Santa's Coming

I've been good this year, so I'm pretty sure Santa has me on his nice list. Just in case, I made him a quilt and a pillow. Santa's Coming is 44” square, and inspired by Christmas fabric I scored back in July. 

Seems like a perfect spot to settle down for a cozy nap on a drizzly December Monday, don't you think?

We made sugar cookies on Saturday but I'm absolutely certain they will not still be around on Christmas Eve. They are sooo delicious! 

I haven't made cookies or other sweet treats for a while since we have been striving to eat healthier. Christmas is the season to indulge but we will be back on track soon. I like these new smaller jeans way too much to risk gaining weight. 

 

Dear Santa:

I've been good all year,

no matter what

the evidence might suggest...

Rainy Monday List

What to do on a rainy Monday? 

✓  Sleep late 

     (thankful to be retired)

✓  Enjoy hot coffee and a good book

✓   SEW!

✓  Shop online

✓  Light housekeeping

✓  Make homemade soup 

     (I REALLY want brownies)

✓  Update blog

🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀

Some people feel the rain.

Others just get wet.

Nanner Puddin'

Something this delicious just has to be a Southern thang. It's been a staple dish for pot luck suppers and Sunday dinners on the ground since at least the early 1900's. Originally made entirely from scratch, a quicker alternative came along when Jell-O introduced instant and cook-and-serve puddings.

What's not to like about vanilla pudding, vanilla wafers and bananas layered in a Pyrex dish, topped with either whipped cream or fluffy meringue?  In the summer, I make it cold with instant pudding and Cool Whip for a sweet creamy treat.  But in winter, I'm partial to the warm, gooey cooked version with a pretty golden meringue. Either way, nanner puddin' doesn't last long around this house.

Life is short, eat dessert first.

I'd give up desserts, but I'm no quitter. 

 

Chili Time

It looks like winter has finally arrived, so it's chili time at the Ireland casa. I've got some simmering away in the crock pot right now. It was eleven degrees this morning up here on the ridge, with snow and sleet in the forecast over the next few days.

Instead of getting out in the weather, I plan to relax, work on a new quilt design, clean out a closet, enjoy time with my mama, read a murder mystery, and snuggle with my sweetie. 

Useful Notion: The best way to get things done is to simply begin.

Creativity Is Messy

I've been busy in the sewing room as well as the kitchen. And, I started decorating for Christmas, so today I am straightening up my mess. Check back next week for details on my latest creations and a bit of holiday decor.

Home On The Range

I've been baking, roasting, grilling, and simmering on my brand new gas range. We installed it last week and I love it! Just a bit of countertop modification was needed, compliments of my favorite guy. The shiny stainless steel gave my kitchen an instant update, and even better, it was on sale! Only one hiccup so far with fish sticking to the griddle, but I'll chalk that up to operator error. I've used gas before in the RV, but our former stove was an electric relic from the late 70's.

The chess pie I baked first didn't last long enough for a photo, but I made sure to get one of my latest creation: vanilla Bundt cake with eggnog frosting. I substituted eggnog in place of milk, and added a dash of nutmeg. Yum!

Thanksgiving turkey will provide a chance to test out the temperature probe, and of course I'll be baking my signature pecan pie, along with cheesy crisps, pecan cornbread dressing, and chocolate chip cookies. If you need me, I'll be in the kitchen...it's way more fun when you have a new toy.

Wishing everyone a happy, peaceful, and relaxing Thanksgiving!

A Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie

Yesterday was Jerold's birthday and he wanted lemon meringue pie instead of birthday cake. I found my usual recipe from the 1965 McCall's Book of Cakes and Pies. Ingredients include fresh lemons, eggs, cornstarch, water, sugar, salt, butter, cream of tartar and a rolled pie crust from the Kroger dairy case.

I have made this pie many times, but I have to say this is undoubtedly the best one I have ever baked! The lightly browned crust is crisp and flaky. The luscious lemony filling is tart, sweet and smooth. The tall fluffy meringue is light and melts deliciously on your tongue. 

I'm having another piece for breakfast this morning. Enjoy the recipe.

 

"The best cookbooks have splatters and writing in the margins." -- Katie Scarlett