September 30

 

Fireside Sippers-Christmas
Ingredients
Hot cocoa mix
Peppermint candy cane
2 Marshmallows
Directions
Make cocoa according to directions
Thread 2 marshmallows on to candy cane
Put candy cane into cocoa and use as a stirrer

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Freezing Cookies

 

I find that it helps to be able to bake when I can and freeze my cookies. That way they are always fresh when I give them as gifts or serve them to my guests.

 

Here are a few hints that I have found. You can either freeze your raw cookie dough or the baked cookies.

 

I have found that most dough like the standard cookies, chocolate chip, peanut butter, shortbreads, sugar cookies freeze well. If you freeze the dough be

 

sure to wrap them very well, so they don' t pick up any odors from other foods in your freezer. I generally wrap it in saran wrap and put it in a ziplock

 

freezer bag and store that in an airtight plastic container. This extra protection, will help keep it from getting freezer burn. I suggest only keeping

 

the dough for a month. Longer than that, I am not sure how good it would be. You can thaw the dough in your refrigerator.

 

I usually freeze my cookie after I have baked them. Always make sure they have cooled completely. I wrap them in saran wrap well and place them in an airtight

 

container. Always put crisp cookies together and soft cookies together. Don't put them together in the same container.

 

When I plate them, to give as gifts, I always wrap the soft ones so they don't make the other soft.

 

 

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http://www.xmasfun.com/Lyrics.asp?ID=74

 

Blue Christmas

 

 

As sung by Elvis Presley

I'll have a blue Christmas without you
I'll be so blue thinking about you
Decorations of red
On a green Christmas tree
Won't be the same
If you're not here with me

And when those blue snow flakes start falling
And when those blue memories start falling
You'll be doing all right with your Christmas of white
But I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas

Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh

Decorations of red
On a green Christmas tree
Oh, won't be the same
If you're not here with me

I'll have a blue Christmas, that's certain
And when that blue heartache starts hurting
You'll be doing all right
With your Christmas of white
But I'll have a blue, blue Christmas

Mmmm

 

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http://www.bhg.com/christmas/crafts/quick-and-easy-holiday-crafts/#page=2

 

 

Wintry Hurricanes

Give basic glass hurricanes a winter wonderland makeover with large snowflakes. Use strips of white tape and round white stickers to create snowflake patterns on the outside of the hurricanes. Add 3-D dot stickers to the snowflake designs. To make the display pop, nestle the hurricanes in a tray of colorful Christmas ornaments and sparkly tinsel.

 

 

 

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Things to do at Christmas time, Tour Colonial Williamburg, even if it's via the internet.

 

http://www.history.org/

 

 

 

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http://www.christmascarnivals.com/christmas-star

 

When we say Christmas stars, we mean the star of Bethlehem; it is a very popular Christmas tree topper. According to Christian tradition, it is the star, which revealed the birth of Jesus to the Magi or the 'Three Wiseman'. The star not only revealed the birth, but also led the Magi to Bethlehem.

 

 

 

 

 

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Billie C.

September 26

Hello.  I hope your week is going well. I have been thinking about making some felt Christmas ornaments to share with my grand kids. I hope to see them this weekend.

 

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Festive Ham and Cheese Wreath

 

From Betty's Soul Food Collection... Going in circles over a great holiday snack? This edible seasonal wreath-made with buttermilk biscuits, Swiss cheese and ham-is a gift for all to enjoy.

 

Prep Time: 45 min
Total Time: 1 hour 10 min
Makes: 1 wreath (40 appetizers)

 

2 cups finely shredded Swiss cheese (8 oz)
1 1/2 cups chopped cooked ham (about 8 oz)
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons honey mustard
2 cans (12 oz each) Pillsbury Golden Layers refrigerated buttermilk or flaky original biscuits
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon sesame seed or poppy seed
2 tablespoons diced red and green bell peppers, if desired
1 green-onion fan, if desired

 

Heat oven to 375F. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir together cheese, ham, onions and mustard.

 

Separate 1 can of dough into 10 biscuits; leave second can in refrigerator. Separate each biscuit into 2 layers. Press each biscuit layer to form 3 1/2-inch round.

 

Place 1 rounded tablespoon cheese mixture on each dough round. Wrap dough around cheese mixture, pinching edges to seal. Repeat with remaining can of dough and cheese mixture.

 

Arrange 8 balls, seam side down and sides almost touching, to form ring on cookie sheet, leaving 3-inch hole in center. Arrange 14 balls, sides almost touching, around outside of first ring. Arrange remaining 18 balls around outside of second ring. Brush wreath with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seed.

 

Bake 18 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully slide wreath from cookie sheet onto 14-inch serving platter. Sprinkle with bell peppers. Place onion fan in center of wreath. Serve warm.

 

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

 

How-To
To make a green-onion fan, place the tip of a knife at the onion's middle and slit through the green ends. Place the onion in ice water, which will cause the "leaves" to curl; keep the green-onion fan in water until ready to use.

 

Make-Ahead
Assemble the wreath on a cookie sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two hours. Bake as directed in the recipe.

 

Make It Special
Place the baked wreath on a large decorative platter (found at your favorite party goods store) and surround it with rosemary sprigs.

 

Nutrition Information:
1 Appetizer: Calories 90 (Calories from Fat 40); Total Fat 4 1/2g (Saturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 1g); Cholesterol 15mg; Sodium 280mg; Total Carbohydrate 7g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 1g); Protein 4g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 4%; Iron 2% Exchanges: 1/2 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

 

Source: Betty Crocker

 

 

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Festive Spiced Apple Rolls

 

 

Store-bought spiced apple rings dress up basic bread dough. The resulting
rolls are both pretty and delicious.

 

Makes 12 rolls

 

Rolls:
2 1/2
cups
Gold Medal all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons packed brown
sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package regular or quick active dry yeast
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 egg
1 jar (14 ounces) spiced apple rings, drained

 

Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 3 teaspoons milk

 

1. In large bowl, mix 3/4 cup of the flour, the brown sugar, salt and yeast.
In small
saucepan,
heat 1/3 cup milk, the water and butter until warm, 105 degrees F to 115
degrees F. (Butter need not be melted.) Gradually stir into flour mixture.
Beat
with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.
Add egg and 1/4 cup of the flour. Beat on high speed 2 minutes, scraping
bowl
occasionally. Stir in remaining flour until stiff dough forms. Grease top of
dough. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours
but no longer than 3 days.

 

2. Grease 12 regular-size muffins cups. Punch down dough. On lightly floured
surface, roll dough into 15 x 10-inch rectangle.

 

3. Place apple rings in blender or food processor. Cover and blend on medium
speed until almost smooth. Spread apples over dough to within 1/4 inch of
edges. Roll up dough tightly, beginning at 15-inch side. Pinch edge of dough
firmly into roll to seal. Stretch and shape until even.

 

4. Cut roll into 12 equal slices. Place slices cut sides up in muffin cups.
Snip part way through each slice twice, cutting into fourths, using kitchen
scissors. Gently spread dough pieces open. Cover and let rise in warm place
about 25 minutes or until double. (Dough is ready if indentation remains
when
touched.)

 

5. Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Immediately remove from pan to cooling rack. (At this point, rolls can be
frozen
in freezer-safe bags up to 1 month. To serve, remove rolls from bag and wrap
in foil. Reheat in 325 degree F oven about 15 minutes or until hot.)

 

6. In medium bowl, mix all glaze ingredients until smooth and thin enough to
drizzle. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Serve warm or cool. Enjoy.

 

 

 

* * * * *

" Where's the Line to see Jesus".

Christmas time was approaching
Snow was starting to fall
Shoppers choosing their presents
People filling the mall
Children waiting for Santa
With excitement and glee
A Little boy tugged my sweater
Looked up and asked me,
[chorus:]
"Where's the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday,
Why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Clause brought me presents,
But Christ gave His life for Me."

As I stood in amazement
At this message profound
I looked down to thank him
He was no where around.
A little boy at he mall
Might as well had had wings
As the tears filled my eyes
I thought I heard him sing:
[chorus:]
"Where's the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday,
Why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Clause brought me presents,
But Christ gave His life for me."
In the blink of an eye,
At the sound of His trump't,
We'll all stand in line at His throne.
Every knee shall bow down.
Every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
[chorus:]
Where's the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday,
Why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Clause brought me presents,
But Christ gave His life for me.

 

 

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http://catholicicing.com/2010/11/emmanuel-craft-for-kids/

Emmanuel Craft for Kids

Craft: Emmanuel Craft

This craft is so cute and children of just about any age can make it! This Baby Jesus craft would obviously also work well for a Christmas craft.

Supplies Needed to Complete this Craft:

• Popsicle Sticks (we used jumbo popsicle sticks)
• Shredded crumple paper (you can get this by the bag full at the Dollar Tree)
• School Glue (not a glue stick)
• Manila File Folder
• White Felt (you could substitute white paper)
• Construction paper

Before you begin, trace around a milk cap on a manila file folder and cut it out. Draw on a face for Baby Jesus. Also, cut out a rectangle of white felt for his "swaddling clothes". If your kids are older, they will be able to cut out Baby Jesus on their own. Now you're ready to begin. Have your kids run a line of glue down each popsicle stick andglue them in the middle of their paper in the shape of an "X". This isthe manger. Then put lots and lots of glue on top of the X and stickthe crumpled paper on it. Lastly glue on Baby Jesus' blanket- then his head.

To make this your "E" craft for the Catholic ABC's, Use a foam "E" sticker for "Emmanuel" and also write "God With Us". (Emmanuel means God with us).

Grab Bag Ideas for the Letter Ee: (be sure to check out the Classroom Scriptfor directions on using the grab bag.) Envelope, toy Elephant, Eagle, Mr. Potato HeadEar, Egg Egg (I used several varieties including a play Egg, a plastic Easter Egg, and an Egg shaker)

For More Resources, check out the Catholic Toolbox lesson plans for the Letter Ee. (Her Ee lesson is on "Elijah")

Catholic ABC's runs here at Catholic Icing every Wednesday with the new letter of the week. You can get the details of this program by checking out the Classroom Script.

 

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Things to do at Christmas time, Plan a night of Candle light. Be it romantic or in memory of someone who has passed.

 

The Sunday before Christmas, I light all the candles I have out, saying the name of someone who has passed away in my past and say a little prayer for each one. I let the candles burn for about an hour and play Carols.  This way, I am bringing in my past family into my holiday memories.

 

 

 

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http://www.wf-f.org/Creche.html

 

To set up the crib at home can be a simple but effective way of presenting the faith and transmitting it to one's children. The manger helps us to contemplate the mystery of God's love who revealed himself in the poverty and simplicity of the Bethlehem cave

 

 

 

 

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Billie C.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/A_Melting_Pot/

Sept 25

 

 

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English Toffee

 

1 pound butter

 

2 cups sugar

 

Slowly cook over med. low heat, to 305º (about 45 minutes).

 

Pour into 10x15 jelly roll pan.

 

Do not scrape the pan

 

Let stand about 5 minutes then lay 5 Hershey candy bars on top; let stand 1 minute then spread lightly, covering the entire surface.

 

Sprinkle with chopped pecans; press lightly.

 

Let stand several hours (do not refrigerate). Break into pieces to serve

 

 

 

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Festive Eggnog Wreath with Eggnog Butter

 

3 tablespoons warm water
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 package (1 tablespoon) yeast
3 3/4
cups
bread flour
3 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons granulated
sugar
3/4 teaspoon freshly-ground nutmeg
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons dairy eggnog
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

 

For finishing:
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
Coarse sugar or pearl sugar
Sliced almonds
10 candied cherries, halved

 

Combine yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar and warm water. Let stand while measuring
remaining ingredients.

 

Food processor method: Place dough blade in work bowl. Add flour, butter,
salt, remaining sugar and nutmeg. Pulse. Stir together the eggnog with the
extracts.
Set aside. Turn machine on and pour the yeast in through the small feed
tube. Without stopping the machine, pour in the eggnog mixture in a slow
steady
stream. Add the extra 2 tablespoons eggnog, if needed, to pull the dough
together into a ball. Let ball revolve about 30 times in the work bowl to
fully
knead it.

 

Place dough in an oiled bowl or a plastic bag and set in a warm place to
rise. NOTE: sweet, rich dough's often take longer to develop, perhaps 75 to
90
minutes to double.

 

Mixer or hand method: Put proofed yeast in a large bowl. Add eggnog,
extracts and melted butter. Stir to combine. Add nutmeg and salt. Add half
of the
flour and beat for 2 minutes. Add half of remaining flour and beat again for
2 minutes. Empty remaining flour into the dough. Knead dough for about 8
minutes.
Dough should be soft but not overly sticky. Set in warm place until doubled.
See NOTE above.

 

Both methods: Spray smooth work surface with nonstick pan spray. Spray a
large
cookie sheet.
Empty risen dough out onto sprayed area and shape into a roll about 22 to 24
inches long. Cut this roll in half, lengthwise. Starting in middle, working
to both ends, lap the 2 long pieces over and over each other to form one
long twisted rope shape. Lift rope onto cookie sheet. Shape rope into a
round
wreath, joining a top twist from one end to a bottom twist from the other
end. Repeat with other 2 ends. Cover loosely with sprayed plastic wrap and
set
aside to double in size. Before dough finished doubling, preheat oven to 375
degrees F.

 

Whisk egg white and water together. When dough has doubled, brush with egg
white mixture then sprinkle first with sliced almonds and then the coarse
sugar.
Stick halves of the candied cherries, firmly, around as you like. Bake for
25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to rack to cool. Cover when cooled.

 

Serve with Eggnog Butter.

 

Eggnog Butter:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (DO NOT
USE SALTED BUTTER)
1/3 cup eggnog
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

 

Beat all ingredients with a mixer until smooth and fluffy. Beat with mixer
until smooth and fluffy, about 5 to 6 minutes.

 

Mound in a bowl and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy.

 

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The King Shall Come

Christmas Carol

The King shall come when morning dawns,
And light triumphant breaks;
When beauty gilds the eastern hills,
And life to joy awakes.

Not as of old a little child
To bear, and fight, and die,
But crowned with glory like the sun
That lights the morning sky.

O brighter than the rising morn
When He, victorious, rose,
And left the lonesome place of death,
Despite the rage of foes.

O brighter than that glorious morn
Shall this fair morning be,
When Christ, our King, in beauty comes,
And we His face shall see.

The King shall come when morning dawns,
And earth's dark night is past;
O haste the rising of that morn,
The day that aye shall last.

And let the endless bliss begin,
By weary saints foretold,
When right shall triumph over wrong,
And truth shall be extolled.

The King shall come when morning dawns,
And light and beauty brings:
Hail, Christ the Lord! Thy people pray,
Come quickly, King of kings.

 

 

 

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http://www.christmas-projects.com/html/patchwork_star.html

Patchwork Star Table Decoration or Tree Skirt

The great thing about this project is that you can increase or decrease the size of the star to fit your needs. The star to the left is an example of a small table star and is about 24 cm in diameter.

 

Time required: about 2-3 hours Difficulty Level: Requires some patchwork sewing experience Material List for this Patchwork Star: - Christmas fabric scraps that look well together - enough matching fabric for the back side of the star - Fusible interfacing with printed quilters grid (in 60° angle rhombus grid) - Matching sewing thread - Quilter's ruler - Scissors - Permanent marking pen or pencil - Basic sewing supplies Instructions: 1. You can cut the pieces in advance or as you go. If cutting in advance, cut 6 same size rhombus shapes out of your interfacing. Cut 6 center rhombus shapes large enough to cover center plus seam allowance. 2. Cut 4 cm wide strips of the first color and 4 cm wide strips of the second color. The length of the strips depend on the size of star you want. Rather cut the strips longer and then you can cut away excess when necessary after sewing. 3. Cut 6 back side rhombus shapes out of the interfacing the same size as the interfacing rhombus shapes. 4. Follow the step-by-step tutorial in the link below to complete this project.       Step-by-Step Instructions - Patchwork Star Table Decoration or Tree Skirt Material List for this Patchwork Star: - Christmas fabric scraps that look well together - enough matching fabric for the back side of the star - Fusible interfacing with printed quilters grid (in 60° angle rhombus grid) - matching sewing thread - Quilter's ruler - Scissors - Permanent marking pen or pencil - Basic sewing supplies 1. The first thing you need to do is to cut our printed interfacing into 6 rhombus shapes. You can cut the as large or as small as you like but all need to be the same size. 2. Take your permanent marker or pencil and mark the lines like you see in the picture above. Do this on both sides. These will be your sewing and postitioning lines. 3. Cut six rhombus shape centers out larger than the center marked area of your interfacing piece. Lay the first center on the interfacing with right side up. Place it between the 2 marked lines. This will guarantee the seam allowance needed when the next piece gets added. 4. Place your first strip with the right side down over the center piece like you see in the picture above. Allign the right side edges and pin if necessary to hold in place Make sure the strip is extending over the next marked line. 5. Flip the pieces over, making sure that it all stays alligned. 6. Starting at the top of the bottom point, sew now the left marking from this point to the end. 7. This is how it now looks on the back side. 8. Flip your work over again. This is now how it looks on the front side. 9. Fold the fabric over and press flat if necessary. This is how it now looks on the front side. 10. Flip your work over again and use your ruler and roll cutter to cut away excess fabric extending over the interfacing on the backside. Material List for this Patchwork Star: - Christmas fabric scraps that look well together - enough matching fabric for the back side of the star - Fusible interfacing with printed quilters grid (in 60° angle rhombus grid) - matching sewing thread - Quilter's ruler - Scissors - Permanent marking pen or pencil - Basic sewing supplies 11. Postition your second middle strip as shown in the picture above and pin in place if necessary. 12. Flip it all over and now sew the second line up to the first middle point, opposite of the first sewing line. 13. This is now how it looks on the backside. 14. Flip over again and this is now how it looks on the front side. Flip over again and again cut away excess fabric hanging over the interfacing. 15. Flip over again to the front side and now proceed with the next color strip. Start on the same side as you did with the first middle strip and make sure to have enough seam allowance in the length as well as the width. 16. Flip over and sew this piece on following the next marked lines. Since this is the last row being added. Continue sewing until the end of the interfacing as shown above. 17. Flip it over to the front side and this is now how it looks. 18. Add the final strip on the other side and pin in place if desired. Flip piece over and sew in place. Continue sewing until the end of the interfacing as in step 16. 19. Flip again over to the front side and this is how it looks. Fold the fabric over and press flat if necessary. 20. Flip your work over again and cut away excess fabric. Flip over again to the front side and this is now how your piece looks.   Material List for this Patchwork Star: - Christmas fabric scraps that look well together - enough matching fabric for the back side of the star - Fusible interfacing with printed quilters grid (in 60° angle rhombus grid) - matching sewing thread - Quilter's ruler - Scissors - Permanent marking pen or pencil - Basic sewing supplies 21. Sew now 5 more pieces as shown in the previous steps. When finished you will have 6 pieces. 22. Place the first 2 pieces with right sides facing each other. Match the middles. Sew along the side line from the middle to the side. 23. After sewing, cut the small center point away or it will get too thick with each new addition. 24. Trim the excess seam allowance after each new added piece. This prevents bulking. 25. With right sides facing again, sew the third piece on to the second. This is how it looks when finished. Now sew the other three pieces to each other so that you now have 2 star halves. 26. Position now each half with right sides facing over each other, matching the middles. Pin together and sew together. 27. This is now how the star looks. 28. Cut 6 same size rhombus shapes out of your back side fabric and first sew the first three together and then the second three pieces. As before, match the 2 half stars and sew together. Finishing: Now place the back side of the star on the first side (patchwork side) with right sides facing. Leaving a side open for turning, sew the 2 stars together. Turn the star inside out so that you are on the right side. Hand sew the open edge together and press with an iron using a steam setting.

This is an example of the same project. It measures about 60 cm in diameter.The technique remains the same. To make a larger star, cut your interfacing nto a larger size. Just continue adding more strips of fabric until finished.

 

 

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Things to do at Christmas time,  Take a walk along a nature trail. Notice the changes for winter. Find items to use for decorations. Check to be sure it's ok to remove from the area.

 

 

 

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http://www.christmasstarsecrets.com/

 

Secrets of the Christmas Star
RADIO PROGRAM & PODCAST

What was the Star of Bethlehem? Was it a planetary conjunction, a supernova outburst, a comet, or a Sign from God? In this short and fascinating audio series, Astronomer Bill will take you on a scientific adventure of Biblical Proportions.

 

 

 

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Billie C.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/A_Melting_Pot/

http://billieschristmascorner.blogspot.com/

Sept 24

 

 

Hello.  91 days until Christmas. I'm starting to feel the push to get things made. 

 

I really should be working on ornaments to share with my family. That will come soon enough.

 

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Eggnog Latte Loaf

 

Partner coffee and chocolate in a tasty quick loaf reminiscent of coffee
shop sweets.

 

Makes 1 loaf (24 slices)

 

Bread:
1 1/2 cups Gold Medal all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup eggnog or half-and-half
2 teaspoons
baking powder
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules or crystals
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 egg yolks
2 ounces unsweetened
baking
chocolate, melted, cooled

 

Latte Glaze:
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules or crystals
1 tablespoon hot water
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons butter or margarine, softened

 

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom only of 9 x 5-inch
loaf pan
with shortening or cooking spray; lightly flour.

 

2. In large bowl, beat all bread ingredients with electric mixer on medium
speed about 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly, until blended. Beat on
high
speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.

 

3. Bake 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted in
center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack.
Cool completely, about 1 hour.

 

4. Dissolve instant coffee in hot water. In small bowl, mix coffee, powdered
sugar and butter until smooth. If necessary, stir in a few drops of hot
water
until thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle glaze over loaf. To store, wrap in
plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 1 week. Enjoy.

 

 

* * * * *

Eggnog Scones

 

1 cup commercial eggnog
1 egg, beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons
baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons shortening
1 handful raisins

 

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

 

Combine eggnog and beaten egg; set aside.

 

In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt,
sugar,
nutmeg and cinnamon. Mix well.

 

Cut in butter and shortening. Add eggnog mixture to dry ingredients and
stir. Stir in raisins.

 

For cut scones: Turn dough out onto floured surface and roll dough out. Cut
into biscuit-size rounds or other shape.

 

For drop scones: Drop by rounded tablespoonful onto
cookie sheet.

 

Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
Enjoy.

 

 

* * * * *

Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you'll hear

Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day

 

 

 

* * * * *

http://lucykatecrafts.blogspot.com/2008/12/robin-tutorialand-giveaway.html

 

Robin tutorial...(and a giveaway!)

Right, here we go, as voted for in the christmas tutorial poll, a little 'how to' for a christmas robin. You will need -

background fabric of your choice (I used a red spotty print)

circle of brown fabric, 5cm diameter (mine is from a felted jumper)

circle of background felt in a colour of your choice (I used yellow), 5cm diameter

circle of felt for backing in a colour of your choice (I used green), 9cm diameter

red felt

brown felt

small white bead

green, red, and dark brown embroidery thread (I used pearl cotton 8)

a small amount of stuffing

sewing needle

scissors

embroidery hoop (optional)

16cm of ribbon or a blank greetings card for displaying

(print out the templates so the piece of paper they are drawn on is 10cm across)

Place your chosen background fabric in the embroidery hoop (or you can just hold it in your hand if you prefer), position the smaller circle of felt centrally, and attach with a ring of running stitch in green embroidery thread.

Next, take the brown fabric circle, and sew running stitch all the way around, about 0.5cm in from the edge, place a little stuffing in the centre, and pull the thread to gather it into a ball, secure with a few stitches.

With the brown thread still attached, sew the ball shape into position centrally to your base. Next, cut the red breast shape from the red felt, and place on the left hand side of the ball (widest part of the template goes towards the top), sew on with random straight stitches in the red embroidery thread.

Cut the tail feathers, wing and beak from the brown felt. Attach the tail using the brown thread and a few stitches at the base, positioning them with the shorter one above the longer one, continue to add the wing and folded over beak. Then embroider two legs for your robin. The next bit is a little tricky, still using the brown thread, after you have completed the legs, bring the needle through the robins body to the position you want the eye. Thread on the bead, pushing it all the way down to the base, then before sewing the needle back through the bead, wrap the thread around the needle 3 times so essentially what you are doing is anchoring the bead with a french knot. Be careful when going through the knot and bead not to pull too hard and pull the knot through the hole, what you want is the knot to sit above the hole. If it does pull through, if your bead hole is bigger than mine is, then just make your french knot larger by wrapping the thread round more times.

Now you are ready to add some wording in red if you want to...,

and finish off by cutting down your backing fabric to a 9cm diameter circle. Place this on top of the remaining circle of felt which is the same size and join the 2 together with blanket stitch round the edge in green. You can either attach a loop of ribbon to the top of your robin and make a christmas decoration, or stick it on to the front of a greetings card, it's up to you!

 

 

 

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Things to do at Christmas time, Go to an ice skating rink, even if you can't skate. Encourage someone on the ice.

 

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http://www.theyulelog.com/

 

The Yule Log.com is a World Wide Web tribute to an annual televised celebration of the Christmas spirit.

The concept of the televised Yule Log is a tradition that originally began in 1966 by New York City's own WPIX-TV.

 

 

 

 

 

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Billie C.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/A_Melting_Pot/