Tuesday, December 28, 2010

homemade marshmallows

For the past few years, I have tried to make a new candy confection over the Christmas season to bag and give out to friends. This year, I knew I wanted to tackle homemade marshmallows.

Using the techniques from these two recipes, I created the basic marshmallow. Then I saw this idea and loved it.

Making marshmallows is not difficult, but it does take time and a little patience. Oh, and you should just be prepared for a gooey, sticky mess.

Its inevitable.

What starts as just humble gelatin....
ps..do you know what gelatin is made out of? If not, dont look it up.



...soon turns to this!


And after a few hours in the fridge....
Marshmallows!




These keep for about a week. They are yummy in hot chocolate, dipped in fondue, or just plain!

And, regrettably, I probably consumed half of them myself.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

christmas

Christmas 2010

{in pictures}














Wednesday, December 22, 2010

gifts



Nothing too special, but I like to change up my wrapping from year to year. This year was brown paper, striped ribbon, and twine.

I really like simple wrapping. Throughout the year I stock up on plain brown paper (not the thick craft paper--too hard to fold) and plain white paper from Michaels. I always have a supply of ribbons and twine on hand to help create cute packages.



Also, this year I copied my sweet friend and placed my tree in a large galvanized bucket. We have one for holding drinks during summer bbqs, and this was such a cute way to hold our tree this year. I have a feeling this has replaced our normal tree stand.

This year, more than ever, I have been reminded about how trivial gifts can be. That we should really be focused on giving throughout the season. With this is mind, Peter and I were more conscious about what we gave to our family and how we spent our money. There are definitely less gifts under the tree, but Christmas is just as sweet.

But that doesn't mean what is under the tree shouldn't look cute !

Sunday, December 5, 2010

deck the halls

Christmas on Pine Street

















Friday, December 3, 2010

friday night

Tonight, we ended a long work week by picking out our Christmas tree.

{noble fir. seven feet}





Keeping with our tradition, we went out for burgers and ice cream after.
Healthy, I know.

Moo Creamy is the ONLY place I order burgers. (I much prefer homemade) But Moo burgers are too good to resist.


turkey burger and hand-mixed fountain cherry coke


peppermint oreo sundae


Good news: The tree is up and my house already smells sooo good.

Not so good news: I am still stuffed.