Chocolate Mint Brownies

 

You'll love these if you like the flavor of mint and chocolate together...and who doesn't?  The dense base layer is a rich, fudgy brownie, so don't overcook it or the dessert bars will be dry. Refrigerating the mint brownies allows the chocolaty top layer to set properly. You can make the dessert up to one day ahead. They will delight your family and guests and you will be the brownie goddess.

 

Yield: 20 servings

Total: 3 Hours, 25 Minutes

  

Bottom layer:

4 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup egg substitute                               

1/4 cup butter, melted                               

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs, beaten                               

1 (16-ounce) can chocolate syrup

Cooking spray                               

 

Mint layer:

2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted                               

2 tablespoons fat-free milk                               

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 drops green food coloring

Glaze:

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

3 tablespoons butter                               

 

 

Preparation

1.  Preheat oven to 350°.
2.  To prepare bottom layer, weigh or lightly spoon flour into a measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and salt; stir with a whisk. Combine granulated sugar, egg substitute, ¼ cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons water, vanilla, eggs, and chocolate syrup in a medium bowl; stir until smooth. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring until blended. Pour batter into a 13 x 9 inch metal baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 23 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
3.  To prepare mint layer, combine powdered sugar, ¼ cup melted butter, and next 3 ingredients (through food coloring) in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer until smooth. Spread mint mixture over cooled cake.
4.  To prepare glaze, combine chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute or until melted, stirring after 30 seconds. Let stand 2 minutes. Spread chocolate mixture evenly over top. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Cut into 20 pieces.

Winter skin Care

 

Winter can bring a flattering flush to your cheeks--or a whole lot of dryness and sensitivity. Calm things down with these pro tricks.

If you're suddenly plagued by tight, ruddy, über-sensitive skin, that's just the season working its magic. "Everyone's face gets drier in the winter, and when skin loses a lot of moisture, it's much more susceptible to inflammation and irritation," says Mona Gohara, M.D., an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine. Plus, a few cold-weather culprits can make redness worse. There's windburn, for starters, which can be soothed with a lotion that contains an anti- inflammatory ingredient like feverfew (found in Aveeno Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 ) or licorice root (which is in Eucerin Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion SPF 15 ). To stave it off on bitter-cold days, pat a little Vaseline on your cheeks. Then there's sunburn--yes, even in January. "Snow reflects 80 percent of the sun's rays, so it's like standing by the ocean," Gohara says. Make it your M.O. to wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on your face every single day. If none of that helps, read on.

Got red patches that never go away?
"You could have rosacea, a condition in which the skin's blood vessels are always dilated, causing chronic redness and sensitivity," says Meghan O'Brien, M.D., a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. One in 10 American women has rosacea, "and it may be genetic, so if one of your parents had it, you're likely to," she says. But you can manage it much better than Mom or Dad did. When rosacea-prone skin gets dry, it becomes even more vulnerable to irritants, so switch to more moisturizing skin care in the winter. Use a soap-free, creamy face wash (try Eau Thermale Avène Gentle Milk Cleanser) followed by a redness-reducing moisturizer, like the Aveeno or Eucerin ones we mentioned earlier. At night, slather on a thick cream that contains ceramides, which strengthen skin so it's less easily irritated. (We like Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream.) If your rosacea doesn't improve, a doctor can prescribe Mirvaso, a new topical gel that's covered by many insurance plans. "It constricts blood vessels to calm rosacea redness for up to 12 hours," says dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D., author of Heal Your Skin.

Whether you have rosacea or not, experts also suggest using makeup that's hypoallergenic and fragrance-free--or try mineral formulas, which are gentler overall. A peach or bronzy blush will counteract red cheeks, and don't be afraid to go bold on your lips. "A strong color, even a red one (like CoverGirl LipPerfection lipstick in Hot), will shift the focus off your skin," says makeup artist Kimara Ahnert, owner of the Kimara Ahnert Makeup Studio in New York City.

 Know the triggers
"Any time your face gets very warm, like during a hot shower or a vigorous workout, it can spark a rosacea flare-up," Shamban explains. Certain foods and drinks, including anything spicy, caffeinated, or boozy, can also set things off. Fear not: You don't have to cut out coffee and cocktails. "Just suck on an ice cube immediately after engaging in a trigger," says Gohara. "It'll bring down the redness right away." Another cost-free fix? Stress-reducing exercises like meditation and deep breathing, which a number of rosacea patients report help diminish symptoms like flushing. We all could use an excuse to slow down and take a breather more often; do it for your skin and your sanity.

Dubai Fountain...Amazing

 

 

Dubai Fountain at Dubai Mall and beside World's tallest tower. Pretty awesome I think.

Sweet Peach Olive Oil Cake...Refreshing Change from Holiday Desserts



Ingredients

U.S.

Metric

Conversion chart

• 3 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cup(s) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup(s) sugar
• 2 tablespoon(s) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) Kosher salt
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
• Sweetened vanilla Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream, for serving

---

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9- by 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and coat with vegetable oil spray. In a bowl, toss the peaches with 1/4 cup of the olive oil, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the sugar, and the salt. Let stand until juicy, about 15 minutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1 1/4 cups of olive oil. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Fold in the peaches and juices. Scrape the batter into the pan; bake for 35 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly, then serve with Greek yogurt. 

A nice simple fruity tasting coffee cake with a hint of summer freshness . To dress it up for dinnertime dessert, serve with Greek yogurt or vanilla ice-cream. It is time for a flavor change from spicy holiday desserts. And remember, you are the world's most brilliant chef.

Seasonal Affective Disorder ( After Christmas Blues)

 

10 Ways to Beat the After-Christmas Blues 
      
Christmas is an emotional storm, so take a break. Move from emotion to thinking and action.
  
1. Start planning a Valentine’s Party, Martin Luther King Party or just a party because it's Friday. If you were running a day late and a dollar behind for Christmas, learn from it. Budget and start sooner, but have the fun of another “party” on the horizon. NB: Planning is a cerebral activity, i.e., neo-cortex.

 2. Get active – add an extra hour to your daily workout. This creates physical energy, clears the mind, and flushes out toxic emotions.       

3. Clean your house til it shines, and do the work yourself. This is a tradition for New Year’s in many cultures, symbolic of getting rid of bad stuff and making room for new stuff. Sweep toward the doors, or vacuum, then remove the bag and carry it out to the garbage. Out! Out! Clean the furniture and scrub the kitchen and bathroom. You will be amazed at how good and refreshed it makes you feel.      

4. Clean the yard, shovel away dirty snow, clean the gutters, wash the windows and if you live in the north, wash all the salt rime off your car before it eats into the paint. Get rid of the Christmas tree and decorations because they serve as a constant reminder of why you have the blues in the first place.       

5. Take a vacation. Go somewhere warm like a cruise to the Caribbean. The sun will do wonders for an attitude adjustment, as well as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). If you can't afford a holiday, get outside more, sit in the sunlight in your house for half an hour a day. Take a walk or a drive through town.      

6. Hunker down and last it out – read good books, curl up by the fire and sleep if you feel like it. It’s a hibernating time anyway. Get massages. Take naps.  And above all laugh. Laughter has been proven to be an extremely effective mood booster; releasing endorphins which instantly raise spirits and give a feeling of wellbeing. To help raise your spirits, grab a funny DVD or book and spend a few hours exercising your laughter muscles.    

7. Start a new project at work or home – it will give everyone a lift. Focus on thinking, not feeling. For example, start thinking 'spring' and pot some bulbs or herbs for the garden later. Green, growing things have a way of making you feel one with nature and the universe and imparting a sense of tranquility.

8. Kickstart your brain by taking a new course. If you’re an extravert, go to community college classes. If you’re an introvert, enjoy yourself by taking online classes. If you are very physical, take some ballroom dancing lessons.  

9. Change your diet dramatically. Do a juice fast, or something cleansing and healthy within the constraints of your physical condition. Get that sugar and alcohol out of your system and replace it with vitamins and minerals. Don’t forget your vitamin C.        

10. Get rid of “stuff.” Grab garbage bags and fill them with useless or old stuff and get rid of it. Nice to donate to charity, of course, but if it is not charity worthy, make sure it goes to the dump.  And send all your negative feelings to the dump with it. 

10 & 1/2. Finally, look toward the new year with a positive view and think of ways to improve  your lifestyle that are easily within reach. And the best way to improve and feel good about yourself at the same time, is to do a small kindness for someone every day. If none of these pointers help...maybe you are just a grumpy old humbug...ooor... you might want to consider getting some professional help.

Dear Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

What do you do with a sibling who has been enabled all of his life when mom is no longer around to provide for him ?

My brother has had a house to live in, a car to drive, insurance, etc. for the past 25 years . He is an alcoholic and a drug user . He doesn't work because he doesn't want to . He has an all-expenses-paid life .

When my mother dies, how do we settle the estate ? If the house is given to my brother, he would lose it because he has no concept of paying bills . My sister thinks we should sell the place , give my brother his share and move on .

Help Me
 

Dear Help Me ,

It's difficult to make plans in advance if you don't know whether your mother has a will that leaves the house to your brother , in which case, he is free to let it collapse into ruin .

You should consider all the possibilities, including how much responsibility you will take for your brother when the gravy train stops . Unless he gets help for his addictions, his behavior is unlikely to change . Are you comfortable throwing him out of the house ? You can't force your mother to settle these questions, although please urge her to see a lawyer .

Maxy
 

Dear Maxy ,

I live far away from my family, but still try to keep in touch . The problem is my sister "Diane," who always misinterprets what I say .

Last month for example, we were talking about Dr. Oz when I commented that we'd have to wait 20 years to see whether some of those suggestions work . That night, Diane told my brother that I said I wouldn't care if she died . I tried to call, email and text to smooth things over, but she wouldn't answer . My mom doesn't want us to fight . I had no idea we were fighting until my brother told me .

A week later , Diane allowed me to apologize, and things were fine, but it has happened again . I suggested that we limit our Thanksgiving guests to the immediate family (24) people . Again, I got a call from my brother saying Diane thinks I hate her in-laws . I tried to contact her to explain, but she is ignoring me ..

I am tired of being the bad guy . I can't help that she interprets my comments in the worst possible way . How can I end the cycle .

Not a Meanie

 Dear Not a Meanie,

Diane sounds as if she is hypersensitive and looking for excuses to be upset with you . One of the reasons she doesn't tell you directly is because she is mulling it over, and it's much more effective if she waits and then tells your brother her own version . Then she punishes you by staying out of contact until you are groveling . She has her technique down cold and you fall for it every time .

If you think you can discuss this with her rationally, then do so . Otherwise, keep conversations short and neutral . If she becomes upset  send a sweet email saying you are sorry she is unhappy . Then leave it alone .

Maxy
 

Dear Maxy ,

I have been married to the love of my life for 30 years . About 10 years ago we moved to be closer to friends and family . It seemed to coincide with early menopause for my wife, which brought with it zero desire for intimacy . My wife asked me whether I thought it was OK to not have sex any longer and being an acquiescent idiot, I said "fine."

Now I'm frustrated and wondering what the future holds . I am in my mid-60s, and my wife is in her early 50s . Do I go the rest of my life without ? I need the other person to have some passion for me, or it's not worth having .

Lost and Needy

 Dear Lost and Needy ,

You need to revisit this issue . No matter what you agreed to at the time you have become increasingly resentful and your wife deserves to know . This affects your marriage in a critical way . Unfortunately your wife may not agree to more intimacy and even if she does you may not get the passion you desire . Ask if she would be willing to talk to her doctor about it , and then please seek counselling .

Maxy

 

 



Merry Christmas

 

 

 



Sticky Buns...Finger Lickin' Good

 

 

Sticky buns are an old favorite. Succulent and sticky and filling. A real comfort food. They are quite easy to make and are appreciated by kids when served warm with a glass of milk after school. They are satisfied until dinner time.

Ingredients

• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped in very large pieces
• 1 package (17.3 ounces/ 2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted

For the filling:

• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 1/2 cup white raisins

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees f. Place a 12-cup standard muffin tin on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 12 tablespoons of butter and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Place 1 rounded tablespoon of the mixture in each of the 12 muffin cups. Distribute the pecans evenly among the 12 muffin cups on top of the butter and sugar mixture.

Lightly flour a wooden board or stone surface. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry with the folds going left to right. Brush the whole sheet with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter. Leaving a 1-inch border on the puff pastry, sprinkle each sheet with 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cinnamon, 1/4 cup of the cranberries and 1/4 cup of the raisins. Starting with the end nearest you, roll the pastry up snugly like a jelly roll around the filling, finishing the roll with the seam-side down. Trim the ends of the roll about 1/2 inch and discard. Slice the roll in 6 equal pieces, about 1 1/2 inches each. Place each piece, spiral side up, in 6 of the muffin cups. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry to make 12 sticky buns.

Bake for 30 minutes, until the sticky buns are golden to dark brown on top and firm to the touch. Allow to cool for 5 minutes only, invert the buns onto the parchment paper (ease the filling and pecans out onto the buns with a spoon) and cool completely.

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy,
I  just finished watching  a piece  on the news  about young people  assaulting  others  and calling it a game . It seems  they walk up to people  and throw the hardest punch  they can to the face  in an effort  to knock  someone out .
In one instance , a man was  hit so hard  , he fell face first  to the curb  and fractured  his skull . He died  and the person  who hit him  was charged with manslaughter . The kids being interviewed  were all laughing  about it  , as if  it were some  sort of party .
The sad part is that they are raised  as if their actions  have no consequences . Parents  , teach  your children  before it's to late .
Worried Adult
Dear Adult ,
It's sad to see a world where children  think assault is a sport , where the constant media  barrage  publicizes  and glamorizes  violence  and where these immature  teens either  don't understand  the consequences  of their actions  or think prison  is simply another badge  of toughness . We doubt  they find this activity  so much "fun" if the victim was someone they cared about .
We've forgotten  how to be  civilized  to one another  , nor do we value it .Parents not only  need to teach  responsibility to their children  , but they have  the added burden of combating  the multiple  pernicious  influences  around them .It's hard to raise  kids these days  and I  commend  those parents who manage to do it well .
Maxy

Dear Maxy ,
I have a friend who often asks : "What's happening  ?" But when I attempt to tell her  , she rudely interrupts  and says, "It don't want to hear about it !" It doesn't matter what the subject is . She even interrupts  for others , saying  , "She doesn't want to hear about it !" She also cuts  me off mid-sentence  and finished  my thoughts for me . Attempting to carry on a conversation  with her is hurtful  and I find her to be rude .
However , If the conversation centers on her  , it can go on forever . Also , if she is trying  to impress people , no matter how boring the conversation  , she hangs on to every word . I have to deal with this  "conversation bully " often . How am I suppose to handle her ?
Ears Hurting
Dear Hurting ,
You are already aware that your friend is self-centered  and only interested in conversation  that is somehow  beneficial to her  . When she  asks, "What's happening ?" she doesn't really want to know  . It's simple her way  of saying hello . Here are your options : You can tell your friend  how rude this is  and ask her  to be more considerate ; you can restrict your conversation  to topics  that stroke her ego ; you can find other friends .
Maxy

Dear Maxy ,
I just lost a lot of weight  and want to get rid  of clothes  that don't fit  anymore .
I have a friend  who is about  the size I used to be  . have a lot of great suits and dresses  and different things she may like .
I am unsure  of how to bring  it up to her  so that  I don't offend her .
Sometimes people  get weird  around weight loss . Do you think I should offer the clothes to her  ?
Giving Spirit
Dear Giving Spirit ,
It is  fine  for you  to contact  your friend  about giving  her clothing . What you should  not do is emphasize  your weight lost . Tell her  that you have identified  a number  of clothing items  that you want to give away  and that you thought  she might want them .
If she  is interested  , arrange a time to show  or share  them with her . By leaving your weight  out of it  , you make it easier for her  to be comfortable .
Maxy

So You Put Your Christmas Lights Up?....... Not Like This You Didn't

 

 

 

This display in Fountain Valley California was created at the home of a good friend who had cancer, in 2011. The creator and designer is a professional lighting expert. The lights are programmed to the music. Sadly his friend passed away before he got to see it finished. But hundreds of people come to see it and watch the cars slow down in the video.
 The designer has created other Christmas displays in past years and can be engaged to create an original digital light display for any occasion or venue.



The Royals Christmas

Prince George Will Spend Holidays With Both Sets Of Grandparents In Yet Another Break From Tradition

It seems that breaking from tradition is the new normal for the royal family! This year, Prince George will get to spend the holidays with both sets of grandparents, as the Queen has invited the Middletons to Sandringham.

The royal family always spends the Christmas season at Her Majesty's Norfolk estate, though last year Prince William and Kate Middleton spent the holiday with Kate's family in Bucklebury. This year, however, royal sources have told the Daily Mail that "celebrations are set to be extra special after Prince George's arrival." Everyone wants to see the wee Prince celebrate his first Christmas!

Kate's sister Pippa may also receive an invitation, and if so she'll join almost all major members of the royal family at the sprawling estate. Prince Harry, who was unable to attend last year due to his tour in Afghanistan, will be there along with Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Camilla, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, as well as the pregnant Zara Phillips and her husband. With the addition of the Middletons to the bunch, it could be one of the largest holiday celebrations in recent history for the Norfolk estate (um, but everyone will probably still have an entire wing to themselves...). And WHAT if rumors are true, and Harry gets engaged before the end of the year? There may be a Bonas joining the group then, too.

The family will attend a Christmas service at the estate's church, and this will likely be the first time Prince George is seen in public since his debut to the world in July. The Queen owns somewhere around 150 properties on Sandringham (!!), one of which she has recently bestowed upon the Cambridges, Amner Hall. The new family is expected to move into the home, their very own 10-bedroom country estate, in the next few months. We're sure their pup Lupo will appreciate the space that comes with a country home since he'd gotten so used to living on the isle of Anglesey. The Duke and Duchess are said to be spending quite a bit of money making sure that the home is sufficiently private, comfortable and safe for their new family.
 

Prince George's new home at Sandringham

 

Kate's first Christmas as a royal

Arrivals Invitees usually arrive at the 20,000-acre estate from the morning of 23 December onwards in order of precedence. This means Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, are usually among the last to arrive.

Presents

On Christmas Eve guests gather in the White Drawing Room for tea and are given a timetable. The Queen's grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be encouraged to put the finishing touches to the Christmas tree.

It's this day that presents are opened – touchingly for people who have everything they tend to buy each other joke presents rather than splashing out.

Princess Diana was famously taken aback when she presented everyone with expensive gifts at her first Windsor family Christmas, only to find that cheap knick knacks were exchanged.

The presents are laid out on a trestle table in the Red Drawing Room, with tapes showing where each person's offerings should be. It wouldn't be surprising if George's pile is a little higher given the excitement generated by his arrival.

Black Tie Dinner After this Kate will probably take advantage of a break to put George down for the evening. At 8pm a candle-lit dinner is served with the ladies in gowns and jewels and the men in black tie.

The party usually winds up at midnight when the royal matriarch retires, although it may be that Kate as a new mum slips away early.

Church

On the morning of 25 December a full English breakfast is served. Then everyone attends a service at the nearby St Mary Magdalene Church. Royals are smartly dressed with the ladies in hats as the service acts as a sort of unofficial photocall and the chance for wellwishers to greet the Queen and her relatives.

Protective new mum Kate may choose to leave George behind given that a 1,000-strong crowd sometimes gathers.
 

The Windsors at Sandringham in 1970

Christmas Lunch and Queen's speech

Then it's back to the house for a turkey roast. After that everything comes to a halt at 3pm, however, when they gather around the TV to watch the Queen's Christmas speech.

It will be a particularly jolly affair as the sovereign will no doubt make mention of the happy events in her own family. If 1992 was her "annus horribilis", this rivals her Diamond Jubilee year in 2012 as an annus mirabilis.

As in many other households across Britain, the evening is spent playing games and watching TV. The relaxation is needed because on Boxing Day, Prince Philip organizes a bracing pheasant shoot.
 

How to make the perfect biscotti

 This firm, crunchy Italian cookie started out as convenience food for travellers. It remains as dunkable as ever

 

        

 

 

 

 



Pretty Paper Ornaments...Simple to make

Here's a little project your kids might enjoy doing with you 

 

 

 

Paper Ribbon Candy Ornaments
Enjoy this calorie-free holiday candy -- in ornament form. To make, thread a needle with embroidery floss and knot one end. Using clear acrylic beads and 1-inch-wide double-sided paper strips, create the candy shape by threading two beads between each layer of paper strip as you bend it back and forth. Secure the top bead by running the floss through it twice, and make a loop for hanging.

Paper Ring Christmas Ornaments
Get the kids to help make these simple and colorful ornaments. Overlap the ends of  1-1/4x7-inch-long strips of double-sided cardstock using a glue stick to secure the rings. Punch a hole for the hanger at the overlap. Make small loops with narrow ribbon, slip both ends through the hole, slip on chunky wooden beads, the knot the ends of the ribbon.

 

Paper Pinecone Christmas Ornament...Recycled Christmas Cards

Last year's Christmas cards become this year's ornament project with a paper punch. Select cards in coordinating colors, then punch out shapes. Hot-glue the pieces in rows to a foam egg shape, starting at the bottom and overlapping the pieces for each row. Sparkly cards give the cones  a frosted look or bling them up a little. The variety of colors on the Christmas cards make these cones pretty and every one is different. Have fun.

Best Damn Christmas Cookies Evaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!....But Please Don't Try These at Home

 

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
lemon juice
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

 

DIRECTIONS

Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer...Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar...Beat again. At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still OK, have another cup... just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit, Pick the fruit up off  the damn floor... Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterer..ers just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or whatever. Who giveshz a rat's ash. Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Plus a spoon of sugar...maybe...or whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and don't fall in the oven. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw everything out the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher. Meeeerry Chrishmush!

 

Hahahahahahaha! Gotcha ! didn't I ?

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy ,
I am upset with my job , I have seniority  and I am single . I just learned  that a woman who is my junior  was granted  a lengthy Christmas vacation  when I was  not granted my request for one. I believe  she was given  preference  because she  has a family with small children . I have earned my time off  and I thought  that if you  were more senior, you should be given  preferential treatment  . I asked for my time off  months ago, so it's not like  it was a last-minute  request . How can I appeal  this without sounding petty?
Feeling Dissed

Dear Feeling Dissed ,
Go to your manager  and ask about your vacation . Inquire as to why  you were not given the time you requested . Point out  when you made  your request . If you do not feel satisfied  with the answer  you are given, bring up your colleague . Note that she is your junior and that you feel slighted  that she would be given  the time  when  you doubt she asked for it first  and you have  seniority . You can also  ask if she was given  the time because  she has a family. Understand that if this is the case, it would be considered  discrimination .
Maxy

Dear Maxy ,
The letter  from "Family Ties" struck a cord  with me . The daughter  wanted her mother  to start  hosting  Christmas  dinner  again after a 15-year hiatus . You agreed with the daughter  that siblings  and cousins  could offer to clean  and be responsible   for cooking and therefore, convince her mother  into holding  it at her house again .
It's high time  for one of the younger  people jump  in and host  this event . Their homes  may not be as large  ... so what ? Family doesn't mind  being crowded  together .
As a young wife  and mother 45 years ago. I had to beg my husband's family  to allow us  to host thanksgiving. We hosted all the family holidays  as the elder members  were lost  to nursing homes  or death . Give Mom her due  .
Pushing 70

Dear pushing 70 ,
I understand  your position  and it makes  sense that  family tradition  is passed  from one  generation  to the next . My understanding  of "Family  Ties"  was that  the mother  was the glue  in the family  and not everyone  was getting together  because the mom was no longer  hosting  the meal . My idea was  a  compromise  ... the young ones  could prepare the meals  at  mom's house .
Sometimes a hybrid  idea can work . But that does  not negate  your point, that the young  families  should take  the baton  and continue  the traditions  leaving  a seat of honor  for the older  folks  while excepting  the responsibility  for the celebration .
Maxy

Lemon Meringue Cookies....Easy and Festive

 

 

                                                

For formal parties, an antique compote or crystal punch bowl displays your most special sweets to spectacular effect. Our meringue cookies tinted with edible sparkling dust emulate the shape and glow of vintage ornaments.
 Ingredients

U.S.

Metric

Conversion chart

• 6 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoon(s) fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1 teaspoon(s) pure lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup(s) sugar

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Directions

1. Make the meringues: Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Line 2 baking pans with parchment paper and set aside. Place egg whites, lemon juice, and salt in a large bowl and beat using a mixer set on low speed until foamy. Add the extracts, increase mixer speed to medium, and add the sugar in a slow, continuous stream. Increase speed to medium high and continue beating until egg whites form satiny, stiff peaks.
2. Bake the cookies: Fit a large piping bag with a large star tip and fill with meringue. Pipe 3-inch S shapes onto prepared baking sheets. Bake without opening oven for 1 hour. Reduce temperature to 175 degrees F and continue to bake for 2 more hours or until cookies are completely dry. Transfer the cookies, on the parchment, to a wire rack to cool -- about 45 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Michael Buble' Christmas Songs Album

 

 

We all love Michael's mellow voice. This is the complete album of his Christmas songs

ENJOY! AND HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON

 Album Tracklist:

1. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

3. Jingle Bells [featuring the Puppini Sisters]

4. White Christmas [duet with Shania Twain]

5. All I Want For Christmas Is You

6. Holly Jolly Christmas

7. Santa Baby

8. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

9. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

10. Silent Night

11. Blue Christmas

12. Cold December Night

13. I'll Be Home For Christmas

14. Ave Maria

15. Mis Deseos/Feliz Navidad [duet with Thalía]                                                                               

 

    



Easy to Make Christmas Gift....Felt iPod Cases

   

Supplies:

Felt...assorted colors

Embroidery Thread...Assorted colors

 

 

  

Directions:
1. Using your ipod as a guide, cut out two rectangles slightly larger than your ipod.  On one rectangle, cut a curve at the top (see pictures).  This will be the front piece.
2. Cut a rectangle in a contrasting color that is as wide as the others, but about an inch shorter.  Curve the top.  Stitch along the top curve with a simple whip stitch to the front piece.
3. (optional) add feather details on the tummy of the owl.  There are a few options here.
4. Cut out two wing shapes.  Stitch to the top rectangle with a whip stitch.
5.  Cut out diamond shaped nose and eyes (larger white circles and smaller black circles).  Stitch.
6. Whip stitch all the way around the outside, attaching the front and the back.  Stitch also around the top, front and back.
7. Insert ipod and head out!

Make a couple in different colors for a friend or daughter and she will be delighted to get a handcrafted gift made especially for her.

Cinnamon Pomander or Tree Ornament



  Cinnamon is a scent that  I enjoy  in the winter.  It's warm and inviting.  I love these pomanders that we're going to make because they can literally last for years and years, and still give off a nice subtle aroma. Decorate with sparkly Christmas bling and they make great tree ornaments.

Here's what you need:

That's apple sauce and cinnamon.
Don't worry about the brand, you're not going to eat it~

I had this cookie mold from ages ago but if you don't have a mold you could just roll out your dough and just use regular old cookie cutter shapes.

Steps:
1) Measure 1 cup of cinnamon and pour into a mixing bowl.
 

2) Add about 1/2 cup of apple sauce.

 

Your dough should be dry and crumbly.

 

3) Slowly spoon in a bit more apple sauce until your dough is like clay. Make sure to not let it get too wet and sticky.

4) Dust your mold with a bit of cinnamon.

 5) Scoop out a large egg sized shape of dough and gently knead into your mold.

6) Level off the back with a sharp knife

 

7) Gently tap your mold until the dough comes out and place on a cookie sheet.

 

Repeat until you've used up all your dough.

8) Before you put into the oven to bake, don't forget to make a little hole at the top of your shape so that you have something to hang your pomander by when you're all done.

9) Now you can put into the oven for one hour at 150 degrees.

After one hour, take the pomanders off your baking sheet and place right on the rack in the oven for another hour, still at 150 degrees.  This will allow the dough to thoroughly dry out.

Let them cool off, and now comes the fun part.  Decorate your pomanders with ribbon, flowers, buttons, anything you want. Hang in your kitchen or a hallway and every time you pass by you'll get a lovely poof of cinnamon air. Sparkle them up and they look great on the tree and smell divine with pine.
If, after awhile you can't smell it anymore, just rub the back of your pomander down a bit.  It will freshen it up and the cinnamon scent will come alive again.

 

Cranberry Ecstasy Bars

 

 

These cookie bars are a great accompaniment to eggnog lattes or just eggnog during the holidays.  Linda Faus developed this version of the holiday treat. They are pretty awesome.

Ingredients

For the bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
• 1-1/4 cups firmly-packed light brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup minced dried cranberries
• 1-1/2 ounces white chocolate (such as Ghirardelli brand), chopped
• 1/4 cup minced crystallized ginger

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• Pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup minced dried cranberries

For the White Chocolate Drizzle:

• 1 ounce white chocolate
• 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and then butter the paper, or use the Silicone Baking Mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; continue mixing until light. Sift together flour, ground ginger and salt; add to the butter-sugar mixture.

Continue mixing until flour is incorporated. Fold in dried cranberries, chocolate, and crystallized ginger. Spread the batter in the prepared baking pan and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely in pan before frosting.

Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon zest and salt until well mixed.

Remove cake from pan and trim off the edges so cake is uniformly flat. Using an offset spatula or the back of a large spoon, uniformly spread the frosting onto top of cake. Sprinkle minced dried cranberries on top of frosting and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Prepare White Chocolate Drizzle. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt white chocolate, whisk in powdered sugar and milk until well-mixed. Scrape into a small, sturdy plastic bag; cut a tiny corner of the bag and squeeze to decorate.

Drizzle White Chocolate Drizzle decoratively over the entire frosted cake top.
To serve, slice the cake lengthwise down the center, making two long rectangles. Cut each rectangle into four equal portions; slice each of these in half diagonally. Makes 16 servings.

Now sit back and soak up the compliments. You're a genius. Happy Holidays

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy ,
My husband and I frequently go out to dinner  with several other couples . One of the wives is a vegetarian . She sometimes  makes a scene with the server. She argues about the way things are prepared  and accuses the wait-staff of lying .
It's become quite embarrassing  and some of our other friends refuse  to go out  with her anymore . It recently  happened again . My husband and I  were mortified  when she sent  her meal back  and accused  the waiter  of giving her the wrong dish . It ruined our night .
I think we should  say something, but my husband  thinks it will ruin our friendship . Any suggestions ?
Carnivore
Dear Carnivore,
It is not unheard  of for restaurants  to prepare meals with chicken broth  or beef stock without declaring it . However it is rude  to accuse  the wait-staff of lying  and cause a scene . I recommend you do a search in your area for vegetarian restaurants   when socializing  with this couple . Otherwise , let them know  you won't be going out to eat  with them because  it is too stressful .
Maxy
Dear Maxy ,
I have been dating someone for a month and we have  a great connection . He seems  to be very comfortable  sharing and  being vulnerable with me; however, he seems  to have sudden mood swings, get snappy  and distant and withdraws  suddenly . I know he's having  (un) employment  issues and often talks  about his difficult upbringing, which he is trying to forget, but I don't know  how much of this behavior  to deal with before  I am putting  myself  in too much emotional  danger . How do  you know  when to continue  being patient  and when enough is enough ?
Nowhere to Turn
Dear Nowhere ,
One month is not long enough  to truly  know a person . You are still  in the early stages  of learning  about each other . What you have described  sounds like depression, sometimes  caused by circumstances, sometime based on neurological  challenges  . If possible, recommend  to your boyfriend  that he go  to the doctor  and get a physical . Point out  that you  have noticed that he has been  going through major  moods swings  and you are  concerned  about it . Remind  him of  how much you care for him  and you want him to be healthy .
Encourage  him to  get that help . If he refuses   and continues  to be  emotionally  volatile, you may have to distance  yourself  from him for a period of time .
Maxy
Dear Maxy,
My male friend is gay, but I think he is interested  in having a relationship with me . I am female . He seems jealous  when I mention other guys . What's the best way to initiate  a conversation  about this without  embarrassing him or myself  ?
Off-Kilter
Dear Off-Kilter ,
This would not be the first time two  friends ...heterosexual  and homosexual ... could fall for each other . While I am not  an expert on this, I have witnessed a number  of friends  who have found  themselves  in a place of intimacy  that grew out of their  genuine  love for each other . Unfortunately, the  instances  that I have witnessed  did not turn out well  because it was  almost a suspension  of reality  for them to be intimately  engaged  for the long haul .
You can't know  unless you talk about it . Be brave and ask your friend  what's up . Point out  that you are getting  the sense that he  is interested  in you romantically . Ask him  to define  what is happening . Talk about  where you both  are and what  you want for your friendship . Do know ,  that it is  unlikely  that love  no matter how real, can trump nature .
Maxy

Dear Readers ,
Sunday , December 8 , is The Compassionate  Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting  in memory of all the children  who have died . Please light a candle  in the evening  at 7p.m. local time  and remember  them  with love . For more information , log on to compassionatefriends .org, thank you .
Maxy