Victorian Decorating

Victorian Decorating In 6 Easy Steps!
by Michael Holland, from Old Fashioned Living

Victorian decorating is considered one of the most inticate of all the different interior decorating styles that you can choose from. The reason for this is because the colors, fabrics, furniture and decorations are all elaborate and full.

Victorian decorating is based on the period during the 19th century in jolly old England. So, the more authentic you want your Victorian room to be, you can expect that the furnishings and other decorative items can be quite expensive.

You will need to be very creative and crafty if you wish to make the most of this theme. But, it's possible to makeover a room with a Victorian style, even if you are on a tight budget.

Following is an example of how you can use Victorian decorating to transform the look of your living room:

Step 1 - So that you know the size of the area you have to work with, the first thing you should do before beginning your Victorian decorating is to measure the space of the room.

Step 2 - Use colors such as deep green, red, dark pink, mauve, burgundy, and purple for walls, rugs, upholstery and other accessory colors. These were the most popular colors of the Victorian period.

It's also a great idea to add crown molding and wallpaper borders around the top of walls. And don't be afraid to use more than one color when decorating the room.

Step 3 - You can choose rich wooden furnishings such as sofas and chairs when selecting furniture for Victorian decorating. The legs, backs and arms of these furnishings are carved to stand out, while the upholstery is usually velvet, embroidered fabrics, and brocade.

Accompanying these pieces are pillows that are created with similar fabrics, and trimmed with lace, frills, beading, ribbons or bows. The other furnishings in the room for Victorian decorating are various marbletop tables or they could be made of wood such as bamboo.

Step 4 - Decorations that are placed on the tables, such as candleholders, crystal lamps, porcelain figurines, or a vase of dried flowers, should be set on embroidered doilies to add affect.

All paintings are usually in gold or wooden frames. Other exciting Victorian pieces that can be added to the living room are a grandfather clock, porcelain dolls and decorative plates.

Other Victorian decorating accessories that you can add to the room to give it authenticity include paintings of young maidens, children, a portrait of your family, or perhaps of your ancestors.

Step 5 - When Victorian decorating windows, you need to make them elaborate with draperies, swags and braided tiebacks. Popular fabrics for the window are also brocades and velvet.

Step 6 - The floors of the living room can either be hardwood floors or wall-to-wall carpeting. But, no matter which flooring type you choose, it is a good idea to add an area rug that is fashioned in an oriental style to complete the authenticity of the Victorian decorating look.

As you can see, Victorian decorating is very involved and comes with a heavy feel to it. That being the case, make sure you pick a room that can handle this décor. That way, you can enjoy it to its fullest.

About the Author:Michael Holland is the creator of Kids-Rooms-and-Crafts.com and Home-Decorating-Made-Easy.com. His web sites offers lots of FREE decorating tips and ideas for decorating your home.

School Supplies

We are reading 'The Magician's Nephew' by C. S. Lewis. It's the first book in the Narnia series. Shelby really likes the story so far.

The Home Educator's Tutor has a daily Bible reading schedule that I want to follow.

For science this week we'll be studying Eagles.

I'm using Simply Numbers for math. Shelby really loves math so we zip right through it.

Shelby is reading very well! She reads a couple of lessons daily from her McGuffey reader and we do a page or two from her phonics book for review.

For copywork, I'm waiting for a new book from Queen Homeschool Supplies. They have a new series called 'Copywork for Young Ones'.

I really want to add more Nature Study. In 'A Charlotte Mason Companion' there are some great ideas for city dwellers!!

The Charlotte Mason House is a very nice CM website.

Paradise at Home

I have been waiting for the perfect house. I have imagined and planned what my perfect little kitchen will look like, my peaceful living room, and my tranquil bedroom. Why have I been waiting?

I have been thinking about this lately. No matter where I live I should try to make my home as lovely as possible. With this in mind I have been busy checking out second-hand shops, ebay, and some of my favorite online shops.

I started in the living room. I found a sofa and matching chair at a local shop. The fabric is tan with a blue floral design and wood trim. I'll take a picture as soon as I find my camera.


I found a new picture to put over the fireplace. The print appears to have been printed on actual canvas, it has a very realistic look. It came with a antiqued gold frame...perfect!! To the left is a picture of the one I found. "Little Irene" by Renoir.

On to the kitchen. I'm going to hide the blinds with curtains. Our kitchen window overlooks a grassy area next to the playground. I try to keep the blinds open for light, but in the evening I close them for privacy. I found some red toile sheer fabric on ebay to make curtains and a valance for the window. Fabric by Quilts N More

Decorating with Toile by Nikki Wilhite

Toile articles at HGTV.com

I added a hutch to a bare wall. I have wanted a hutch for so long. I finally found one at a local flea market for only $75.00. If you have more time than money, like I do, with some patience and leg work you can find some great deals out there.

For our 9th wedding anniversary, my husband let me order the china set I've been admiring. This is my first complete set of china, I can't wait to use it!! Tea with Grace has a few different patterns at resonable prices. The pattern I chose was 'Rose Bouquet' (below).

Here is a close up of the flowers. *pictures from Tea with Grace, above and below.

For a more tranquil bedroom I'm getting rid of clutter first. I'm a packrat in denile!! It's time for me to toss stuff I can't wear anymore. Our computer is in the bedroom, so I want to streamline the area. I would like to put some shelves on the wall and get a less bulky desk.

I bought a new king size feather down comforter from Simply Down. I won the bid for only $16.50! I plan to sew a duvet to protect the comforter. I'm going to use a toile fabric I bought from Shabby Divas Trim * Fabric.








*Prictures from Shabby Divas

Can you tell that I like toile? I think it can add a little elegance with out being too stuffy. However, I don't want to go too crazy with it.

My ebay tips!

Contact seller with questions before you bid.

Check out sellers feedback.

Find out what you will have to pay in shipping before you bid. Once my husband had to pay $60.00 in shipping for a $40.00 item because he did not ask before hand.

Do they allow returns?

How soon after payment do they ship items?

Does Feminine Have To Mean Frumpy?

I don't think you should have to sacrifice style for modesty. It took a while to find a balance for me.

I had a frumpy farmer stage. I looked like I was being punished!! I found dresses to make me look the most frumpy. I really prefer to wear a skirt and cute top.

I have been searching for the perfect skirt pattern. I think I found it, Simplicity 4546.

I like the length and the different ruffle options. Depending on the fabric you choose and where you live this skirt could easily be worn year round. Here in Washington, I just wear tights instead of nylons when it's cold outside.

Things to do

This is a list of some things I need to do this week, January 1-7,2006.

1.Take down Christmas decorations.

2. Gather any documents needed for filing tax return.

3. Sort children's toys. Toss anything broken, missing pieces, or that is no longer played with.

4. Start on skirts for Spring.

5. Start a gift closet.

New Year's Resolutions

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

The year is almost over, I hope everyone enjoyed themselves!! 2006 is around the corner and we get to start down a whole new road with our families.

I've never been good at the whole resolution thing. I don't think having to remember to write a different year on my checks will make that much of a difference in the rest of my life. I just don't think we should limit ourselves to making changes only once a year.

Change is important, as we grow and mature it's just natural. Although I have seen friends change trying to be trendy and popular-yes, I'm talking about grown ups. I've often wondered what makes a 40 year old woman start dressing like Britney Spears. I don't know the answer to that one, but I do think we should carefully examine why we are about to make a change in our lives and how it will affect the people around us.

If I had to make a list of resolutions, what would it be?

1. Be more frugal with money- save, save,save.
2. Be more organized- money, bill paying & placement of my car keys.
3. Lighten up- get in there with the kids and get in the dirt and act silly more often.
4. Send more correspondence- email is convenient, but receiving a letter in the mail is such a pick me up.
5. Stick to my homeschool schedule- I wrote everything down for a reason.

That's all I can think of.

The Secret Life of our Little People

With all of our day to day responsibilities, we can over look the secret world our childeren have created to live and play in. I remember playing in the country with my cousin, we made up the silliest games and rules. Silly they may have been, but they were so important to us.

What made me think of this was something my 3 year old said to my 1 year old. She says "Connor, come here. I have something important to tell you." and he had a look of urgency on his face as he went to the room! I thought what could a 3 year old have to tell a 1 year old that is "important".

I'm happy that my children have a little peice of the world that is just for them. I'm so happy that my children play together peacefully (most of the time!) and enjoy being together. It bothers me today to see so many siblings fighting and spending no time together. It almost seems cool these days to be mean to siblings and put them down. Many parents say it's just nature but I disagree. Some bickering is natural, but it's our job to help them find a more productive way to resoulve there problems.

Bickering is a habit I'm working on with my 5 and 3 year old. Karen Andreola's "A Charlotte Mason Companion" has a great chapter about bickering. Although it's written about using Charlotte Masons ideas in homeschooling, I think it would be a great book for any mom to read.

I need a snack, how about you!

I have been trying to avoid late night snacking. So when I go shopping I try not to add stuff I like to snack on.

This is the deal I made with myself "After 9 p.m. I can have all the popcorn and beverages that I can stand. Any other treats must be homemade from scratch and not store bought" This deal is legally binding in the land of rainbows and unicorns. Most people who know me say that's where I live!!!

I must admit I've never had the urge to whip up a apple pie and 10:30 at night!!! There is always a loop hole and I will post the recipe below. It is a very simple cake to make, it's from my Better Homes & Garden Cookbook.

Busy Day Cake with Broiled Coconut Topping

1 1/3 cup flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla

Combine flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add milk, margarine or butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix. Pour batter into a greased and floured 8 inch round baking pan. You must use a metal pan if you are going to add the topping because it has to be broil for a few minutes.
* Sometimes I like to add nutmeg or cinnamon, nuts, or raisins to the batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Frost with Broiled Coconut Topping.

Broiled Coconut Topping

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tbs margarine or butter, softened
1 tbs milk
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

In a bowl beat sugar and margarine till combined. Stir in milk. Stir in coconut and nuts. Spread over warm cake in pan. Broil for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.

Small Meadow Press

I have found a wonderful shop online, Small Meadow Press. Her products look as though they were found in your grandmothers old trunk.....timeless.


My first order was for a garland. It says 'God Bless Us Everyone' and it looks quite lovely on the fireplace.

My next order was for her 'Pigeon Holes' notebook. I will be using it for my household notebook.

It has pocket folders and beautiful labels to help you stay organized. There are two sizes to choose from and four different covers. You can also request an image from one of her other lovely papers.


Next on my wish list is 'A Calendar of Ones Own'. Each month is beautifully decorated and there are also blank journal pages. I plan to use mine to record traditions that our family will celebrate year after year. Birthdays, anniversaries, religious holidays and traditions, other holidays and good old-fashioned family get-togethers.


She also has an online magazine called 'The Bower'. It has been a nice little treat to read through the past issues.

Stop by and see for yourself!!

The Christmas Spirit

With the passing of Thanksgiving, the Chrismas season is upon us. What should be one of the happiest times of the year can be quite the opposite for some.

I have been feeling a little bit of the Christmas blues. Decorating, baking, gifts and planning dinners has overshadowed the purpose for Christmas. It's quite easy to get off track and not realize it until you crash.

My husband and I have discussed this very topic. We decided to take a deep breath and calm down!! For presents for the children quality should come before quanity. We are giving 'Family Gifts' to the children. We hope this will stop the "That's mine, you can't have it.". Each of the children will receive one or two personal gifts as well.

Another thing that has helped lift my spirits is thinking about all of the things to be grateful for. Praying for other people helps me to remember that my home is not the center of the universe. Don't get me wrong, my home is my heart. But, I also need to remember that not being able to get the piano up the stairs in not the end of the world. There are good people with a lot more serious struggles to overcome.

What am I grateful for?

1. Having the love of Jesus in my life.
2. A kind hearted husband who loves me.
3. Three healthy children. There cute too!!!
4. Having a safe home.
5. The ability to cook and sew for my family.
6. A husband who supports my staying home and homeschooling.

I want my children's Christmas memories to be that of love and peace, not who had more presents. To do this... I need to keep myself inline as well!!! Since my husband and I are the ones buying these presents it is our responsibility not to over indulge the children. This is not the time to make up for what I didn't have or worry about how many gifts others are buying for their children.

The Wooden Bowl by Unknown Author

The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law,and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.

But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.There,Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.!

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

St. Nicholas Day

Don' forget!! St. Nicholas Day is on December 6th.

St. Nicholas Day

Lebkuchen recipe

Ginderbread cake

St. Lucia's Day

For centuries the traditional observance of St. Lucia's Day on December 13 marked the start of the Christmas celebration in Scandinavia, as it does today in many Swedish-American homes. Legend has it that once during a great famine in Sweden, Saint Lucia miraculously appeared, her head circled in light, to deliver food.

On this morning, Swedish children awakened early and dressed in long white gowns. The girls wear long red sashes and the boys wear white cone-shaped hats with gold stars. Wearing a wreath of lighted candles on her head, the eldest daughter-as Saint Lucia-leads her brothers and sisters in a procession into their parents' darkened bedroom to deliver a surprise breakfast of such Scandinavian specialties as saffranbrod (sweet saffron buns), pepparkakor (gingersnaps), and cups of hot, steaming coffee.

Observing St. Lucia's Day is a wonderful way for children to make a contribution to the family's Christmas traditions with this gift of thoughtfulness to their parents.

Although in the beginning (especially with young children) you may need to assist them-such as preparing the breakfast buns ahead of time (or even carrying the tray upstairs and then returning to bed)-it is well worth the effort. If you would like to introduce this charming custom to your family, a lovely story that does so delightfully is 'Kirsten's Surprise' from The American Girls Collection.

Now that she has aroused your interest, dear Reader, Mrs. Sharp would like to stress that no daughter of hers ever walked around our house wearing a wreath of lighted candles. Instead, she created crowns of greenery and red ribbons for them to wear at a candlelit breakfast.

Mrs. Sharp has discovered there is no more enriching way to teach children tolerance than by incorporating different ethnic traditions into our family's holiday repertoire. Baking a trip around the world with festive Christmas foods from other countries or serving parents a St. Lucia's Day breakfast can help children understand the true spirit of this season while strengthening bonds and creating memories.

from 'Mrs. Sharp's Traditions' pg. 236

The Advent Wreath

Beginning with the first Sunday in Advent, Victorian families would suspend an evergreen wreath with a single red candle over the dining room table. Every day a white or gold paper star with a bible verse would be added and the candle rekindled. Each successive Sunday in Advent a new candle would be added, lit, and a small celebration of reading verses, singing carols, and the savoring of holiday treats would occur.

Your family will enjoy the ceremony of an Advent wreath, too. To make an Advent wreath, Mrs. Sharp uses a wire hoop with four candleholders or a circular Styrofoam base with four candle holes (available at most craft or florist shops). Place a plain evergreen wreath on top of the base; if using a wire hoop, secure the wreath with thin wire or pin it to the Styrofoam with hairpins. Next insert four red candles.

While the suspended Advent wreath is charming, if there are young children in the house, you might prefer to leave yours lying flat on the table. Each day during Advent have the children take turns adding one large gold-foiled paper star to the top of the wreath.

A tradition that European children especially enjoy is creating a tiny Advent garden within the wreath. Legend has it that beginning with the first Sunday of Advent, the natural world-the kingdoms of minerals, plants, and animals-rejoices at the coming of the Christ Child and offers a gift for the Creator's son. Let your children be of assistance: On the first Sunday have the children form a circle of smooth stones and crystals. The second week, add gifts from the plant world: pinecones, holly sprigs, even small red roses. On the third Sunday, the animal world joins the celebration with small toy figures of sheep, donkeys, and other creatures. On the final Sunday before Christmas, the figures of Mary and Joseph are added to the center of the wreath to stay until Christmas Eve.

Finally, at Mrs. Sharp's house, once our Advent wreath is completed on the first Sunday of Advent, the family gathers for a festive tea, featuring a spiced Christmas-wreath cake (using a tube or Bundt-shaped pan and tint the frosting green). We spend the evening cozy by the fire, singing carols and basking in that happy glow of contentment that only the approach of Christmas brings.

from 'Mrs. Sharp's Traditions' pg. 229

An Elegant Dessert Tea for the Holidays

An Elegant Dessert Tea for the Holidays
By Renee Van Hoy


The Setting:
·Centerpieces of tangerines and oranges, with cinnamon sticks and fresh greens tucked in
·Candles, candles, candles.
·Pots and pots of spiced cinnamon tea.
·If ever there's a time to use your silver, this is it. The red cranberry tart looks particularly nice on a silver or white platter.




The Menu:

CREAMY MINTS: Sweet cheese mints, rolled in colored sugar, can be made 1 day ahead and kept chilled.

BAKED RUM PINEAPPLE: Sweet, warm and buttery, this delicious treat can be made ahead in stages and baked just as guests arrive.

PEPPERMINT SHORTBREAD: Rich and buttery cookies that can be made 1- week ahead of serving.

CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD: You can make these 1-week ahead, but they may not last the week....

CHERRY BREAD PUDDINGS WITH MAPLE GLAZE: Individual bread puddings studded with cherries, these can be made 4 hours before serving.

CRANBERRY TART: The centerpiece for your party, it can be made 1 day before serving.

Baked Rum Pineapple

Baked Pineapple is elegant and delicious, and simple to make. Perfect for serving at the holidays, or anytime you want to make a beautiful presentation. Everything can be made ready ahead of time, and popped in the oven just as guests arrive. This wonderful recipe comes from the equally wonderful book "Enchanted Evenings" by John Hadamuscin.

List of Ingredients
· 2 ripe medium pineapples (with the tops on)
· 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
· 1/2 cup molasses
· 2 tsp. cinnamon
· 2 TBSP. butter, softened
· 1/3 cup dark rum

Instructions1 day ahead:Combine the molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter and rum to form a paste. Chill. Remove from refrigerator 1/2 hour before using.

2 hours before your party:Cut the pineapples, including the leafy tops, into quarters. Cut the core off. Cut the pineapple off of the skin, and cut it into bit size slices. Return it to the shell.

Place the pineapples onto foil lined baking sheets and cover the leafy tops with foil. Brush the pineapple pieces with the rum mixture. Cover with plastic until baking.

To bake:Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake the pineapple until glazed and brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
Arrange on a platter with toothpicks, and serve warm.

TIP: Bake one pineapple at a time, because this is always eaten up quickly, and you will want to have more to serve later in the party.


Cherry Bread Puddings with Maple Glaze

Your guest will feel truly pampered when they are served their own tiny bread pudding, studded with cherries and topped with a sweet maple syrup glaze. And you can make them in your muffin pan. These little treats can be baked up to four hours ahead, or served warm from the oven. (Although, in testing these at home, I had no trouble finding takers for the "leftovers" even 2 days later!)

List of Ingredients
FOR THE PUDDING:
· 1 sweet French baguette, a day or two old
· 1/2 cup dried sour cherries
· 2 cups whole milk (do not use low fat)
· 1/2 cup sugar
· 3 large eggs
· 1 tsp. vanilla

FOR THE GLAZE:
· 1/2 powdered sugar
· 3 TBSP. maple syrup
· 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Instructions:
Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees.

Butter a 12-cup (non-stick) muffin pan. Slice the baguette into 24, 1/2 inch, slices. Place two slices in each muffin cup, trimming if needed to get them to sit flat in the cup. Sprinkle a few cherries around and between the slices. In a 2-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the milk, sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Cook on medium heat, stirring, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the milk starts to simmer (bubbles form on the side of the pan).
In a medium sized bowl, whisk the eggs. SLOWLY add the hot milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly. Strain the custard to remove any cooked egg particles and to ensure a smooth custard. If you have a large measuring cup, transfer the custard into it for easy pouring of the puddings.

Pour the custard over the bread in each muffin cup, filling the cups about half full. Pour a second time, letting the bread absorb the first pour briefly. Continue until all of the custard is evenly distributed over the 12 cups. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes, until the custard is set and the top of the bread is lightly browned.

While the puddings are baking, stir together the maple glaze and set aside.
Remove and let stand for 10 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, gently loosen the puddings and slide them out, inverting them onto a large plate. Top each with the glaze. Some of it will run off. Then remove the puddings to a serving platter and enjoy.



Cranberry Tart

This stunning red tart is the perfect centerpiece for a holiday tea. You can make the tart dough OR you can make a perfectly fine shell using a Pillsbury All-Ready Pie Crust. The filling is a snap to prepare, and you can make this 1-day before serving. Keep it chilled until 1/2 hour before your party.

List of Ingredients
· One 10-inch tart shell, baked and cooled. [recipe follows]
· 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
· 1/2 cup cold water
· Two 12 ounce packages of fresh cranberries
· 2 cups sugar
· 1 cup red currant jelly
· 2 TBSP. Kirsch or Brandy

Instructions:
Rinse and drain the cranberries and remove any blemished berries. In a small bowl, soften the gelatin in the cold water. In a 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, jelly and Kirsch (or brandy) and cook over LOW heat for 10 minutes, just until the cranberries are softened.

Remove from the heat and let cool 5 minutes. Stir in the gelatin and cool completely. Pour into the tart shell and chill until firm. Keep chilled until 1/2 hour before serving.

TART DOUGH:
· 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened but still firm
· 1/4 cup sugar
· 1/4 tsp. salt
· 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
· 1 1/4 cup flour
2 tsp. vanilla

Instructions:
To prepare the dough:In the bowl of a mixer combine the flour, sugar and salt. Cut the butter into pieces, and mix it into the flour on low speed, until the butter is the size of small peas. Combine the eggs and vanilla and add to the dough with the mixer running. Stop mixing just when the dough begins to come together. Knead gently into a ball and flatten into a disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour. Remove for 20 minutes before rolling.

Roll out into a 14 inch round, and line a 10 inch tart pan with a removable bottom, making sure the sides are thick enough to stand up. Chill for 30 minutes. Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights (dry beans). Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove the pie weights and parchment, and bake 5 - 10 minutes more, until the bottom of the tart shell is browned. Cool.


Creamy Mints

A perfect holiday treat, these sweet cheese mints can be tinted to match your theme by rolling them in colored sugar crystals. Make these the night before, and keep chilled until half an hour before serving.

List of Ingredients
· 2 and 1/4 cups powdered sugar
· 3 oz. cream cheese, softened
· 1/4 tsp. pure peppermint extract
· 1/2 cup colored (cookie decorating) sugar

Instructions:
In the bowl of a mixer, combine the powdered sugar, cream cheese and the peppermint extract. Beat until combined.

Roll the cheese into 1-inch balls and dip into the colored sugar.

Place on a wax paper lined tray and cover with plastic wrap. Chill until 1/2 hour before serving.



Chocolate Espresso Shortbread

Rich and deep in chocolate mocha flavor, these cookies are always a hit. The dough can be made ahead and frozen, and baked as needed. The cookies look very plain, but the taste is wonderful.

List of Ingredients
· 1 and 1/2 cup flour
· 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa
· 1 and 1/2-tsp. instant espresso powder
· 2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
· 1 cup powdered sugar
· 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions:
Combine flour, cocoa and espresso powder. Set aside.

In a mixer, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture until blended.
Remove dough and divide into three portions. Place each on a piece of parchment paper and roll into a long log shape, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Roll up in the parchment and chill at least 1 hour until firm. If freezing, wrap tightly in a second layer of plastic wrap and secure the ends.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Working with one roll of dough at a time, slice the cookies into 1/8-inch thick rounds, rolling the log slightly between slices to prevent the sides from getting flat.

Place close together on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake for 8 minutes at 350 degrees. This is a thin cookie, so do not over bake. Remove to racks to cool.

Keeps up to two weeks in an airtight container. Makes 3 - 4 dozen cookies.



Peppermint Shortbread

Be sure to have copies of this recipe ready when you serve this shortbread. It is always a hit, with adults and children alike. This recipe is from the delightful book " Along the Garden Path" by Bill and Sylvia Varney. The shortbread keeps very well and can be made a week ahead. My little girls like these made in miniature number shapes for their birthdays. Don't skip the fresh peppermint. It's the secret to the great taste of the shortbread.

List of Ingredients
· 12 TBSP. unsalted butter, softened
· 9 TBSP. sugar· 1 1/2 TBSP. brown sugar
· 1 egg
· 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
· 3/4 tsp. peppermint extract
· 1 TBSP. finely chopped fresh peppermint leaves
· 1/8 tsp. salt
· 2 cups flour

Instructions:
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.

In a mixer, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and extracts. Add the flour on low speed. Stir in the peppermint leaves and salt.

Divide dough into three portions. Place on plastic wrap and roll into cylinders 1 1/4 inch in diameter. Wrap in plastic and chill until firm. (1 hour)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap dough and slice into 1/4" thick slices. Rotate the cylinder to keep it round. Keep the slices even and thin. They do not spread much, so you can place them close together on the sheet. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes until the bottom edges are just barely brown. Remove to rack to cool.

For cut out cookies, divide dough into three portions and place on a large sheet of plastic wrap. Place another sheet on top and pat or roll the dough out into a very thin sheet. Chill the sheets of dough until firm, about 30 minutes. Remove and cut quickly with miniature cookie cutters. Bake 8 minutes - watch these little cookies can brown very quickly. Remove immediately to rack and cool.

For square cookies, shape logs with flat sides and chill and slice as above.
This dough can be made and frozen unbaked. Thaw slightly in refrigerator before baking.

Ambleside

Music For The Soul

For The Beauty of the Earth

For the beauty of the earth

For the glory of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies.

Refrain
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,

This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour,

Of the day and of the night,

Hill and vale, and tree and flower,

Sun and moon, and stars of light.

Refrain

For the joy of ear and eye,

For the heart and mind’s delight,

For the mystic harmony

Linking sense to sound and sight.

Refrain

For the joy of human love,

Brother, sister, parent, child,

Friends on earth and friends above,

For all gentle thoughts and mild.

Refrain

For Thy Church, that evermore

Lifteth holy hands above,

Offering up on every shore

Her pure sacrifice of love.

Refrain

For the martyrs’ crown of light,

For Thy prophets’ eagle eye,

For Thy bold confessors’ might,

For the lips of infancy.

Refrain

For Thy virgins’ robes of snow,

For Thy maiden mother mild,

For Thyself, with hearts aglow,

Jesus, Victim undefiled.

Refrain

For each perfect gift of Thine,

To our race so freely given,

Graces human and divine,

Flowers of earth and buds of Heaven.

Refrain

*

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Ambleside's Hymn Rotation Schedule

Sour Cream Breakfast Coffee Cake

1 cup sugar
1 cup shortening
3 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp. baking powder
1 cup sour cream
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Cream sugar and shortening together. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder and sour cream. Spread batter into a greased and floured tube pan. Mix together brown sugar, nut and cinnamon. Spread on top of batter in pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes clean.

My Thanksgiving Day Menu

Appetizers
Olives
Barbeque Meatballs

Main Dish
Ham with Pineapple glaze

Side Dishes
Dressing
Mashed Potatoes
Corn Casserole

Vegetable
Green Bean Casserole

Dessert
Various Cookies
Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Topping
Apple Pie

Beverages
Egg Nog
Sparkling Apple Juice


Barbeque Meatballs

1 lb. ground beef
1/3 cup fine bread crumbs
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/2 cup catsup
2 Tbs. brown sugar, packed
2 Tbs. vinegar
2 Tbs. soy sauce

Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg and poultry seasoning. Shape into about 2 dozen 1 1/2-inch balls. Brown balls slowly in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat; pour off excess fat. In a small bowl, combine catsup, brown sugar, vinegar and soy sauce. Pour over meatballs. Cover and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, for 15 minutes. Serve warm.


Corn Casserole

3 eggs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 tsp. salt
7 oz. box corn muffin mix (Jiffy)
8 oz. sour cream
16 oz can creamed corn
16 oz can whole kernel corn, drained

Beat eggs with butter. Add salt, corn muffin mix & sour cream, beat well. Add corn. Bake in 8"x8" pan at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Serves 8.

You can double recipe, just bake in 9"x13" pan.


Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Topping

1 (9 inch) unbaked pastry shell

1 lb. (2 med.) yams or sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled

1/4 c. butter1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp. grated orange rind

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. salt

2 eggs

Pecan Topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixer bowl, beat hot yams with butter until smooth. Add remaining ingredients, except pastry shell and Pecan Topping; mix well. Pour into pastry shell. Bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven; spoon Pecan Topping evenly over top. Bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool. Serve warm or chilled. Garnish as desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

Pecan Topping

In small mixer bowl, combine 1 egg, 3 tablespoons dark corn syrup, 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter (melted), and 1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring; mix well. Stir in 1 cup chopped pecans.