Java Junkie

Giving Thanks

 

This year I'm thankful for my little family, our extended family, and friends who are like family.  I'm thankful we both have good jobs in an economy that is slowly recovering.  I'm thankful for a warm house and the bountiful food that was on the table today.  

I'm also thankful today that I didn't have to stick my nose outside of my warm house.  Late last night the wind came up, and did a good job of impersonating gale force winds.  Today the windchill here in the frozen tundra was supposed to range between -12 and -18 (see above--I didn't stick my nose out, so not sure if it was true or not).  Winter has arrived in full force this week.  It knocked on the door and said "Remember ME?  I'm BACK."  Like he thinks we missed him. 

Sorry--got off track here, this is supposed to be about thankfulness.  As you can see, I'm struggling to be thankful for winter's arrival.  I'll try to work on that since it seems we aren't moving out of the frozen tundra this year!  Continuing on this theme--I'm thankful I'm not standing in line already for Black Friday Deals.  Pretty sure there isn't any deal that would be worth spending the night "camping" in -18 temperatures.  Call me crazy, but I prefer my cozy warm house.

We will likely be putting on our crazy hats tomorrow and braving black friday in the big city.  We won't, however, be there until after 9ish.  At least.

Now I'm off to get the remaining dough from the PW Parker House Rolls out of the fridge so it can warm up and get ready to be turned into caramel rolls early tomorrow morning.

Wishing you all a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.

 

Yummy Fudge

Every year, if I make nothing else, I at least make this fudge.  It is absolutely the best!  My mom has been making this fudge for years as well...I got my recipe from her several years ago after trying to make a different recipe that flopped big time.  The only problem I ever have with this fudge is I can't eat just one piece ;-)

Fudge

4 1/2 cups sugar

1 can carnation evaporated milk

1 package milk chocolate chips (12 oz)

2 packages semisweet chocolate chips (12 oz ea)

1/2 lb butter (2 sticks)

3 tsp vanilla

Line a jelly roll pan with foil (extend foil far enough over the sides to create a handle to lift the fudge out with after cooled), then spray foil with cooking spray.

Stir sugar and milk together in heavy saucepan (I like to use a taller one than I'll need as the mixture tends to almost foam while it boils). Bring to a boil and boil for 7 minutes, stirring almost constantly.  Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients.  Stir until melted and smooth.  Pour into prepared jelly roll pan, and spread evenly.  Place into fridge to cool.  After cool cut into small pieces. 

This fudge keeps well in the fridge for quite a while, if you can keep the vultures out of it!

Happy eating...

Holiday Baking

I've slacked a bit in the last few years on my holiday baking as I was usually just finishing up finals at this time.  Since I generally procrastinated things like 10 page research papers...I spent most of the first part of December in a panic, and most of the last part of December trying to recover before the next semester started.  This year though...since I'm officially done (I even have the student loan bills coming in the mail to prove it), I am trying to do some baking.  So hopefully when my poor boy is grown he can look back and remember his mother baking during at least one Holiday season.  Here's what's on my list for today.

Caramel's---done (not sure how they turned out though)

Fudge---done ( I love this recipe--I'll post it later)

Homemade Oreo's--I'm not a huge fan, but my boys like them

Soda Cracker Toffee--need to buy saltines--seriously, I always have saltines

Cookies-N-Cream Truffles--a mix of oreo's and cream cheese dipped in white chocolate! (The truffles are in the fridge-ready to be dipped tomorrow)

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies--dough cooling in the fridge --cookies baked--frost tomorrow

Holiday Spritz--hopefully I'm smart enough to use the cookie press--(I was) ;-)

Ginger Snaps--I dip half in white chocolate--these are my hubby's fav's.--cookies baked--dip tomorrow

Hard Cinnamon Candy--not so sure about this one, but when I asked Mike if he had any requests, this was it.  We'll see if they turn out or not. --The hard cinnamon candy was my last project of the evening.  It turned out fabulous..and it smells absolutly lovely in here.  Word of caution if you've never made this before, the cinnamon oil is extremely potent when added to the hot sugar mixture.  It will take your breath away!

After all my baking is done, I'm going to make up treat boxes for TJ's teacher and daycare.  If we keep it all around here, someone will have to roll us home for the holidays!

Wish me luck!