Chocolate Liqueur Truffles

Chocolate Liqueur Truffles

So far I've had one of the dark chocolate cognac truffles, and one of the dark chocolate eggnog and orange truffles sprinkled with orange peels. Yum.  It's that time of year and the treats are starting to come in!  Help!

I saw the new George Clooney movie 'The Descendants' on the weekend and enjoyed it.  This well-acted drama is set in Hawaii and the scenery is just beautiful.  I think I have to put Hawaii on my bucket list!

And here's an interesting fact for you that I received in an email:

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. 
Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl. 

A Great Weekend

Some Sweet Gifts

Hope you all had a great weekend, I know we did.

On Saturday, a good friend of mine came by, we exchanged gifts and went for a cold, sunny walk (-6C). Husband M joined us for lunch afterwards. My poor friend hurt her arm lifting something carelessly the week before to the point where she couldn't even type an email. She was 98% better though. We just have to slow down in middle age!

Son K had gone to an all day course which might prepare him for a job with the town next year. We'll see what comes of that, either way, he'll get a nice certificate of completion. Then he had to rush straight off to tennis. He was exhausted.

Some other friends called, trying to arrange a get together, easier said than done with 3 families. Now we have to consider the schedules of almost grown kids, especially who is in town and when.

That evening I walked to church and picked up new 2012 church envelopes. I noticed everyone following the mass using the provided program sheets with the new responses which are now in effect.  On the walk back home, I had to pause a few times to admire the bright, full moon against a clear, dark sky. I saw a few bright stars. It was a beautiful, cold night.

That same night another long time friend phoned. Every year they drop by and visit their friends, bearing home baked goodies. It was nice to sit  and chat for a little while.  One of their daughters was in town, so it was great to see her too.

It was a full day.  I was even able to make a beef stew for supper!  Whew!

Beef Stew

Sunday Sketches - The Reindeer

For Sunday Sketches I did this Reindeer in a seasonal setting.  He's coloured in gold metallic paint. It's an acrylic ACEO, I hope you like it.

Sweet Saturdays - A Nice Surprise

For Sweet Saturdays, I'd like to share a nice surprise I had this week! Fortunately I was home during the day when the doorbell rang. The courier delivered this package! Who doesn't love to receive any kind of gift? I was delighted not even knowing what it was. It was a gift from our financial advisor. They used to send Gingerbread House kits but the kids are grown now.

It was an evergreen wreath complete with decorations and instructions on how to decorate it. It smelled so good too.

And here is the finished product!  Warning, these do shed needles every day, but they are real, you know!

Paint Party Fridays - Rudolph

It's time for Paint Party Fridays!  Please visit the others and join in the fun!

This acrylic ACEO is called 'Rudolph'...getting right into the season!

Food For Thought Thursdays - Salmon Vegetable Chowder

I'm doing this for Food For Thought Thursdays!  Please join us.

I made this Salmon Vegetable Chowder this week, a favourite of mine. Wouldn't you know I seem to have lost the recipe. This must be the devastating result of de-cluttering and tidying up! Luckily the recipe is fresh in my mind as I made it so recently. I had posted it awhile back but the link seems to also be gone now.  I think it was from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Here it is from memory:

1 onion, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder (or can use a couple of fresh cloves, minced)
1c mixed vegetables (I use frozen)
1c chopped potatoes
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp pepper
salt to taste

1c low sodium chicken broth
1 salmon fillet cut into chunks (I've used canned salmon too)
1 tbs olive or canola oil
1c shredded cheese
2c milk

Saute onion, garlic until soft. Add basil, thyme, pepper. Add broth, mixed vegetables, potatoes and simmer until
cooked. Add milk, salmon, do not boil. When salmon is cooked add cheese. Enjoy!

Cute