The New Year

     A new you, a new me......anything is possible! Like most, I make wishes for the New Year, resolutions seem strong to me, maybe that is why they are hard from me to keep? There is so much I have yet to do, learn and share, I have no idea where to begin.  I am looking forward to starting my happiness journal tomorrow. I'm taking the challenge of finding and recording what makes me happy everyday for the whole year of 2010.  I'm really hooked on The Happiness Project that I posted about one day last week. I hope to gain even more inspiration by seeking happiness and sharing it in word, for others to find and read one day. Is anyone else here tagging along on this idea? I hope so, because if we seek, we shall find!

     The annual weight loss challenge is on too, but this year, I'm trying something different, a more natural approach. My Tasty Tuesday posts will remain the same, and I may include some more healthy recipes but I love to cook and bake and won't give that up, I'll just limit our intake and step up the challenge by finding better choices. It's been proven, you can lose weight and still enjoy the good stuff, you just don't eat a whole lot of it. So, we shall see.

    I plan to be more creative this year also. I want to learn digital scrapbooking and would LOVE to learn how to make blogger backgrounds, but first I must get over my fear of html, which I don't understand at all? And I will master sewing patterns sometime this year, I want to learn to make aprons. They seem so simple but the patterns get me confused and lost. I haven't read or used a pattern since Home Making 101 in the 7th grade!

    My list isn't big, but I hope to become a better woman because of it. I want my granddaughters to know that you can do anything you put your mind too! Life is short and in the end, I want to be remembered by my gifts that God gave me. But a gift was meant to be shared, given away and passed on. The best re-gift is your talents! Happy New Year friends, I wish bright blessings for you all!

Once in a Blue Moon

         I guess we can say that in all honesty tomorrow, as midnight breaks way to a New Year, some folks will be lucky enough to see a true blue moon. This only happens every 19 years so I'm hoping I can see it from here?  I think it would be a special way to ring out the old and bring in the new, don't you?

    So, got any plans for New Years Eve? We will be having dinner at a son's house and playing games, hopefully able to stay awake till midnight. We are hooked on a new game called "Apples to Apples" it's alot of fun and doesn't matter how many play, you can have many or a few, it's endless. I like those kind of games so everyone can play.  I was asked to bring dessert, either they like my desserts or know I like to bake? Maybe, I can make a blue moon cake, wouldn't that be something? Ok, now my mind is racing with ideas! Whatever you have planned, stay safe, warm and I for one am ready to start a new year, I love the idea of a fresh new start!

Tasty Tuesday

       This post is for mature audiences, and mature taste buds too! I've been craving some split pea soup but since I'm the only one who likes it in my family, I rarely make it and store bought/canned just don't compare. But, I think a batch is on the menu soon, because soup season has arrived! So, chase the kids out of the room so no "gross" comments can be said about this pretty soup, yes, I find it pretty!  A hearty soup that warms up quick is worth the fuss and wait, as we all know, split peas like raw beans can take awhile to cook. But there are tricks to speed up the process, soaking them overnight is the most popular method and works well. Starting them in the crockpot in the morning is another way to cut down on labor.

    I found this recipe in a magazine last year and it uses 2 types of peas so it's double the flavor and goodness.  We are trying to eat more fiber in our diets and peas is a good source along with all the other beans. So, if your not grossed out by now, why not try this yummy soup with me. This soup reminds me of my Mom who loved it and used to add a drop or two of vinegar to her bowl, not sure why, but hey it's good for you!

Two Pea Soup

1 lg. onion
2 med. carrots, cut in 1 in. pieces
2 stalks celery, cut in 1 in. pieces
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 c. dry split peas, rinsed and drained
1/4 tsp. pepper
1  16 oz. pkg. frozen green peas
2 tsp. lemon juice
Ham hocks, opitional
Preheat oven to 425. In a shallow pan  toss onions, garlic, carrots and celery in olive oil to coat. Roast uncovered 15-20 min. In 4 qt. dutch oven combine roasted veggies, 6 cups water, dry peas and ham hocks is using. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 45 min. Stir in frozen peas. Blend well. Cool for 5 min. Transfer soup, half at a time into blender and process till smooth. Return to dutch oven and add lemon juice. Simmer till ready to serve.

    Are you still with me? Like I said, this recipe is for mature tasters! I'm not a fan of black eyed peas so I won't be eating any on New Years day but I may just have to make a batch of this pretty green soup, how about you? Enjoy!

Followers Christmas Giveaway Winner

          As I pack away Christmas, I'm reminded about my followers giveaway, the last one of the year, so without further delay, all names go into the hat and I asked my hubby to draw one out and the winner is..........Cathy, from Live Well, Laugh Often and Love Much! Congrats Cathy, maybe this will warm up your world. Cathy lives in Oklahoma where she got a record snow blizzard for Christmas! I feel for you, and hope life is gearing towards normal for you Cathy? We've been blog buddies and facebook friends for sometime so it's extra sweet when someone you kinda know wins a giveaway.  But I appreciate all my followers so much, if only I could send everyone a little something but know that a cyber hug is being sent out to you all! Cathy, I need your mailing info. so when your able please shoot that info. off to me so I can mail out your giftie and congrats again!

         We too had a white Christmas, nothing compared to what some got, just a dusting but it's so cold that it feels more like Alaska than Missouri. I always take down the trees the weekend after just so I can start the New Year off fresh and clean so that is what I'm working on now, and even though we had a wonderful Christmas, it's time to get the house back to normal and do some deep cleaning.  I'm ready for 2010 and looking forward to new beginnings. I've got alot of giveaways planned, plus some more swaps and recipes galore, so stay tuned! I'm really excited about a Valentine swap coming up very soon!

Merry Christmas

    
        From my blog, home and heart, I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and the best that a New Year can bring, there's bright blessings that await us all!  Before I begin more baking, a break is needed after some last minute shopping, Walmart was nuts, or I was nuts for going! But it's done and I'll be enjoying a afternoon of baking, Christmas music and yummy delights from the oven! So, have yourself a Merry Christmas and the best is yet to come, a fresh start to a new year! Blessings are wished for all! Holiday hugs!

Tasty Tuesday

      On the menu today is a festive cookie bar that is easy to please and yummy too! These can be decorated any old way but I found this photo on another blog that I really love, but my recipe is slightly different but the recipe can be converted to make those shown here. Just use peanut butter chips instead of the chocolate and leave out the coconut or not? Are you still with me? lol

Coconut Graham Bars

2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 c. flaked coconut
1 can sweetened condensed milk
Topping:
1 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
6 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream
1/4 c. butter, cubed
3/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips
In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased  13x9 in. baking pan. Bake at 350 for 10 min. or till lightly browned. Combine coconut and milk, spread over warm crust. Bake for 12-15 min.. Cool. In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cream and butter. Bring to a boil over med. heat, stirring. Boil for 1 min. Remove from heat, stir in chocolate chips till melted. Spread over coconut layer and allow to cool.  Makes 4 dz.

    Wouldn't these make a nice hostess gift or goodie bag, all dressed up in a festive wrap or tin. I love making and giving home baked goods, don't you? Well, the hustle is on, these last few days will be spent checking the lists, wrapping, cooking, baking and putting the finishing touches on everything! Remember why we celebrate the day, be thankful for what you have and say Merry Christmas to a stranger! Don't forget my last giveaway ends on Sunday! Happy baking!

The Happiness Project

     Bet you thought I had another recipe to share, didn't you? Even though I'm tempted too, but instead, I'm sharing a wonderful idea with you for the New Year, which is just around the corner.  There's a new book coming out at the end of the month, and I wish it was out now so I could add it to my wish list for Santa but the concept of the book has a website so that's just as good, for now.  Have you heard of the "Happiness Project"?  Gretchen Rubin is the author and founder of this wonderful project, where she took a year and found happiness each day, and you can too! On the website, she shares many ways to achive happiness, start a daily journal and tons of ways to just be happy! I was hooked! Who wouldn't want to be happy, esp. everyday and then pass it onto others, I love this idea! So, I'm gonna buy myself a pretty journal and on January 1st. start my happiness journal, where I will find happiness everyday or have fun trying!  This can only improve one's life, enhance it and make one realize how blessed we are, no matter what!

      So, come join me won't you, what do you have to lose? And what a New Year it can be, truly! Head on over to "The Happiness Project" and look for her book soon. I think I've finally found a New Year's resolution I can commit to and see some progress, I can hardly wait! Oh, and Family Circle has a little spot devoted to this also, so it has to be good! And there's also a Facebook group too! Let me know if you join us, and we can go hunting for happiness together!

Tasty Tuesday

          Tis the season for Eggnog! This holiday milk can be used in so many ways, it's just not for drinking anymore! Let's see, where do I begin.....cupcakes, cheesecake, eggnog pie, pancakes, shakes, coffee, creamer, bread, cake, and yes even fudge! I was honored a few years ago by Gooseberry Patch publishing my eggnog fudge recipe in their "Christmas in the Country" cookbook, so if you have that cookbook, you can look up this recipe, it's on page 175.  For those who don't, here is the recipe and it's a dandy! A little rich so pace yourself but a all time favorite if you are a fan of eggnog.

Eggnog Fudge

3 c. sugar
1 c. eggnog
1 1/2 c. mini marshmallows
1/2 t. cinnamon, nutmeg
2 Tbsp. butter
6 oz. white chocolate chips
1 c. slivered almonds
Combine sugar and eggnog in a large saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over med. heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 min. Fold in marshmallows, cinnamon and nutmeg. Bring back to a rolling boil, cook for 6 min., stirring. Remove from heat and stir in butter, chocolate chips and almonds. Stir until well mixed. Pour into a greased aluminum foil lined 9x9 baking pan. Cool completely at room temperature. Turn out of pan, peel off foil and cut into squares. Makes about 5 dozen.

      I love to give baskets of home baked goodies for Christmas gifts and this fudge is always apart of those baskets, something a little rich goes a long way in both taste and memory.  I also love  those Gooseberry Patch cookbooks, I only have the one but they too make a nice gift anytime of the year!

    I'm so happy so many of you are getting signed up for my last giveaway of 2009, I had 26 just over night! Thank you all for the sweet comments, bloggers are the best! Remember you have till the 27th on this giveaway so be sure to get entered, and make a mental note, cuz I'm planning a sweet swap for Valentines day! Yes, I'm already thinking ahead! Enjoy the fudge!

Followers Christmas Giveaway

     This is it guys, my last giveaway for the year, but not to worry, I have many planned for the new year, at least one a month, just to show you all how much I love my visitors! And I especially love my followers, so this last giveaway is just for you, as a token of appreciation for being a fan of Country Pleasures.

     It's a easy sign up too, just leave me a comment here asking to be entered, that's it. This giveaway will be open till Dec. 27 so you have plenty of time, I took the Christmas rush into consideration so no stressing, no where! Now, if your not a follower and would like too, please by all means follow me, but don't sign up just for the giveaway then delete your followship, I only want honest fans. So, if you really, really like me, become a follower and get entered in this giveaway. I've had my numbers rise with each giveaway then decline afterwards, and that's always a little sad to see, so be serious.

       With less than 2 weeks to go, the rush is on and the stress levels are rising, but don't allow the hum bugs to take over and take away from the spirit of the season. Everything will get done, all will be happy with the gifts and family time will be just as special as you hoped.  Take some time out for you, relax and rejoice! Good luck to all and off I go to do some wrapping!

Snowman Giveaway Winner

         Is Harvest Lane Cottage! Woohoo to Laura! We go way back, been bloggy buddies for sometime now and she lives in my great state so this makes it extra special! Congrats Laura, email me your new mailing addy so I can pop your snowman goodies in the mail to you.  In her comment, she said she was leaving her tree up through January so she could display her snowman collection and snowflakes, how neat is that! I've thought about leaving my Alpine tree up in the library and decorating it according to the holidays/seasons like some do, just not sure about that yet. But if I did, I too would use snowflakes till Valentines day.  I just love it when random.org picks a winner that I know, kinda cool!

      The next giveaway and probably the last for this year will be for my sweet followers, as a way to thank them for being fans of my blog, so come back tomorrow for the details, as we have a grand daughter singing tonight so off we go! Congrats again Laura!

Holiday Apron Giveaway

          I just got a post from Huckleberry Prairie on my Facebook page for this sweet and cute holiday apron giveaway, it's a quick one but worth a shot, just picture yourself in this cute little number, baking cookies. Or what a nice gift it would make.  And their website is a treat also, full of prairie recipes, crafts and fun! This giveaway ends tomorrow, as does mine so get entered in both to increase your chances of winning something!

Edible Crafts

      
      Edible crafts, oh my! I feel in love with this fun site for all the adorable Christmas goodies you can make, eat and give. Just look at those little snowmen, they are mini powered donuts, cute huh!  And graham crackers never looked so good! So, grab a cup of coffee and head over to get some yummy ideas that will surely make you the sweetest Santa around! Edible crafts can be found right here.

     Got a good start on the next giveaway, were sitting at 21 as of today, remember you have till Sunday to get entered for the snowman set that is so cute! Speaking of snowmen, if we had snow it would make more sense of this bitter cold front that has come way too early for these parts. It was 1 degree this morning with the nasty old wind chill factor, this hardly happens in January let alone early December but warmer days are ahead, 50 for Monday, a heat wave. I know I'm not alone so keep warm and cozy out there!

Tasty Tuesday

         I know I promised you a recipe for gingerbread pancakes today, but I can't find it? But this gingerbread muffin recipe is equally good and satisifing and they are great for breakfast!  I like mine iced and all I do is melt some cream cheese icing ( I always keep a tub on hand)  in the microwave and pour over while warm for a gooey treat, great with coffee!  Muffins are a perfect food, aren't they. Single portions so your not really eating alot of calories, as long as you only eat one, but muffins can be for breakfast, lunch, or dessert. Perfect in my book!

Gingerbread Muffins

1 c. oil  (remember to use a good oil like canola)
1 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
3 eggs
1 c. buttermilk
3 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 t. ginger
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. nutmeg
Preheat oven to 350. Beat oil and sugar till creamy. Add molasses, beat till blended. Add eggs and buttermilk
till well blended. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Add to buttermilk mixture and beat well by hand. Spoon into greased or lined muffins cups and bake for 20-25 mins. Remove from pan and cool. Makes 2 1/2 dozen.

      I think I will make a batch this weekend for our Sunday school class. These freeze well  for a easy and  quick breakfast break.  I'm so glad so many are getting signed up my next giveaway, Sharon's handmade giftie went out this morning so it's time to wrap up the snowman set and wait for the next winner, this is so much fun! Since I love to share and try new recipes, if you have a good muffin recipe, please share it with us here. Can never have enough muffin recipes!

My Christmas Library

       Welcome to Gingerville! I collect and love gingers of all shapes and sizes, since living here they have a room of their own come Christmas, the grandkids love them too! There's something so sweet and innocent about them plus they taste good too! Cookies, tea, coffee and pancakes, yes pancakes! That's the recipe I'll be sharing on Tasty Tuesday, perfect for Christmas morning or a brunch so besure to pop back in then to snag that yummy treat!

        Boy, I can get noting by you guys, I told you it was a simple hint! Yes, the next giveaway is all about snowmen. I have the cutest snowmen towel set and ornament that will be the giftie, so get your comment in on the post for the giveaway, a winner will be chosen on Sunday.  Why snowmen you ask, well we have a slight chance of snow this week, it may not happen but sure puts you in the winter wonderland mood, doesn't it. So, why not share the spirit!

Giveaway Winner & New Giveaway News

 

           Tis the season to give something away and I have just picked out a name from the old garden hat, and it's.......... Sharon of A Merry Heart Journal! Congrats to Sharon! Please send me your mailing info so I can pop your giftie in the mail soon.  Sharon's blog is lovely and her title says it all, you can tell her heart is merry and she loves to share her life with all who wish to visit.  One reason I love doing giveaways is you get to meet many a new bloggers, and even though Sharon isn't new to me, her blog is a keeper and one I read whenever it's been updated.  Merry Christmas Sharon!

      Now, onto the next giveaway as promised.  It's Christmas themed of course and the photo is a little hint, so to get entered, just leave a comment here with your guess as to what the giveaway giftie will be.  That simple and like the last one, I'll leave this open for a week also, ending next Sunday.  So spread the news, leave your guess and good luck to all! And to all a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!  This is fun stuff! :)

My Christmas Kitchen

         My favorite room in the house, and it's all ready for Christmas baking, gathering and simmering lots of Christmas cheer! I collect gingerbread anything but I also can't resist anything old, and if you look closer (click on photo to make it bigger) you can see in the box on the left, a old twinkle lamp, it was my Mom's, the only Christmas thing of hers that I have. I love it.  It's like a part of her is with us at Christmas.

   My collections grow each year, but the main ones are teapots, cookie cutters and Santas.  I also collect Christmas tins and use them all over the house as decorations, mainly in the kitchen. Christmas time is special, isn't it. I just wish this feeling would last all year round!

    Hope you've enjoyed my little kitchen tour, next stop is the library so stayed tuned! The winner for my Tis the Season giveaway will be chosen tomorrow so you still have some time to get entered. The next giveaway is already planned and I can't wait to share it, so till tomorrow, good night and sleep tight!

My Christmas House

          It's beginning to look alot like Christmas at my house!  And it only took my 3 days, but was so much fun, almost like Christmas day for me, unpacking all my goodies, placing them in just the right place. Funny, how you forget you had some things or found the day after specials tucked away in odd places.
The way we celebrate Christmas can be a gift in itself.  And my gift to the family, is decking the halls, creating a warm, cozy home to have the biggest celebration of the season! And a little giftie to you, upgrade your blogger editor, it's wonderful, faster and free! I found the new setting while looking for something else, so I was gifted too and let me say, I love it! It's under the basic settings I think, you'll find it.

     Just a couple of more days to get signed up for my Tis the Season giveaway, a winner will be picked on Sunday and the package will go out on Monday to make way for the next Christmas giveaway....tis the season!  Thank you all for the comments left so far, I knew you all were so crafty and loved knowing that so many make and give handmade gifts, it's so nice to know. We are cutting back this year, just on gifts, not the love! Keeping it simple and joyus for the real reason of the season!  Click on the photo above to get a larger look of my Christmas house, this is the dining room  and living room.  I'll be sharing the kitchen and library soon.  Have a ho ho ho kind of day!

    

Hot Chocolate on a Stick

I knew that would get your attention, as it sure did grab mine! And in the process, I have found a new to me website crammed full of fun things to make and eat! GiversLog is home to Hot Chocolate on a Stick and if you remember I posted a recipe for frozen hot chocolate over the summer but this idea tops that one for sure! So, grab a cup of tea or joe and check out this fun sight, once there just do a search for hot chocolate on a stick for the recipe, but I warn you, have plenty of time to look over all the goodies.

Since I totally forgot about my Tasty Tuesday post yesterday, I'm including my recipe for a whole wheat pizza crust that just so happens to be what is for supper tonight. I was so busy yesterday trying to finish up decking the halls that I forgot about my weekly foodie post but this recipe will make up for it, making pizza a bit healthier for you, just a bit but hey, this girl can't give up homemade pizza.

Whole Wheat Pizza Crust

1 pkg. active dry yeast

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 1/4 c. warm water

2 c. whole wheat flour

1 c. all purpose flour

2 tsp. salt (I use sea salt, better for you)

cornmeal

In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar and water, let sit for 5 mins. In a large bowl combine flours and salt. Slowly add yeast mixture and blend well, till it forms a ball. On a lightly floured surface, turn dough out and knead for 5 min. Place in lightly greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or till doubled in size. Preheat oven to 400.

Roll dough out to form your crust, if you are using a pizza stone, sprinkle with a bit of cornmeal before you place the crust on it. Prick dough with fork. Top with sauce and trimmings. Bake for 20 min. or till lightly browned.

Enjoy!

Swap Goodies

For those of you who joined my Christmas cookie cutter swap, you should be getting your goodies any day now, mine came yesterday and just look at my loot! I was blessed to have my dear bloggy bud, Lea from Shabby Olde Potting Shed as my partner and she spoiled me!

You really can't see it very good, my camera went out on me, recharging now, but the santa cutter with the glitter all over it came from Germany and is covered in German glass glitter, isn't that the neatest thing! Needless to say, it won't be used. but displayed in my china cabinet, I wouldn't want my little grandson to find it! I love it all Lea, you know me so well! The old biscuit cutter will come in handy, as I have yet to find one, so no more using a glass to make biscuits, yippie!

I was also honored with one of Lea's Lydia Jars, the story behind these is awesome and so inspiring and can be read here, take a peek! Thank you so much Lea, you are a treasure and a blessing to me!