Sunday, November 23, 2014

Xmas Sandies....YUM

The recipe I'm about to share was my maternal Grandma's.

It was the only place I would eat those and I had the great idea to ask for the recipe before she passed away.

They were called Christmas Shortbread, but shortbread don't become golden.....hence the name change.

Xmas Sandies

3 1/2 cups flour
3 teaspoons beaking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
16 tablespoons of softenned butter and shortening
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup mixed red and green candied cherries
1/2 cup chopped almonds
2 teaspoons vanilla


Measure the flour with the baking powder and salt. Cream butter and shortening, gradually add sugar.
Mix well, add eggs, then flour mixture gradually. when all added add vanilla and cherries and almonds.

the dough should be soft but not sticky. Separate the dough and place on waxed paper and roll.


Refrigerate or freeze.
 The full recipe makes about 8 or 9 dozens small cookies. Since Dan and Dad find them kinda boring... I cut the recipe in half.

They keep about 3 weeks in the fridge or a couple of months in the freezer.When you are ready to bake them, pre-heat the oven to 425 F. Cut in slices and bake about 6 minutes.

When totally cool place in a metal cookie box lined with waxed paper...They are even better after they have sat it the box for a couple of days...

A great little cookie with a cup of tea, a blast from the past....

Friday, November 7, 2014

Getting ready

Ever since Halloween is behind us, I have Xmas on my mind....

I don't know how I would plan it if I was living in the U.S. because Thanksgiving is still to come...

So I have made a food/goodies schedule to keep everything under control!

It is flexible (of course) and in the end if something doesn't get done, well...It happens!

So tonight in a rare burst of energy, I made my cranberry sauce. Check!

I tweek the recipe on the bag.

Here it is:

2 cups (450 ml) cranberries (fresh or frozen), 1/2 cup (125ml) water, 1/2 cup (125ml) maple syrup, zest of one orange and the juice of 1/2 an orange.

I put everything in the medium sized sauce pan and brought to a gentle boil . Continue to cook until the berries start to pop, reduce until thickened a bit. It was then that I added some Jack Daniel's , about an ounce or 2.....I hope it will give an interesting taste!


 Cool, then put in a jar or a Tupperware, label and freeze. Or keep in fridge for about a week .

One down! I hope to keep posting my Holidays recipes to inspire you in your celebrations.

Have a great evening!

Monday, November 3, 2014

Big Decisions

It is not like I didn't see this coming....

I opened my Etsy shop in 2008, I was trying to get rid of stuff, which I did, but in the process....I gathered a good 14 boxes of inventory!

So I have decided that after this coming Holiday season I will put the shop on hiatus.

I have no idea if I will reopen it eventually.

So if you see something that strikes your fancy, feel free to convo or email, and I am more than opened to make a deal....

However shipping charges are non-negotiable because Canada Post is already gouging me.

Here is my Etsy shop link Vonlipi's Favorites



So in the meantime I leave you with these gorgeous flower arrengements , seen on Sherbrooke street West.


                                 This is just the kind of decor I would do if I had the stone planters

 
And this is my Halloween picture with my Green Lantern friend.
There was no Halloween stuff on my floor and I can't help but think that my Dad (AKA Eagle Eye) will make a comment (or think about one) about the muffin top...oh well...I felt so put together on that day until I saw that picture!
 
I do have a nice smile!
 
Sleep tight :)