Necklace Giveaway

Many of you know how much I love personalized items. Jewelry is no exception and I have recieved many awesome presents from friend and family that have meant the world to me but those gifts that share something to the reason as to why they gave what they gave shares the world with me. That is why I love to give gifts that share my thoughts and feelings with those that I love. The blog Heck of a Bunch is hosting a giveaway where some lucky winner will win this super cute necklace. Now I know there are many on my list that have their own big dreams how about you? Would this necklace fit somone in your life? Want to have a chance at winning this necklace? Then head over there and enter before Jan 5, 2012

E is for Elves

E is for Elves , you know those little guys that are very busy working this time of year.

If you are looking for a fun way to greet your guest at your holiday table then you may want to try your hand at napkin folding into little elf shoes like this

find out how to make these here

Thank you for those who visit my blog. Thanks as well to the recent comments. I was just curious if you are a reader of this blog what sort of post that I share here that you like reading the most.

Why no comments

just a thought I had for myself, it seems there are plenty of individuals reading my post but not very many comments at all. I do thank you that leave comments when you visit. I try to leave comments on the blogs I visit as well. When I receive a comment you can bet that I will be visiting your website (blog) very soon. Please if you visit would you please leave a comment letting me know you stopped by

Duck Hunting in Southern Illinois

In past years the atmosphere here in southern Illinois may have looked like this. The truth this year is that things are just a bit different. There seems to be a shortage of ducks. The blame has been put on the weather and lack of rain. Whatever the reason it seems like those individuals who live off the land will be short a Christmas duck or so.

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Santa Visited Town

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seven clown circus

W Perfect Letter for Christmas

white christmas is something that many of us dream of at this time of year. I believe this picture is very pretty love the blue and the white snowflakes. I also love this song





You may also want to try your hand at this White Fudge recipe. Your taste buds may just enjoy the dellicious treat

recipe source here

• 3 (6-ounce) packages (18 ounces) premium white chocolate chips
• 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped green candied cherries (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped red candied cherries (optional)

Over low heat, melt chocolate with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and salt. Remove from heat; stir in cherries. Spread into foil-lined 8 or 9-inch square pan. Chill 2 hours or until firm. Turn fudge onto cutting board; peel off foil and cut into squares. Store covered in refrigerator.

This post was brought to you by the letter W.

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ABC Wednesday

Christmas Shoes

One of my favorite Christmas songs, always makes me cry. I have had the chance for the past few years to go see this song performed by the group that wrote it. My children know I love this song and several of them have this song as their cell phone ring tone when I call in. How sweet


 What is your favorite Christmas Song?

Chess Pie A Favorite of Ours

Chess Pie was one that many members of the family would request. I believe it was my husbands grandmother that made the best. Now 27 years after becoming part of the family I am now responsible to make this pie. Is there a special recipe that you make for your family?

3 eggs

1 ½ c. sugar

1 stick butter

1 T. vinegar

1 t. vanilla

Directions

Beat eggs well (very, very important!). Add sugar. Chop up butter into mixture. Add vinegar and vanilla. Place in double boiler and allow butter to melt stirring constantly.

Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 250 degrees for 20 minutes, then increase oven to 350 and bake 25 minutes longer.

I hope you’ll try making Chess Pie. My secret ingredient is my grandmother, but maybe you have a different one. I’d love to hear how it turns out.

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The Rustic Pig
Tackle it Tuesday

Pie With A Twist

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
• 1/3 cup lemon juice from concentrate plus additional for dipping banana slices
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 medium bananas, divided
• 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crumb crust
• 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin orange segments, well drained, divided

Preparation 

1. In large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy.
2. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
3. Stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice and vanilla.
4. Slice 2 bananas; dip in lemon juice and drain. Line crust with bananas and about 2/3 of the orange segments. Pour filling over fruit.
5. Chill 3 hours or until set. Before serving, slice remaining banana; dip in lemon juice and drain. Garnish top with banana slices and remaining orange segments. Refrigerate leftovers.


recipe source where

Donuts For Christmas

RECIPE FOR HOMEMADE GLAZED DONUTS

2 packets (.25 oz) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1-1/2 cups lukewarm milk
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup Crisco vegetable shortening
5 cups flour

Glaze
1/3 homemade unsalted butter
2 cups homemade powdered sugar
2 tsp homemade pure vanilla extract
4 TBS hot water

vegetable oil for frying, approximately 1 quart

In a small bowl, add the yeast to the warm water. Let stand until done proofing; approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, add the proofed yeast mixture with the lukewarm milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening; mix well. Add two cups of flour and mix for a few minutes at low speed; or mix with a wooden spoon. Beat in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, or until the dough no longer sticks to the side of the bowl.

Roll out on a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes; or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turn over to cover dough with grease. Cover and place in a warm area to rise; approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Poke the dough with a finger and if the indentation remains, the dough is ready.

Turn the dough out again on a floured surface and gently roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut donuts out with a floured donut cutter. Cover with a cloth, and let donuts rise again until doubled in size.

PREHEAT oil in a deep fryer or large heavy skillet to 350 degrees.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan, and add the powdered sugar. Stir until smooth and remove from heat. Add the vanilla and stir in hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until glaze is thin (but not watery). Set aside.

Slide doughnuts into the hot oil using a wide spatula. Turn doughnuts over as they rise to the surface. Fry doughnuts on each side until golden brown.

Remove from hot oil, to drain on a wire rack. Dip doughnuts into the glaze while still hot, and set onto wire racks to drain off excess. Keep a cookie sheet or tray under racks for easier clean up. Ready to go. You better save yourself a few because they will be gone in no time.... 

Christmas Cookies Bring Back Memories

• This Taste of Home recipe brings back memories of the early years of my marriage. My mom in law loved this type of cookie and made them every year. Oh so yummy and I know that loved was packed in each and every one of them as well. What is your favorite cookie? 

• 1/2 cup egg whites (about 3)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/4 cups Imperial Sugar® / Dixie Crystals® Granulated Sugar
• 3 cups flaked coconut
• 30 red or green candied cherries, halved, optional

• In a large bowl, beat the egg whites, vanilla and salt on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved, about 6 minutes. Fold in coconut.
• Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Top each with a candied cherry half if desired. Bake at 325° for 20-23 minutes or until firm to the touch. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 5 dozen.