Filled with Joy

In the Kitchen...

Chocolate Caramel Thumbprints

   

 

1/2  Cup Butter, softened

2/3  Cup Sugar

1     Egg, separated

2    Tablespoons Milk

1    Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1    Cup Flour

1/3  Cup Baking Cocoa

1/4  Teaspoon Salt

1     Cup finely chopped Pecans

FILLING:

12-14 Caramels

3    Tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream

1/2 Cup Semisweet chocolate chips

1   Teaspoon Shortening.

 

In Mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar, beat in yolk, milk, and vanilla.  Combine the flour, cocoa, and salt.  Add to cream mixture.  Refrig 1 hour or until easy to handle.  Roll into 1 inch balls.  Beat egg white, just till mixed.  Dip balls into egg white and coat with nuts.  Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet.  Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make indentation in center of each ball.  Bake 350'F 10-12 minutes or until set.  Remove to a wire rack to cool.  Meanwhile, in a heavy saucepan, melt caramel with cream over "low" heat stirring until smooth.  Using about 1/2 tsp of caramel mixture, fill each cookie.  In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening.  Drizzle over cookies.

 

Winter Wonderland

  The view from my front door.

 

Teresa finally gathered the courage to go outside and enjoy the snow.

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

After Mass, we headed over to my mom's for a Sunday brunch.  Her home is a Christmas wonderland to my children because she has collected many beautiful decorations over the years. 

 

Teresa kept us all very busy as she investigated everything within reach.

After we came home, the snow began to fall, and there was a scramble to get out and enjoy it all before it disappeared.

 

 

We were out of whipping cream, but hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and sprinkles was ready when they came inside to warm up.

 

Slow with Pictures

Even though I'm slow posting, St. Nicholas did visit our home.

Nativity Lighting

Last night, we attended the annual Nativity Lighting at our Parish.  It is the first time we have attended, but we plan to make it an annual tradition for our family.

Father opened with a blessing. 

There were narrations, singing, and afterward refreshments were served in the parish hall.