…simply about g

I know I don’t normally advertise on my blog, but this one is for a good cause. My dad bought me this great cookbook for Christmas this year. Its called Butterflies for life.  It was created right here in our own state of Louisiana. It has some great recipes and tips and the best part is that all proceeds go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  The cookbook is only $25. It includes more than 300 pages of mouth watering recipes including;  Crawfish Cornbread, Shrimp & Artichoke Dip, Crab & Corn Bisque, Fried Eggplant Casserole, Oven BBQ Brisket, Trout Almondine, Heavenly Hash Cake, Bread Pudding and many more. The cookbook can be purchased at Highland Side Gifts, Helen Bullock Interiors, or Superior Office Products. Or you can order online from the Butterflies for Life website. It really is a beautiful cookbook and you’ll enjoy the recipes, if you don’t cook give one as a  gift.

Just in case you were trying to find a Presidential candidate that didn’t come from a monkey…

This is a touching story about an American soldier. I imagine there are many more stories like this but the media instead focuses on negative issues and good deeds fall though the cracks. Thanks for the story Shane.

I don’t know what that is supposed to mean.  I just realized that its been almost 2 weeks since my last post. Not that I’ve been doing anything important,  I just haven’t had anything exciting happen lately. Kayla had her first cold last week, just a runny nose, but you know how paranoid we mothers get. Finished all my Christmas shopping and wrapping. The last two days I have been baking Christmas cookies and candy.  I couldn’t wait till the end of the week. I love making all that stuff. Its about the only time of year that I make it. I just don’t enjoy the cleaning up so much. This year I made, Mini pecan pies, Chocolate Almond balls, Coconut Pralines, Pecan Pralines and Caramel. It was all delicious, but the Chocolate Almond Balls were the best.  I’ll share the recipe so you can make them too. I packed everything in festive cans and delivered them to a few friends and neighbors. I still have fudge to make, but I can wait till the weekend now that the excitement has worn off and the kitchen is finally clean.  As for now, we are just waiting for Christmas. I can’t wait to see Kayla play with all her toys on Christmas morning.

Chocolate Almond Balls

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2 boxes (16-ounce)  confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 can (14-ounce)  sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 package (14-ounce)  shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups chopped almonds

1 package (12-ounce)  chocolate chips

Directions:

Cream together sugar and butter in a bowl; add milk. Stir in almond extract, coconut, and nuts; mix well. Form candy into 1-inch balls. Place on waxed paper and refrigerate at least 3 hours. Melt chocolate in top of double boiler, stirring well. Remove from heat but allow chocolate to remain over hot water. (If chocolate becomes too thick, return to heat for a minute or so to thin). With a toothpick, dip each ball in chocolate and place on waxed paper until set.

I saw this on Chris’ page and couldn’t help myself, Merry Christmas!!!

While trying to cook today and Kayla was  unhappy about not having my undivided attention. She didn’t want anything to do with her toys, so I decided to give her something that she’s not supposed to play with. The banging of the spoon and pot was better than the crying. Why is it always the simple things that entertain the most? Most of her toys light up and play music yet she would rather this. I’m afraid she will like the boxes more than the toys for Christmas. Oh well, whatever makes her happy.