Harper Valley

Gingerbread Martini

 

It's the most wonderful time of the year......for gingerbread martinis.  When else can you enjoy gingerbread niceness?  Take advantage of it while you can.  Only a few weeks left. 

Last year, I created a gingerbread martini based on White Wolf Cafe's recipe.  It was rather tasty.  This year, I sought out a new recipe, just cuz.  I thought you deserved it. That's the kind of girl I am. 

Gingerbread Martini

• 2 parts Kahlua Coffee Cream
• 1 part Vanilla Vodka
• 1/2 part Gingerbread Liqueur
• Ground nutmeg for garnish

Fill cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients.  Shake until chilled and mixed well.  Pour into martini glass and garnish with groung nutmeg. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Kahlua Coffee Cream is different than regular Kahlua.  It's Kahlua and cream already mixed together.  Sadly, it's a limited edition, only made in 2009.  SO..if you get a hankerin to make this delicious drink after this holiday season, and can't find KCC, don't panic.  That's the main thing.  Do not panic.  You can use 1/2 part regular Kahlua and 1/2 part milk/cream/half-n-half/etc. 

HOW MUCH IS 'ONE PART'?  Well that depends.  Here's where you have some freedom to unleash your inner bartender.  Typically, with mixed drink recipes, one part is approximately one ounce, or one standard shot glass.  As long as you're consistent with your measuring and follow the ratios, then you'll be fine. 

I like to use this shot glass for making drinks.  It's 3.5" x 2".  One shot = One part.

 

Here it is.  The trinity of the gingerbread martini.  Can you hear the angels singing?   In the words of Doug Heffernan --- "Perfec-shee-aaawn."

   

To check out last year's GB Martini recipe, click here.  Cheers! 

Chocolate Tarts with Peppermint Creme

 

It's official.  I have a favorite new dessert...to make ..and to devour.  Here it is.  Now I know some of y'all don't do cartwheels over peppermint, but the flavor in this recipe is very subtle.  Just a hint of mint. 

I personally woulda preferred a bit more mint flavor, but I'm positively obsessed with the mint and choco combo, so maybe I'm not the best judge in this case.  Fell in love with Bryers Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream as a child, and I've never looked back.  Too bad their ice cream tastes like poo now.

You could also sub raspberry extract or orange extract if you prefer.  Get creative.  Thanks for another great recipe, McCormick.

Chocolate Tarts with Peppermint Creme

• 2 packages (15 shells each) frozen mini phyllo shells
• 1/3 cup plus 3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
• 4 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet baking chocolate, cut into chunks
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 TBSP sugar, divided
• 1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract
• Dark chocolate candy bar (optional, for garnish)

PREPAREphyllo shells as directed on package for crisp unfilled tarts. 

MICROWAVE1/3 cup of the cream and chocolate in  microwavable bowl on high for 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds.  Stir well until chocolate is completely melted.  Cool 5 minutes or until chocolate ganache starts to thicken.  Spoon a heaping teaspoon of ganache into each tart shell.  Cool completely.

BEAT cream cheese and 2 TBSP of the sugar in large bowl until smooth.  Beat remaining 3/4 cup cream, remaining 2 TBSP sugar and extract in medium bowl with electric mixer until stiff peaks form.  Add 1/2 of the whipped cream to cream cheese mixture; stir until well blended.  Gently stir in remaining whipped cream.

SPOON about 1 TBSP peppermint creme into each tart. Garnish with chocolate shavings from candy bar, if desired.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Makes 30 tarts.

Not sure where to find baby phyllo cups?  Journey to the frozen section of your grocery store in the pie crust vicinity.  Be sure to save the packaging for storage and/or transport until you're ready for those delicious dollops of peppermint creme on top.

Eggnog Truffles

What's better than a bite-sized ball o' eggnog?  Not much, I imagine.  We have the good folks at McCormick to thank for this divine recipe.  And my friend, Monique for introducing it to me.  Maybe I shoulda tried real rum, but this is my first stab at the eggnog truffle, so I followed orders.  OK, not completely true.  I changed things around, but I've made my share of truffles, and consider myself pretty dadgum close to expert level. 

Eggnog Truffles

• 8 oz Ghirardelli white chocolate chips
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp rum extract
• 1 package vanilla candy coating - CandiQuik, recommended brand

1. MELT white chocolate as directed on package.  Beat cream cheese, confectioner's sugar, nutmeg, and extract in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended and smooth.  Add melted chocolate; beat until well mixed.  Cover.

You can melt the white chocolate in the microwave.  See?  It's that easy.  I made one batch with white chocolate squares and they were so greasy that I could barely form them into balls.  My recommendation is to use the chips instead.

2. FREEZE mixture for 1 hour or until firm.  Shape into 24 balls (about 3/4-inch each).  Place on waxed paper-lined tray.  Freeze formed balls another 1-2 hours until firm. 

Left truffle--> Just the right size.  Right truffle--> He is a wee bit too big.  Yes, that is a Disney ruler.  So what if I borrowed it from some kids I babysat in high school?  That's not weird.

 

 

3. COAT truffles in small batches, about 5-7 at a time.  Melt the vanilla candy coating as directed on package.  Using a candy dipping set {or fork if you don't have one}, dip one truffle at a time into the candy coating.  Place on wax paper-lined tray.  Sprinkle truffles with fresh-grated or regular ground nutmeg.  Repeat with remaining truffles.

The original recipe instructs you to use regular white chocolate for the coating.  But I've made a heap of truffles in my day, and I highly prefer CandiQuik coating.  Me thinketh it contains a secret ingredient that makes candy dipping a dream.  You may also see it called Almond Bark.  Same thing.

 

I'm also an advocate of candy dipping sets like this one below.  The open spoon allows excess coating to drip back where it belongs.  And the two-pronged fork helps you maneuver candy off the spoon.  You can find candy dipping sets at craft stores in the cake/candy/baking section.

 

Here's a shot of the dipper set in action.  Toss the truffle gingerly into the melted coating and move it around with a metal spoon.  Then place the truffle on the dipper spoon and gently tap it on the bowl's edge.  See how that coating is dripping and pooling up below the truffle?  That's excellent.

 

 

4. REFRIGERATE 30 minutes or until candy coating is set.  Store truffles in refrigerator up to 1 week.  Makes 2 dozen.

Voila!  The perfect nugget.

Strawberry Shortcake Christmas

 

Just ran across this old time Christmas picture, circa 1980 ...or maybe 1981?  Either way, it's creeping up on 30 years.  My sisters and I were ooey gooey in love with our giant plush Strawberry Shortcake {and friends} dolls.  It was as though our mini plastic SS figurines morphed into large, lovable friends that we could carry around like babies.  A little girl's dream come true.

I was lucky enough to score the doll who started it all --- Ms. Strawberry Shortcake herself.  Being the oldest of three girls does have a few perks.  Only a few though.  Janet claimed Raspberry Tart.  And Jill cradled lil Apple Dumplin'.  Aaah, what great Christmas presents these dolls were.  But before we could even get them good and trashed, Xavier Roberts landed on the scene with his ~so ugly, they're cute~ Cabbage Patch Kids.  And we were on to the next big craze.

Check out that sweet red carpet.  How bout that nifty wood paneling?  And then there's my red crocheted ice skate brooch.  Pretty hot.  Luckily, the picture's too blurry for you to see my big ole crusty teeth growing in.  They were teeth only a mother could love.

I truly do adore the tabletop white ceramic tree behind us.  It's so very retro.  My Granny Norris always displayed it at Christmas.  When I see those trees around now, which is rare..they remind me of her.  Guess that's why I like them so much.  We miss you, Granny! 

Christmas Gift Ideas

How did Christmas sneak up on me AGAIN?  Good thing I joined the other 532 5am Target stalkers on Black Friday.  Just a few more boxes to check off the list and I'm all done.  If you're hunting down unique gifts for that special someone, consider ordering from Bajalia Trading Company.  They partner with artisans from around the globe to bring us gorgeous, handmade items rich in cultural tradition.  Without Bajalia, they would have a very limited audience.  Your purchase of these items literally changes their lives. 

For the past few years, I've decorated my Christmas tree with ornaments from China.  OK, yes, yes...pretty much every ornament on every tree in the US is from China.  But this stuff was hand sewn by Bajalia partners who I actually met in China.

 

Another Bajalia fave: This precious nativity scene is made from dried orange peels.  Wow.

 

Maybe your peeps would prefer jewelry instead..how about a cool cuff bracelet, bold statement necklace, or lace flower brooch?   They make fabulous gifts.  I wear my Bajalia pieces often and always get compliments on them.  Your gift recipient will have something different and unusual to wear.  Happy shopping!

“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.  Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime” —Author unknown 

  

Thanksgiving, Georgia Style

A little Thanksgiving slideshow for your viewing pleasure.

Pine Cone Turkey Craft

Looking for a simple last minute Thanksgiving craft?  Try making these Pine Cone Turkeys with the kiddos.  You can add them to your buffet line or table centerpiece for something colorful and fun.  Here's what you need to make your festive turkeys:

Supplies

• Pine cones
• Glue
• Feathers
• Pipe cleaners

Step #1: Go on a nature walk and collect pine cones.

 

 

Step #2: Lay a pine cone on it's side and glue feathers to the larger end.  This is the turkey's tail.

 

Step #3: Cut a pipe cleaner in half.  Fold one of the halves loosely.  Then bend the folded end over slightly.  Glue the straight loose ends to the smaller end of the pine cone.  This is the turkey's neck and head.   

 

Step #4: Enjoy your turkey masterpiece!

 

We had lots of leftover pipe cleaners, so my uber creative niece, Avery found several new and inventive ways to use them.  Side note: When did pipe cleaners become "chenille stems"?   I noticed this fancy wording on the package.  Hilarious.  Anyhoo....

Avery covered her headband with a pipe cleaner that matched her outfit.  Quite the fuzzy fashion statement, dontcha think?

Then she created a beautiful collage of Fall trees using leaves and glitter for the tree tops, and pipe cleaners for the tree trunks.  

After that, we wrapped the remaining "stems" around some thick branches for colorful walking sticks to be used on our next nature walk.

 

Miss Meagan used some leftover feathers and glitter to make a polka-dot feather collage.  How cute!

Pumpkin Cupcakes

OK, so I know Halloween is over.  But...I made these pumpkin cupcakes for Halloween and figured you could still use the recipe well into November/December, 86 the skull and crossbones.  Pumpkin is Fall.  Fall is pumpkin.  Bon appetit!

Pumpkin Cupcakes by Martha Stewart

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp coarse salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside.  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and eggs.  Add dry ingredients, and whisk until smooth.  Whisk in pumpkin puree.
3. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about halfway.   Bake until tops spring back when touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes, rotating pans once if needed.  Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.
4. Top with your favorite cream cheese frosting.

Makes 18 cupcakes 

Halloween Costume Contest

 

Yesterday was the day.  The day of the office Halloween costume contest.  I haven't dressed up in years because I'm old and lame now...and not on the Halloween party circuit like I used to be.  So I was really excited to create an alter ego and be goofy for a day.  The majority of the team dressed up, so the creativity was abundant and the laughs were contagious. 

I dressed up as *Red Riding in the Hood* complete with fake nails, a boom box, tattoos, and of course my red cape.  I was on my way to my grandma's house in the Bronx.  Check out the winners below, and be sure to catch my video at the end for the full effect of our crazy day.  Halloween is so rad.  I heart it.

Red Riding in the Hood: I ain't scerred of no big, bad wolf.

Most Original: Michael Jackson, Before & After

Most Accessorized: Jem, the 80s cartoon rock star.

 
 
Scariest: Mini monster..scrappy and scary indeed.

Best Overall: Octomom, the ultimate multi-tasker.

 

Most Comical: We had a tie between Jeffrey, the creepy country club guy and Madea, everyone's favorite mama.  To break the tie, they had a dance off to Boom Boom Pow.  Check out the video below and crank up the volume! 

 

Have a Spooktacular Halloween!

Watermelon 5K

 

I did something this morning that I haven't done in 10 years.  I walked a 5K race.  HOLLA!  For the past few months, I've been walking about three miles on a somewhat consistent basis, and felt it was time to challenge myself. So off I went to trackshack.com and signed up for their annual July 4th Watermelon 5K.  I thought it would be just like my normal walks around Lake Underhill, but it was much more difficult.  There were hills, brick roads, sun (I usually walk at night).  Anyhoo..I was huffin and puffin, and my face was beet red.  But I finished.  And with a decent time too - right around 52m/30s. 

It was encouraging to see such a diverse crowd participating.  I saw 5-year old kids, retirees, skinny minis, and people with a decent amount of weight to lose.  It was so inspiring to see 3000+ peeps in one place doing something healthy.  We rocked it! 

Some of my walking buddies - Karen and Doris.

 

Watermelon dude interviewing one of the younger participants.

 

Florida's Watermelon Queen at the Wounded Warrior Regiment booth.

 

Everyone feasts on fresh cold watermelon after the race.

This 5K re-energized me to continue my journey of health and physical well being.  If you live in Central Florida, check out some of Track Shack's races.  They have year-round events.  Maybe I'll see you there next time.  Happy Fourth of July!  

Red, White & Blue from Bajalia

 

...from Bajalia Trading Company

Dress up this 4th of July with some of their beautiful red, white and blue items. Celebrate by wearing America's colors while supporting those without the same freedoms and luxuries that we are graced with here in the United States.

RED

This Scalloped Red Brooch is handmade by the women in the West Indian delta region, which has been famous for lace-making for more than 100 years. These women use their crochet skills to improve their lives and provide food and care for their families.  Price: $10.00

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WHITE

 

Bajalia tries to preserve the purity and dignity of the ethnic crafts by supporting the handicraft techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation. These are key to each artisan's individual heritage.

Warli painting is one such technique. Spark conversation with this ancient Indian form of art. Made by artisans struggling to survive. Each vase is hand crafted and painted and combines simple geometric designs and ethnic art. Use as part of your centerpiece or set in a special place. Every whimsical set of 3 will make you and your guests smile.   Price: $30.00

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BLUE

 
These turquoise hoop earrings add a simple splash of color to any outfit. Made by incredibly brave women fighting for a new life. Each set of these earrings are created by those who were lured into the sex industry by deceit and then held there by shame. Bajalia partners with groups throughout Asia to help provide shelters, medical care and avenues of escape to these women trapped in this spiral of abuse.  Price: $14.00

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Help those around the world who aren't as lucky as you and I this 4th. Wear your red, white and blue and share the stories of those behind them.  If you haven't had a chance already, check out Bajalia's website and the beautiful new products that have been added.  www.bajalia.com

Happy Father's Day

   

Just found this picture of me and my Dad.  I'm guessing this shot was taken around '75 or '76.  I look annoyed.  Hmmm..no surprise there.  And my dress is kinda short.  But I guess that's cool when you're a toddler.  At least I'm following the fashion rule of not showing too much leg and chest at the same time.  Dontcha love our haircuts?  Me with my Dorothy Hamill wedge and Dad with his Farrah Fawcett feathers.  Oh yeah.  Hialeah's finest.  Happy Father's Day, Dad!  Thanks for making me go to church all those years, even when I hated it.  : )

Memorial Day Memories

 

As a Gen-Xer, I vaguely remember our nation at war even though I lived through several of them.  I didn't personally know anyone who fought in Vietnam or the Gulf War.  I didn't know anyone in the military for that matter.  If I did, I sure don't remember.  I heard leaders and reporters discuss international conflict on TV, but none of that really affected me.  I was happily living in my sleepy, rural Central Florida town..wearing fluorescent socks and playing Pac-Man.  

Thoughts of our country's safety didn't really sink in my brain until 9/11.  By then, I was old enough to understand the implications of a terrorist attack.  I think that might ring true for many of us. 

While I mourn the loss of civilians and soldiers since 9/11, I am also thankful for the renewed sense of patriotism that's been stirred up in our hearts.  I don't remember a time when our country has been so appreciative of our men and women in uniform.  I could never hack military life or any kind of battle, so I have mad respect for the folks who willingly put themselves on the front line.  Thank you soldiers.  We salute you!  

Amazing Week!

I had THE craziest and most exciting week!  It started with wrapping up the work office decor project (to be featured in a future post).  That was followed by an open house with our friends/family to christen the new work space. Then there was QT with the fam because my middle sister Jill was visiting from Atlanta...and my niece Meagan turned four.  In between all that, I had Easter choir rehearsal and FIVE performances this weekend.  Whew!  What a whirlwind.  I feel exhausted and exhilarated all at the same time.  I love natural highs.  Happy Easter everyone! 

I got all my sisters with me!  Girls night at Amura for sushi and vino. 

 

My nieces Avery & Meagan at Chef Mickey's. Meagan wasn't too sweet on the characters at first.  She was even hiding under the table at one point!  But she eventually came around hugged Donald Duck. 

 

Happy Fourth Birthday, Meagan! 

 

After breakfast with the Disney characters, we hopped on the monorail for ride.  It jets right through the Contemporary hotel.  The kids loved it and it didn't cost us a penny!

 

Future crafter in the making.  

 

Me and J-MAW, our fearless choir leader and motivator. 

 

Me and Melissa, backstage between choir performances.

The choir crew.  We rocked it out and blew the roof off that place!!  I had a really cool revelation as we were singing this weekend.  None of us, not one single person in that choir could have done alone what we did together as a team.  We all had our parts..the altos balanced out the sopranos..and the tenors rounded us all out.  And we sure couldn't have done it without the band, or the solo artists, or our choir leader!  Maybe it's obvious to most, but it really sunk in to me that we were meant to be up there together, each of us doing what we do best, and creating something uniquely special...together as one.  My heart was so full!

Overcome!

I would LOVE for you to join me this weekend for an amazing Easter service at Discovery Church.  I'm singing in the choir and we're gonna rock the house!  If you can't make it or don't live in Orlando, then click here for our live online podcasts.  Then click the blue box that says "discovery live."  If that doesn't work then click on the brown box that says "media player."  You're in for a real treat.  We will overcome!!

Be sure to watch it all the way through because our best two songs are at the end.  :>)

Discovery Church
4400 S. Orange Avenue | Orlando, FL 32806

Saturday, April 11 | 5pm | 6:45pm
Sunday, April 12| 9am | 10:45am | 12:30pm

DC Kid's Ministry available at all services