Friday, December 26, 2014

Italian Anise Cookies


I tried these Italian anise cookies to go with the Italian food meal that I cooked when we hosted my side of the family the day after Christmas. 


Anise is sweet and very aromatic, distinguished by its characteristic licorice flavor.


And..."Anise" just happens to be my middle name! :-)

Thursday, December 25, 2014

~homemade christmas~


Most of the gifts that I give at Christmas to friends and family are homemade from my kitchen.
"Consumable" gifts, as my dad calls them.  :-)
This year I tried out gingerbread granola.
I kept a jar for myself and I thought it was really yummy!


I had a unique request from my sister this year.
She asked for a bucket of my homemade laundry detergent.


So I bought her a bucket, made up a batch,
and also included the ingredients for her next batch 
if she decides to continue using it.


I love a homemade Christmas. :-)

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

~the sweet smell of christmas~


orange slices


cranberries


rosemary


and cinnamon

~the sweet smell of christmas~

~easy christmas decorating~


While I was decorating for Christmas this year, 
I printed out a few chalkboard signs and put them in frames that I had on hand.


So quick and easy!  I really enjoyed these.


Tuesday, December 23, 2014

~hot cocoa bar~


I'm hosting events three of the next four days, 
so I thought a hot cocoa bar would be enjoyed by all my company.


I set out cups and spoons,


cocoa mix and add-ins.  



Guests can chose to make a cup of coffee, cider
or cocoa and then add anything they like to their cup!





I'll probably leave it up through New's Years just to enjoy myself. ;-)

Thursday, December 18, 2014

~homemade gifts in a jar~


Love, love, love giving gifts in mason jars.
Here are a few ideas of things I've gifted in jars over the years - enjoy!






Wednesday, December 17, 2014

~christmas tree for feathered friends~

Sure wish I had the time this year to decorate a Christmas tree for the birds.
I had so much fun with this a few years back and wanted to share the ideas again.
Maybe I'll decorate a tree for my feathered friends in January! :-)



Here  are all the how-to's!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

~christmas candy~


What is Christmas without yummy, special, "only at Christmas-time" homemade candies??
I think I make more candy during the month of December
than probably the whole rest of the year combined!

I make the simple kinds, no candy thermometer involved. ;-)

Here are some faves...













And last, but not least, 
our very favorite Christmas candy will always be



I've been making them for sixteen years now 
and I think they have become my signature candy. :-)
I made 6 dozen this evening to share with co-workers!

Happy candy making from my kitchen to yours!