Three Kings Day and Cake Recipe

Three Kings Day is celebrated January 6. Also known as epiphany Spain as well as many Latin American countries do not celebrate December 25 as the day that children are given gifts. It is instead January 6th or Three Kings Day that is celebrated with gifts it is the same day that commermorates the wise men coming to see baby Jesus and bring their gifts of three.

Children put shoes stuffed with grass for the king's camels under their beds. The grass is replaced with gifts left by the three kings the next morning. On this day as well a feast is prepared. An oval wreath shaped sweetbread decorated with candied fruit with a plastic figurine of the baby Jesus is hidden inside. The baby jesus being hidden in the cake symbolizes the real baby Jesus hiding from king Herod.

King Cake

Recipe adapted from All Recipes

Dough:

1/2 cup half and half

2 T butter

1 package active dry yeast (.25 ounce)

1/3 cup warm water (approx 110 degrees F)

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour plus more for rolling
Zest of 1 lemon

Scald half and half over medium heat, remove from heat and add butter.  While mixture cools, stir together warm water, yeast and 1 T of the sugar in bowl of a stand mixer and let stand until foamy.  When half and half mixture is cooled, add to yeast mixture.  Add remaining sugar and egg and beat until well incorporated.  Add salt, nutmeg and flour one cup at a time.  Stir in lemon zest and switch to dough hook attachment.  Knead with dough hook for about 5-7 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.  It will still be fairly sticky.  Oil a deep bowl and transfer dough to bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm place to rise for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours until doubled in size. 

Filling:

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 T cinnamon

1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup melted butter
2 T bourbon
1/2 cup raisins

Combine bourbon and raisins in a small bowl and set aside.  Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon and flour and then stir in melted butter. 

Punch down dough and turn out onto a heavily floured surface.  Roll dough out into a large rectangle about 12x16 inches.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.  Spread filling mixture over dough in a thin layer leaving about a one inch edge free around the whole rectangle.  Drain raisins and sprinkle over filling.  Begin rolling dough like a jelly roll from the wide edge.  Roll tightly and transfer to baking sheet.  Form dough into an oval, seam side down and pinch edges to seal.  Using a sharp knife or cooking scissors, cut slices into top of dough about every two inches approximately 1/3 of the way through dough.  Cover with a towel and let rise an additional 45 minutes in a warm place.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake approximately 30 minutes until golden brown. 

Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar

2 T lemon juice

2 T half and half

3/4 cup demerara sugar

Food coloring in green, yellow and purple

Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice and half and half until smooth.  Pour over cooled king cake.

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar and a couple drops of yellow food coloring and stir together.  Transfer to a small bowl or plate.  Add 1/4 cup sugar and a couple drops of green food coloring and stir together.  Transfer to a small bowl or plate.  Add last cup of sugar and purple food coloring and stir to combine.  Sprinkle sugar over icing as desired.

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Vegetarian WInter Meal --- Vegetable Soup

1 oz. (about 1 cup) dried porcini mushrooms or other dried wild mushrooms
3/4 cup unsalted cashews
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided
3 rutabagas, peeled and finely chopped (or substitute carrots)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
Zest and juice of 1 lemon, divided
 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives


 Put mushrooms in a bowl, cover with 1/2 cup boiling water and set aside to let soak 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a blender, combine cashews and two cups broth and blend until very smooth, about 1 minute. Pour cashew mixture into a large saucepan and add rutabagas (or carrots), onion and remaining four cups broth. Remove mushrooms from the bowl with a slotted spoon, cut them into bite-size pieces and add them to the pot; carefully pour in the liquid the mushrooms soaked in, being sure to leave behind any grit that has settled in the bottom of the bowl. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat; then lower heat and simmer, uncovered, until rutabagas (or carrots) are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Add bell pepper and lemon juice and simmer 3 minutes longer. Serve garnished with chives and lemon zest

recipe source here

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Snowflake Math --- Learn to Count

Winter is here I am sure that we are all aware of that. It is in this time period where we normally start to see snow. So bringing together the weather and learning skills in this little project come normally.
Super cute craft and math idea to help teach numbers to young children or reinforce the skill is found in these cute little snow flakes. I was able to find snowflake cutouts in the dollar tree and wal-mart store before. If you can not find them it is simple to cut a snowflake shape out of poster board or foam. The learning part is found when you write the number in the middle of the little snowflakes and offer the child pompoms to glue on to the snowflake. This allows them to count and see the written number as well. I have found that my grand-daughter princess learned to count fairly easily but it was matching that number up to the written form of the number that took more work. Have fun and let the learning begin.

resource here


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Help Feed our Feathered Friends --- National Bird Day

Today is the 13th annual National Bird Day. Birds provide a natural beauty in both song and flight. They are the inspiration of many humans in poem, song and art. Today more than ever 12 percent of the world's 9,800 bird species may face extinction in the next century. One of my favorite birds the parrot has 330 species on the list. Reason for extinction are due to the stresses of illegal pet trade, disease and habitat loss. It is through national bird day that the hope of drawing public awareness and education about the physical and behavioral needs of birds can go far in improving the welfare of the millions of  birds kept in captivity. Birds have did so much for us it seems like our duty for the public to be educated and offer support for the conservation and survival and well being of the worlds birds.


Celebrate National Bird Day by offering the birds a special treat that you make for them.

empty toilet paper or paper towel rollspeanut butter
bird seed
ribbon or string for hanging

1. Spread peanut butter onto the roll (it doesn't need to be perfect).

2.  Have the kids roll the toilet paper roll in the birdseed.

 

 

3. String a piece of ribbon through the roll.

4. Hang on a tree for the birds to enjoy

 

resource here

 

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Corn Tortillas with Shredded Chicken

My bunch really loves the spicy side of life and I truly love the easy way of life. This simple recipe fulfills both of those. Oh my how tasty this would truly be to share easy to make easy to eat and the spice would be there as well. Enjoy the simple side of eating


corn tortillas with shredded chicken

corn tortilla
Cooked chicken, shredded
Taco sauce
shredded cheese
lettuce
sliced tomatoes

Mix the flour, water and oil until it forms a dough. Knead until smooth. Pinch off golf ball sized globs and roll on a floured surface until flat. Place on a hot griddle or pan and flip after a minute or so.

Place shredded chicken, chopped lettuce, tomatoes and cheese on top. Top with taco sauce. Yummy!

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Garden Work at Winter Time

The garden is one place where there is always work to be done. Even with the cold ice and snow there are things you can do to work in your garden.

Snow or ice on trees and shrubs may damage evergreens. You can help to prevent this by brushing the snow or ice gently off. Shaking the branches may cause them to break so this must be done gently. If you find the ice and snow frozen on the branches then it should be allowed to melt to avoid damage.

It is better to have the broken limbs that were broke due to ice and snow removed at once as soon as weather permits. The hanging branches may be a danger to those who pass by. The tree will also be allowed to heal better in the spring if the wound has been cleaned..

Warm spots in the middle of winter where the weather seems to warm up for a few days may awake some plants. You will need to check on the roses to ensure that they are covered properly.

The inside plants that bloom around the holidays will have to be monitored as well. These plants love to be in cool rooms where there is lots of bright sun. Some do better in bright son others not so well so do your research and be aware. It is best to keep these plants out of drafts to keep them in good health.

Winter is the perfect time to scan through the seed catalogs and get your order in. Ordering early will help ensure you get what you want and in the right time.

 With all the work there in the garden to get done the long winter may not seem so long Enjoy your winter and prepare for spring 
resource here

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Boogie Board Cottage

This is what I love to do make something beautiful out of nothing. This time of year when it is cold out there I am looking forward to spring. I start to think about gardening and what would look great in it

items like this beautiful chair yet some may some rusty and old I say rusty gold look like the perfect garden piece. A place to sit and rest and take in the tranquil quiet and beauty of the garden and all the while looks like it is in a place all of its own

 

 

This old rustic wagon brings back memories of my childhood. While the street sign looks rather cool the truth is if this wagon found its way into the garden it would hold some potted plants and become a center piece.

 

 

So many old goodies in this picture. With the old barrel being the stand out piece I can well imagine using it for so many different jobs. I also love old buckets to reuse as planters they are perfect

What will your spring garden look like?

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Trifle Cake

I so remember these little sponge cakes from my childhood My parents had their own strawberry patch and when they were ready to eat we celebrated with these little sponge cakes topped with strawberry goodness and oh my don't forget the whip cream. This recipe from Rachael Ray offers a bit of a different taste but oh my the same great goodness.

 

 

 

 

1 bag frozen mixed berries

1/4 cup orange or almond liqueur

4 (3-inch) packaged individual sponge cakes, available on baking aisle

2 ounces, 1/4 cup, sliced almonds

In a saucepan, heat the frozen berries with the orange liqueur until the berries are warmed. Place the individual cakes on separate plates and top with berry mixture. Sprinkle the nuts on top and serve.

Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray

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Poor Man Trifle

After all the holidays it may be time to get back to some easier cooking. This poor man trifle allows you to make it quick and is better for you as well. Enjoy

 

 

1 cup whipping cream
1 carton each strawberries and blueberries
4-5 ripe kiwifruit
2 cups vanilla pudding (homemade is better, but instant will do in a fix)
1 box angel food cake mix, prepared and cooled

 Whip cream until stiff peaks form. Wash and slice fruit. Tear up a portion of the cake and place in a layer and the bottom of a large glass serving bowl. Add a layer of sliced fruit, then of pudding, and finally of whipped cream. Continue layering, reserving some of the fruit, until you reach the top of the bowl. Finish with a whipped cream layer. Decorate with the reserved fruit. Best chilled for several hours (or overnight) before serving to allow the layers to meld.

recipe source here

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Celebrate the New Year with a bit of spice

How will you celebrate the new year? Making any new resolutions? What about selecting a word as a goal for the new year? What will the new year bring? I am not sure as of yet but what I do know is that we will be celebrating tonight with so many others. This recipe for 7 layer dip will find itself on the table with a feast of others.  What are you doing to celebrate?

7 Layer Mexican Dip Recipe

• 1 - 15 ounce can black beans, drained well
• 1/2 cup salsa, your choice
• 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and chopped
• 1 cup cheddar and/or mozzarella cheese
• 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1 - 15 ounce can pitted black olives, drained and halved
• 1/4 cup red oinion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno or red chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped, optional
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

How To Make a Layered Mexican Dip

• Mix black beans, salsa and 2 Tbsp cilantro together in a small bowl. Turn out into a pretty rimmed platter.
• Carefully spread sour cream over the top of the beans using an off-set spatula or rubber spatula, leaving some of the beans showing.
• Layer the avocados, cheese, tomatoes, olives, red onion and optional jalapeno, one on top of each other, leaving a bit of the layer underneath showing. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cilantro over the top.
• Serve with tortilla chips, pita wedges or on top of a salad.

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Crockpot Meatball Subs

Celebrate the new year with this delicious recipe. Tasty and filling the meatball sub will be the spotlight of the party .

 

 

 

 

 

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions or 1/4-1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 egg
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
1 (32 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
6 -8 hot dog buns
mozzarella cheese ( sliced or shredded)

 

Place fist seen igredients in large bowl. Mix thoroughly with your hands just until combined. (I wear food prep gloves.) Shape into approximately 30 1-inch balls.

Bake in an ungreased oblong pan (13x9x2) in a 400°F oven until light brown, 20-25 minutes. OR: microwave meatballs in an ungreased baking dish, 6 minutes on High, turning once. OR: cook over medium heat in frying pan, turning occasionally, until brown, about 20 minutes.

Place cooked meatballs and spaghetti sauce in crock pot. Cook on low for about 2 hours. If you cook longer, stir every hour or so.

Place meatballs and sauce in hot dog buns or sub rolls and top with mozzarella cheese.

Note, I microwave the meatballs to cook them.

I've been told you can place the raw meatballs in the sauce and cooks them for 8+ hours on low, but I have never tried this.

recipe source here

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Cold Weather is on its way

Cold weather sounds as if it is coming soon. Protect your self and the ones you love. If you are ready good for you I am as well. There are others that may not be and don't forget the animals. It is the time to be charitable why not show some love and make sure we are all warm and snug out there

Towering Taco Salad

 

 

I recently shared with you a new recipe and the fact that like many we were participating in a holiday basketball tournament. That's right the mighty mighty  bulldogs are in fierce competition as tonight they go up against a team in ketnucky to find out who is the best .

 

 

The tournament that we are playing at has been in existence for 50 years. The Eldorado Holiday tournament brings together many towns here in southern Illinois and others in neighboring states. It was lots of fun with the awesome games and the basketball stars, cheers being lead by super athletic cheerleaders and lets not forget the bands, fans and oh so much more.

 

You have to bet that many of us who are at the tournament make up some heavy appetites watching all the games and going happenings So when the crowd takes a break the host must be prepared. Recipes like this towering trifle taco salad helps me get the job done. With lots to feed those that join us and I love how it looks as well.

 

 

 

When it is time to take a break for a meal

 

 

 

 

 1 pound ground beef
2/3 cup water
1/4 cup taco seasoning
1 can refried beans (optional)
2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
2 TBSP finley chopped red onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp lemon juice
4 cups shredded lettuce
1 small can sliced black olives, drained
4 roma tomatoes, chopped
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
5 green onions, chopped
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 cup mild salsa
2 cups sour cream
tortilla chips


In a small skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in water and taco seasoning.  Cook and stir for two minutes.  Stir in one can of refried beans (optional) and heat thoroughly.  Let cool slightly while you assemble remaining ingredients.

In a small bowl, mash avocados with onion, garlic, and lemon juice (or use prepared guacamole).

In a 3-quart trifle dish (or glass bowl) layer in this order:

ground beef mixture
avocado mixture
shredded lettuce
sliced black olives
chopped tomatoes
chopped cucumber
chopped green onions
grated cheddar cheese
salsa
sour cream

Repeat all layers, ending with sour cream.  You may want to save out a few green onions and black olives for a garnish.

Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

recipe source here

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make brats in the crock

So we are in the middle of high school basketaball tournaments. With so much going on we have little time to prepare meals and we often don't eat together at this time either. So crockpot meals are often the easiest for our house check out this recipe a real crowd pleaser

 

 

Package of Bratwurst

Onion

2 cups Apple Juice

4 tbsp Dijon Mustard

First, brown the brats in a skillet and transfer to your Crock Pot.

Slice your onion and layer on top of the brats.

Mix together your apple juice and mustard and pour into Crock Pot.

Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.

This is after 4 hours on high.

and voila!

THEY ARE AMAZING! 

I am telling everyone about this recipe because it is THAT good!

 

 

recipe source here

 

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Mini Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwiches

I love finger foods for new years eve. One of our favorite foods here is grilled cheese This recipe I found will I believe please everyone. I may have to omit the tomato in some because of those picky more conservative individuals but for the most part I am hoping these tiny sandwiches will be a top hit

Mini Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwiches

 

 

   

1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (each tomato will yield about 5-6 slices)
Kraft Singles Cheese, 1 slice per sandwich, cut or folded into sixths
butter, about 1 tablespoon per sandwich

Prepare a large non-stick skillet by spraying it with cooking spray. Butter one side of bread and lay it buttered-side-down into the pan. Top with the cheese squares by staggering them slightly when placing them onto the bread rather than stacking all the squares exactly on top of each other (this will create height to the finished sandwich). Top with one tomato slice.  Butter another piece of bread and place it on top of the tomato slice, buttered-side-up. Repeat for as many sandwiches and you wish to make.

When all your sandwiches are in the pan, turn the stove to medium or medium-high heat and cook sandwiches for about 3 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on second side, or cook until both sides are browned to desired level. Serve immediately.
Consider serving with ketchup, ketchup + hot sauce, salsa, three cheese ranch salad dressing (shown in photos), mustard, mayo, or any desired dip.
Tip: To encourage cheese melting, use a pan with a lid as the trapped heat and steam will help encourage the cheese to melt. Otherwise you run the risk of the bread browning too fast before the cheese has melted.

recipe source here

Not Just Any Fries

I love a good steak and fries and while the burger has so many ways to spice up this recipe offers you a delicious tasty way to make up some steak fries. Some sweet potatoes steak fries that go great with a delicious tasting steak The savory note of coriander and mustard balance out the taste of blue cheese and saltiness.    

• 2 8-10 Ounce New York strip steaks
• 2 yams, peeled (try to find evenly shaped yams)
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed and finely diced
• 1 tsp coriander seeds, crushed
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 2 tsp unsalted butter
• 5 tsp sharp blue cheese
• 1 tsp finely chopped thyme
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• coarse salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat your oven to 400 and set the upper rack about 8″ from the top. 
2. Using a mandolin or v-slicer, julienne the yams.  You’re looking for thin strips, about 1/8″.  If you don’t have a slicer, you’ll spend the next 2 hours doing this by hand.  Oh well, it’s fun, right?
3. Toss the yams with olive oil and garlic to coat.  Salt generously and spread in an even layer on a baking sheet.  Bake at 400, tossing often to prevent burning.
4. In a mortar and pestle or small food processor, combine the coriander seeds, mustard power, white pepper, 3 wrists of black pepper, about 1 tsp of coarse salt and about 4 tsp of olive oil.  Blend until the coriander seeds are relatively small.
5. Coat the steaks with the coriander mixture and set aside. 
6. Preheat a very heavy skillet over high heat.  Seroiusly, get this thing hot.  Once it is smoking (literally) add the steaks and sear each side until a delicious crust forms, about 2 minutes per side.  Remove the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, combine the butter, blue cheese and half of the thyme in a small bowl.  Remove the yam fries from the oven and toss with the remaining thyme. 
8. Plate the steaks and fries.  Place a generous dollop of blue cheese butter atop the steak and watch it melt in a ballet of buttery flavor

Quick and Easy Chili

When the holiday leftovers are all gone and over the menu will then turn to winter meals and also quick meals as the day is shorter and the work days may be longer as I like to work over time when I have the chance and it does not cut into my fun time. Thus I am always on the search for good delicious meals that are quick and easy and filling. Check out the one I share with you today


Quick and Easy Chili

1 pound ground beef

2 29 ounce cans of pinto beans

1 15 ounce can of black beans

1 15 ounce can of light red kidney beans

1 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes

1 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes

chili powder

salt

worcestershire sauce

Cook ground beef in skillet with a few dashes of worcestershire sauce.

While the meat is cooking - empty the cans of beans and tomatoes in a large pot and heat on medium high.

Drain the grease from the beef and add beef to the pot of beans and tomatoes.

Add chili powder and salt. Bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer on medium.

 

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Holiday Leftover Shepherds pie

HOLIDAY LEFTOVER SHEPHERD’S PIE

Use your leftover meat (turkey, chicken, duck, roast beef, pot roast, roast lamb or pork) and vegetables (mashed, roasted, steamed) in this delicious pie. I used roasted cauliflower to make the mash for the topping but you could use mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes or a mixture of vegetables.
– 4 cups leftover turkey, roast beef or other poultry or meat, finely chopped
– 1 cup leftover gravy*
– 1½ cups diced roasted carrots, squash or parsnips
– 1 cup frozen peas or edamame
– 2½ cups mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cauliflower or combination of the above**
– 1 tbsp melted butter
– ½ tsp paprika

1. Combine turkey with gravy and pat into the bottom of a buttered 8- or 9-inch square casserole dish.
2. Sprinkle carrots on top. Place peas in a strainer and pour boiling water over the top to defrost them. Pat dry. Add to carrots.
3. Season mashed vegetables and spread over the top. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika.
4. Bake in a preheated 400F oven for 30 minutes until heated thoroughly and lightly browned.
* If you do not have leftover gravy cook 2 tbsp butter with 3 tbsp flour for a few minutes in a small saucepan. Whisk in one cup chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cook a few minutes until thick. Season with salt, pepper and 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage.
** If you do not have leftover mashed potatoes, mash 4 cups roasted or cooked vegetables to get 2½ cups mash. Makes 6 servings

recipe source here

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Reindeer Bites Cookies

Looking for a goodie to treat santa and his reindeer with?? Well while you might think that the reindeer love carrots there is this special little reindeer cookie that they love as well. These cookies are easy to make and taste great with goodies like coconut, graham cracker crumbs, caramel bits and chocolate chunks.

Reindeer Bites Cookies
recipe from Six Sisters Stuff

 

1/2 c. butter flavored shortening (Picky Apple Note: I substituted real butter for this!)
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. coconut extract
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 c. caramel bites
1 c. coconut
1 c. chocolate chunks
1/4 c. graham cracker chunks

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Beat shortening, butter, and sugars until fluffy. Beat in baking soda, salt, coconut extract and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Slowly add flour and graham cracker crumbs. Stir in caramel bites, coconut, choc chunks, and graham pieces. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto a cookie sheet. Bake 10-13 minutes. Let stand on the cookie sheet for a few minutes after removing from oven. The caramel on the bottom needs time to set up before you can remove them. Store in an airtight container.

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Wine'd Down Wednesday (T6p)- Dizzy Busy and Hungry, Our Three Peas, My Rays of Sunshine 
Wonderful Wednesday (T6p)- Ducks 'n a Row, Spatulas on Parade, Sugar Aunts, Recipes for Our Daily Bread, A Peek Into My Paradise, Flavors by Four, Pure Grace Farms
Worthwhile Wednesdays (Tpm)- Crafty Allie
 

Snowmen Cupcakes

whether you are a fan or have a fan of frozen in your house or not it seems that everyone loves snowmen. These super cute snowmen cupcakes would be a fun treat to make as part of the holiday fun or even after as I know there is still plenty of winter left here after the holidays

 Snowmen Cupcakes
Source: Cupcakes Take the Cake via Pinterest

Batch of Cupcakes (any flavor)
White Icing (any flavor)
1 cup Sparkling White Sanding Sugar
Chocolate Chips (2 per each cupcake)
Mini Chocolate Chips (5–6 per each cupcake)
Orange Sprinkles (1 per each cupcake)

Bake cupcakes and let cool. Ice the tops with white icing.
Dip the tops of the icing into the sanding sugar until covered.
Press 2 chocolate chips for eyes, 1 orange sprinkle for a nose, and 5–6 mini chocolate chips for a mouth into each cupcake.

Christmas Eggnog

Our family for many years has always celebrated on Christmas Eve. The beauty of a family together on Christmas Eve makes it all seem awesome. We enjoy a delicious dinner , open gifts and then dessert and after the kids are busy playing adults can sit and enjoy conversation. This Eggnog drink is perfect for that time.

 

 

4 cups milk
5 whole cloves
2 1/ 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 egg yolks
1 1/ 2 cups sugar
2 1/ 2 cups light rum
4 cups light cream
1/ 2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
· Mix cloves, milk, 1/ 2-teaspoon vanilla extract and cinnamon in a saucepan and heat at low setting for about 4 minutes to bring the mixture to a boil slowly. · Take a large bowl and combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy. Then, whisk hot milk mixture slowly in the eggs. · Pour the whisked mixture in a saucepan and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes stirring it continuously. Don’t boil the mixture. · Strain the mixture to remove cloves and let it cool for about an hour. · Now, stir in rum, cream and 2 teaspoon vanilla along with nutmeg. Refrigerate it overnight before setting. · Serve chilled.

 

Painted Sugar Cookies

MRS. FIELDS GINGERBREAD COOKIES (Makes about 3 dozen)
1 cup salted butter, softened (remove from refrigerator 1 hour before starting)
3 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
ICING: as described above,
About 3/4 cups confectioner’s sugar
5 tablespoons milk

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. In a large bowl mix butter and sugar together with a pastry blender or by hand. Add egg and molasses and beat together with electric mixer on medium speed. Scrape bowl and add flour mixture. Blend by hand or mixer with dough hooks until just combined, do not overmix. Separate into two balls of equal size, placing each on plastic wrap. Flatten each and wrap tightly, then refrigerate 1 hour, or until very firm.
Using one dough patty at a time, roll out with a floured rolling pin on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness and cut shapes with cookie cutters, as many as you can each time. Remove excess dough, reform patty, and return to refrigerator. With a metal spatula carefully transfer shapes to ungreased baking sheet, about 1/2 inch apart. Bake until just starting to brown, about 14 minutes. Repeat same process with second original dough patty, continue until dough is too small to cut shapes from.
Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with icing. Allow icing to harden completely before storing cookies, about 2-3 hours.

recipe source here

shared at  one or more of these parties
DIY Sunday Showcase (Sat 5)- Pink When, Minette's Maze, My Crafty Spot, VMG206, View From the Fridge, Interior Frugalista
Happiness is Homemade (Sun)- Mommy on Demand, A Peek Into My Paradise
Inspiration Monday (Sun1p)- Your Home Based Mom, Domestically Speaking, I Should Be Mopping the Floor, Mom on Timeout, Redhead Can Decorate, Today's Creative Blog, Will Cook For Smiles, Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Live Laugh Rowe, Five Heart Home, TwelveOeight
It's Party Time (Sun)- Three Mango Seeds, It's So Very Cheri 
Nifty Thrifty Sunday (Sun)- Nifty Thrifty Things
See Ya in the Gumbo- Ms. enPlace
*Sew Darn Crafty*- Sew Many Ways
Share It One More Time (Sat 5:00p)- One More Time Events
Snickerdoodle Sunday (Sat4p)- 2 Crochet Hooks, Meatloaf and Melodrama, Sadie Seasongoods, Nifty Thrifty Family
Submarine Sunday- USS Crafty
Sunlit Sunday (Sat7p)- My Little Home and Garden
Sweet and Savory Sunday (Sun 10a)- The Velvet Moon Baker, Cookin for the Seven Dwarves, Baking in Pyjamas
Sweet Tea Social (blog)- Texas Women Bloggers
That DIY Party (no recipes) (Sun am)- DIY Showoff

Think Pink Sunday (Sat8p)- Flamingo Toes