November 23 ~ Sounds of the season

Believe it or not, there are radio stations already playing only Christmas music...  Well, there is a lot of music, so I guess you need to start early to get it all in...  Here's my contribution to getting you in the Christmas music mood...

November 22 ~ Cookie recipe

Today's post is inspired by the fact that it is National Cashew day.  Here's a cookie recipe to test...

Cashew Meringues

• 5 egg whites, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 2 cups finely chopped cashew nuts

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large dry glass or metal bowl whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Add vanilla, cream of tartar, and cornstarch, and continue whipping at medium speed while gradually adding the confectioners sugar 1/4 cup at a time. Whip until the whites have a nice peak, but not stiff. Fold in cashew pieces with a rubber spatula. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake for about 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on wire racks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature when completely cooled.

November 21 ~ Outdoor lighting

It's not too early to start hanging those outdoor lights, especially if you live in a colder climate.  Take advantage of a sunny day before the deep freeze of winter sets in.  Found some great "how-to's" on You Tube for you...

A smile in a shoe box ~ November 18

Any time of year is a good time to remember our servicemen and women and thank them for all they have done.  Visit Operation Shoebox to see how easy it is to send someone a smile.

Nostalgia ~ November 17

I came across this the other day and had to share it...  If your as old as I am you will remember making a wreath or star burst from IBM cards... same idea - updated, and it's actually very attractive.

Cookies ~ November 16

We haven't had a cookie recipe in awhile... have to keep testing these recipes for the cookie exchange.

Here's one that looks easy and sounds yummy...

Almond Icebox Cookies

• 2 cups butter or margarine softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• Finely chopped almonds

Cream butter in a large mixing bowl: gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.

Combine flour and baking powder in a medium bowl; mix well.  Add flour mixture and vanilla to creamed mixture, stirring well.

Shape dough into 2 rolls, 1 1/2 inches in diameter.  Wrap each roll in waxed paper, and refrigerate 2 hours.  Remove waxed paper; cut rolls into 1/4 inch slices. Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.  Brush lightly with egg white; sprinkle with almonds.  Bake at 425 for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.  Remove to wire racks to cool.  Store in airtight containers.  Yields about 7 dozen.

I think I'll try some almond extract instead of the vanilla.  If you try these, let me know what you think.

November 15 ~ treasures from trash

On another blog I write you will learn that today is America Recycles Day... the perfect day to talk about turning some trash into Christmas treasures...

I just loved that one...

On a smaller scale think about using the same process with a circle of about 3 inches and old puzzle pieces.  If the coloring on the pieces are not acceptable you can spray paint the small wreath green and add small red dots for "berries".  Glue a ribbon hanger on and your ready to use this as a tree ornament.