The Time Honored Christmas Tradition

All the good food and delicious Christmas treats help make December a treasure to remember. Every Christmas candy lovers all over the world share chocolates with friends and loved ones. When we were growing up we had an uncle who enjoyed sharing a big box of Russell Stover chocolates with our family each Christmas. I'd never seen so many different chocolate delights to choose from!

I've never quite mastered the fine art of making candy with chocolate as well as the fine folks in Abilene Kansas where Russell Stovers has made their chocolates for decades! They have a real talent. And we mustn't forget the good folks in Hershey, PA who have been making chocolate since just after the pilgrims enjoyed their first Thanksgiving!

People all over this wonderful world love chocolate! And health pundits seem to think a little chocolate is really good for you! So have some of your favorite Holiday treats this Christmas and enjoy the sweet and rich taste of chocolate that people everywhere have enjoyed for centuries!

If you want to give your loved ones a delicious treat this Christmas try your hand at making some of this delicious - Double Fudge:

Here is all you need:

2 cups of granulated sugar,
2 squares of Baker's Chocolate,
1/2 a cup of cream,
1 tablespoonful of butter.

Boil seven minutes; then beat and spread in buttered tin to cool.

Now for the 2nd layer of this tasty treat. Mix the following in your blender or food processor:

2 cups of brown sugar,
1/2 a cup of cream,
1 teaspoonful of vanilla extract,
1 cup of chopped walnuts, chopped fine,
1/3 of a stick of butter.

Boil ten minutes; then beat and pour on top of the first layer of fudge already in the pan.

When cool, cut in squares.

Wrap in a colorful plastic or foil package and add a red or green bow! Your family and loved ones are sure to enjoy this rich and tasty double fudge!

Christmas just wouldn't be the same without chocolates!

Merry Christmas!

Chocolate Heaven!

As the nights get chillier and we spend more time in the warmth and comfort of home - why not enjoy a nice warm cup of cafe mocha with someone you love! These are so easy to make - and they will keep your tummy warm on these cool Autumn evenings!

Here is all you'll need:

1/3 cup nonfat, dry milk
1 cup water
1 cup brewed coffee
4 Tablespoons hot chocolate mix
non-fat whipped topping (optional)
cinnamon (optional)

1. Heat reconstituted non-fat dried milk in saucepan until warm; do not boil.

2. Add coffee and hot chocolate mix. Stir well and heat to desired temperature.

3. Divide coffee mixture between two mugs. Top with non-fat whipped topping and cinnamon, if desired.

Note: You can substitute 1 cup skim milk for the reconstituted non-fat dried milk

So toss another log on the fire and cuddle up with your favorite someone and enjoy a heart warming cup of cafe mocha sometime soon! And why not enjoy a small serving of rich, dark chocolate to top off your day?

Dinner and A Poem for Your Love(s)

An excellent meal for your favorite Valentine(s):

Here's all you need:

2 8 ounces cuts of your favorite steak
1 garlic clove ( minced )
8 Tablespoons lemon juice
4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 big bag of mixed vegetables ( frozen ) or
2 smaller bags of different veggies ( frozen )
1 small bag of pre-washed baby spinach.

First get your steak ready -

Cut the steak into thin strips about 1/2 inch wide.

2. In a medium glass mixing bowl, combine garlic, lemon juice, 2 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.

3. Add beef strips and stir to coat with the oil mixture (marinade sauce). Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours.

4. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 Tablespoons of the oil for 1-2 minutes until hot.

5. Drain marinade from beef. Put beef in skillet, stir and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until meat is thoroughly browned.

Then, while your beef is cooking - steam some of your favorite vegetables and drizzle a tablespoon of lemon juice over your steamed vegetables.

Serve the steak and steamed vegetables on a bed of rinsed baby spinach.

After Dinner serve up some delicious chocolates!

Then after a sumptuous Valentine Dinner - share this wonderful old poem with your favorite loved one(s):

Go, Cupid, and my sweetheart tell
I love her well.
Yes, though she tramples on my heart
And rends that bleeding thing apart;
And though she rolls a scornful eye
On doting me when I go by;
And though she scouts at everything
As tribute unto her I bring—
Apple, banana, caramel—
Haste, Cupid, to my love and tell,
In spite of all, I love her well!

And further say I have a sled
Cushioned in blue and painted red!
The groceryman has promised I
Can "hitch" whenever he goes by—
Go, tell her that, and, furthermore,
Apprise my sweetheart that a score
Of other little girls implore
The boon of riding on that sled
Painted and hitched, as aforesaid;—
And tell her, Cupid, only she
Shall ride upon that sled with me!
Tell her this all, and further tell
I love her well.

Happy Valentine's Day!