Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas

It has been a long time since I've truly enjoyed Christmas, for reasons I won't go into at this time.  I always breathe a sigh of relief the day AFTER, because life returns to normal. But this year has reminded me why I used to love it.  Last night I had a small get together with friends (which felt like a huge get together due to the size of my humble home). We spent the evening snacking on treats that I spent the day whipping up, playing games, and laughing until we cried.  The sparkling christmas lights added to the intimate ambience, and we spent the evening thankful for each others company. It's funny, but when you bring together a bunch a people who dread christmas as much as you do and just have some fun, somehow a bit of the holiday spirit creeps back in. At least it did for me.  So much so that I forgot to take pictures. I was too busy having a wonderful time with my dearest friends, and the kids.

The kids went to their father's house last night, so the house is quiet this morning. A bit more cooking and off to Mom's to spend the day.  But before I do, I thought I'd share my favorite recipe for friendly get together's (It's on the back of the Knorr's Vegetable Soup Mix package):

Knorr's Spinach Dip

1 package Knorr's Vegetable Soup Mix
10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and drained

1 cup mayo

16 oz. container sour cream

1 small can water chestnuts, diced

3 scallions

Mix all ingredients and chill to let flavors meld.  I like to bake a sourdough boule until crispy, cut off the top and hollow it out, reserving the cubes of bread for dipping, and fill the hollow boule with the dip.  Of course its also a great dip for crackers and veggies.  And it's as simple as that.

Wishing everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My Favorite Christmas Treat

Yes, I know, treats aren't just for Christmas, but I tend to not cook/prepare 'junk food' very often, so at Christmas time I splurge a little.  My favorite confections to make during the season are Oreo Truffles! And they are SO easy to make.

Oreo Truffles

1 bag Oreos
1 brick cream cheese
Almond Bark or chocolate chips to coat (may use white, milk chocolate, or semi sweet)

In a food processor, pulverize oreos. Add cream cheese and mix until thoroughly blended. Refrigerate until able to easily roll into walnut sized balls.  Melt whatever you are using to coat the balls, and dip. Allow to dry on wax paper until set.


You can use whatever kind of oreo you like. Some of my favorites are the mint, peanut butter, and original. I prefer not to use the double stuff because the large amount of cream seems to give less of an oreo taste.

What are your favorite treats?

It's going to be a busy weekend. Son has a wrestling tournament today, and son and daughter have a band concert tomorrow, so not alot of down time for writing.  The coming week will also be full with grooming pups for Christmas.  If things get a little too crazy this week, Merry Christmas everyone!~

Getting in the Spirit

In spite of the fact that I'm feeling a little under the weather, its been a lovely evening. The kids came home early enough to put on a little christmas cheer with me so we spent the evening decorating. I decided to let them put the tree up all by themselves this year. I tend to be a bit of a control freak, so kudos to me! I only made a couple of suggestions, but shut up when they decided to do it their way lol. Most of our ornaments are hand made with love.

Even Lucky got in the Christmas spirit... or at least he was dressed like it!

And what cold Autumn night is complete without homeade hot chocolate with fresh whipped cream?

The lights were stretched on the shrubs... not sure if I'll get anything else done this year.  

And when all the work is done, we got to sit back and enjoy the beauty of the season.

Happy Holidays everyone!