Category Archives: Life

Life

Christmas 2010: Happiness to All

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Christmas Tree 2010

Our tree.

Rudy

Rudy. Made by a friend years ago. Isn’t he sweet?

Prince Charming

Prince Charming. I bought him a few years back. Can you see the tiny fly on the end of his tongue?

Snow Filled Ornament

If you look closely, you can see my reflection in that purple bulb.

There are lots and lots of homemade ornaments but I didn’t take photos because the kids, mainly The Girl, wanted me to take photos of all of hers and not just one or two. I’d need several more posts to cover them all. So I opted for just a few of my faves that I’ve picked up over the years.

Most of all though, I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas. This time of year means so much to me and this year, due to some tough times, and some issues that I am still not 100% in the know on, I lost a few close friends. In one sense I am incredibly sad, but in another, I have hope for a very happy new year.

All of you reading this know how much I value my friends and I consider each and every one of you, a very dear friend. Thanks so much for making 2010 a very special year. Here’s to a wonderful 2011!

 

Life

The Sunday Salon: Cookies (nuff said)

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Giant Ginger Cookies

Tonight is our annual holiday light tour. This is where we drive around with some very special kids who have Down Syndrome. We have been doing this for more than 12 years!! They aren’t so young anymore (nor am I). Adam requested ginger/molasses cookies this year so I baked a giant batch of these babies, along with the giant chocolate chip cookies I saw over at Pickles and Cheese.

It’s pouring cats and dogs here though. We won’t be seeing too much with all this rain but nobody cares. We just talk, laugh, eat and listen to Christmas music as we peruse the neighborhood.

Giant Ginger/Molasses Cookies (Courtesy of Martha Stewart)

Makes 12

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/3 cup for coating
  • 6 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 large egg

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, allspice, and pepper.
  2. With an electric mixer, cream butter, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. With mixer on low, gradually beat in flour mixture until just combined. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic, and freeze for 20 minutes.
  3. Divide dough into twelve 2-inch balls. Place remaining 1/3 cup granulated sugar in a bowl. Roll balls in sugar to coat; place at least 4 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten into 3-inch rounds. Sprinkle with sugar remaining in bowl.
  4. Bake until brown, rotating sheets halfway through, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool cookies on a wire rack.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Giant Ginger Cookies – Martha Stewart Recipes

Both the Ginger cookies, as well as the giant chocolate chips ones I mentioned above cook up beautifully. How can anyone resist a GIANT cookie? The size alone makes them a conversation piece. My kids have been drooling over them all day in anticipation of tasting them tonight.

Sunday Salon Button

Well, I have a lasagna in the oven and I must get back to Last Night in Twisted River so I hope you have a lovely afternoon, even if you are floating out there like we are right now.

Oh, and did I mention that I have the next two weeks off? Sweet!