December 17th Newsletter
Ok, so I’m a day late and it’s not Saturday anymore. LOL Whoops!
No news is good news, right? Last Sunday, we went to my brother-in-law’s house for our annual gingerbread house making party with Kurt’s side of the family. Not everyone could attend, but those who were there had a wonderful time. Lots of laughs and LOTS of sugar!!
Last night I was able to see Rebecca Lindamood, of Foodie with Family‘s, son, Rowan, dance in the Nutcracker here in RI. They live near Buffalo, but Rowan was a guest artist at Ocean State Ballet. He’s only 17 and really very, very good.
So talented in fact, that he’s been chosen as one of only 7 boys to represent the United States next month in Switzerland at one of the most prestigious ballet competitions, Pris de Lausanne! This is such an incredible opportunity for Rowan as just participating can open up so many doors for him and really launch his career.
As you can imagine, the trip will be quite an expense, so if you’re a lover of the arts and would like to help defray the costs, please visit Rowan’s Go Fund Me page, and know that even the smallest amount will make a difference and be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
New Recipes This Week
Who doesn’t love cake? This week’s Pineapple Rum Cake has quickly become a family favorite. It is super easy to put together and tastes even better the next day.
Smashed Red Potatoes are an easy side dish to make for dinner on a busy weeknight. Boiled, smashed, and basted with seasoned garlic butter, they turn out perfectly fluffy with crunchy, crispy edges.
Try These Smashed Red Potatoes!
With just four ingredients, my Homemade Peppermint Mocha can be whipped up in five minutes or less. No expresso machine is needed AND you’ll save money with this easy recipe!
Make this Homemade Peppermint Mocha!
Want to add a little Grinch to your holiday celebration? Make this super easy 3-Ingredient Grinch Bark! It’s something the kids will be able to help you with and they whole family will enjoy munching on it. It makes a great gift, too.
Making some special desserts for Christmas that call for Cool Whip? Don’t like the artificial taste in the stuff and want a Stabilized Whipped Cream made without gelatin? Then this recipe is for you!
Make this Stabilized Whipped Cream!
Holiday Recipes to Enjoy
Peppermint Blossom Cookies are a simple sugar cookie rolled in colored sugar with a Hershey’s Peppermint Kiss.
This crustless Cranberry Pie recipe with fresh cranberries in a delicious buttery cake is an easy holiday dessert.
Peppermint White Chocolate Coffee Creamer is the perfect addition to your morning cup of java on cold winter days!
Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites are a fun, festive, and delicious starter to any meal!
Baked Cinnamon French Toast is a make-ahead breakfast packed with sweet cinnamon sugar flavor.
This easy side dish of Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts might just convert any Brussels sprout hater!
Menu Plan This Week
Sunday: Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Bread
Monday: Turkey Noodle Casserole
Tuesday: Taco Casserole
Wednesday: Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Thursday: No Bake Cranberry Orange Dream Bars
Friday: Date Night
Saturday: Cranberry Meatballs
Favorite Product of the Week
I’m one of those people who swore I would NEVER wear Crocs. I think they look ridiculous.
I’ve LOVED the slippers I got from L.L. Bean last year, but because they don’t have support and I’ve had them for so long, I’m now walking on the sides of them which consequently means they’re misshapen and uncomfortable.
So, in my hunt for a lined slipper with some support, I came across these Crocs on Amazon. Believe me, I was hesitant, but I ordered them.
WOW! Seriously, they arrived yesterday and I’m totally smitten. They’re light, super comfortable, and the perfect house shoe. I definitely won’t be wearing these out, but as we know, never say never, right?
I’ve got another one for you, too! If you like tea and apple cider, you’re probably going to fall in love with this Hot Apple Cider Tea as much as I have. It smells soooo good and tastes just like a cup of warm apple cider without all the sweetness.
(To get to the Crocs and Hot Apple Cider Tea, click the link above. It will take you to the blog and then scroll down to this Favorite Product section where you’ll find the affiliate link to the item as I’m not permitted to share Amazon links here in my newsletter. I may earn a small commission from products purchased when you shop through my Amazon links at no additional cost to you. Thanks!)
Tip of the Week
When we made gingerbread houses last week, we needed to fill piping bags, and if people, especially children are unable to hold the piping bags correctly, things can become very messy and they’ll become frustrated and upset.
Avoid the tears and put frosting into Ziploc bags. After filling, seal the top, and cut a small piece of the corner off.
Also, when filling piping bags, I put the bag with the tip attached into a tall glass to fill it by doing this:
Fold the tip of the bag up, and place into a tall glass. Fold the top of the bag over the rim of the glass to create a wider opening, so you can easily put the frosting into it. After you’ve filled it, and removed the bag from the glass, hold the top and gently shake it so the filling falls to the bottom. Then use your fingers to smooth the bag, pushing the contents to the tip before twisting the bag to ensure nothing escapes out the top when squeezed.
I’d love to hear any tips you have, and what has helped you be more efficient and organized in the kitchen! If you would be interested in sharing them with all of us, and if I choose to share it in our newsletter, I’ll give you a first name shoutout!
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