradise Macaroons

Paradise Macaroons

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown for 12 Days of Cookies 2008



Times:

Prep 30 min
Inactive Prep 1 hr 30 min
Cook 25 min
Total: 2 hr 25 min

Yield approximately 3 1/2 dozen cookies


Ingredients

  • 2 (7 to 8-ounce) packages sweetened shredded coconut
  • 2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large egg whites at room temperature
  • 5 ounces granulated sugar
  • 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 ounce vegetable shortening
  • 2 ounces finely chopped dry-roasted macadamia nuts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Combine the coconut with the sweetened condensed milk, salt and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl.

In the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to whip the whites until medium peaks form, 6 to 7 minutes.

Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture. Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds onto a parchment-lined half sheet pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately transfer the parchment with the macaroons to a cooling rack. Cool completely before topping.

Fill a 4-quart pot with enough water to come 2 inches up the side, set over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Combine the chocolate chips and shortening in a small metal or glass mixing bowl and set over the simmering pot. Stir occasionally until melted, then remove from the heat.

Dip the cooled cookies in the chocolate mixture, sprinkle with the chopped macadamia nuts and place on parchment paper to set, about 30 minutes.

12 Days of Cookies

Here is the 12 Days of cookies...Now the only thing I get these from several websites-
So, we may have several cookies in 12 days...LOL...I will post my first one after this post-

Some of these I have already tried, tested, & approved.
Some are new to me like they may be to you.

If you can give me any feed back on these 12 days of cookies
I have something special for ONE lucky Poster!!!

I wanna know if you did try it, was it good or bad.
IF you did try it yourself Would you try it again...??

Good Luck gang & Lets Get Baking!!!

TIPS::Shipping Holiday Foods

I just received a eMail on how to package & ship holiday sweets that I really didn't know about. I just thought if I sealed them up good enough so that no air was attached then they would arrive just fine.

As far as I know (no one ever said other wise) my sweets always arrived "tasty" not "Moldy". So here we go-learning something new & VERY useful for this holiday season's food ships.
.
.
Shipping Homemade Holiday Foods
Tips to ensure your thoughtful gift arrives in the shape you intended

Whether you're sending homemade treats to a neighboring town or across the country, here are some helpful tips to ensure it reaches its recipient in perfectly shipped shape.

Choose your gifts wisely. Do not mail highly perishable items such as dairy- or meat-filled foods. If you're sending baked goods, moist and firm, rather than brittle and delicate, ship well and arrive in the best form. Include a note on the best way to handle the food once it arrives. Holiday baked goods that travel well include:

  • Cookies: To prevent cookies from breaking, create a cushion on the bottom of the container with crumpled wax paper or parchment, and then layer the cookies, wrapped in airtight wrap or in zippered plastic bags with crumpled wax paper in between. Separate crisper cookies from moister to preserve textures. Cookie tins are really ideal ? find them at craft and hardware stores and also at yard sales and flea markets (just wash them well first).
  • Pound cakes, loaf breads, brownies and fudge: Bake in disposable foil pans and ship them in the pan. Cover the cooled pan with plastic wrap, place in a zip lock bag (leave air in the pan to act as a cushion, and then ship in a cushioned box. These baked goods may also be baked and shipped in decorative new pans, with the intention of including the baking pan as a gift, too.
  • Cakes and candies: pack compactly in tins. Candies should be placed in cups or layered on cushioned papers. Make sure there is no headroom or the confections may crack or crush.
  • Bottles of oils or vinegars or jars of chutney, sauces or jam: Before packing, make sure bottles are tightly sealed and packed in sturdy jars. Wrap the bottles or jars in bubble wrap and then place inside an air-filled zippered plastic bag. Pack the items in a shipping box lined with plastic wrap (a large plastic garbage bag works well), filled with crumpled newspaper, bubble wrap, foam peanuts or air-popped popcorn. Pack heavier items at the bottom of the box and make sure there is cushioning between each item. A good rule of thumb: Calculate two to three-inches of packing material on all sides for optimum cushioning. Pack the top of the box so there is no headroom or items may shift.

Always use sturdy, unused corrugated shipping boxes. Use packing tape to securely close the box. Fill out your labels with a waterproof pen. Mark the carton "perishable" and ship it via the fastest means possible.

Perfectly packed and properly shipped, you can be sure your treats will be welcomed with opened arms — and mouths.

Monday, December 1, 2008

My LOVE LOVE Funiture Store

As most of us know-
There is No more shopping ONLINE with Pier1 any longer
what a bummer!!
I was told 'cause the individual stores
weren't getting commission on the sales-
I suggested that they may have placed a
bottom at the end of the sales check-
out for the individual to click for what store they wanted to support...
NO SUCH LUCK

BUT, I still like to promote them in the deals they have-
I still LOVE LOVE to shop there (in store)

This is a perfect idea to use if you have a girl or girls to buy for.
The Pre-Teen age works fine. Great stocking stuffers as well!!!

Assorted Cosmetic Bags
NOW $3.48 Orig. $7


Carriage Fan Card NOW $2.98
Orig. $4.50



Sari Patchwork Totes
NOW $17.98
Orig. $35


Kids Toy Sale

CYBER MONDAY 12-01-08 SELECT TOYS 60% OFF
KBtoys: Special Holiday Offer, Get $5 off $100. Shop Now!



KBtoys: Electronics Sale Up to 50% Off Select Items (ends 12.2)
Selection Of Toys For Both Boys & Girls

KBtoys: Train and Road Race 20% Off Select Items (ends 12.2)
Nice selection for the Train
Engineers in your family!


Grand Canyon Express Train Set:
G-Gauge Expansion Track

Was: $9.99
Sale Price: $7.99

You Save: $2.00 (20%)

*note* this track set goes with the Polar Express G-Gauge set
A train builder can NEVER
have enough Tracks!!
& every sale on tracks is more money to spend on the engines themselves!!*


Super City Elevated Rails Train Set

Was: $179.99 Sale Price: $143.99 You Save: $36.00 (20%)


KBtoys: Dreamtime Baby Sale Up to 30% Off Select Items (ends 12.2)

My Real Dreamtime Baby Doll -
Blue Eyes and Fair Skin & Brown Eyes & Olive Skin
Pre-order: Available 12/10/08

Was: $49.99
Sale Price: $39.99
You Save: $10.00 (20%)


Example of Other Toys on Sale TODAY 12-01-08

2007 Holiday Barbie by Mattel
Was: $39.99
Sale Price: $12.99
You Save: $27.00 (68%)
*my favorite toy as a young child-BARBIES!!*



Hannah Montana "In Concert" Collection -
"The Other Side of Me"
Was: $19.99
Sale Price: $9.99
You Save: $10.00 (50%)

*HOT HOT Item for many girls this year Hannah Montana*



Robosapien Media
Was: $299.99
Sale Price: $149.99
You Save: $150.00 (50%)
*my dogs have one of these & just love it-
It's amazing what this robot can do*





Plug 'N Play Disney Joystick
with 5-in-1 TV Games
Was: $19.99
Sale Price: $9.99
You Save: $10.00 (50%)
*my dogs have several of these games-
they really are neat & compact-
Easy to hook up as well*




ALERT--SMART SHOPPERS BUY!!!!
V.Flash SpongeBob Software Value Pack
Was: $149.97
Sale Price: $29.99
You Save: $119.98 (80%)


Includes:
V.Flash Learning System,
V.Flash Joystick,
V.Flash SpongeBob SquarePants SmartDisc


kbtoys.com (eToys Direct, Inc.)

Melamine 30%OFF


This set is just to cute...

30% Off Green Italian Melamine Pottery
was: $24.00
now:$15.99


On Sale NOW at Give Simple
They're shatter resistant, high-heat resistant
and dishwasher safe (but not microwave friendly)

Also they have other colors as well
Yellow Italian Melamine Pottery


Blue Italian Melamine Pottery


Mix-Match for a ultra cute table setting!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Moon Dog Spot Story

True Story By the Mouth Of Moon Dog Spot!!

While heading home yesterday evening we were driving on Hwy 90
There is no stop places Just 4 lane hwy & swamps on both sides.
Spot rode with G'Maw Dog in her truck-
Big Dog, Juicy, & I were following them.
& G'Paw Dog & Rex was about a hour behind us pulling the G'Dogs camper-
We were about 45 mins from home when his mouth opened & this conversation fell out!!
*Mind you-Spots words don't always come out pronounced correctly!!!*

Spot "Maw I have to poos!"
G'Maw "You'll have to wait we almost home."
Spot "Where's Paw, I can use the troilet in the camper?"
G'Maw "Paw is way in back of us & I can't pull over in the woods!"
Spot "Oh NO Maw-only nanimals make poos in the woods!!!"

i'm back......

I'm very sorry gang
While I was away from home/my computer
where we were located in the woods
I couldn't get back online.
I couldn't post all the wonderfully awesome online deals for black Friday

I was so bummed about that!!!

Now there are several deals still going on though straight through December.
Being with the bad stock market-
companies are seeing that it is best to keep their sales on-going
& not just have them for a day or just the weekend of.

Now there is also Cyber Monday (tomorrow)
I have several deals for that-
also check out my company list on right side of page
There too list deals on-going into December month!

PLUS as promised just a week late-
I have pictures of our trip.

I will be here all night up loading & post
Enjoy the deals that come through-
I still have over 400 eMails to go through FULL of Great Shopping Deals!!

Stay Tuned!!
XOXO

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Camping?...

Here we arrived just before 4:00pm Sat. @ Jelly Stone on the Lake, In Miss.As I stated before we were here for the last few hurricanes that hit just 2 months ago.& It is so much nicer now-there is 16 cabins & only 4 are being taken by visitors.there are about 80+ spots for RVs & only 10 maybe are being used. It is really nice-the weather is nice & cool, slight mist at night-& when standing at the top of the ridge looking down into the valley where the RVs can park it looks like a miniature Christmas village!! Very Beautiful !!

We aren't directly on the Lake-we're about 6 yrds away. They have Canadian Geese, Ducks, Poo'Doos (some cajun word for another type of DUCK), & white birds oh well crabs can't think of their names-Not swans, Not Pelicans, well when I think of it I'll come back & let ya know. Also I took some pic today of the Dogs-I'll upload them tomorrow (Monday).

Speaking of Monday It's Grand Mother Dog's Birthday.She will be 55 so I say....But, actually she will be 56-I guess I'll do for her like I do for myself-Get to a certain age & that is it...Not counting any higher!Just there is the date & now hand over the cake!!(of cheesy that rhymed)The dogs & I have a special planned for her & of course I bought her some presents BUT, I'm smart enough NOT to talk about them here just yet-she does read my blah blah blog
We have some friends/family that came up today & will be spending 3 days 2 nights with us.It's another Grammie & her 2 g'sons. Their ages fall between my dogs So, it works out well for play times. They had a blast today & didn't miss a beat in getting into the spirit of winter camping.

This am my father & big dog built a fire. My Mother & the little dogs went in search for perfect fall foliage for my table in my cabin. Ohh talk about some pretty trees & sticks. (pic to come on that as well). Now my clan is all out by the fire while I'm over here in the laundry room cleaning blankets & 2 days of clothes & Yapping to y'all about it all.

When I get back I'm fixing me a little *night cap* & hitting the fire to enjoy the night.
Have a nice night, stay warm.See you on Monday with some GREAT!!! Online Deals to start off your Christmas Shopping!!!

XOXO