Pepperoni Bread

1 loaf frozen bread dough
1 stick pepperoni, peeled and sliced thinly
4 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 egg
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt,1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 oz. mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Sesame seeds

Thaw bread dough according to package directions.
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
Spray cooking oil on a cookie sheet.
Spread dough out almost to the edges of the cookie sheet.
Mix together the egg and all seasonings (not sesame seeds)
Spread 1/2 of this mixture on the bread dough.
Place a two row layer of pepperoni down the center of the bread dough.
Add sliced mushrooms(optional).
Add mozzarella cheese.
Pull up the sides of the bread, and crimp or pinch together.
Turn crimped side over so it is on the bottom. Do this carefully, as the crimping can open up.
Spread remaining egg mixture on top of the  dough.
Generously sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

Serving bread hot is best. Pepperoni bread is also good cold.


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I Pledge

I have heard and said the Pledge of Allegiance since I was a young child. It was something that we did daily in the classroom. I had no idea how much history it had behind it though. If you are a history buff like me and even if you are not you may want to read all about it.... 

The pledge is an expression to the United States flag. It was composed by Admiral George Balch in 1887. It was revised in 1892 by Francis Bellamy. Some 50 years later December 28 1942 Congress would adopt the pledge. It was not until 1954 that the words "Under God" were added. 

As the pledge stands today the pledge in its current form was composed by Francis Bellamy. Bellamy was a Baptist minister and a Christian socialist. A previous version of the pledge had been created by Admiral George Balch. Balch had been a veteran of the civil war and later worked for the New York Board of Education. Both pledges would exist until 1923 when a National Flag Conference was hosted.

Balch desired to teach children of immigrants to be loyal to the United States. He worked with the government and other private organizations distributing flags to classrooms and schools. The Daughters of the American Revolution embraced Balch's pledge until the 1910s. Bellamy believed the pledge to be too juvenile and lacking of dignity.

I pledge allegiance to my flag, and the republic for which it stands. I pledge my head and my heart to God and my country. One country, one language and one flag.

— Balch Pledge of Allegiance

Bellamy pledge read: 

I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all

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Swedish Tea Ring

One thing I could count on when I was a little girl is enjoying my grandmothers Swedish Tea Ring sometime during the winter holiday season. She would make one for each family so it all depended on how fast she worked whether you got one before or after the big holiday. To me it did not much matter as it was delicious when ever it did finally reach your home. 

3 1/2 cups bread flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups very warm milk 120 degrees F
1 egg beaten
3 tablespoons butter softened
Filling
5 tablespoons butter softened
1/2 cup brown sugar packed
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
candied red and green cherries optional

In the bowl of your stand mixer using the paddle attachment combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Add warm milk, egg and butter until well combined. Slowly add in remaining flour until the dough starts to come together. Change to your dough hook and knead for 5 minutes. Cover and allow to rise until double in a warm place. (About 25 minutes)
Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the brown sugar, sugar and cinnamon for the filling of the tea ring, set aside. Lightly grease a large baking pan and set aside.
Punch dough down and roll out to a 20"x12" rectangle. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture. With the long side facing you begin to roll up the dough into a long log. Seal the seam by pinching the dough together. Bring the ends together and pinch the dough together to seal. Place on prepared baking sheet seam side down.
Using a pair of kitchen scissors cut the dough in 1 to 1 1/2" sections around the ring be careful not to cut the whole way through. Gently pull up each section and give it a small twist and lay back on the pan. Cover and let rise until double.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Decorate with optional candied cherries. Also may drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze

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Make Your Own Snowflake

Just a few days ago we were able to see our first snow flakes. They were so pretty. Some were large and others small and while we could not see them up close I know by studying that each had their own special feature. Is there snow where you are?? If you are like me and would love to see them a bit more up close perhaps you should make your own. Make your own??? Yes, that is what I said. It is easy and all you need is

Wax paper
Sparkly Glitter Glue –  (or Elmer’s Glue and some glitter)
needle and thread
Marker & paper to draw templates (or print them) optional


Tear off piece of wax paper. If drawing or using templates, put them under wax paper first. Using the Sparkly Glitter Glue, draw out your snowflake.  Be sure and make it thick enough, otherwise, it will easily tear when time to peel off wax paper.
snowflake tempate with glitter glue

Let dry overnight and then carefully peel off.
peeling snowflakes
glittered snowflakes

Thread your needle and poke hole through snowflake. Tie off and hang as decoration.
threading
You’re done!

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Smoky Cheddar Cheese Olive Balls ++++ Appetizers

2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon milk
70-80 large Spanish olive halves, drained (I had huge olives from Costco, so I just cut them in half)

Put my cheese, paprika, and room temp butter in my mixer. Mixed until smooth.  Slowly added the flour. If you find that the dough is too dry, add a bit of milk. Taking teaspoon sized scoops of the dough, I flattened it in my hand and then rolled it around an olive half. Placed it on a greased cookie sheet. Once all of the olives were rolled, I put the cookie sheet in a 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until they start to get a golden color.

Eating these snacks are best right out of oven. They will last a few days in fridge. It is possible to make them ahead of time and freeze them unbaked when you are ready to bake pop in oven 30 minutes right out of freezer. 

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Historic Serial Killer Captured

It was on December 26th, 1620 that one, if not the top, serial killer was captured. The lady behind the murder and torture of hundreds of girls between 1585 and 1610 was none other than Elizabeth Bathory. She was countess from the renowned Bathory family. The Bathory family was the noble family of Hungary. Elizabeth is counted by many as the most prolific female serial killer in history. There were 4 collaborators that helped her pull off the deadly feat. While that deadly date will ring forever in the history books on December 26th let me remind you that the food from Hungary can not be ignored.

Hungarian food is hearty food with fantastic taste. The breads, sausages, meats, stews, sauces, desserts and more are all in my opinion delicious. The national dish of Hungary is goulash. Hungarians refer to it as "gulyas" which means "herdsman". The recipe was a Turkish one originally and brought to Hungary by invading Turks. Hungarians have made it their own and created a recipe that is between a soup and stew. Goulash is not full overly packed of beef and veggies, the broth seems to form a sauce. In the United States goulash is made with ground beef and macaroni. Hungarian Goulash is not.

3 tablespoons lard or butter
1½ pounds yellow onions, chopped
¼ cup good quality sweet Hungarian paprika
1½ pounds beef (see note), cut into ½ inch pieces
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 red bell peppers, seeded/membranes removed, cut into ½ inch chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded/membranes removed, cut into ½ inch chunks
2 tomatoes, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 medium potatoes, cut into ½ inch chunks
5 cups beef broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium high heat and cook the onions until beginning to brown, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the paprika. Add the beef and garlic, return to the heat, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink.
Add the bell peppers and cook for another 7-8 minutes. Add the carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 30 minutes (see note). Add salt to taste.


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Forefathers Day

Forefathers Day dates back to the Pilgrims and Plymouth Massachusetts. On December 21st 1620
Pilgrims landed in the new world. Forefather's day celebrates that date and was introduced in 1769. The Gregorian calendar helped establish December 22nd not the 21st would be celebrated. Forefathers day is a well known and well celebrated holiday in Plymouth.

Heritage is one thing that is important to most Americans. Having pride in where one comes from as well as family history of where it started and how well it has come toward the great American Dream. Forefathers day celebrates the pilgrims being courageous as they sailed across the ocean to a new world that they knew little if anything about. They were searching for a better life and religious freedoms.

In the past Forefathers day was celebrated by feasting at clubs like the Old Colony Club or Mayflower Society dinner party. Succotash was commonly served. Succotash is sweet corn and different types of beans baked in a casserole type dish and topped with a pie crust. Now days succotash is more of a hearty stew made from veggies and poultry. Why not serve up some succotash and have a discussion of your own families history.

1 small yellow onion $0.60
2 cloves garlic $0.16
2 Tbsp butter $0.20
1 lb. frozen lima beans $1.49
1 lb. frozen corn kernels $1.49
1/2 tsp dried thyme $0.03
generous freshly cracked pepper $0.05
1 tsp or to taste salt $0.05
1 large tomato $1.03
handful fresh parsley, optional

Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cook both down in a large pot over medium heat with 2 Tbsp of butter until the onions are soft and transparent (about 5 minutes).
Add the thawed lima beans and corn to the pot. Also add about a half teaspoon of salt, a generous amount of cracked pepper, and a half teaspoon of thyme. Sautee the vegetables just until tender and warmed through (about 10 minutes).
While the lima beans and corn are sauteing, dice the tomato and roughly chop the parsley leaves.
Once the lima beans and corn are tender, add the tomato and parsley. Season with more salt, pepper, and thyme to taste (I added about 3/4 tsp more salt). Serve warm.


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Make a Christmas Tree From Fruit

18 small Kiwi Fruit (2 boxes from Aldi)
1 pint of strawberries

Peel and slice kiwi fruit into discs, reserving some skin for the tree trunk.
Arrange kiwi fruit in the shape of a Christmas Tree on a platter. Making sure to leave no gaps in your tree by layering the fruit where necessary.
Place kiwi skin as shown, to form the tree trunk.
Cut the 'pointy' end of strawberries to form mini decorations for the tree.
Use the leafy top of a strawberry to make the crowning star for the tree.

Christmas Cocktail Meatballs

When I was a kid Christmas Eve was always hosted at my grand-mothers house. My dad, his brother and sister would all bring their families together to have a celebration. At my grand-mothers she would serve a full meal and everyone would dine in their best outfits. This is one appetizer you may have found at her home those special nights. 

Christmas Cocktail Meatballs
¼ cup each, vinegar and hoisin sauce
2 tbsp. each, oil and soy sauce
1 tbsp. honey
2 garlic cloves, chopped (or 1/2 tsp. garlic powder)
1 tsp. minced ginger (optional)
24 prepared frozen cocktail meatballs
Salt and pepper

In a small saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients. Add meatballs and heat on medium-low until meatballs are warmed thoroughly, about 20-30 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with toothpicks and enjoy this simple holiday recipes.

My Christmas Poem

Low Fat Date Nut Bread

1 cup dates
1 and 1/2 cups boiling water
1 large egg - beaten
1 and 1/2 cups sugar
2 and 1/4 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder                                       
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
1 Tablespoon margarine - melted
1 teaspoon vanilla

Place the dates in a bowl and soak them in 1 and 1/2 cups boiling water for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix in the chopped walnuts.

In a medium bowl, mix the egg and sugar together.

Take the flour mixture (one cup at a time) and the sugar mixture (1/3 at a time) and alternately mix them in with dates (and the liquid the dates were soaking in). Add the margarine and vanilla and stir to combine. Try not to over mix.

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 75 minutes. Allow the bread to cool for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Mashed Potato Candy

My sisters favorite Christmas Candy is one my mom makes for her every year. She loves potato candy and while my mom makes from real potatoes, you can make from instant as well. 

2 c mashed potatoes (leftover or instant prepared)
1 c powder sugar (may use less depending on moistness of potatoes)
3/4 c peanut butter

Mix first 2 into a stiff dough not so dry it falls apart but stiff. Roll dough out and spread peanut butter over all. Roll up and slice Dry out and enjoy

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Rejoice Today With a Carol of Praise

Go Caroling Day is a time to have lots of fun regardless of your singing ability. Its a chance to get together with your friends and family and go out to make others smile. Those that are shut in like the residents I care for love to welcome those that come to visit. Caroling is exactly what the true meaning of Christmas calls for. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Whether you sing secular songs which are always popular or more religious tunes the choice is yours. Caroling has the ability to remind others that there is still hope in the world and that in the manger many years ago Christ was born, our prince of peace. Keep in mind that if there was no Christmas there would be no Easter

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

16 extra large shrimp
8 slices bacon
5 tablespoons maple syrup
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.
Lay the slices of bacon out in a single layer on the pan.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until bacon is partially cooked.
Cool for 5 minutes, then cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise.
While the bacon is cooking, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl.
Remove 2 tablespoons of the marinade and reserve for later use.
Place the shrimp in the bowl and toss to coat in the marinade. Cover the bowl and chill; marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 8 hours.
Preheat the broiler. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
Wrap one piece of bacon around each shrimp and secure with a toothpick.
Place the shrimp in the oven and broil for 5 minutes, or until shrimp is pink and bacon is crispy.
Flip the shrimp and broil for 1-2 minutes more on the other side.
Remove from oven and brush with reserved marinade. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Non Alcoholic Sangria

Sangria is normally a fruity wine with a kick. Almost always there is a hard alcohol component to sangria. Perhaps it is rum, gin or vodka or a flavored liquor can be used. There is also fruit and fruit juices that help sweeten the drink. Fruits used range from orange, lemon, lime, apple, peach, melon, berries, pineapple, grape, kiwifruit, and mango. The drink is also sweetened with honey, sugar or a sweet syrup. As I said that is normally but today I want to share with you a non-alcoholic sangria that all can enjoy. Simply follow these simple directions::

In a large pitcher, combine cranberry-grape juice, orange juice, fresh lemon juice, diced pear, and diced apple.
Refrigerate for a least 2 hours.
Just before serving, stir in the lemon-lime soda and some ice.

Eggnog Fudge

Christmas to me must include both eggnog and fudge. Why not combine them and create a delicious treat?? Eggnog fudge is rich , creamy, and not overly flavored with eggnog. The best thing is it is a simple recipe that your child can help with if you desire.

2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. eggnog
10.5 oz white chocolate chips
1/2 tsp fresh grated nutmeg (grated a bit extra for sprinkling)
7 oz. marshmallow creme

Line a square ( 8 x 8 ) baking pan with foil, and then butter the foil. Sprinkle a little of your nutmeg in the pan.

In a heavy saucepan combine your sugar, butter and eggnog. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly (now is the time for the Official Eggnog Monitor). Continue to boil 8 to 10 minutes over medium heat – STIRRING CONSTANTLY. If you stop stirring it could scorch the candy. Remove from heat.

Quickly add in your white chocolate and nutmeg, stir with a wooden spoon until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.

Stir in marshmallow cream Beat until well blended and then pour into your prepared pan, and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Let cool completely – either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. After it is cooled invert onto a cutting board, score the fudge, and then cut into 1 inch pieces. It should yield approximately 64 one inch pieces of fudge.

White Chocolate Popcorn

Have a winter or Christmas night planned?? Need a snack to treat those you love?? Then you have to try this recipe for White Chocolate Popcorn

Approx. 10 c. popcorn, popped
2 1/2 c. white chocolate chips
1 c. Sweet ‘N Crunchy Peanuts
Jingle Mix Nonpareils

When choosing your popcorn, make sure it is light on the butter. I used microwave popcorn for mine, however, air popped would work fine.

Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Melt your chocolate chips in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Begin melting your chips for 1 minute at 50% power, stir chips. If necessary, continue to melt for 30 second intervals until completely melted. (If you prefer, you could use a double boiler.) Now, quickly stir the chocolate in with the popcorn. Make sure to coat all of the pieces of chocolate. The chocolate will begin to harden quickly, so move fast. Add in the nuts and mix gently. Spread popcorn mixture out on the parchment paper and sprinkle with the nonpareils. Place in the refrigerator to set.

It may be hard to see the white chocolate so taste test may be required LOL. When out of fridge break into pieces and bag or serve as desired

Happy Homemaker

Breakfast time....what is on the plate this morning::::

I was in hurry to get to work so I skipped breakfast. By break time I was feeling it as I enjoyed crackers and tea

Right now I am:::: 

currently I am relaxing watching a spot of T.V. 

The weather outside::::

Not bad, in fact it is a bit warmer than most days this time of year. Has been a bit of sprinkles of rain from time to time

Looking around the house::::

 Looking around the house I can see all types of papers that me and kids have worked on for the Christmas season. The Christmas tree is shining and looks like an Island sorrounded by gifts wrapped in paper of variety of colors. Oh the season is one that brightens our lives as we look at the various Nativities in our home. The real reason of the season. We have been blessed so. 

On today's to do list::::

The day is over and has been quite productive. Working both inside and outside this house. Was able to speak with some disabled adults that were caroling place to place. Grand-daughter had girl scouts where she enjoyed a pizza party and exchanged gifts. We took a coloring set and she got a kit to make slime. Oh my how very cool we will share about that soon.

Currently reading::::

Been catching up on some old westerns in my free time. I am also trying to catch up on local news. I love knowing what is going on

On the TV today::::

Watching WCW Raw on T.V. tonight. I have admired wrestling since a little girl. It was always fun to watch but it has changed (like everything else) since I was a little girl 

On the menu this week::::

Monday::: Polish Sausage, fries, beans, and kraut with mini cupcake for dessert. 

Tuesday:::: Pasta with garlic bread 

Wednesday:::: we will be going to look at Christmas lights with kids in P.Js so we will eat out 

Thursday:::: Big night for family. Enjoying meal at local Restraunt

Friday::: road trip, sandwiches

Saturday:::: not for sure

Sunday:::: pizza as tradition

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will::::

I need to wrap a few more presents 

Looking forward to this week:::: 

I need to pick up a few more presents. Looking forward to new tradition of looking at lights with family. Tomorrow night a friend of mine is having open house at day care so we will go visit. This week we have a lot of family involvement not to mention Christmas. 

Favorite photo from the camera::::

My grand-babies on a shopping trip ran into a winter character.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:::: 

Have been studying lessons of Joseph and Mary , the angel appearing to them, and traveling to Bethlehem 

Chocolate Peanut Clusters

Peanut clusters are a favorite treat of my husbands for years and now that we are welcoming in new individuals as our children get married it seems he is not the only one. My newest son in law also loves peanut clusters so they had to show up on the list

12 oz roasted peanuts
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
12 oz of another chocolate-type chip

*(ie: peanut butter, butterscotch, dark chocolate, or more semi-sweet

Using a double boiler, melt both kinds of chocolate over medium heat stirring continuously. If you do not have a double boiler you can boil some water in a pan and set another pan over it in which you will place the chips. The reason it is better to use the stove is so your chocolate will remain smooth and creamy while you are making your clusters.

Once your chocolates are completely melted, stir in your peanuts until well coated.

Drop by spoonfuls onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet

Keep in air tight container in fridge

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Snickerdoodle Cookies

1 c. shortening                                    1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 c. sugar                                      1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs                                                   2 Tbl sugar
2 3/4 c. flour                                       2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp cream of tartar

1.) Mix the sugar and shortening together.

2.) Add in the eggs and beat until fluffy.

3.) In a small bowl combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Sift the flour mixture into the wet mixture – cut the flour in using a pastry cutter – do not beat. The mixture will be crumbly

 Mix your cinnamon in sugar together in a small bowl. You will roll the cookies in this mixture.

5.) Form the dough into 1 inch balls, roll in the sugar mixture, and place on a cookie sheet 2 inches apart.

6.) Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Be advised these cookies will puff up and then flatten out, that is normal.

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Why is Ambrosia A Southern Favorite

At our house, Ambrosia salad is a must. I can recall my mother making up a bowl of it the first year that me and my now husband celebrated Christmas. That first year together at Christmas I was a girl still living at home and had been dating for only a few weeks. Now all these years later, 31 to be exact January 3, Ambrosia is a must to have served on Christmas day.

So what is ambrosia?? I am sure some of you may know. It is normally a large bowl of sweet gooey white mass filled with orange slices, yellow pineapple and bright red maraschino cherries. So what is it exactly a salad or a dessert. In our family we call it a dessert salad and have had many of them through out the year but at Christmas it is always Ambrosia.

If you have ever studies mythology you may know that ambrosia in Greek means food for the gods. For my husband his memories of his single mother working hard at a hotel buffet and bringing home some of the sweet dessert is very welcoming to him. Many Southerners also welcome the sweet taste that has become a southern favorite. How exactly did Ambrosia become a Southern treat??

Early recipes of ambrosia require ingredients of sliced oranges, grated coconut, and sugar layered in bowl. The South had grown oranges and other citrus fruits since colonial days. Orange production increased after the civil war and the railroad helped make delivery possible. Coconut supply also went up as railroads and small ships delivering the coconuts worked together. So now we know how the simple salad grew but how exactly did it become ambrosia??

The simple 3 ingredient dish would be changed as variations occurred. Pineapple and oranges would be added as well as instructions to serve with whipped cream. While some called for sherry or other liquor. An early 1900s cookbook would display the dish as a fruit salad having oranges, bananas, pinapple, strawberries, coconut and orange and lemon juice. Ambrosia salad was very special and there fore saved for special occasions.

Adding marshmallows would come next. Marshmallows came about in the early 19th century. France was the place that confectioners started whipping and sweetening sap of the marsh mallow plant. The substance was used in candies. Later egg whites or gelatin and cornstarch was used as a base. The early 20th century would see the marshmallow growing in popularity in the United States.

• 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed 
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 11-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 8-ounce can pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional
• 1 1/2 cups fruit flavored marshmallows
• 
  
• In a large bowl, stir together the whipped topping and yogurt. Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold remaining ingredients into whipped topping. Chill before serving.

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Wreaths Across America

The Third Saturday of December each year has become known as National Wreaths Across America Day. This year that Saturday was today, December 16th. This special day is part of a movement to cover all Veterans graves with a Christmas wreath. Arlington National Cemetery and other veteran cemeteries around the country wreaths were laid. It was a way to remember our fallen heroes, honor those who serve and teach our children about the great sacrifices that are and were being made by our soldiers and veterans. The love of their families and the love to preserve our freedoms. 

The Wreaths Across America movement was started in 1992. It was that year that Worceester Wreath Company of Harrington Maine had a surplus of wreaths. Morrill Worcester had visited Arlington National Cemetery as a boy and had been a reminder of the sacrifice that had been made for otheers to succeed and live life. Volunteers stepped up to place the wreaths on graves of veterans. 

In 2007 the Wreaths Across America was founded. The group is in all 50 states and help lay wreaths at veterans cemeteries to honor our fallen heroes. 

Chocolate Nut Toffee

If you enjoy heath candy bars you will love this recipe. The toffee center and the chocolate exterior is hard to resist. This particular recipe is easier than many I have seen. The nuts are something that many love in toffee so it is your choice to add some in or leave them out. If you choose to add wait til  the recipe is smoothed out and then sprinkle with nuts.

2 c.  butter
2 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
2 c. semi-sweet chocolate

 In a large heavy bottomed pan, melt the butter, sugar and salt.

Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring periodically. After the mixture comes to a boil continue to cook the mixture until it becomes an amber color, and the temperature has reached 285 degrees F.

Spread the toffee out on a parchment lined cookie sheet, and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot mixture. Let the chips set for a bit to melt, and then spread over the toffee. If desired, now you would add in the chopped nuts and press into the mixture.

Place in the refrigerator to set-up. After it has set-up break the toffee into pieces, and store in an airtight container.

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National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

Any day is a good day for dipping things in chocolate.Today is a great day as it is national chocolate covered day. Most things taste better dipped in chocolate. Chocolate covered pretzels, marshmallows, cookies, strawberries, rice krispie treats and the list goes on and on your imagination is the only end. Dipping things in chocolate is a simple and easy way to make homemade goodies. 

Melting chocolate in a double boiler is a great way to start. Place small amount of water in the bottom pan just enough water to touch the top pot is needed. Chocolate or melting chocolate should be placed in top pot. Start heating, frequent stirring until chocolate is just melted, turn heat off and dip away. 

Melting chocolate in the microwave is quickest. Place chocolate in a microwave safe dish. The dish will get very hot so be careful. Microwave at 50% for 30 seconds at a time. In between 30 second intervals stir chocolate. Stirring will help you know when chocolate is melting. When almost melted slow cooking time down to 20 seconds , 10 seconds, 5 seconds. Be sure not to overheat. Stir chocolate when done

Make Christmas Magical with PNP

Christmas Magic can be created and captured with Portable North Pole. Sending personalized videeo messages and calls from Santa from the enchanted North Pole to children young and old can all be created using the Portable North Pole 2017. 

The amazement of seeing Santa in his home, the magical reindeer, and the hustle and bustle of the elves as they prepare for Christmas Eve. This mobile Santa app will create cherished memories in this modern world we live in. Families all over the world will be able to create an adorable video from Santa that you and your child will remember forever. Visit the PNP website or download the mobile app on iOS or Android. 

PNP will give a free video to every child with a new option to purchase a single premium video ($4.99) or upgrade to premium package, including the Video Pass ($9.99) or Magic Pass (13.99). Both packages provide six enchanting video story lines to choose from. Each story line offers five or more minutes of footage to watch. Exploring Santa's workshop as well as an amazing gift wrapping machine are a couple of examples. Create an unlimited number of videos and you will also get a special "Santa's Coming" video to watch on Christmas Eve. The Magic Pass includes HD video downloads and five weekly bedtime videos read by Santa leading up to the big day.

You can save 20% and create Christmas magic with Portable North Pole! Simply use promo code PNP7Family Magic Pass discount at http://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/?openCart=PASO3 promocode PNP7FAMILY
Video Pass Discount Video Pass EN at http://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/?openCart=PASO2 use promocode PNP7FAMILY