FESTIVE ORNAMENT DISPLAYS

Finished decorating your tree and have a few ornaments leftover you don't know what to do with?   A festive way to display those holiday baubles is by utilizing serving pieces from your kitchen cabinet.  I bought these mini domed cake stands at Marshall's as a fun way to serve desserts.  But, after about a year the novelty wore off and the cake stands started gathering dust in the closet.  So I re-purposed them, filling them with bright Christmas balls to add glamour to a tabletop.

Another one of my favorite things to do is to fill apothecary jars with them.  I love how their graceful shape add instant elegance to any room in the house.  I place artificial snow in the bottom of the jar and mound ornaments on top of the snow.  Most department stores have a large variety of apothecary jars as well as discount stores like Home Goods, TJMaxx and Marshall's.

It can also be fun to tuck ornaments in unexpected places for an element of surprise.  I sit them in glassware in my dining room cabinet for additional sparkle.  Finding new homes for your unused ornaments is a great way to add extra detail and glimmer to your Christmas decor! 

                                                            ~ Debbie ~

ONE SIMPLE ACT: DISCOVERING THE POWER OF GENEROSITY

Debbie Macomber weaves real life heartwarming stories throughout this book based on intentional acts of generosity - including giving, forgiving, caregiving, encouraging and listening.  It discusses the scientific benefits the giver receives, ideas on how to demonstrate generosity (many requiring no cash outlay) and personal anecdotes while empowering you to share yourself with others.  Embodying the true spirit of Christmas, this book helps you discover how even one small act of generosity can have a powerful impact on the receiver as well as the giver.   I discovered this highly inspirational and motivational book through my Book Club and found it to be truly life changing.  I love giving this book at Christmas since it makes such a great holiday read although it could easily be used as a devotional year round with its profound message!

Amazon - One Simple Act 

                                                             ~ Debbie ~

HEAVENLY CHOCOLATE PIE

Chocolate lover's rejoice and indulge in this silky rich chocolate pie.  This is my husband's absolute favorite pie that his mother-in-law (my mom)  makes for him.  When she walks through the door with her chocolate pie I can see his mouth start to water as he rushes over and offers to take it off her hands.   It takes a little extra work than boxed pudding but well worth the effort.  Made with dark chocolate it is the ultimate in decadence!

INGREDIENTS:

PIE CRUST:  I use Jiffy Pie Crust Mix following instructions on back of box. 

FILLING:
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
3 Square Unsweetened Chocolate (Broken into small pieces)
3 Cups Milk
3 Egg Yolks (Slightly beaten)
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1:  Prepare and bake pie crust.

STEP 2:  Mix in saucepan 1 1/2 Cups Sugar, 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch, 1/2 Teaspoon Salt,
3 Squares Unsweetened Chocolate and gradually add 3 Cups Milk.  Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils for 1 minute.  Remove from heat.

STEP 3:  Stir 1/2 of 3 slightly beaten Egg Yolks into hot mixture blending well.  Then stir remaining 1/2 of Egg Yolks into hot mixture blending well.  Place back on medium heat and let boil 1 minute more,  stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.

STEP 4:  Blend in 1 Tablespoon Butter and 1 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla.

STEP 5:  Pour into baked Pie Crust.

STEP 6:  Refrigerate for approximately 4 hours or until cold. 

SERVE WITH FAVORITE TOPPINGS:  Whipped Cream, Fruit, Shaved Chocolate

                                                              ~ Debbie ~

MAKE SANTA JEALOUS WITH THIS HEATED SEAT CUSHION

This heated car seat cushion was one of the best presents I received this past Christmas as I get cold easily and do not have heated seats in my car.   It's extremely easy to install, and plugs right into the cigarette lighter, heating within seconds.  While you can buy several types, this one has a velour cover which is really soft and the way to go in my opinion.  When my sister found out about it, she asked for one for her birthday, and now my mom wants one for herself.  As they make great Christmas and birthday gifts, I went ahead and bought my mom and mother-in-law each one for the upcoming holidays this year.  They are always saying they don't need anything so this is a perfect gift for them.  The best part is that right now because it is nearing Spring,  they are on sale at 1/2 the price!  This is a great gift for those on your list that have everything except a newer car with a seat heater!

Please Note:  This is an objective opinion.  I was not paid to review this product.  


Amazon - Heated Seat Cushion

                                                            ~ Debbie ~

YULETIDE LASAGNA

This savory and filling lasagna dish is always a hit even for the pickiest of eaters.  The best part of all is that it can be prepped well in advance of the holidays, leaving you free to enjoy your family and friends.  It is filled with creamy cheeses and topped with an exceptionally flavorful sauce.  I make certain to include it in my Christmas Eve Buffet as it has proven to be a crowd favorite.  I always serve it piping hot from the oven next to the spaghetti so that people can garnish their plateful with additional sauce if they so desire.  While this recipe is definitely for meat eaters, it can easily be modified for those non-meat eaters by replacing the ground beef and sausage with vegetables (zucchini, broccoli, etc.).  Buon Natale! - Merry Christmas in Italian :-) 

INGREDIENTS:

12 Lasagna Noodles
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Pound Ricotta Cheese
1 Pound Mozzarella Shredded
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 Eggs (Beaten)
Fresh Parsley for garnishing (Optional)

4 Cups Mrs. Claus' Simply Delicious Spaghetti Sauce (See recipe on this blog) to cover lasagne noodles.

Optional:  Additional 4 Cups Mrs. Claus' Simply Delicious Spaghetti Sauce for ladling over top of
baked lasagna.

Makes 12 servings

BAKING INSTRUCTIONS:  This recipe can be made in advance and refrigerated or frozen.  If baking immediately after preparation, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

STEP 1:  Place 12 Lasagna noodles in 4-6 quarts of boiling water.  Add salt to taste if desired and 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil to keep noodles from sticking together.  (I've used other types of oil also including Vegetable Oil for this purpose.)  Boil uncovered for 8 minutes.  Stir occasionally.  Drain and set aside.

STEP 2:  Combine 1 Pound Ricotta Cheese, 1 Pound Mozzarella Shredded, 1/2 Cup Parmesan
Cheese, 1/2 Teaspoon Salt and 2 Eggs (beaten) and mix well. 

STEP 3:  Lay one lasagna noodle out flat and spread approximately 3-4 tablespoons of combined mixture from Step 2 all over flat lasagna noodle except for about 1 inch from each end.

STEP 4:  Starting with one end of lasagna noodle, roll up so combined mixture is sealed inside noodle.

STEP 5:  Place rolled noodles in 9 x 13 baking dish.  Spread 4 Cups Spaghetti Sauce over noodles making sure to cover them completely.

STEP 6:  If you are not going to refrigerate or freeze, but are ready to bake - cover top of baking dish with foil.  Place baking dish in preheated 350 degree oven and bake for 50 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

STEP 7:  Optional - Remove from oven and garnish with  Fresh Parsley.

OPTIONAL:  Additional 4 Cups Spaghetti Sauce for ladling over top of baked lasagne when serving.  For buffet serving,  I place a small slow cooker or bowl next to baked lasagna for people to help themselves.


FREEZING HINT:  You can freeze uncooked lasagna in a 9 x 13 baking dish or if you wish you can break down into smaller containers.  I fit 3 rolled lasagna's in a glass Pyrex 4.8 cup baking dish.  I fit 6 rolled lasagna's in a glass Pyrex 6 cup baking dish.

                                                          ~ Debbie ~

MRS. CLAUS' SIMPLY DELICIOUS SPAGHETTI SAUCE

This simple but hearty blend of beef, pork sausage and pasta sauce has exceptional flavor after melding for 10 hours in the slow cooker.    We always keep some frozen on hand, ready to be pulled out if unexpected guests arrive at dinnertime.  It is also great for when you aren't quite sure how many people you will be serving.  On Christmas Eve we open our home to family and friends.  With all the conflicting schedules of the evening we are never quite sure who will join us for appetizers, dinner or dessert so this sauce has become a staple as a side dish of our dinner buffet.  The best part is it doesn't go to waste.  Whatever is leftover goes in the freezer!   

INGREDIENTS:

5 Jars (1 lb.10 oz./jar) Ragu Traditional (Our family favorite, your family favorite may work even better)
1/3 Cup Sugar
4 Pounds Ground Beef (I use Laura's Lean Ground Beef)
1 Package (20 oz.) Bob Evans Original Links Sausage or Sweet Italian Pork Sausage (any brand)
 Fresh Parsley for Garnishing

This recipe is for a Slow Cooker - 7 quart capacity. 

Makes 12 Servings or 14 Cups

STEP 1:  Turn slow cooker to high setting.  Pour 5 jars of Ragu Traditional or favorite pasta sauce into slow cooker.  Add 1/3 cup sugar and stir until mixed thoroughly.

STEP 2:  Brown 4 pounds ground beef in fry pan over stove.  Place browned ground beef in strainer to drain off excess grease.  Add strained browned ground beef to pasta sauce and sugar in slow cooker.

STEP 3:  Cook 1 package (20 oz.) sausage thoroughly in frying pan over stove.  Drain off excess grease from sausage.  Add sausage to pasta sauce, sugar and ground beef in slow cooker.

NOTE:  I have tried Turkey Sausage and it just doesn't add the same great taste to the sauce.  

STEP 4:  Cook in slow cooker for 10 hours, stirring occasionally. 

STEP 5:  It is now ready to serve over your favorite pasta.  Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

HINT:  I usually make this pasta sauce in advance and freeze.  I use small glass Pyrex baking dishes to store and freeze sauce so I can thaw the amount I need so as not to have waste.  A 4.8 cup Pyrex baking dish serves approximately 2 people.  A 6 cup Pyrex baking dish serves approximately 3 people.  These are estimates and do not take into account if you are feeding growing young men :-)  !!!!

                                                              ~ Debbie ~

TREASURED TRIMMINGS ADORN OUR FAMILY TREE

 If you are thinking about putting up more than one tree in your home and wondering how to differentiate them, try giving them different themes. Out of all the Christmas trees I put up in our house, my personal favorite is our "Family Tree".  It is filled with colorful photo ornaments of our children, from birth through school days and now includes spouses. In addition, we hang Wallace Silver Ball's that are dated  commemorating each year my husband and I have been married.   The Silver Ball tradition was my mother-in-law's idea.  She started it when her daughter was married.  I thought it was a wonderful idea and was looking forward to becoming a proud recipient the next year when I married her son.  But, lo and behold, while there was a Silver Ball under the tree for my sister-in-law  to commemorate her 2nd year of wedded bliss, there was none for us to commemorate our 1st!  Upon questioning my mother-in-law as to why, she looked blankly at us and replied, "I'm waiting a year to make sure you all 'take' "!!!!!

 Each Christmas ever since, upon receiving our Silver Ball, we tease her asking if she thinks we have 'taken' yet?   All joking aside, each Christmas while hanging our Silver Balls,  I regretted not having gone out myself that first Christmas and purchased the Silver Ball commemorating our first year of marriage.   A few years ago, my husband and I were blessed with a precious gift from our children of a 1973 Wallace Silver Ball they had searched for and found on Ebay to commemorate our 1st year of marriage.   I'm not sure I have ever received a gift under the tree that has tugged on my heartstrings the way that little Silver Ball did.  Our daughter and son-in-law were married on New Year's Eve 2008.  I did not wait for their marriage to 'take'.  Their 1st Silver Ball was sitting under the Christmas tree, days before they were married.

I purchase my daughter and son-in-law's Wallace Silver Balls from Amazon.

One of my current favorite stores to buy photo ornaments is Michael's when they are on sale. 

                                                         ~ Debbie ~

CHRISTMAS EVE CHICKEN MARBELLA

If you are looking for a Christmas Eve Dinner that is stress free - try Italian!  We've been doing it for years at our house, and it's always a favorite of our family and friends and lends itself well to being prepared and refrigerated in advance.   This Chicken Marbella recipe is my sister-in-law's direct from Italy, and let me tell you it's not only a crowd pleaser around our table, but is actually best when prepared and marinated 24 hours in advance.  You can relax and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve Day knowing your main dish for the evening meal is waiting for you in the refrigerator! 

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 Cup Dry White Wine
1 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
3/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
3/4 Cup Olive Oil
1 Garlic Bulb, Minced (About 1 Tablespoon) or 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
1  Bottle (0.5 oz.) Dried Oregano
1  Tablespoon Coarse Sea Salt
2  Teaspoons Pepper
6   Bay Leaves
3   Pounds Chicken Breast
1   Package (12 oz.) Pitted Bite Size Dried Plums
1   Cup Pimento-Stuffed Olives
1    Jar (3.5 oz.) Capers
Fresh Parsley for garnishing

Makes approximately 10-12 servings.

Serve with Rice or Pasta with Pesto.

HINT:  This recipe tastes best if prepared, refrigerated and marinated overnight. If not preparing ahead of time, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1:  Combine 1 Cup White Wine, 1/2 Cup Red Wine Vinegar, 1/2 Cup Olive Oil, 1 cup Brown Sugar, 1 Garlic Bulb - Minced, 1 Bottle Dried Oregano, 1 Tablespoon Coarse Sea Salt, 2 Teaspoons Pepper and 6 Bay Leaves into a 9 x 13 baking dish mixing well.

STEP 2:  Slice 3 pounds chicken breasts into about 1 inch slivers.  Before arranging sliced chicken in 9 x 13 baking dish, stir the 9 ingredients well that has been combined already in baking dish.  Place chicken in baking dish, coating both sides with the combined mixture.

STEP 3:  Arrange 1 Package Dried Plums, 1 cup Pimento-Stuffed Olives and 1 Jar Capers on top of chicken.

BAKING INSTRUCTIONS:   Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes to 1 hour, basting frequently if needed.  Remove from oven and serve from baking dish or transfer chicken, dried plums, pimento-stuffed olives and capers to platter (sprinkling 3/4 cup pan juices over top).  If served from platter, pour remaining pan juices into gravy boat and set along side platter for easy pouring.  Garnish chicken with fresh parsley.

FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS:  I have prepared this recipe well in advance and freeze in 9 x 13 baking dish so it is ready to pop in the oven for a crowd at a moment's notice.  I also prepare and separate into smaller baking dishes for smaller servings.  A 4.8 Cup Pyrex baking dish holds approximately 1/2 pound of sliced chicken and makes about 2 servings.  A 6 Cup Pyrex baking dish holds approximately 1 pound of sliced chicken and makes about 4 servings.

                                                   ~ Debbie ~

THE SWEET SMELL OF CHRISTMAS BOOK

Looking for a great children's Christmas book for ages 2 and up?  Then you need to pick up a copy of Smelly Bear!  Sounds a bit gross?  That's actually what my children nicknamed this classic scratch and sniff book "The Sweet Smell of Christmas" by Patricia Scarry.  This was and still is my children's absolute favorite, even now that they are all grown up.  The story is timeless as Little Bear delights in the various smells that make up Christmas - an apple pie, a pine tree (my personal favorite), a candy cane, a gingerbread boy cookie, a cup of hot chocolate and an orange in his stocking.  The book is filled with these oh so yummy scratch and sniff elements.  My kids read it so often they eventually scratched all the smells right off the pages.  A few years ago,  I bought each of them a brand new one and placed it in their stockings and it still brought just as much joy to them as adults as it did when they were little.  This book has been a true joy to read with my family.  Who knew a "Smelly Bear" could smell so good!

I've bought this book at local book stores and got lucky once at Marshall's.  Amazon is always convenient.


Amazon The Sweet Smell of Christmas

                                                                ~ Debbie ~

ORNAMENT FILLED GLASS VASE

Need an easy and gorgeous way to use those extra ornaments you just don't have room for on the tree?   I used these vases for flower arrangements at my daughter's wedding reception a few years ago and have since put them to use year round for various purposes.   My favorite time of year to use them though is Christmas, filling them with artificial snow and ornaments. 

They are easy and inexpensive to make and can be displayed in so many decorative ways for the holiday season.  The best part is they are a great price performer for such a WOW impact!

TO MAKE ORNAMENT FILLED VASE

1  Clear Vase  (I found the ones picutured at Marshalls & TJMaxx.  I've seen similar at Michael's)

1  Bag Loose Synthetic Snow  (I buy from Wal-Mart & Michael's)

Ornaments (I used gold, champagne, silver, white and clear bought from Wal-Mart & Dollar Tree)

FYI:  The amount you will need will depend on size and shape of ornaments.  The vases pictured
are 6 inches in diameter.  One is 25 inches tall and the other is 30 inches tall.  The 25 inch vase
holds approximately 30 ornaments, 2 1/2-3 inches in diameter.  The 30 inch vase holds
approximately 40.  Ornaments for these vases at Dollar Tree cost approximately $5 to fill the
25 inch tall vase and $7 to fill the 30 inch tall vase.

STEP 1:  Pour synthetic snow into bottom of vase to desired level.  Tilt vase so synthetic snow mounds slightly more to one side than the other for added interest.  When done, take a cloth and wipe down inside of vase walls where synthetic snow stuck while falling to bottom of vase. 

STEP 2:  Begin placing ornaments in vase, one by one.  Make sure the first few ornaments are gently placed on top of synthetic snow with the top part of the ornament facing inward so that it is difficult to see from the outside of the vase.

STEP 3:  Continue to place ornaments one by one on top of one another - alternating colors, shapes, sizes - with top part of ornament facing inward until vase is completely filled.

It's great fun and a festive look!

                                                            ~ Debbie ~