The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

the wonder in his eyes

So much to do and so lil time this time of year. So much to celebrate (as we do both Christmas and Hanukkah) or let me say so many good ways to celebrate and get into the holiday spirit. Why else would you go to see the ballet? Well, to see the Nutcracker of course at Christmas time. I have been seeing a production since I was my at least our son's age and my Mom (grandma Nonna) has been waiting patiently the last few years. Finally this was the year. many seeds had been planted over the years with the music, the story so hopefully he was ready. With brand new nutcracker in hand I watched my son stay glued to the stage throughout the performance. It was so amazing to see him enjoy it all so much. A new holiday tradition begins....

checking his list

Santa & reindeer food gone but sweet
note left

Another fun way to get into the holiday spirit was to watch and listen to our son each morning up to Christmas Eve find where our Elf on the Shelf, Lucky was hanging out. Some of my favs from this year were ones that my husband devised (we took turns every other night). The 'naughty' or 'nice' list was great. Our son was so excited to know he had made the 'nice' list. Ahhh to believe! I also liked seeing Lucky hanging from the light fixture in the dining room.   

Pistachio spritz poinsettias & trees

And of course this time of year traditionally has its more than fair share of treats. And of course i gave into the need to bake! I made these pistachio sprtiz cookies that were to be a pinwheel but as I discovered from my cookie press of 10 yrs (this being the first use) the closet shape I had made what I believe were poinsettias and trees, quite appropriate. I also made chocolate turtles, at the request of my hubby who was missing his family's. So I tried my hand at what appeared to be fairly easy recipe (as with my hubby's cousins shared there really isn't a recipe but for those that know me I needed something so I lifted from a few recipes I had seen). and they came out just fine. Its a layered process, so just give yourself some time. All you need to make about 24-30 turtles: 

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 2 (12 ounce) bags chocolate chips
• 25 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Arrange pecans on a baking sheet.

• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 cup butter, softened

Christmas coma

Santa left a surprise plane in the tree

1. Bake pecans in the preheated oven until fragrant and lightly browned, 7 minutes.Melt chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; grease with butter. Make lil clusters of the pecans- using 4 pecans like a star formation touching in the middle point.Combine caramels, water, and butter in a saucepan over low heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until caramels are melted and smooth.
   Place a tsp of caramel mixture onto the center of the pecans. Place in freezer for 30 min - to cool and harden. Drizzle chocolate over caramel nut clusters, on both sides. Refrigerate to set, about 1 hour. I would swap out the water for heavy cream in the caramel mixture, the fat content should help it set up more solid.

A dinner of  prime rib, brussels sprouts (Tin Roof's recipe), wild rice, creamed spinach, and mushrooms filled out a plate and our bellies.

Nothing better than a family holiday!