Coffee, Tea lunch or brunch? A social gathering of friends.

This is the time of the year for getting together with family and friends.  Whether you go out to a nice restaurant, grab a burger or have a few people at your home; it's not so much the food(who am I kidding)?  Yes the food is important but uppermost it's the gathering of good people who enjoy some time socializing.  Some of it may be mandatory, such as for your work but all in all I think it's good for us not only at Christmas but all year. 

Today about thirty women including myself enjoyed a tea at a local establishment.  It's a very popular home in the area that serves mini gatherings.  It is decorated so beautifully that I just had to share some of it with you.  The food was very good.  Small sandwiches, tarts, scones and quiche and your choice of coffee or tea served in the cutest pots.  For dessert a piece of chocolate for us chocolate lovers!   Time to relax and exchange smiles, hugs and well wishes.  It sure makes it feel like Christmas!

December 4, 2015

Gorgeous red color on my azalea.  I'll take this weather in December.

Beautiful weather so no boots or heavy coats as it is usually needed at this time in December.   Hope the snow holds off until Christmas Eve and then just a dusting would be nice.  Is that a lot to ask?  Probably!!

Magic Reindeer Food!

A great Christmas Tradition:  This recipe is for those who have small children.

I remember making this when my children we little and have fond memories of their waking up early in the morning looking into the backyard to see if the reindeer food was gone..If it had snowed it was fun seeing them trying to look to see what was left and my son telling me he heard the reindeer on the roof..

Oh what beautiful, precious memories.. Merry Christmas!!!


Magic Reindeer Food

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup instant oatmeal
2 tablespoons glitter or edible sprinkles.
Note:  If you live in an area visited by animals, don't use the glitter as it may harm them

Mix together, sprinkle this mixture on your lawn..The reindeer will smell the oatmeal and stop at your house.












Original post
12/5/2011

My favorite kitchen gadget's

Hi !  I have lots of gadgets in my kitchen drawer and there are some I use a lot and some several times a year.  Here are a few I would to share with you.  The only problem I see is that my kitchen drawers are packed...lol 

Cool cherry pitter.

Cherry Pitter.

Cookie scoop aka the perfect size for meatballs.

Hand mixer

Meat mallet to tenderize and thin beef or chicken..

I use this kitchen gadget almost everyday and if you like to use garlic this is a must have!  It is about 40 years old and going strong...

THE GARLIC PRESS!

From my kitchen to yours,

6/3/11
4/21/12

Crockpot stuffing

 I'm always willing to try something new so making my traditional sage stuffing and cooking it in a crock pot is really something I was eager to try.  I am a traditionalist by nature but saving some space and pretty much being assured I'll like the crock pot way made me a believer.

I personally love to stuff the turkey or chicken as my mom used to. Nothing like all those wonderful juices adding to the amazing taste of a meal. So here is my recipe and results.  Sure was easy and I was able to do other things without worrying about the stuffing being done or even better if there'd be room to put it in the extra pan in the oven.

This is my basic sage stuffing that I decided to try in my crock pot.  I really liked it. Note:  I make the stuffing the night before and refrigerate it in a large storage bag overnight so it's good to go the next day.  Saves a lot of time for sure!

If you want more flavoring you can always add your chicken or turkey drippings to it when serving.

1 large loaf French Bread cut in pieces (mine was very large) Mine was day old bread

3 or 4 stalks chopped celery

1 medium onion chopped

1 stick butter

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

2 eggs beaten beaten slightly

1-32 oz. carton chicken broth

1/2 tsp. dried sage

1 tsp. dried parsley

In a large bowl break or cut bread into large cubes  set aside

In a medium size pot place butter, onions and celery.  Simmer all until translucent.  About 5 to 10 minutes, cool slightly and place on top of cubed bread.  Add beaten eggs, salt, sage, parsley and 16 oz of chicken broth.  Mix Thoroughly with hands so all bread and spices incorporate together well. Keep mixing and adding more chicken broth if needed.

Note:  I used the whole 32 oz. carton but as long as you feel all the bread is moistened and incorporated you DO NOT NEED TO ADD ALL THE CHICKEN BROTH.

Place in crockpot on high for 45 minutes and then to low setting and let cook approximately 4 to 6 hours. It will brown slightly around the edges.

From my home to yours,

 Good Morning and a very Blessed Thanksgiving to all.  I know the world celebrates Thanksgiving at different days and times of the year but in our country the last Thursday of November is when we celebrate our Thanksgiving.

I would like to take a few minutes to express my gratitude to all who view my blog. I am very passionate about spreading good around the world.  This blog has connected me with so many wonderful people for which I am so grateful.

I don't know many of you personally but having this blog has somehow connected me with you which is really amazing and wonderful. Who would have thought it could happen?  Not me for sure.

So this little note is short and genuine. May your day be filled with love, peace, hope, faith and joy.  Don't take anything or person for granted.  Live each day to the most you can because each day you wake up is a true gift.  

Love and Peace,