Sunday, December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas to All!!!


what else would a 13 year old want?

Merry Christmas 

I went a little crazy with plaid this year then added some reindeer and there became my theme.

Granddaughters' hands
have a seat


Come have a seat



Stay for dinner



stuffed peppers

and stay the night in the Princess room



















Saturday, December 24, 2016

Relax! Enjoy your day!


LuLu an Maverick- morning nap
soaking up the sun on Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Peppermint Bark- a great Christmas treat

Peppermint Bark
Who doesn't love peppermint bark at Christmas?  Instead of cookies this is what my Denver Granddaughters made for Christmas treats this year:
mise en place
Here's the recipe:

bittersweet chocolate-1 pound- cut into 1 inch pieces
peppermint oil - 7 drops
white chocolate- 1 pound chips or slab, cut into 1 inch pieces
peppermint chips - 1/2 cup

On a baking sheet add parchment paper
In a double boiler melt bittersweet chocolate.  When almost melted add 7 drops of peppermint oil and stir. Then pour out the dark chocolate on to the parchment paper.  Move the pan and paper until the chocolate in in an even layer.  Set aside.
Now melt the white chocolate in the double boiler.  Add half (or 1/4 cup) of the peppermint chips to the melted white chocolate.  Gently pour the white chocolate mixture over the dark chocolate oval.
Sprinkle the remaining peppermint chips over the top layer and let get hard.
Break into smaller pieces and share with your family and friends......be sure to keep some for yourself.

All of these items are easily available at King Arthur Flour - a great resource for baking

Dark chocolate layer



preparing second layer in double boiler





add some teenage friends ( Ella and her friend Sophia)



maybe even some 9 year olds (Kate and her friend May)