Happy Holidays 2014
Another season and yet another decorated hutch! As always my hutch (aka Madelyn's Hutch) is the first thing in my house I tackle when the seasons change. If I get that right the rest of the decorating usually goes well.
Second is my sun room. It's always a challenge to transform this beachy room into a winter wonderland.
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This is the first year I started working on Christmas projects early. It's a good thing I did because since mid-November I haven't had a chance to do very much! This is a small ornament quilt.
These two elves are the first dolls I made when I was in the first or second grade. A few years ago I tried to recreate a more sophisticated pair and guess what... I couldn't! I had to scrap the project. Some things are better left alone!
I love making mice. Here is my 2014 mouse.
I worked on this red work pillow (pattern from Yankee Cloth in Wallingford) while on the plane to and from Alaska this past August. Even if I don't stuff it I'm so happy it's done! At this point it will store better for next year minus the stuffing.
This is my favorite finished project so far this season. I LOVE this Santa pillow!!
This is my tied flannel quilt. The top pattern and red backing are from Amish Country and the border and binding is from the Quilted Crow in MA.
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If you have left-over turkey from Christmas and want to taste the best turkey sandwich listen to these ingredients. Start with 2 slices of thick toasted white bread. Spread with a thin layer of real mayo and pile on slices of turkey. Add cranberry/orange relish, arugula, tomatoes, avocado and persimmon! Yes, persimmon is so delicious-give it a try!
Our circle of friends always make this delicious Swedish almond cake every year for Christmas. Jennifer made it for our quilt/craft Christmas party last week.
Here's the recipe and it's a keeper. I make this recipe at least a few times a year. It's so unbelievably good and super easy. The best part is it's really foolproof. It always seems to come out just perfect. The only tricky thing in this recipe is you have to remember to put the toasted almonds in the pan first before you put the batter in. The only reason I remembered this year is because Jennifer forgot!! Thank you Jen!! She did remember to put them on the bottom though!! You also have to buy the pan but it's so worth it. Look below for website:
This very popular cake, most often prepared
in a special almond cake pan, can be found at www.scandinavianshoppe.com. Toasting the almonds adds a buttery richness to
the standard recipe.
Prep
Time: 15 minutes
Cook
Time: 40 minutes
Total
Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
·
1/8 cup sliced almonds
·
1/2 cup margarine or
butter, softened to room temperature
·
1 1/4 cup sugar
·
1 egg
·
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
·
2/3 cup milk
·
1 1/4 cup flour
·
1/2 tsp. baking powder
·
powdered sugar for
garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350ยบ. When oven has come to
heat, place almonds in shallow pan and roast in oven for 8 to 10 minutes, just
until lightly browned.
Cream together margarine and sugar. Stir in
egg, almond extract, and milk. Sift together flour and baking powder; stir into
batter until well-blended and no lumps remain.
Lightly coat an almond cake pan or loaf pan
with cooking spray. Sprinkle toasted almonds in bottom of pan, and then pour
batter on top.
Bake in oven until golden-brown, about 40
minutes. Cool thoroughly in pan to prevent cake from breaking when removed;
sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving. Cake freezes
beautifully.
Yield:
18 slices Scandinavian Almond Cake.
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Last year we couldn't put our Christmas tree in the family room because it was under renovation. The only place left to put it was in the archway to the sun room. It looks so festive there I can't picture it anywhere else now.
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I hope you enjoyed this little Christmas visit to my world. Thank you for visiting. I hope you have a wonderful holiday can relax and mellow out over the break like Prince Flip!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See you in January!!
