Christmas Preparations...

I'm getting into the holiday spirit this week...I promise.  I've got the tree...

Sadly, Pierre was the only "kid" that came with us this year!

I'm making the "All American" Buckeye Candies...ugly yet so delicious.

BUCKEYE RECIPE:
Courtesy Frances Prochaska
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
6 ounces semi sweet chocolate (I used Callebaut 50%)
2 Tablespoons vegetable shortening

Blend peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar & vanilla until smooth.  Shape into balls about an inch round and place on waxed paper.  Refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.  In a double boiler melt chocolate and shortening, stirring until completely melted.  Dip peanut butter balls into chocolate until about 3/4 covered.  Place on waxed paper to cool.  Refrigerate until hard.  Stores in refrigerator about 3 weeks. (Yeah right...they will be gone in 3 days)

I put together a few gifts.  I'm sending some of my preserved blueberries, lemon balm jelly, Molasses cookies and more to England with our daughter for the holidays.  I hope it brings her a taste of home (molasses are her favorites) and she enjoys sharing with Lewis' family.  I LOVED these paper covered boxes!  I bought a selection of ribbon that coordinate and some fun vintage paper tags.  I also found these initial stickers at Target for $1!!!  Super cute and holds ribbon well while looking sleeker than a bow.  Fussier than I usually get...but what the hell, it's the holidays!  Plus I got a Christmas card like the DAY after Thanksgiving from L's folks....I feel the need to "appear" organized!

 
The shelves are all stocked at The Market with care...in hopes that the economy won't be bare....

The beauty of Italy will keep us well fed if nothing else!  Cheers!

Doggie Treats!

Ahhh, a day off!  With nothing more important to do than relax!  These days are freedom, they are dreaming days, planning, renewing, napping, baking and enjoying days!  Today I made a new recipe...tiny treats for Pierre and bigger treats for his friends!  This is new territory for me...baking for a dog?  Why not?  It took about 30 minutes including the baking time and Pierre is one happy terrier!!  I couldn't believe the amount of doggie treat recipes available on the internet!  The one I'm sharing was posted by many people, so I won't attribute to anyone, but I did add some grated cheese (surprise right?) to the original recipe, about 3/4 of a cup of cheddar that was a bit past it's prime.

Pierre helping bake treats

I had everything I needed on hand!

Waiting patiently by oven for treats to be finished!

We are learning the in's and out's of dog care.  Ye-gads, I had to post a poison list on the fridge!  I'm hoping the Sunday trip to The Boulevard Market had no lasting effects, as Pierre found and promptly ate a piece of Pannetone with raisins, a few stray coffee beans as well as many crumbs of cheese and salame, 2 toothpicks and some artificial greenery.  Yes, I technically stopped in to work...that did not happen.  But who can work with all that cuteness staring at you?

Happy Day Doggie Treats

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (you can use another type of flour if your dog is sensitive to wheat)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup peanut butter, chunky or smooth (I used smooth this time)
• 1 1/4 cups hot water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease baking sheets.

Mix all ingredients together until combined.  Turn out onto floured surface and roll to 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut out shapes (dog bone maybe?) and bake for about 20 minutes until browned and crunchy.  I cut ours into small bites...but if you do larger biscuits (cookie size), you will need to add 8 minutes to baking time.  I added the cheese right before rolling out and brushed mine with an egg wash to make them a bit shiny.

Hope you enjoy your next day off with a doggie too!

     

Comfort and Joy...

I am always looking for bits of comfort and joy during the holidays.  It's so easy for me to be wrapped up in our shop, family stuff, Christmas preparations etc.  And of course, I have this insane idea that everything must be "perfect"!  Whatever perfect is?!?!  Here are some things that I've found "perfect" in this holiday season.

 I think these paperwhites are really perfect and lovely for the holidays!  After many days of 20 degree weather, snow and ice, they are magically fragrant and delicate!  

 Our boy "Otto" is perfect...he's had a hard time of it lately dealing with the new puppy, Pierre.  Maybe they can be friends under the Christmas tree?

 I think the "peanut blossom" recipe has to be about the most perfect cookie ever invented!  Chewy peanut butter cookie with a crispy sugar coating and a lovely drop of chocolate dead center.  

I'm happy to share the recipe, just comment!