Brussel Sprouts!

Isn't this just the most amazing plant? Love the unique way it looks on the stem and the sound it makes when you pop off each little sprout. Roasted, with Roastmary of course, it is a seasonal treat we got in our Spiral Path Veggie Box. Today is dear old dad's birthday, a day to remember the 'old boy' as our mother affectionately called him. Mom didn't like brussel sprouts. No reason given, she just didn't like them. After dad retired, he happily took to the kitchen as 'supper man', another of mom's monikers for her beloved. Preparing dinner each night, he took the challenge, harvesting herbs from the little back porch herb garden. There were some hits, and a few misses, but no complaints from anyone. Mom did put her foot down with the brussel sprouts though and told him he could only prepare them once a month. No problem. Dad delighted in preparing brussel sprouts on the 31st of the month and again on the 1st of the next month insisting that he was sticking with mom's request of 'once a month'. He chuckled when he told the story. Remembering them both today, on dad's birthday!

Merry Christmas!

                                                     Glad Tidings of Comfort and Joy!
                                                               

Forgotten Cookies

Yumm! A family favorite ever since our Jim Thorpe sister Marj made them during her high school years. They are a tradition in our household, always making an appearance during Christmas. They have become the favorite cookie of niece Jessica and nephew Jacob. These two pop in the house after a long distance car ride and one of the first questions they ask, 'did you make them?'. Ever since that year I forgot to make the Forgotten Cookies and disappointment that crossed their faces was unforgettable, we have made them without fail! The love of Forgotten Cookies has jumped to niece Angelica also, so last night we made forgotten cookies and all is good in the world. Santa will have a plate of Forgotten Cookies and a glass of milk waiting for his this Christmas Eve.

Forgotten Cookies

4 egg whites

pinch salt

1-1/2 c. sugar (or less)

2 tsp. vanilla

2 c. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat egg whites and salt together until foamy and frothy. Gradually add sugar, beating until very white and stiff peaks form. Add vanilla. Gently fold chocolate chips into mixture. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. They do not spread, so cookies may be placed close together. Place into preheated oven. Turn oven off. Forget cookies until the oven is cold. 

We always make these last, after all the other cookies are baked, put them in the oven, turn it off, and toddle off to bed.

Our Wish For You~

 May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;
The spirit of Christmas which is peace;
The heart of Christmas which is love.
~Ada V. Hendricks

Anticipation! Excitement!

and Shenanigans! TIP of the day: Don't leave your cell phone unattended! You might be surprised at what to your wondering eyes did appear!

Busy Baking!

The team of culinary Santa figures grace the hallway during the holiday season. The collection seems to grow each year with new additions squeezing into place. This little grouping sits on the oak side by side offering treats and sweets to all who enter. Meanwhile, Santa's elf is busy in the kitchen whipping up delights to serve all month long.

Miniature Egg Nog Cheesecake Triangles, Chocolate Coconut Cream Bars with a festive holly leaf, and Peppermint Meltaway Cookies were served earlier this month.

Or perhaps a Miniature Chocolate Coconut Cake, Peppermint Mousse in Chocolate Cup, or Cranberry White Chocolate Shortbread is more to your liking. Many dessert courses end up little white 'to go' boxes for midnight snacks!

This past Saturday featured a Frosted White Cake with Cherry Topping, Pumpkin Nut Roll, and a Macadamia Nut Sugar Cookie dipped in White Chocolate

And on Sunday we served a slice of Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake with a chocolate tree garnish, Peanut Butter Mousse in a phyllo cup, and a Chocolate Drizzled Sugar Cookie. Oh yes, the holidays are here! 

Hope your holiday season is sweet!

Tabletop Teapot Tree

Each year, the tea room is decorated with two tabletop trees and my personal favor ite it the teapot tree in the fireplace room. This little cutie is bedecked with a wide variety of miniature tea pots, jewelry pieces, petite tea themed ornaments and any other little tea related token that fits the theme. 

Twinkling with tiny white lights, it adds a touch of sparkle to the room.

It's fun to look among the boughs to see what is tucked here and there. Hope your holiday season is merry and bright, and your tea cup overflows with joy.

Annual Holiday Workshop & Tea

A popular joyful tradition around here is the annual Holiday Workshop and Tea. This festive event combines two fun activities - creating a simple craft and then the elves rush into the "craft area" and transform it back into a tea room. Before the craft begins, we take tea orders from so we can brew the tea and have it ready once everyone has completed their handiwork. This year's craft was an adorable ribbon tree ornament with star anise topper. Under the guided tutelage of Susanna, everyone completes the task at hand. Then it's time to pour the tea.

For starters, a Romaine Salad with fresh apples, spiced pecans, Parmesan cheese, and craisins topped with a fresh Cranberry oil and vinegar dressing was served.

A festive plate full of yummy sandwiches was next. Check out the menu posted below.

The scone plate included Traditional English Cream Scones and White Chocolate Apricot Scones accompanied by Sweet Cream and Apricot Preserves and fresh fruit. A real treat, our scones are baked while the sandwiches are being consumed, and served fresh and hot from the oven.

The dessert medley was decorated for the holiday season with icing holly leaves on the Chocolate Coconut Bon Bons, flavorful peppermint pieces on the meltaway cookie, and chocolate shavings on the eggnog cheesecake. 'Tis the season!

(In order to read the menu, click on the photo to enlarge it.)