Saturday Roundup

I just can not believe it is the end of November. Looking out the window at the snow and ice it already looks like mid winter, but inside it is toasty warm and just perfect for what I have been up to the last half of the week.

I have put my sewing to the side (did manage to finish one project though) and started my Christmas baking. I have a feeling I have once again gone a bit overboard with my list. Yet with company coming Christmas day, Kurt and Kris being home for about a week, and my Prayer Shawl ministry meeting here on Monday for a little get together I think I might be okay.

Here are a few pictures of what I have made so far.

Chocolate coconut candy in the bag in front. Almond Bark in the bags in the back.

English Shortbread, though why the recipe is called that I will never know.

Homemade peppermint candies.

Whipped Shortbread cookies decorated with red and green cherries.

Butter Tart slice, since I refuse to make tarts any more.

Nanaimo bars, my favourite.

Peanut Butter slice.

The last two still need cutting and putting in containers.

Just a few more items to make, but as Harvey has brought up the Christmas decorations and set up the tree, I will have to stop for a little bit. Hopefully I will be able to get at least the Peanut Brittle made tomorrow (if I am really lucky the Surprise toffee as well).

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

The second Sunday of Advent and in the Roman Catholic tradition we light the second candle for love. The love the Lord has for us even with all our faults and the love we should all share with each other.

It has been a quiet day. Harvey made us breakfast when we got home from Mass, I did the dishes and got the chicken ready to be put in the oven.

Then came baking, or should I say melting, mixing and just a touch of oven use.

These are the centers to what will be snowballs when served. Just have to roll them in icing (confectioners) sugar before serving.

Chocolate Bavarian Mints. Once again just melting and mixing ingredients. I will be cutting them tomorrow. Just making sure they are set.

Brittle Surprise was next on the list. I will be breaking this up very soon (Hubby has gotten into it already). This is sometimes known as Christmas Crack around here. Whatever you call it, this is amazing and very addictive.

I was asked for my Almond Bark recipe. It is one that I sort of made up as the years have gone by.

Almond Bark

3 cups white chocolate chips or white dipping chocolate

2 1/2 cups of almonds (this year the slivered almonds were on sale so that is what I used)

1/2 tsp almond extract or vanilla extract (which every you prefer)

Melt chocolate, mix in almonds and flavouring. Pour into wax paper lined baking pan as thin as possible. Mine turned out a bit thicker this year, but Harvey seems to enjoy it anyway.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

My Sweetie

There is a story behind this Chocolate Bar. You see our oldest son left a bar very similar to this one in his room downstairs when he was visiting over the Easter Break.

I cleaned up his room the day he left and saw it lying there in all its chocolate goodness, but instead of eating it immediately, I left it there for a bit later. Thinking to myself, "This will make a lovely dessert for Harvey and I later on."

Well later that night when the chocolate cravings hit I went downstairs to get it and divide it between my sweetie and me. Lo, and behold the chocolate was gone and the empty wrapper was staring me in the face.

I questioned my husband, and found to my surprise that he had found said chocolate and ate it. ((Sighs)), he never even shared it. Oh he had planned on only eating one half of it and bringing the rest upstairs to me, but once started just had to have another bite, until to his utter amazement it was gone!

I came back upstairs, gathered my knitting and tried to put the chocolate out of my mind.....I succeeded, but barely.

To my surprise the next day after work this lovely gift was lying on the table, with a note telling me to enjoy. Seems my sweetie decided that I deserved a chocolate bar of my own!

Got to love a man who brings you chocolate!!!

Off to visit you all now. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.