please 2010...be finished already!

So here we are 3.5 hours away from the ball dropping in NYC and a plague has descended upon my home. Court is hacking up a lung, J-man is feverish, coughing and downright persnickety in his icky state and Jerry? Well let's just say he is driving the bus...no NOT the big yellow one...the porcelain bus. Oh Yeah it's been THAT kind of day.

As for me, I am sitting in the living room watching my fourth movie and lamenting the lack of chocolate in the house. How's a girl supposed to deal with all the drama and no chocolate!

So 2010 can get the heck outta town and stay there. Oh and take this plague with ya!

why i have the bestest hubby in the whole entire world...

Christmas 2010

I am not an easy woman to live with...just ask my husband. Today is his birthday so I thought I would take a moment and let the entire universe know why I have the bestest hubby in the entire world...

He gets me water...no matter what time of day/night even if he is all snuggled in for a long winter's nap. He will still get up and refill my water glass.

He thinks I'm cute...believe me I look nothing like the woman he married almost 23 years ago. The middle is all jello, the legs no longer resemble Betty Grable and the hair is grey hidden under some lovely Nice 'n Easy.  He still manages to make me feel like I am 18 all over again with just a look.

He is the most determined man I know...when he sets his mind to it he goes after it and doesn't let anything deter him. He has always been this way and I have always admired him for it. He has achieved much in his life because of this and I love him for being so determined to care for his family no matter what life throws his way.

He makes the BEST breakfast in the universe...my man is gifted with an iron skillet. He can whip up sausage and gravy with his eyes closed or make a creamy batch of scrambled eggs or an egg in a whole in no time flat. The man is a monster in the kitchen at breakfast time. The rest of the day...not so much!

He still sings Silly Songs at the top of his lungs...I know that this might be a little TMI for you guys but he has the best Larry the Cucumber voice. Seriously. He does and he knows all the hits. "Oh, Where is my Hairbrush" and "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" are his personal favorites. When J-man decides to join in for a lively rendition of "The Cheeseburger Song" I need Depends. It's just too much!

So on this the 46th anniversary of your birth...I say thank your dear husband for choosing me. I think your cute too!
Love,
Mar

inspiration for 2011...

I woke up this morning suffering the affects of my processed food/sugar party last night and realized that you may be looking for some real inspiration for 2011 instead of my pithy little post.

So if you want to be inspired to do better and be better check out some of my favorite bloggers who all have fabulous ideas for tackling your dreams in the New Year!

why there really is hope for your new year’s resolutions @ a holy experience

The Value of Accountability for Achieving Your Goals @ Simple Mom

How to Set Goals That Make Sense: A Writer’s Perspective @ Write to Done

Planning and Preparing for the New Year @ A Woman Builds Her Home

20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection @ (in)courage

looking back...

Image source

How fast does time go?

Wicked fast if your 2010.

Wasn't it just 103 degrees outside? Wasn't I just miserable in the middle of all that heat and humidity begging for the glorious fall to return?

It seems like all of a sudden 2010 is outta here, I am freezing my socks off and 2011 is literally a few hours away. This is just plain crazy people!


CRAZY you hear me!

So what's a girl to do?

Well, after I changed into my favorite yoga pants allowing me the elasticity necessary for the wallowing and gnashing of teeth that were sure to follow, I proceeded to drown my dismay in my go to BFF (Best Favorite Food) B and J's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch.

Then I did the unthinkable...I looked back.

I read my 2010 New Year's Resolution's .

Believe me there was much screaming and gnashing of teeth in between lovely bites of coffee toffee choclately yumminess.

First of all, I was in serious overachieving mode last year. 10 resolutions??

Seriously people?? So much for making my life simpler. 

No pressure, Mar, really honey. Make it easy on yourself why don't ya. No more "Eat, Pray, Love" life re-examination in the midst of a sugar induced meditative state...your just going to make yourself crazy nuts!

Oh right. That was my inside voice. Sorry...moving on...

I had no choice, really I didn't,  as I grabbed a second pint because Baby OH BABY do I have some 'splainin to do.

Ice cream and I go way back and this has always been a great way to deal with my emotional distress! We won't discuss how the sugar high always crashes sending me into the pits of despair making me feel like I am all alone and that no one loves me.

Nope. We're leaving that little discussion for another time thank you very much.

The point to this post? Oh right...where was I???

Oh...looking back...my best advice...

DON'T DO IT!!! Keep your eyes pealed front and center moving toward your future especially if you feel like last year was a complete EPIC FAIL!!

OK, I am being a teensy bit over dramatic here...it wasn't EPIC...just sad. I started out with such promise, so motivated and then it was February and well I was done...I was all resloutioned out and very cold...it was February after all.

So being that 2011 will make it's appearance in a few hours I have decided to be bold. I have decided to actually try it again. I know, crazy right?

I think I may be making decisions while still high on Ben and Jerry's but you only live once right? Here we go...

I have decided that my 2011 New Year's Resolution will be...

to finish! 

that's right...to finish. It's an transitive (whatever that means) verb meaning to bring to an end; complete.

In 2011 I will become a finisher but for the remainder of 2010...I will be sucking down as much refined processed food as I can because this next year I resolve to finish that temple makeover I was so excited about last year.

There you have it ladies and gents. 'Nuf said...this post is finished!

Ha! One down...364 more days to go! Wahoo...bring on 2011!!

merry christmas to all and to all a good night...

Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!! I will be taking the week off to spend time with the family but I wanted to post this years Christmas letter for your enjoyment!

I will see you all on Jan 1, 2011...Until then I pray your holiday is filled with peace and love, your protected in your travels and your able to make many memories with friends and family!

Blessings, 

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

me and my guy...fall 2010

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, it’s that time of year again, (wait, haven’t I used that for every Christmas letter?  Oh, yes I have…but I like to stick to what works).  Time to recap another very busy year of transition for the Lenaburg family.

Jonathan has come home from Franciscan University, switched majors and will graduate from Northern Virginia Community College in the spring.  He is planning on moving on to George Mason University in the fall and studying Computer Game Design…yup, kinda like the kid in the candy store.  This year he turned 21, had his first drink and danced as a penguin, NO, not all at the same time, although that might have made a great YouTube video.  His Parks and Recreation Class, (yes I didn’t know they had those either), helped put on the annual “Ghost Train” at the local park, and there were dancing penguins to entertain the kids waiting for the train…Yup, nothing like watching Gumby, Pokey, and a bunch of penguins doing the Macarena….and we have photos, so no denying this.  And to top things off, he got a job at Macy’s for the Christmas season as a sales associate in the men’s department.  He’s worn a tie more in the last month than his entire life-“Dad, how do you wear one of these every day?” “Loosely, son, loosely.” Mary and I enjoyed the sweet irony of listening to Jonathan complain about folding “all those clothes that the customers messed up.”  Yes, there truly is a God. Of course, I did remind him that cleaning up his room was excellent vocational training for his job, but for some reason, he didn’t appreciate my wisdom.

Jonathan and Courtney...fall 2010

Our cool Santa (pictured below) also had a number of milestones this year.  Courtney turned 18 this year and we had to actually go to district court to become her legal guardians. Anything we can do to keep the lawyers employed and stimulate the economy.  However, I thought our little sweetums was going to need help staying out of the ‘big house’ at school.  She was actually sent to the “time-out” room for….wait for it….TALKING TOO LOUD! Yup, our daughter is a true teenager…she’s gonna yell at the top of her lungs until she gets someone’s attention-“YO PEOPLE, somebody better pay attention to me, here..or it’s gonna get ugly!”  Imagine my surprise when I found out my daughter was again becoming a juvenile delinquent (recalling the great sippy cup throwing incident of 2004).  Overall, she has had a pretty good year, with no hospital stays and NO swine flu.  She is still struggling to keep weight on but is holding steady for now. How I wish I had that problem! 

Mary and I have been trying to keep up with the young ones. Mary’s now works 3-4 days a week as a substitute teacher at Court’s school while continuing to write and blog. This keeps her busier than an elf in Santa’s workshop. Not to be outdone by Jonathan, Mary danced in her elf suit at Courtney’s school for the Holiday Dance-A-Thon. Not to worry, no reindeer were injured during the electric slide and Courtney thought it was all highly amusing, as you can see above. Yep, she slept through the whole thing. That’s my girl! Just like her big brother in Physics class. Proud parent moments indeed!

I (Jerry) have finished my masters degree in Military Studies and continue to work for ******** while contemplating a future move into the teaching profession.  Nope, no dancing for me…cause white men can’t dance…unless they’re at weddings….with open bars….OH, okay so maybe I did dance, but…hahaha, no photo evidence.  So, who’s the brains behind this outfit?

our cool santa!

We hope 2011 brings you joy and prosperity.  Merry Christmas!

The Lenaburg Family

7 layer dip ~ game day snacks/ pt.2

Seven layers of flavor!

Right now your probably knee deep in cookie dough and last minute Christmas shopping. Me? I am all set for the big day. I will bake a little more on Friday morning but really needed to be prepared for last minutes guests and of course Navy's big bowl game Thursday night. So I went looking for another new game day snack recipe. As I read through several food magazines I noticed that layered dips were in every single copy. I chuckled and knew right then what I was going to make. 7-Layer Dip here we come. 

I have made this dip every football season since I was married 22 years ago. It is full of flavor and never fails to please. You just layer the ingredients and your off. Simple, simple, simple!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mary's 7-Layer Dip

recipe by Mary Lenaburg

Ingredients:

1 (14.5 oz can) refried beans or make your own

2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped

1/2 red onion finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled

1 to 2 pickled jalapeno chiles, minced

1 (16 oz) container sour cream

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 cups cheddar cheese, grated 

1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced

6 ounces pitted black olives, chopped

1 to 2 bags tortilla chips, for serving

Directions:

Mix tomatoes with onion and salt. Mash avocados with jalapeno and the lemon juice.

Alternatively, layer all ingredients in a large bowl. 

Serve with chips.

"that" mother...

my and my boy on a happier mothering day

It's been a rough 24 hours in my mothering universe. As I type these words I am humbled and grateful for a son's forgiving heart and relying on God's mercy to do better the next time.

It all started when my son got his grades for this past semester. A's, B's and a C he was so stinkin thrilled to have in this one class. It had kicked his butt from the beginning and he was just so happy to survive the experience. He was satisfied, pleased he had done his best.

My response..."Well son do your really think that's going to get it done. You know what you need to transfer. Are these grades going to be enough? Maybe if you had spent more time studying and less time socializing you might have straight A's."

His face fell. He tensed his shoulders and huffed "Seriously Mom, when will I ever be good enough for you? When will I ever hear "Good job Jonathan. Nicely done." Instead it's all about doing better, working harder. I worked really hard for these grades Mom and it's still not enough for you."


I felt like I had been punched in the gut. Was I really that mother? Did I really respond negatively every single time? I didn't have a comeback. I just stood there with my mouth open like a guppy.

He walked away with his head down.

In that moment I just wanted to shout out how proud I was of him and how much I loved him. But instead I stood there wondering if he was right. If he was...how would I fix it?

He had looked to me for approval and encouragement and I had answered with judgement. Anyone who tells you this mothering thing gets easier when your children are in college is lying. It's a cacophony of emotions as you try to navigate between letting go and stepping in. It's confusing as hell for me and I find I am often at a loss for what to do.

I wanted desperately in that moment to be that mother. You know the one. The one that smiles and is always encouraging. The one that doesn't lose her temper but holds it until she has heard the whole story. The one that celebrates their child's unique personality instead of hiding their head every time that individuality is expressed. I have always wanted to be the mother that gives support and bolsters confidence. Hugs first then quietly corrects with restraint.

Well in case you haven't figured it out I am not that mother. And yesterday it showed. Now that I have had time to think about things, to pray about the situation I have realized that my son has a valid point.

It's funny, with Courtney I have no choice but to stay in the moment because I don't know what's going to happen next. With Jonathan I am always looking to the future. What needs to happen? How things can be better? What lesson has been learned?

Why? Why did it have to be that way? Why in the 21 years I have been a mother couldn't I love them the same.

I am not talking about the amount of love, that has never been in question. I am talking about the practical application of day to day parenting. Of encouraging and disciplining. Of celebrating each and every accomplishment honoring the hard work they have done no matter the result. I resolved in that moment to make things right. To make sure he knew how much I loved him and how proud I was of him.

He had worked hard and he needed to know his mother was proud of him right now in this moment! He was and always would be good enough for his momma!

I found a quiet moment last night and asked to speak with him. We sat down and talked like two adults. I told him how much I loved him, how proud I was of him. He didn't have to do anything to earn my love, he had it no matter what, ups downs and all arounds.

I talked about how hard it was for me, his transition into adulthood. How sometimes I looked his way and saw a ten year old little boy building some new Lego creation not a 6'2" bear of a man who couldn't wait to conquer the world.

In that moment, I was that mother. The mother who knew her son was going places and couldn't wait to see what fabulous things were to come his way. I asked forgiveness for judging instead of encouraging. I apologized for making him feel "small".

Then something wonderful happened. My son looked at me and said "I'll love you forever I'll like you for always as long as I'm living my Mom you'll be."

I laughed as the tears rolled down my face. This awesome young man had just quoted one of our favorite children's stories, "I'll Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch. I had read that wonderful to him every night for years when he was little. He remembered those nights when his Dad was sailing somewhere in the Med in defense of his country, and he and I would curl up and read for hours. I loved those times and apparently so did he.

In response I hugged him and whispered  "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be." 

In that moment, I was finally that mother.

tasty tuesday ~ game day snacks/pt.1

A BIG bang in a little bite!

So Bowl Season will arrive in about a week and if your anything like me, the game day snacks are as important as the game itself. Go NAVY! So I thought I would mix it up a bit and try a few new recipes. Chips and dip can get a little monotonous after awhile. 

So it's off to the cookbook shelf we go and after a bit of digging I came across this recipe from Lucinda Scala Quinn's newest cookbook Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys. As a Martha Stewart devotee I have made many of Lucinda's recipe's over the years. Lucinda runs Martha's kitchens and is quite the accomplished chef in her own right.

The use of the pickle is the big surprise in this recipe. It adds a little punch and crunch. These sliders came together quickly and they are baked with means easy peasy prep work and clean up. Gotta love that. Lot's of flavor, little effort. SCORE!!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

This weeks recipe is being shared with Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Raising Homemakers and City Wife Country Life , The King's Court IV as well as Frugality and Crunchiness w/ Christy! Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

yummmm!

Mad Hungry Sliders

recipe from Licinda Scala Quinn

INGREDIENTS:

Makes 20 small burgers; serves 8.

3 ounces (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened

2 to 3 shallots, minced

2 tablespoons water

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

2 pounds ground sirloin

20 round dill pickle slices

20 slices (2-inch square) white cheese, any type

20 soft dinner rolls, split and toasted

20 small lettuce leaves, any type, for serving

3 Roma or plum tomatoes, thinly sliced crosswise, for serving

Condiments, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a small pan. Add shallots, and cook until softened, about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in water, and season with salt and pepper.

Form 20 patties using 2 tablespoons ground sirloin for each. Place on a rimmed baking sheet, and coat patties with remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Press a pickle slice into each patty (refrigerate for up to 2 hours).

Preheat broiler. Season patties with salt and pepper. Broil for 4 to 5 minutes. Top burgers with cheese during final 30 seconds.

Spread shallot butter on bottom half of each roll, then top with 1 burger. Sandwich with top half of roll, and serve with lettuce, tomatoes, ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard.

mary's book basket ~ courtney's christmas basket

There is a basket that sits next to the sofa in our living room. We call it Courtney's Book Basket. It's where we keep some of her favorites so we can snuggle and read at anytime. During this particular season it is chock full of some of our favorite Christmas stories. There were a few new additions this year I thought I would share with you.

This is the newest addition to Courtney's Christmas Basket is Little Star written by the ever talented Anthony DeStefano and beautifully illustrated by Mark Elliot. This is a sweet story all the Littlest Star who shined so bright so the baby Jesus would be warm. The illustrations are so lovely and they perfectly compliment DeStefano's engaging tale.

Product Description:

“I think I understand!” Little Star cried out. “The baby Jesus is a king! He’s just little!”

A king is about to be born! The stars in the heavens are competing to shine the brightest to celebrate his birth. But when they see the poor family, the donkey, the shabby stable, the stars all think, That can’t possibly be a king. We’ve been fooled.

All except one. The smallest, loneliest star in the sky, Little Star, is the only one to understand what the king was about to bring to the world. But what can Little Star do for him? 

Certain to become a Christmas classic, this delightful tale connects the star atop our Christmas trees to the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, in the hearts and minds of young children.

I was surprised by this book, a great story with a wonderful holiday message. The Christmas Sweater: A Picture Book  by Glenn Beck really touched my heart. My favorite line just makes me smile.
Eddie's Grandpa tells him "Eddie, sometimes a sweater isn't just a sweater...See, when a gift is made by hand, all of that person's love is captured in it. Once they give it to you, that love turns into Christmas magic..."
I just love that sentiment! I have been the recipient of many packages filled with that special Christmas magic over the years and I just love the idea of it. This Christmas I have passed on more of my own brand of homemade love.


Product Description:
Adapted from the original bestselling novel, The Christmas Sweater: A Picture Book is the story of a young boy who finds the true meaning of Christmas in the most unlikely of places. Eddie wants a bicycle for Christmas, but his mother knits him a homemade sweater instead. His disappointment is obvious, but a magical journey makes Eddie realize that the sweater is far more than it seems. Ultimately it teaches him that the true meaning of a gift is that it is given with love.

Great Joy written by Kate DiCamillo actually made me cry. Seriously, the last two pages just hit me square in the hear and made me cry for the shear JOY of God's gift given EVERY single Christmas day. After being entranced by the music, Little Francis is concerned for the Organ Grinder and his little monkey when she discovers they live on the streets of New York. It's cold and she is worried. She asks her mother is she can ask them to dinner. Her mother who is drawn to look like Maureen O'Hara in "The Miracle of 34th Street" tells her "no" because they are strangers. One evening on the way to her churches Christmas Play, Frances invites the Organ Grinder to witness her big moment as an angel. What happens made me cry...that's all I'll say. Read it!

The Spirit of Christmas written by Nancy Tillman speaks about the true theme of Christmas...LOVE! This is such a fabulous lyrical read. It's written in rhyme in the first person. I felt like I was reading a beautiful poem. I would love to see it put to music. How lovely that would be!
My favorite verse was:
That's when the Spirit of Christmas smiled. 
"Remember, this all began with a child. Because it took nothing but love to begin it, it's not really Christmas if love isn't in it."
Your tree may be large as the room will allow with a big yellow star on the uppermost bough, but of one thing I'm certain, I'm sure of one thing.
It is love that makes the angels sing.

The final selection for today is from one of my favorite author/illustrators of all time. Tomie DePaola has written some of our families favorite children's books such as Holy Twins and Strega Nonna. Joy to the World is a collection of Christmas songs and some of Tomie's most popular holiday stories. We love this collection. LOVE it!

Product Description:
For generations of his fans, Christmas has been synonymous with Tomie dePaola--after all, it's his favorite holiday! Now, readers will find three of his best-known and beloved Christmas stories together in one handsome volume.
Comprised of The Night of Las Posadas, The Story of the Three Wise Kings, and The Legend of the Poinsettia, along with several exquisitely illus trated Christmas carols, Tomie dePaola's Christmas treasury will become an elegant addition to every family's holiday celebrations.


So if your looking for a last minute gift that will put a smile on some little persons face give any one of these a go. You won't be disappointed!
Merry Christmas!
Mary

the rhythm of the home daybook...Christmas is coming...

Outside My Window ~

There is still snow on the ground and it is COLD! I don't think it went passed 30 degrees today. BRRR! The sun is high in the sky as it pours into my kitchen. In a few hours it will be time to turn on the outside lights. I just love Christmas lights. They make my very simple home sparkle.

I am Listening To ~

The Redskins come back and tie the game with the Cowboys only to lose in the last two plays. This house will be petty quiet when football season is done. Thank goodness for basketball and hockey! Courtney belts out from time to time in dismay I think...

I am Wearing ~

Flannel jammie pants and a bright orange Kilmer Center T-shirt. I look like a traffic cone but I am warm and comfy and that's all that matters.

I am Blessed and Grateful For ~

#104

friends who pray...hard

#105

fire pits, mulled cider and friends to share them with

#106

a pastor who inspires with his words and challenges his flock to do better...be better

#107

a son who brings me a latte without asking...just because

#108

two confirmandi who make me smile and so very proud to stand with them as they come into the church.

#109

blogging friends who have become "real-life" friends

#110

for the ability to worship as I please in a country that allows be to believe as I wish. A precious right indeed!

I am Pondering ~

This weekend my hubby and I were able to see the new Narnia movie. It was such a wonderful moving experience. There were two line in particular that have stuck with me.

"Everything you are is enough" said by Aslan to the the brave and spirited Lucy

during a moment of great temptation
and

"We have nothing if we do not have belief" stated matter-of-factly by the courageous Reepacheep.

There are a lot of things swirling around in my head these days. I have been struggling a bit lately with my attitude and temper. My poor husband usually gets the brunt of it. I know that my prayer life is off kilter when these things happen. I also know not to ignore it but rise up to the challenge to be a better human being trying to overcome what is not so pretty inside me. This movie really moved me. It challenged me to be courageous and face my fears. With God's help...I shall. I am grateful this week provides a few more opportunities to be still.

I am Reading ~

John Grisham's The Confession: A Novel

Nikon 3000 for Dummies

I'm trying to figure out my new camera...right now the camera is winning.

I am Creating Something of Beauty with My Hands ~

a few last minute gifts for some sweet friends

On My Ipod ~

Christmas music of all kinds. In particular I am really enjoying Josh Groban and Andrea Bocielli. So wonderful!

I am Writing ~

the annual Christmas Letter...always an exercise in hilarity

Towards Rhythm and Beauty in my Home this Week ~

The first part of the week brings the final push in the kitchen to finish the last minute gifts for a few special ones then the pace slows considerably. There are some chores that need to be accomplished so that the family can enjoy Christmas   without interruption for cleaning. I am really looking forward to the stillness of the holiday.

Living the Liturgy Daily ~

Tonight we got to light the fourth and final candle for the Advent wreath. The time has gone by so quickly. The boys need to get to confession this week and I am in need of some quiet time for prayer and discernment. We will enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, or at least our version of it then mass on Christmas morning. I can't wait.

I am Hoping and Praying for ~

*Little Caleb who will hopefully have surgery on Tuesday. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

* my mother who is contemplating her future retirement. What to do? Who to serve? She has lots of decisions to make.

* dear friends who have just been hit again and again recently with some major financial challenges. For strength of spirit and purpose and to not lose hope.

* for my friend Marque who will be taking vows on Jan. 15 as a permanent deacon in the church. We are blessed to have him and his family in service to the church.

*In thanksgiving for a friends daughter's successful hand surgery. I pray the recovery is quick and it works relieving her of pain.

* for several special intentions...

In the Garden ~

snow...

In the Kitchen ~

Lots of little packages filled with sweet treats.

A Few of My Favorite Things ~

~ lambs wool slippers

~ holiday peanut M&M's

~ a steaming plate of lasagna fresh from the oven...ohhh the joy!

~ watching Miracle on 34th Street in black and white while snuggled on the couch with my favorite blond.

~ cookies, cookies and more cookies

Courtney's World ~

Earlier in the week we had the Holiday-Dance-A-Thon at school where I dressed like and elf as did my girl. I think we were the best dressed elves there if I do say so myself. Then the curly one was home with me the last two days last week due to the snow and frigid temps. It was lovely to sleep in and just take it easy baking and watching movies. I LOVE this time of year!

Merry Christmas!

A Picture Thought ~

the best dressed elves around!

ihcc ~ giada's apricot & nut cookies w/ amaretto icing

chock full of goodness - apricots, pine nuts and almonds!

This weeks theme over at I Heart Cooking Clubs is What's On Your Cookie Plate? You probably thought there wasn't another cookie in the world I wanted to bake at this point but you would be Wrong! I couldn't wait to start digging through my Giada cookbooks for something a little different. I also wanted to use what I had one hand so the challenge was on!

What first attracted me to this recipe were the dried apricots. They are sweet with a slight chew like an al-dente piece of pasta. I was also intrigued by the mixture of almonds and pine nuts. It's not one I have baked with before. I loved the base of the cookie. It was light and lovely with a hint of cinnamon. I think you could use that cookie base to make just about any kind of cookie using lemon and dried blueberry or orange and dried cranberries. It's quite versatile.So happy baking y'all! 

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

packaged and ready to go...

Apricot and Nut Cookies with Amaretto Icing

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:

Cookies:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 large egg

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup dried apricots, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Icing:

1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar

5 to 7 tablespoons almond flavored liqueur (recommended: Amaretto

Directions:

For the Cookies: In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg. Stir in the flour until just blended. Mix in the apricots, almonds, and pine nuts.

Transfer the dough to a sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a log, about 12-inches long and 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Wrap the dough in the plastic and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 heavy baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cut the dough log crosswise into 1/4 to 1/2 inch-thick slices. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly apart. Bake until the cookies are golden around the edges, about 15 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

For the Icing: Place the confectioners' sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Gradually whisk in the almond flavored liqueur, until the mixture is of drizzling consistency.

Place the wire rack over a baking sheet. Using a spoon or fork, drizzle the cookies with the icing, allowing any excess icing to drip onto the baking sheet. Allow the icing to set before serving, about 30 minutes.

hope 2010...

{this moment}...fruitcake

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments over at SouleMama for all to find and see. 

small successes (vol.60)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Danielle Bean @ Faith and Family LIVE!

1.
I cannot believe we are one week away from Christmas! WOW! I am in a serious time warp continuum because I think it should still be September. This weekend is the last push for wrapping and such. I successfully purchased/made everything in the last six weeks. I have to put a hem in Court's dress and we are ready to go. Before you know it, it will be Lent!

2.
Someone actually asked me the other day what my New Year's resolution would be for next year. After I stood there for a few seconds dazed and confused, I told them I didn't have a clue. This lead me to read my posts last year to find out what I had been so resolute about then. I read the list, sunk into a deep dark depression, ate 2 dozen Christmas cookies followed by eggnog spiked with rum and determined to never, ever make another New Year's resolution! My year has been an EPIC FAIL in the resolution category.
My success? I have no idea. I just felt the need to vent.

3.

I am almost done with my menu worksheets based on what's in the freezer/pantry to minimize my spending in the coming New Year. It's amazing what hides in the back of your pantry. 20 cans of tuna anyone? Scary!

Head on over to FaithandFamilyLIVE! to read more successes. Let's encourage and support one another!

Blessings and Grace.

Mary

elf queen...

I thought I was going to write a beautiful and inspiring post today, one that uplifted and encouraged. Instead I spent three hours dressed like this and no longer have anything intelligent to say...

the bells on my shoes drove me nuts by hour two...not a long trip I know!

I probably should have warned you so you didn't spit out your drink all over your computer screen but what fun would that be!

Yes, the Elf Queen RULES!!

Happy Wednesday,
Mary

cookie extravaganza ~ day 7 ~ salted chocolate tartlets

little chocolate pieces of heaven...

We have finally arrived at the end of our cookie extravaganza adventure. Oh what a fabulous ride it has been. So many emails and facebook posts on baking and you sharing your favorite cookie recipes from childhood. So much fun! But alas all good things do come to an end and today's installment is it. So, let's get started.

I found this recipe in this months Martha Stewart's Everyday FOOD Magazine. It reminds me of the salted carmel I have seen in every cooking magazine this year. So I thought when there is chocolate involved how can one go wrong? I mean really. The one part of the recipe I was not sure of was the tartlet dough. I am not an accomplished pie maker. My dough always comes out tough or the bottom crust doesn't cook properly so I was a bit skeptical about making this recipe. 

But I just kept thinking about the delicious chocolate so I pressed forward and I am happy to say they turned out really well. The crust is light and flaky. The chocolate ganache was rich and creamy. The coarse sea salt on top just takes it over the top. I think you will be very happy with these little treasures.

Thank you so much my dear readers for coming along with me on this sweet little adventure. It has been a blast. Maybe next year we will do the twelve days of cookies. Now get in your kitchen and bake some love!

Celebrate the Season one cookie at a time!!

Blessings, 

Mary

day one ~ giada's lemon ricotta cookies

day two ~ paula's pecan shortbread bars

day three ~ dark chocolate cookies w/ dried cherries

day four ~ gingerbread trees w/ lemon icing

day five ~ chock full of nuts cookies

day six ~ kelly's peppermint delight
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This weeks recipe is being shared with Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Raising Homemakers and City Wife Country Life , The King's Court IV as well as Frugality and Crunchiness w/ Christy! Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

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the filling is rich and creamy

Salted Chocolate Tartlets

adapted from Martha Stewart's FOOD Magazine, Dec. 2010 issue

Basic Dough

In a food processor pulse 2/12 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon coarse salt to combine.  Add 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces, and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal, with a few pea size pieces of butter remaining.  Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons ice water.  Pulse until dough in crumbly but holds together when squeezed (if necessary, add up to 3 tablespoons more water, 1 tablespoon at a time.)  Do not overmix.  Form dough into 1 inch thick disk, wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour ( or up to 3 days) 

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Salted Chocolate Tartlets

all purpose flour for work surface

1 recipe Basic Dough

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 ounces)

course salt 

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

preheat oven to 350.  on a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness.  With a 3 1/2 inch cookie cutter, cut dough into 24 rounds, re-roll scraps if necessary, then press into 24 standard muffin cups (dough should come up 3/4 inch on sides.  Freeze until firm, 10 minutes ( or up to 1 day)  

Bake until shells are golden, 18 minutes.  Let cool completely in pan.

In a medium heatproof bowl, combine chocolate and 1/2 teaspoon salt.  In a small saucepan, bring cream to a bare simmer over medium-high.  Immediately pour over chocolate, add vanilla and let sit 1 minute.  Stir gently until mixture is completely smooth.  Pour chocolate into cooled shells and refrigerate until set, 20 minutes.  To serve, sprinkle with coarse salt.  (wrap cooled unsalted tartlets in plastic and keep at room temperature up to 1 day.)