KNEELING SANTA - A SWEET SWEET GIFT

I am unapologetic about my love for all things Christmas whether it be religious or secular.  But, like many people I find it very easy to get caught up in the commercial aspect of the season.  This precious little figurine of Santa humbly bowing before Baby Jesus is a gentle reminder for me of the true meaning of Christmas when it starts getting too hectic. 

This precious 4" figurine makes a sweet gift for yourself and/or someone on your list.  If you are interested in reading more about it or purchasing it, please click below...

Fontanini Santa Kneeling with Christ Child Figurine

                                                              ~ Debbie ~

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CHRISTMAS BRUSCHETTA

Bruschetta is the perfect holiday appetizer with its festive mix of red tomatoes and green basil.  From a purist point of view this simple and original Italian recipe is what bruschetta is all about.  It comes straight from Italy by way of my daughter's friend, Lauren, who studied abroad.  She says the key to its delicious taste is in its fresh ingredients.  Served over a sliced and toasted baguette (whole wheat or multigrain even better),  it is a lick the platter clean holiday hors d'oeuvre!  Thank you Lauren :-) !

                                                            INGREDIENTS

 1 French Bread Baguette

6 Tomatoes

2 Cloves Garlic

10 Leaves Fresh Basil

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

STEP 1:  Chop tomatoes.

STEP 2:  Chop basil.

STEP 3:  Chop garlic.

STEP 4:  Mix tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt & pepper together.

STEP 5:  Slice baguette on a diagonal angle and toast.

STEP 6:  Once toasted generously spoon bruschettta on top of baguette slices and serve.

NOTE:  This is an appetizer that cannot be made too far in advance of your guests arrival.  I usually like to have most of my menu prepared the day ahead of time.  But, bruschetta has to be made the day of and then hold off on placing it on the baguette until right before the guests arrive.  

                                                             Buon Appetito!
                                                                ~Debbie~

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POPPY SEED BREAD

This delicious loaf bread recipe comes straight from my mother's kitchen.  She has made it for years for her Christmas Church Bazaar, and it sells out as as fast as it hits the shelves.  And rightly so, my daughter and her husband call it "Sugar Cookie" bread because they say it tastes very much like a sugar cookie.  This sweet loaf gets its tanginess from the citrusy orange glaze that is drizzled over its top while still hot from the oven.  Once cooled, the glaze seals the bread keeping it moist for days.  It makes for a scrumptious homemade gift or the perfect guilty pleasure when you wake up to a cold winter morning! 

                                                              INGREDIENTS 

                                                                     Bread

                                                        3 cups all-purpose flour
                                                                 2 cups sugar
                                                                     3 eggs
                                                        1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
                                                                1 1/2 tsp. salt
                                                         1 1/2 tbsp. poppy seeds
                                                               1 1/2 cups milk
                                                          3/4 cup vegetable oil
                                                        1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
                                                        1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
                                                        1 1/2 tsp butter flavoring

                                                               Orange Glaze

                                                                3/4 cup sugar
                                                          1/4 cup orange juice
                                                         1/2 tsp vanilla extract
                                                         1/2 tsp almond extract

Makes 5 mini loaves or 1 - 5"x9" loaf

NOTE:  For gift giving you can buy aluminum mini loaf pans at most grocery stores.  The mini loaf pans that I used were ceramic from Michaels.

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1:  Preheat oven at 350 degrees.  Then combine all 11 ingredients for bread in large bowl and hand mix until thoroughly blended.

STEP 2:  Spoon batter into greased loaf pan/pans filling to 1/2" from top of pan.

STEP 3:  Bake for 1 hour if using a 5"x9" loaf pan, 45 minutes for ceramic mini loaf pans or 35-40 minutes for  aluminum mini loaf pans.  Test for "doneness" using a toothpick.  Insert toothpick in the middle of the mini loaf.  When pulling toothpick out it should be clean or with moist crumbs, if loaf is done.    If the toothpick comes back out with wet batter on it put back in oven for another 3-5 minutes to finish baking.  Repeat process until toothpick comes out clean.

STEP 4:  While bread is baking, make orange glaze by combining all 4 ingredients for orange glaze into a small bowl and stir well until blended.  You will need to continue stirring occasionally for sugar to blend into orange juice thoroughly.

 
STEP 5:  Once bread is out of oven, cool for 10 minutes.  Then drizzle orange glaze over top of each loaf allowing the glaze to permeate through the loaf while still warm and creating a sugared orange crust once cool.

If you are gift wrapping bread, make sure it feels cool/cold to the touch before packaging.  Otherwise condensation will form inside the wrapped mini loaf. 

                                                              ~ Debbie ~

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CHRISTMAS SHRIMP WREATH

This shrimp appetizer is one of my all time favorites.  Not only is it a crowd pleaser, but it dresses up the table as the perfect holiday centerpiece.  The best part?  It is really simple to make.  All you need is a styrofoam donut to make the shape of a wreath, kale and toothpicks to cover it, and finally shrimp and maraschino cherries to decorate it.  The secret to holding the kale in place is actually the toothpicks that are attached to the cherries.  Pretty fancy, huh?!?

                                                             INGREDIENTS

 
                                                           25 Large Shrimp
                                                   1 Jar Maraschino Cherries
                                                        1 Jar Cocktail Sauce
                                                             2 Bundles Kale
                                                    Styrofoam Donut (14"x2")
                                                           Fancy Toothpicks

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1:  Start by covering the top of the styrofoam donut with the kale.  Some of the sides of the styrofoam will still show.  You will fill in the sides of the donut once you have finished covering the top.  Insert each piece of kale all in the same direction using toothpicks.  It will take a couple of toothpicks to hold each piece in place.  At this point you will not be adding the cherries to the toothpicks at this time.  Adding the cherries will be one of the last steps.  

After covering the top of the styrofoam inspect the sides (inside and outside) for any styrofoam that is still visible and fill in those spaces with additional kale.

STEP 2:  Leaving existing toothpicks in place that are holding the kale, add shrimp to top of styrofoam base using new toothpicks. 

  
STEP 3:  Now is the time to add cherries to the toothpicks that are holding the kale in place.  Look throughout the kale for toothpicks that are not attached to shrimp.  Then holding the kale in place with one hand, carefully pull out each toothpick one at a time adding a cherry and then replace the toothpick with the cherry attached back into the styrofoam. 

STEP 4:  Fill a small circular dish with cocktail sauce for dipping and place inside the donut hole.

 
         You now have a gorgeously delicious centerpiece all your guests will rave about!!!


                                                                ~ Debbie ~

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DRESS UP HOME FURNISHINGS AT CHRISTMAS

Incorporating Christmas decor within existing home furnishings adds an element of surprise to any room,  creating flair and interest to what is sometimes an otherwise hidden or overlooked space.  Placing glittery ornaments inside a sofa end table draws the eye to what is usually a humbly functional piece of furniture. 

Instead of using a tabletop to display festive ornaments, why not partially pull out one of its drawers and fill it to overflowing for a festive impact. 

Many homes have at least one decorator chest tucked into a corner of a room.  If you happen to have one of these popular accessories, open the lid and drape jeweled garland along its top and fill the bottom with colorful ornaments. 

There are so many unique and clever ways to dress up a room using its furnishings.  All you have to do to start is walk from room to room in your home with freshly opened eyes.  You'll surprise yourself with all you have to work with that is just waiting to be dressed up! 

                                                                   ~ Debbie ~

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HOLIDAY DINING AL FRESCO

Having lived in Washington, D.C. most of my life, it has been only on rare occasions that I've seen a White Christmas.  Ever since I was a little girl, in my mind, cold weather was created strictly for snow - if it isn't snowing then we should be having tropical weather.  So having given up on a White Christmas, for as long as I can remember, I have longed to eat Christmas dinner outdoors all the while singing "Mele Kalikimaka".  But, since global warming has not warmed up my Christmas enough to eat outside, for those of you who live in warm, sunny climates this blog's for you!

In addition to festive tableware, dress up your patio table with greenery, lanterns and an old English tradition of Christmas crackers.

An evergreen wreath decorated with pine cones and berries creates a beautiful centerpiece and sitting prettily in its center a lantern that burns brightly into the night.

Additional lighting can be created with individual mini lanterns to light up each guest's place setting.  Mini lanterns can be found at Michael's in the bridal aisle. 

Christmas crackers are an old English tradition that originated in the mid 1800's.  Although they can be purchased in stores such as Home Goods, they can be personalized by making them yourself.   If you would like to learn more about this DIY project, please click link below...

HOW TO MAKE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS

To add flair to your outdoor dining experience, dress up chair backs with teardrop garland, pine cones & bows.  If you would like to create your own teardrop garland or bows, please click below...

HOW TO MAKE TEARDROP GARLAND

HOW TO MAKE A BOW

I hope you think of me as you entertain this season outdoors.  Although I won't be eating outside on Christmas Day, my dream has been realized close enough by way of an invite to Hilton Head, SC.  Wonderful friends of ours invited us last year to their beach house the day after Christmas.   On New Year's Eve we found ourselves grilling outdoors, sitting around their patio table reminiscing.   Decked out in New Year's hats and necklaces, at the end of the evening our friends said, "Why don't we just put these away in the owner's closet until next year."  Those words were music to our ears - we're getting invited back!!!

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                                                                 ~ Debbie ~

CHRISTMAS POPPERS

Christmas poppers originated in England in the mid 1800's and is still an integral part of the Christmas celebration there today.  Although it is not as popular a tradition in the U.S., it surely is in my sister's home.  For them,  Christmas dinner starts off with a bang (literally!) as these fun little creations often have snap crackers in them to create a pop gun type noise.

Traditionally each person at the table crosses their arms and instead of holding hands with the person on either side of them, they each hold one end of the popper.  On the count of three everyone pulls the cracker toward themselves, similarly to pulling a wishbone, ripping them open. Candy, trinkets, jokes and a crown fit for a king comes spilling out. 

Being that I love a good DIY project, I decided to make these this year for my own Christmas dinner, personalizing them for each member of my family.  It's fun activities like this that create memories and traditions for generations to come.  Hope you enjoy!!

                                                              MATERIALS

                                                      *Wrapping/Tissue Paper
                                                                   Ribbon
                                                            Cardboard Tube
                                                         Tape (Double sided)
                                                        Ruler/Measuring Tape
                                                              Pencil/Marker
                                                                  Scissors
                                                          **Popper/Snapper
                                               **Candy (Individually wrapped)
                                    **Toys/Trinkets (Miniature in size to fit in tube)
                                         **Computer Paper (1) (For riddles/jokes)

*Tissue or wrapping paper can be used to make the crown that is inserted inside the cracker.  Wrapping paper is for wrapping the outside of the popper.  I used two different wrapping papers to make my cracker - one for the crown, the other for wrapping the popper.

**These items are what traditionally fill the inside of the tube.  But, since you are making them, you can decide what you would like to include so please consider these items optional suggestions.

                                                          INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1:  Cut cardboard tube into 3 pieces (1 piece- 4 1/2" long, 2 pieces - 2 1/2" long).
I used a cardboard tube from wrapping paper because it was sturdier than a paper towel cardboard tube.  

I could not find a popper/snapper locally so have not included a how-to photo for it.  It isn't necessary to include a popper/snapper since it is for noise value only (pop gun sound) and may actually not be an asset in a household with a sleeping baby or pet with hearing sensitivity.  But, if you do decide to include it, this would be the step where you would attach it to the inside of the 4 1/2 inch tube with tape.  I've included a link so you can see a picture of a popper.  I have never purchased anything from this company so I have no firsthand experience with them as a customer.  But, they are one of the few places you can buy poppers in America.  Please click below if you would like to read more about poppers...

Popper for Christmas Cracker 

 

                                    Popper - Courtesy of OldeEnglishCracker.com

To include a popper in your Christmas popper you would insert it into the 4 1/2" tube.  Both ends of the popper/snapper should extend equally beyond both ends of the  4 1/2" tube.  Once it is extending out of the tube equally, secure the popper on the inside of the tube with tape.  Place the 2 1/2" tubes on either end of the 4 1/2" tube (inserting the popper/snapper in each 2 1/2" tube but not attaching the popper/snapper to the tubes). The 2 1/2" tubes are used to keep the Christmas popper formed correctly.  Once the popper is completed the 2 1/2" tubes are removed and the extended portion of the popper will be hidden by pretty wrapping paper.

STEP 2:  To wrap tube cut a piece of wrapping paper 8"x13".  Place the tubes on the underneath  side of the wrapping paper leaving a slight separation between each tube.  Roll wrapping paper around tubes.

STEP 3:  Secure wrapping paper on the underneath side of the wrapping paper with double sided tape so that tape is not showing on the outside of the wrapping paper.

STEP 4:  Gently pull one of the 2 1/2" tubes to the edge of the wrapping paper.

STEP 5:  After you have moved the one 2 1/2" tube to the edge, scrunch the wrapping paper as closely as possible to the 4 1/2" tube.

STEP 6:  Tie the scrunched paper with ribbon.  Completely remove the 2 1/2" cardboard tube as it is no longer needed.  It can be reused so save it if you are making more.

You are now ready to fill the tube with whatever fun things your family and friends enjoy!
They are traditionally filled with candy, toys/trinkets, riddles/jokes, a gold crown and a popper/snapper (makes a loud noise).   But, you pick and choose. 

                                                                  CANDY

                                                         Individually wrapped

                                                          TOYS/TRINKETS

                        Being homemade (vs. store bought) you can customize treats.

                                                            JOKES/RIDDLES 

       Print or write jokes/riddles. I found these on the internet - google Christmas Jokes.  
                                                                   
                                                                 CROWN

 Cut a strip of wrapping or tissue paper 4"x24".  Cut V-shaped notches the length of one side of the paper. Fold until it is small enough to fit into tube.

                                             
STEP 7:  Fill the open end of the tube with your choice of goodies.

STEP 8:  Repeat Steps 4-6 for other side of cracker, gently pulling out 2 1/2" tube to edge of wrapping paper, scrunching wrapping paper closely to 4 1/2" tube, securing with ribbon and then removing 2 1/2" tube.

                                                              ~ Debbie ~

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