An Unexpected Delivery

Happy New Year Greetings from Up North-recorded temp at this writing -12

If you have been following my blogs the past few months you probably have picked up how I believe that magical things can indeed happen especially when one least expects it. And that is just what happened yesterday to me. I trudged down the snowy road in the frigid weather (I might add its a two mile total route) to get the mail. My perseverance to get to the mailbox no matter what the day was like was rewarded with a small package inside. It was from someone who wished to be anonymous since there was no return address and not even a note inside the package. I posted a picture of my awesome gift, a sock coin purse for you to see. Whoever you are and if reading this blog many, many thanks for thinking of me with such a creative gift. And I certainly hope there is a sock fairy nearby paying close attention. What a great idea to use all those mismatched socks collected to create a coin purse. I even thought about marketing these sock coin purses for different holidays. It would be a good seller. What a day brightener receiving this unexpected package!
Writing about a day brightener how about a night brightener??? Last night the appearance of the full moon known as the Blue Moon was spectacular. As the moon crept slowly up into the sky the colors went from a coppery orange to a lighter gold and then just as it positioned itself into place a creamy white. You did not need a nightlight last night as the moonlight illuminated the yard and spilled into the windows.
I have a riddle for you..What is found outside. It is small. It's size can be square or rectangle about 8 feet by 8 feet. It can be windowless but has a door. It moves periodically throughout the day. I have heard there is a heater inside but few people are seen entering and leaving. It remains a mystery what really goes on inside for such long periods of time.
Give up? It is an ice house.
Watching these boxy dwellings swell around the lake like a newly sprouted village is a sight to behold. Especially since they are constantly on the move and you rarely see anyone moving them. They are in place before dawn and way into the night but never in the same spot for long. It is beyond my comprehension what would be the fun to brave cold temperatures waiting for a bite on the line. But alas judging by the number of these tiny houses spread out over the lake there are many who must enjoy the thrill of the sport.
Today is the first day of a new year. So count your blessings, don't dwell on what has happened in the past but move forward. Perhaps think about doing something unexpected for someone just like the person who sent me a gift. One word of advice for the new year:Be vigilant about your socks... you never know what they may become next.

Clean Slate

New Year's Day
"You know how you're supposed to come up with a list of "resolutions" at the beginning of the year to try to make yourself a better person?
Well, the problem is, it's not easy for me to think of ways to improve myself, because I'm already pretty much one of the best people I know.
So this year my resolution is to try and help OTHER people improve. But the thing I'm finding out is that some people don't really appreciate it when you're trying to be helpful.
One thing I noticed right off the bat is that the people in my family are doing a lousy job sticking to THEIR New Year's resolutions."
taken from pages 1-2 Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Last Straw

And so begins the Wimpy Kid story by Jeff Kinney. The first few pages caught my attention since the story line in the first part of the book about resolutions is quite timely as 2009 draws to a close. Mr. Kinney has written a series of books for middle grade students. He was astute using a humorous approach written in a diary format to capture the spirit and interests of the middle school reader. The main character is in middle school and at times appears clueless how to handle social and school situations that come his way. Since this is an age group I have worked with his series appealed to me and has been an enjoyable read for me.
I recently hung a brand new 2010 calendar. Looking at it made me think of a clean slate. Soon begins a new year and new month. The January page hanging looks so clean and bare... no scribbles, scheduled appointments, events to attend, dates to remember or places to be at. A clean slate certainly is something to think about. Starting fresh has endless possibilities with chances to make some changes and new things to look forward to and just perhaps there may be some surprises awaiting each of us in 2010.
One thing to think about is tomorrow night. The appearance of the Blue Moon is a rather rare occasion. It is a full moon that appears twice in one month. Hopefully the skies will be clear to see this sight.
While you are planning for the New Year get yourself a cup of tea or coffee and grab a few cookies. Remember life is always better with a sweet treat!

Walnut Snowballs

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/4 cups chopped walnuts
• 2 sticks of butter
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 large egg yolk
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
  

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350
• Line cookie sheet with parchment paper
• Sift first 4 ingredients in bowl and transfer 2 TB.flour mixture to food processor and add walnuts. Process till walnuts are finely chopped.
• In another bowl beat butter until fluffy add 1-1/4 cup powdered sugar and beat well
• Add egg yolk, vanilla and beat in flour mixture and nuts
• chill dough in freezer for one hour
• Shape into balls
• Bake 10-12 minutes until brown on bottom and cracked a bit on top
• Roll balls ( 2 at a time) in remaining powdered sugar use a bowl for this step
  
• Cool on wire rack-sift more powdered sugar over the top when cooled

Winter Getaway

Any Winter Getaway headline will command your attention this time of the year when the flurry of activity from the holiday season subsides and the temperatures take a dip. One of my favorite Christmas cards has a picture of Santa wearing a lei on the beach doing the hula with two native women. He is standing next to his sleigh that has been beached on shore. Title on back of card How Santa Unwinds. Do you not wish you could join them for a little bit of fun...warm breezes, sunshine, Margaritas on the beach??? What more can I say!

Perhaps we all need to create our own winter getaway when it is not possible to fly off to some far away place. Now I believe that sock fairies have the right idea about rewarding themselves with some much needed downtime. Since they have worked many long hours to complete a variety of sock accessories for the holiday season it is now time for the parties to commence. I have been told that between Christmas and New Years a different fairy takes a turn hosting a gathering in their home. It is up to the hostess to choose a theme for the evening. Some foods that will be served are nutshells filled to the brim with fragrant juices, piles of hazelnut seeds and bowls of crab-apple jelly. Sprinklings of fairy dust will give the room a silvery sheen. Delicate gossamer strands woven around the room with tiny twinkling white lights add to the festive mood for decorations. Bunches of lavenders tied together with twigs provide a wonderful aroma. The music will be merry and lively to lift every one's spirits. Even if the snow keeps falling it will not stop any of their merrymaking. So my advice to you if your spirits dip in the upcoming weeks use this as an excuse to plan some type of get together with friends. Let some merrymaking be your Winter Getaway.

Cornbread Crostini Appetizers

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Marie Callender cornbread mix (found in cake mix aisle)
• variety of toppings:shaved ham, chopped walnuts, fig or cranberry chutney, apple slices, peppers
• container of Boursin cheese: garlic herbs, spinach artichoke

Directions:

• Grease mini muffin pans
• Heat oven 350
• Put a heaping tablespoon of batter in each muffin well
• Cook 15 minutes remove cornbread and cool on a wire rack
• Before serving place on a cookie sheet each cornbread muffin and re bake 375 for 5 minutes to crisp
• Cool and frost each cornbread muffing with Boursin cheese and decorate with some of these suggested toppings

1. strips of shaved ham and snips of dill
2. apple slices
3. dollop of fig chutney and sprinkle chopped walnuts
4. roasted red peppers-cilantro or chives

Is There A Santa Claus?

In a recent blog titled Why We Should Believe I wrote about the importance of believing in magical happenings, particularly the existence of Santa and fairies, but not necessarily at the same time! Recently I read a newspaper article that reprinted that famous letter written to Virginia, by the editor of Baltimore Sun newspaper in 1897. Virginia was an eight year old girl who wrote to the paper wanting to know Is There A Santa Claus?

With Christmas Eve fast approaching, I know many children are anxiously awaiting a visit from Santa. So I thought it a perfect time to write the editor's response to her question. This is part of the letter written by Francis Pharcellus Church to Virginia O' Hanlon.

Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus

He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas, how dreary would be the world if there was no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernatural beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God he Lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now Virgina, nay ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

So readers... to me this editorial response is a fine example of editorial journalism and supports my belief in Santa and fairies.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Last Minute Gift Idea

I made a huge discovery recently as I was doing some last minute gift shopping. I found an unusual but quite useful sock accessory...gloves. Look carefully at the picture. These chic gloves are really two for the price of one. Pull back the mitten top, secure it with button and now you have fingerless gloves. Pull mitten top back over fingers and your hands remain warm and toasty with no skin exposed.
The following are 10 top reasons why these fingerless gloves/mittens should be purchased for MN winters
10.You have just finished painting your nails they need to dry and its time to leave for a party
9. You have just filled up your car with gas and need to pay at the pump with a credit card
8. You will be able to use your laptop outside
7. Lacing skates at an outdoor rink will be easier in the cold
6. Can text and twitter your friends for longer periods while standing outside
5. You will be able to sit for extended time watching your favorite sport game
4. Purchasing these gloves/mittens provides a reason for fairies to collect socks
3. Keeps your hands warm while shoveling all the projected snow in the next few days
2. Makes a wonderful gift for that special someone
1. Gives me a reason to use my Herberger's coupon

The following is a new recipe I tried for a brunch. I discovered a new product called Nutella which is a European hazelnut and chocolate spread. It is located in the aisle where peanut butter is found.

Nutella Swirl Pound Cake

Ingredients:

4 large eggs at room temperature, lightly beaten

2 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 all purpose flour

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 sticks of butter

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/2 jar (13 oz.) Nutella (warm jar in a bowl of hot water)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven 325 - grease and dust with flour a loaf pan 9x5 inches
2. Combine eggs and vanilla and lightly beat
3. In another bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt mix well
4. Combine butter and sugar and cream about 3 minutes
5. With mixer at on medium speed pour egg mixture into bowl in a slow stream
6. Turn mixer to low add flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time
7. After last addition mix for 30 seconds
8. Pour half the batter in pan
9. Spread 1/2 of the jar on top of batter and smooth over batter with spatula
10. Pour rest of batter over Nutella
11. Run a butter knife through batter to create marbling. Do not over mix.
12. Bake about 1 hour and check with toothpick should come out of center clean
13. Cool in pan 10 minutes invert and place on wire rack to cool

Why We Should Believe

Last week in the Parade section of the Sunday newspaper there was an interesting article titled Why We Should Believe in Santa Claus subtitle: Myths Make The World A More Enchanted Place by Alexander McCall Smith. He is the well known author of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. What intrigued me was the unusual subject of to believe or not to believe in Santa from a man whose mystery stories usually are set near the land of Zimbabwe where he grew up. But what really caught my attention (which anything about fairies does) is when he talked about the moment in the play Peter Pan when the audience is invited to revive the dying fairy Tinkerbell and is told, if you believe in fairies, clap you hands. Mr. McCall Smith went on to note that perhaps there are times when we need to pretend to believe in things we know that are not true. We know that the world is a place where much suffering and hardship prevail and perhaps myths help us get by. I loved these following sentences in the article referencing myths. "The day they all die and we tell our children exactly how things are, the world will be a poorer, less enchanted place. So don't be ashamed to clap your hands at Peter Pan or act as if Santa exists. He stands for kindness and generosity, and those things are alive and will continue to be alive-as long as we believe in them."

FYI... I have always counted myself in as a believer of magical happenings whether it be fairies or Santa. How about you?

My holiday entertaining continues with a brunch tomorrow. This is the recipe for a quiche I am serving.

Ham Swiss Cheese/Asparagus Quiche

Ingredients:

1 /2 box Pappy pie crust mix thawed (2 pieces of dough)

2 cups Swiss cheese grated

6 eggs

1 cup whipping cream (liquid) and 1 cup half and half

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. dry mustard

1 tsp. parsley flakes

1 tsp. dried dill

1 cup finely chopped cooked ham

1 cup chopped cooked asparagus (first cooked al dente)

Directions:

• Roll out 2 of the 4 pieces of pie crust mix and line a 9 in pie pan with it fluting edges
• On top of pie crust place piece of foil and smooth into the sides
• Bake pie shell 5 minnutes at 425
• Remove from oven and remove foil
• Sprinkle on bottom of pie crust grated cheese, onions, ham and asparagus chunks
• In a blender place cream mixtures, spices and eggs blend till smooth
• Around outside of pie pan crimp on lengths of foil all around to prevent crust from browning too much
• carefully pour liquid ingredients over ham mixture
• Bake at 425 15 minutes
• Reduce temperatrure to 300 cook 40 minutes or until knife comes out clean from center
• Remove foil from around crust and let stand 10 minutes before serving

Snowed In

This is the time of the year when children fervently pray for a sign. Now you ask what sign? It's the one that comes at the bottom of the TV screen announcing an upcoming blessed event: Snow Day! I can assure that teachers also will be included in this fervent prayer group. But I want to add another group out there that hopes for a Snow Day...sock fairies. They want to stay inside warmed by the fire and use this time to catch up on their many sock accessories knitting projects. As the holidays draw near they have many gifts to make. Hopefully, the fairies have enough socks collected in their pile so they do not have to go out and about finding more in the frigid temperatures. Several blogs back, I mentioned a hot selling item for the season: arm warmers. These chic sleeves are also called gauntlets. An average fingerless glove with a finished thumb hole is 6 inches around and 6 inches tall. It is possible if the fairy is creative, one average adult sock can be fashioned into two arm warmers for a human or perhaps a dozen or more for fairy friends. I found online free knitting instructions if you would like to make your own. Perhaps you may tire waiting for the sock fairy to magically appear with your pair.
Check out http://knitting.about.com/free_knitting_patterns

Here is an easy cookie recipe to add to your collection

Cherry Treasures

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  
• 1-10 oz. jar maraschino cherries-well drained reserve 2 TB. liquid
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
  
• ! 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1-6 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk not evaporated
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt

Directions:

• In a separate bowl stir together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt and set aside
• Beat butter or margarine about 30 seconds
• Add sugar and beat till fluffy
• Add eggs and vanilla and beat well
• Gradually add flour mixture and beat well
• Chill dough mixture 30 minutes in refrigerator
• Shape into 1 inch balls place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Press down center of ball with you thumb.
• Drain cherries, reserving liquid and place cherry in center of cookie ball
• Bake at 350 for 10 minutes

Frosting:

• In small saucepan, combine chocolate and condensed milk. Cook and stir over low heat until chocolate is melted. Stir is 4 tsp reserved cherry juice. If frosting needs to be thinned use cherry juice.
• Spoon 1 tsp. frosting over cooled cookies to cover cherry