Do you have an old window hanging around?

So I was Facebook stalking as usual and I saw this pop up in my news feed.

So I asked if I could share this lovely idea.

Before I asked if I could just steal the photo on Facebook I tried briefly Googling "using old window for Christmas cards" and I found this...



http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:wZ3pAMpPjLpvaM:http://www.imagestosmiles.com/window%20mount.jpg&t=1

And I also love this because you can recreate your favorite outside scene. So like me you could bring the beach to Oklahoma! Just thought I'd share!

Let It Snowman, Let It Snowman, Let It Snowman!!!

I have a confession...and an obsession with one thing that deals with winter...Snowmen.  I love them. I have all kinds of snowman ornaments, snowman decorations, snowman pictures, etc.  I have recently seen several snowman crafts that you may enjoy creating.  I have not made these but they were too cute not to share.

Snowman Paint Stick

The 3rd graders at my school made these and they are adorable! The directions and picture are from http://www.familycorner.com/homegarden/crafts/angels_and_snowmen.shtml.

Paint stir stick

small craft or ice cream stick

white & black acrylic paint

orange toothpick

scrap material for scarf

black fine tip marker

green embroidery floss

gold cord

light pink acrylic paint



Paint the stir stick white. Paint the handle end of the stick black. Pain the ice cream stick black, let dry. Glue ice cream stick across from of paint stirrer, this will act as the hat brim. Tie fabric scrap around neck as the scarf.

Make a loop and glue gold cord to the back of the head. Draw on eyes, nose and mouth, as well as belly buttons. Add rosey cheeks with slight touches of pink paint. Glue toothpick in place for nose. Tie floss into a small bow and attach to the front of the hot with hot glue.


Melted Snowman Cookies

From http://www.crazydomestic.com/2010/12/melted-snowman-cookies.html


1 package Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix


10 large marshmallows

Betty Crocker Cookie Icing (white and orange)

Wilton Decorating Icing Tubes in Black, Red, Green, Blue and Pink




Mix cookie mix according to directions, or prepare your favorite cut out sugar cookie recipe, then just grab a golf ball sized chunk and squish it down until it's about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Do not worry about the shape or how lumpy it is, the more misshapen the better! Bake according to recipe directions.

Once the cookies are cool, load them up with the cookie icing and spread it around with the back of a spoon, let some dribble over the edge for a "puddle" look.


Spray a microwave safe plate with cooking spray, and place marshmallows on the plate. Set the microwave for 30 seconds, but watch the marshmallows as they cook. Stop the microwave as soon as the marshmallows start to get puffy, do not let them double in size.

Spray your fingers with cooking spray or grease them up with shortening, and carefully pull the marshmallows off, by the base, and set them on top of the frosted cookies.


Then just decorate as you'd like with the Wilton frosting, or your own homemade frosting



Broccoli and Corn Casserole and the Easiest Scalloped Potatoes

So this year we shall not be going to my parent's house, Nate's parents or any family for that matter...we are going to HAWAII for our honeymoon. I made "Christmas dinner" tonight and it was yummy!!!

I just got a spiral sliced ham and put that puppy (or piggy, I guess) in the crock pot on low with half a cup of water. For the last hour I mixed the seasoning packet that came with the ham with some boiling water and then poured it over the ham.

For side dishes we had broccoli and corn casserole and some easy, peasy scalloped potatoes....

Corn and Broccoli Casserole

1 package frozen broccoli prepared as directed
1 can creamed corn
1 tbsp butter
1/4 cup townhouse crackers crushed
1 egg

Mix together in a casserole dish. Top with more crushed crackers and bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Dad's Scalloped Potatoes

First let's review a conversation I had with my father when I was home.  "Dad I loved those potatoes!!!! How did you make them!?"  Dad: "It is a secret!" Me: "No really, where did you get them from?"

This went on for several minutes and needless to say it is no major secret folks...don't turn your nose up at this recipe either!

You need:
1 can of sliced potatoes
1 can of cheese soup

Drain potatoes and heat in a pan.  Add salt and pepper and then pour in cheese soup and heat. YUM!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Gift Exchange Poem

The Bartlett Family (Johnson/Mosser/Dayballs) started to do a Chinese Christmas a few years ago. I missed it this year (which accounts for the cookie baking marathon this weekend to make up for the homesickness) but my sister said it has turned in the the Tool Exchange Christmas.  Mr. C brought this idea to the family and basically everyone gets a number and takes turns opening a present. Then you set a timer and go in order and you can steal or keep what you have. When the timer is out you are stuck with what you have in your hand.

I went to an ornament exchange with the AF spouses this week and instead of killing each other as a timer runs its course we exchange according to this poem. Enjoy! (PS..Emily found the copy and I stole it from her!)

1. Lucky you, you're # 1


You get to start all the fun.

So grab a gift and grab it quick.

Cause you're the one who gets first pick.

2. Number 2 you're on the way.

It's time for you to have your say.

Get your gift and when you're done,

Swap it off with number 1.

3. Number 3 its plain to see.

It's your turn to pick which gift `twill be.

And when your choosing job is through,

Swap with 1 and then with 2.

4. Number 4 must use your head.

So grab a gift that has some red.

If it doesn't suit you to a `T',

You may swap with 2 or 3.

5. Jump to it 5, don't drag your feet.

Take your gift back to your seat.

Wonder of wonders, it's yours for a spell.

But what comes next, you can never tell.

6. Number 6 it's your time to go.

Grab a gift and don't be slow.

Now put on a smile so they won't be sore,

Cause you must swap with #4.

7. Is a lucky number it seems,

You choose a gift that has some green.

Poke it, and shake it until you get back.

Now trade with someone wearing black.



8. Number 8 its up to you.

To get a gift that has some blue.

Now go quietly to your place.

Or trade with someone with a smiling face.

9. Nine, we haven't forgotten you.

So choose your gift and don't be blue.

Consider well and when all is said.

Trade with someone wearing red.

10. Number 10 come to the front.

For yours you shouldn't have to hunt.

Now hurry back and look alive.

For you get to swap with #5.

11. Your turn 11 is finally here.

Pick a gift and hold it near.

Back at your seat look both ways.

If your choice was right then it may stay.

12. Number 12 jump to it sir/girl.

Make your choice, and with a whirl

Glance around to see who's where.

Swap with whomever's got the darkest hair.

13. Well, now, what do you know.

It's finally 13's turn to go.

There you go, you're doing fine.

Now swap with 3 or 6 or 9.

14. Number 14 it's your turn to shine.

So find a gift and don't you pine.

Somewhere you really have a friend.

You get to trade with number 10.



15. Number 15 how do you do?

There should be a fit up there for you.

So pick one out without delay.

Now trade with someone wearing gray.

16. Number 16 your patience is great.

Go get a gift and don't be late.

When your return, spin around.

And switch with someone wearing brown.

17. 17 your choice is here.

Find a box and hold it near.

When you return and look behind.

Swap with 11 if you don't mind.

18. Number 18 boogie to the tree.

Choose the largest gift you see.

Admire it well, then turn with a wink.

And swap with someone wearing pink.

19. Now #19, do as you're told.

Find a gift which has some gold.

When you've chosen we must be fair,

Trade with whoever has the blondest hair.

20. Number 20 how patiently you've waited.

Go get a gift before it's outdated.

Shake it a bit and look around the floor.

Swap it with someone who's five feet four.

21. 21 it's time for fun.

For swapping time has just begun.

After trading with 4 and 9.

Swap with two even numbers--That's fine.

22. 22 it's time to make your way.

Get a gift that's pretty and gay.

Now get ready to use your bean.

You must swap with 8 and 14.

23. 23 your turn has come.

Choose your gift with a lithe hum.

Look it over and when you're through.

You may swap with a number having 2.

24. Number 24 have you been bored?

Well, we'd like to show you you're adored.

So choose a box, see what you get.

Now you may trade with a brunette.

25. Let's go 25, look alive.

Pick a gift of any size.

Show the gang that you're O.K.

And swap with anyone you say.

26. It's time for 26 to mix.

Get a gift if just for kicks.

For you're to trade, if you have the knack.

With anyone whose shoes aren't black.

27. Number 27 how lucky you are.

You've seen all the gifts chosen so far.

If a pretty box catches your eye.

Grab it, make a trade, and don't be shy.

28. Hop up 28, don't drag your feet.

Study your gift as you reach your seat.

Now grin a bit and smile some more.

Trade with 22, then 24.

29. Number 29 you must wake up.

Run up there as spry as a pup.

Make your choice, isn't this keen?

But you must swap with 17.

30. Number 30 your wait was long.

But when we're through you'll sing a song.

Just look them over from small to large.

See a favorite? Then forward charge!

Fudge Puddles

My favorite cookie recipe from my Aunt Trish:

1/2 cup butter softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Filling:
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla


Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars; add egg and vanilla. Add soda, salt and flour. Mix well. Drop by spoonful into mini muffin pan. Bake 325 for 14 minutes. Take out of oven and make wells in the mini muffins.

Melt chocolates, condensed milk and vanilla over a double boiler. Spoon into the centers of the cookies/mini muffins.

Molasses Cookies

From Nate's Grandmom:

3/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup butter
2 cups sugar
1/2 c molasses
2 eggs
4 tsp baking soda
4 cups sifted flour
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

Blend shortening and butter.  Add sugar,  molasses, egg. Mix well. Sift flour, soda, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and salt. Add to first mixture. Mix well and chill. Roll into 1 inch balls and coat with sugar. Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 375 for 7-10 min.

Peppermint Bark

Photos and recipe from joyofbaking.com

Peppermint Bark:


6 ounces (170 grams) semi sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

6 ounces (170 grams) white chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/3 - 1/2 cup (50 - 80 grams) crushed candy canes



Peppermint Bark: Line the bottom and sides of an 8 inch (20 cm) square baking pan with aluminum foil, smoothing out any wrinkles.




Melt the semi sweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Immediately pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan and tilt the pan so the chocolate makes an even layer. Place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.



Then, melt the white chocolate and remaining 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Immediately pour the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate and tilt the pan so the chocolate is in an even layer. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the white chocolate. Place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.



Remove the Peppermint Bark from the pan by lifting the edges of the aluminum foil. Peel back the foil and break the bark into small irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.



Makes about 25 pieces.





Sources:



Pappas, Lou Seibert. The Christmas Candy Book. Chronicle Books. San Francisco: 2002.



Wilson, Dede. 'A Baker's Field Guide to Holiday Candy & Confections'. The Harvard Common Press. Boston: 2005.

Cookies and Cream Balls

This recipe is from Nate's Aunt Maggie...very easy!

1 package of double stuffed oreos
1 package of cream cheese at room temp
1 bag of white chocolate chips melted (use 1 tsp veggie oil to help melt chocolate)

Crush oreos in a food processor or blender. Add cream cheese and blend.  Refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll mixture into 1 inch balls and coat with melted white chocolate. Freeze again to let chocolate set.

Banana Spiced Cookies

This recipe is from my Aunt Trish but I found it online too so I borrowed the other lady's typing and picture!

http://ourrecipeclub.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-moms-banana-spice-cookies-with-lemon.html

1/2 cup shortening (Or 1/4 Cup butter, 1/4 cup shortening)

1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas, about 2 bananas
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (I left this out)


In a large bowl cream together shortening, sugar, eggs & banana. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover & chill about 1 hour.

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls, about 2 inches apart, onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool & frost with Lemon Butter Icing.


Lemon Butter Icing


1/3 cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 TBSP lemon juice
1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest


Blend together butter & sugar. Stir in lemon juice & zest. Beat until smooth & of spreading consistency.

Betty Crocker Chocolate Mint Swirl Cookies

http://www.bettycrocker.com/

Chicken Tortilla Soup

While I am on a roll today I thought I would go ahead and post tonight's dinner recipe. It is cold here, my husband is no where to be found (ok well I mean I know where he is but he is not at home) and I have some Christmas music TV station on right now.

Wait, did I mention where this recipe came from? No? Ok well it is from the "Dragon Food" cookbook. What is Dragon Food? It is recipe's compiled by a club at Nate's old high school Carroll High School.  Now this is no Maryland high school folks, actually it is a Texas high school.  At this school they play football playoff games in the Dallas Cowboys Stadium with THOUSANDS in attendance.  Currently, there are 3 New Orleans Saints players from Nate's high school.  The school performs "never done before by a high school drama club" musicals like Phantom and The Drowsy Chaperone.  So I am thinking to myself...well if these kids are so darn good, they are probably bringing in some good recipes...so here it is!!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1/2 cup chopped onion
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 garlic clove chopped
1/4 tsp Chili Powder
1/4 tsp Ground Cumin
2 (14.5 oz) cans Chicken Broth
1 (14.5 oz) can Diced tomatoes, undrained
1 small can chopped green chilies undrained
1 (14.5 oz) can black beans drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) corn drained
2 tsp dried cilantro
Grated cheese
Lime
Sour cream
Tortilla chips

Cut chicken in cubes and cook in a stock pot with the chopped onion and garlic in some olive oil. When chicken is done add chili powder, cumin and cilantro to the chicken and cook some more. Add broth, tomatoes, chilies, corn, and black beans. Stir and simmer for ten minutes.

Serve with cheese, lime, sour cream, chips etc.

As always, add salt and pepper as needed.

Felt Christmas Tree

Apparently to get back at me for suggesting the Turkey Oreo cookie making, Emily decided our next project would be these felt Christmas trees, which are actually very cute! So here it is...

Actually this was pretty easy to make! Umm let's see who reads my blogs? Can you tell me whose heads those are in the bottom of my picture?

So here is what you do...

You need:
Around 12 pieces of pre cut felt (I think it is like 10x12) in varying colors of green if you wish
A foam cone (mine is a medium one, not sure the measurements but bigger cones need more felt)
Straight pins
Pinking shears
Small ornaments if you so wish
A tiny tree topper ( I cut a star out of glittery foam)

Cut each of your felt pieces into 12 circles using pinking shears...I believe my circles were 2.5-3 inches in diameter but I know I got twelve out of each piece of felt.

Once your circles are cut, fold a circle in half and then in half again (so it is kind of cone looking). Pin the folded circle at the bottom of your cone to start a row.  The open end of your folded circle should be facing out.  When creating rows, place the folded circles close together in the row but when you start a new row move up the cone a little more than half of an inch. If you don't your rows will get smooshed.  Once your cone is covered you can pin in ornaments and put on a topper!


Here is the link from Family Circle with other pictures and a few more directions....and a circle template!!
http://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/christmas/decorating/felt-holiday-crafts/?page=11

Oreo Turkey Cookies

Ok so yes it is almost Christmas but I am a little behind in the whole blog updating thing since I am either working, working, at Emily's or working. HOWEVER, I am going to share my Thanksgiving "treats" I made for Nate's flight...did I mention I dragged Emily into this and it took WAY longer than expected???

Ok for ONE Turkey Oreo you need:
2 Oreos
Candy Corn OR a gummy orange slice
Black icing or gel
1 small Reese's cup
1 Whopper
Some white icing that will harden like Royal Icing


Refrigerate your Reese's overnight before making these.

To assemble.  Cut your orange slice into small triangles if you are using them or just use candy corn. Pull apart one Oreo (with out breaking it!) and place the candy corn or cut orange slices into the Oreo icing to create feathers. Put the Oreo back together with some Royal Icing. 

Take a regular Oreo with out feathers and use that as a base. Use icing to "glue" the feathered Oreo on top of the base Oreo perpendicularly (to form an L shape).

Cut small portion of the Reece's off of the wrinkled side to make it flat. After the two oreos have been iced together, ice the cut Reese's onto the oreos. The cut side of the Reese's should be on the bottom Oreo and the bottom of the Reese's should be facing out.

After the Reese's has set attach the Whooper on top of the Reese's with icing.  Use  a tiny slice of orange gummy or the tip of a candy corn and ice it on the Whooper to create a nose.

Use black icing or gel to create eyes.

Cut slivers of orange gummy or use orange icing to create legs.


TURKEY OREO!!!