Thursday, December 15, 2011

"I'm dreaming of...

a white Christmas!"-

and something tells me, with two snows already this season...

we might just have one!!


I think Odie is even dreaming of a white Christmas!
(or maybe what treats he'll find in his stocking on Christmas morning!)

How about you, are you "dreaming of a white Christmas" too?

love & blessings,
Jill

Monday, December 12, 2011

Scenes from the "Baking of Christmas Cheer"

Act I :
"Christmas Pretzels"

something salty + something sweet = something simply delicious!

Preheat oven to 350
place pretzel squares on baking sheet, top with unwrapped chocolate kiss,
bake 1-2 minutes (until kiss begins to melt), remove from oven,
top with m&m pushed gently down in the center of chocolate kiss, 
chill in refrigerator until set.

Act II :
"Dreamy Chocolate Cookies"

soooooo incredibly yummy!!! Truly dreamy!!

21/4 cup all purpose flour                       1 cup brown sugar
               1/2 cup cocoa                                3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking soda                                    1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt                                   2 large eggs
1 cup margarine softened                     2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

-combine flour, cocoa, baking soda & salt in small bowl.
-beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar & vanilla extract in large mixing bowl until creamy.
-beat in eggs for about 2-3 minutes or until light and fluffy.
-gradually beat in flour mixture
-stir in chocolate chips, & drop by rounded Tbsp. onto ungreased cookie sheet
-bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes or until cookies "puff"

Act III :
"Wrapping It Up"


and now off to deliver a bit of  "Christmas Cheer"!

 Happy Monday!
love & blessings,
Jill

Friday, December 9, 2011

Oh Christmas tree {plates}...

a new addition to our family room Christmas mantel...

beginning with two old plates that just seemed to need a little "extra something"...

and after receiving a simple dose of  "extra something"...

became the Oh Christmas tree plates!...
(well, the Jingle Belling- Oh Christmas tree- Oh what fun it is to remake your old plates- plates!)

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Many Blessings,
Jill

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

"Christmas & Cinnamon Cake"

just kinda goes together...
like "peas & carrots",
only in my opinion- much better and way more yummy!!


This is one of our family's favorites! (year-round)
Cinnamon cake! 
* just click the picture and enlarge to desired size then print- & enjoy!

Oh, don't you just love the delightful smell of cinnamon baking at Christmastime?

Happy Baking!
Love & Blessings,
Jill

p.s. I'm sharing this recipe with Edie's "Christmas sweet treats" party at Life in Grace!
pop-over, there are lots of delicious sweet treats to be found there!

Friday, December 2, 2011

It's beginning to look * a little * like...


Christmas!!
 we have begun a little "decking-of-the-halls"...

slowly working away...
while filled with great joy & excitement


as we prepare to celebrate the greatest gift of all...
the birth of our Saviour !

Oh! it truly IS the most wonderful time of the year!!-
Busy!- but, wonderful!!

Happy weekend to you!
Many Blessings,
Jill