Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Two More Sleeps

The shopping is done.  The presents are wrapped.  The baking is baked, and the goodies are packaged, waiting to be delivered to friends and neighbors.  The meal is going to be simple to prepare, and the table is set.  Christmas music fills the air, and I find myself humming along.  I have one errand to run tomorrow, and some last minute groceries to pick up, and I am done.  I plan to enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my family.  
Here are some pictures I took today.  The table is set for Christmas Eve dinner.  My Mom and Nana will be coming to share a feast of home made tamales, chicken and beef tacos, beans, rice, chips and guacamole.  Pie and assorted Christmas goodies for dessert.

"You lookin' at me?"
The delivery came, and I was able to dash out to meet my Mom and Gennifer and my niece Deanna for lunch at Rodrigo's.  Gennifer did Deanna's hair today, and she looked adorable.  I wish I had brought my camera.
Went back home and made these oh so tasty treats.....

They are cinnamon french toast pretzels.  Super easy to make, and oh my goodness are they addicting!  I got this recipe off of one of my friend's blogs.   Linda, from Behind my Red Door.  She got it from one of her friends, and I am afraid I cannot remember who.  Trust me, these are well worth making.  Only a few ingredients, and they make up very quickly.  You will need, a large bag of the small pretzel twists. 1/2 cup of oil (it called for a wee more, but I wanted to cut it back and this was perfectly adequate), 1/3 cup sugar, 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, plus cinnamon sugar for sprinkling.  White chocolate for drizzling.  




Mix your oil and sugar and cinnamon together well.  Put your pretzels in a large bowl, and pour sugar mixture over pretzels, mixing well to coat.   I had to use my 30 year old large Tupperware bowl for this.  You can transfer them to a microwave safe dish after mixing well.  Micro on high power for one minute.  Stir well, and micro for another minute.  Stir again, and then pour out onto cookie sheets lined with waxed paper(for easier clean up) in a single layer.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture.  Melt your white chocolate.  I used Nestle morsels, and microwaved half at a time, at 70% power, for 2-3 minutes, stirring it every 30 seconds or so, watching to not over cook.   Using a small whisk, I just dipped the whisk into chocolate and drizzled onto pretzels.  You could use a squeeze bottle for a much neater appearance, but I didn't feel the need.  Let cool on cookie sheets.  I actually placed sheets into fridge for 15 minutes, then bagged them up.  And ate all the broken pieces just to make sure they were fittin' for give away!!  They were!!!  I made all of my neighbors gifts, and wrapped and packaged everything for delivery tomorrow.  


Then realized it was nearly dark and I hadn't made dinner!!  I still had a lot of asparagus and enough of everything to make the potato quiche again.  I whipped one up and popped it in the oven, and it was even better this time for some reason.
On a sad note, today I got a phone call from our dear friends Ron and Sue.  Ron's mother passed away last night, after suffering a stroke in the early hours of Sunday morning.  Just minutes before Ron's sister was to pick her up and take her to the train station to come out here to spend Christmas with Ron and Sue.   I have had a heavy heart all day, thinking about them.  We spoke to Ron this evening after they had returned back home, and it was good to talk to him.  I know that their Christmas will hold special meaning this year..  
So as we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Friday,, remember to also celebrate those special people in your life.  Tell them you love them.  We are just visiting this place, and time flies.  Don't take a single day for granted.
Ron and Sue...we love you.

7 comments:

Lauri said...

More yummy recipes that I might have to try.

You really are organized. It's nice to be able to enjoy the last few days. Have a very Merry Christmas.

Kristi said...

So sorry to Ron and Sue. That is so sad.

Glad to see that you are very ready for your holidays!!! I'm so behind, for the first time in my life. I think it has something to do with two kids and a job. Oh well, there is always next year!

Your recipe looks delicious as always! I hope you have a great Christmas Kris, much love to you and your family!

Debbie said...

Don't you just love it when you have finished up and it's FINALLY time to just sit and enjoy your family? Your plans sound wonderful. We have had tamales and the fixings many times on Christmas Eve. We buy homemade ones at our church. Sooo yummy. I am sorry to hear about your friends mother. Soo sad. That quiche looks soo yummy and the pretzels, I may make those today and take them down to San Diego on Christmas Eve. Have a WONDERFUL Christmas Kris. You have added so much to my life this last year. I have so enjoyed the glimpses into your world and those of your children and grandchildren. I'm looking forward to knowing you even better. May the Lord richly bless your New Year with His abundant blessings!

Hugs,
Debbie

Erika Johnson said...

I'm sorry to hear about Ron's mom & what a sad time. I'll be thinking about them.

I like & it's true what you said...this is our temporary home & it doesn't last long so make the most of it. I often think this is a test here on earth...we can't even fathom how amazing our permanenet home is. Love you & see you soon...my mouth is watering at 6am for the tamalales you're talking about for x-mas eve...I'll need to bring J a plate.

Genn said...

I feel for Ron and Sue too. What you said about us being here for a short time makes me think of Carrie Underwood's new song, "Temporary Home". Have you heard it?

Your table looks so nice. Pretzels look tasty! And the quiche too.

Kelly said...

I'll say a prayer for Ron and Sue. I can't imagine how hard that would be just days before Christmas.

I love your table! And I need to make that quiche. It looks SO good!

Katie said...

Isn't that so true, special prayers for everyone!
Give Nana a extra big hug for me tomorrow night, I spoke to her Sunday & she sounded a bit down. I hope you all have a wonderful time, your table looks great!