My Life, my photography, my passions
Moving to another section of my Christmas tree brings me to another memory. When I was about 10 years old, my Mother and I sat at the kitchen table and assembled wooden ornaments together. We then proceeded to paint and add glitter.
The result was about a dozen ornaments crafted with love, that have been passed down and grace my tree every year.It was the beginning of my journey into crafts and creating Christmas memories.
I promise food and treats are nearing an end, that is until the next time I walk down the aisle at the grocery store. Oh I HAVE to make those, it’s a tradition. Three ingredients Ritz crackers, peanut butter and chocolate, simple ingredients to a tasty treat. I call them Homemade Twix Candies
I wrapped Christmas presents today!! Not being one for procrastination, (did I say that?) I like to have all my wrapping done early so I can enjoy the last week before the holiday season. I like making each package fancy with ribbons and bows. It feels festive!
Old fashioned soft peppermint sticks (rather than candy canes) make a perfect chocolate mint treat by themselves or can be dipped in hot chocolate (there is the chocolate again) for an extravagant chocolate experience.
Starting right after Thanksgiving nothing is safe from chocolate almond bark
These are not the run of the mill candy cane sticks, these are SOFT Peppermint candy sticks that are easy to eat, especially when dipped in chocolate. Chocolate mint
Every year I search grocery stores and they are really hard to find. I actually do a “happy dance” in the aisles when I find them. I start stocking up on ingredients and supplies for my holiday candy making in October and by Thanksgiving weekend I am ready to get to work.
King Leo Soft Pure Peppermint Sticks 9oz
SweetGourmet Piedmont Soft Peppermint Bulk Mint Sticks (5Lb)Bob’s Sweet Stripes Peppermint Stir Sticks (Pack of 2)
I always use a double boiler to melt chocolate instead of a microwave. The purpose of a double boiler is to heat or melt food without coming in direct contact with heat. It prevents the melting chocolate from getting too hot. The microwave creates hot spots in your chocolate and if it gets too hot it cooks it into a clumpy mess.
Cuisinart 7111-20 Chef’s Classic Stainless Universal Double Boiler with CoverPlymouth Pantry Make Your Own Almond Flavored Bark, Chocolate, 24 Ounce (Pack of 12)Ghirardelli Chocolate Melting Wafers (for Candy Making and Dipping), 1 Pound 14 Ounce Bag (Dark Chocolate)Regency Natural non-Stick Parchment Paper for Baking 20.66 Foot Roll
Using a double boiler is really easy. Don’t have an “official double boiler?” That’s okay. You can melt chocolate without a double boiler by placing a metal bowl over a saucepan full of water.
Step 1: Put about 1-2 inches of water in bottom container
Step 2: Place cubes of chocolate in top container
Step 3: Turn stovetop on medium to medium high and slowly melt your chocolate.
Step 4: Lay parchment paper, or waxed paper on a flat surface
Step 5: Dip soft peppermint sticks in chocolate, add sprinkles or other decorations when chocolate is still wet.
Now comes the hard part. Waiting for them to dry.
I package these up for Sunday School Christmas gifts and tuck a few into the Christmas cookie boxes. They are fun to give as teacher gifts and to have handy when guests visit for the holiday. Just package a few chocolate covered soft peppermint sticks in a clear decorated bag and tie with curly ribbons.
Choosing today’s picture was tough, I have so many memories of my Christmas tree. While many have a color theme and coordinating bulbs and garland, my tree tells a story. Every ornament has a special meaning.
So I’ll start the story with this vintage ornament.
When my parents first got married they bought a box of bulbs for their tree. Although their 40-year marriage had it’s ups and downs, this gold bulb is a reminder of my Mom and Dad who passed away in 1995. Both are gone now, but my Mom gave me their vintage Christmas Tree ornaments.
I have only two, just a few survived over 50 years. When I was a child there was a certain order to placing the ornaments and stories that went with each one. As children, my brother and I weren’t allowed to handle these vintage ornaments, for fear of breaking them.
Now I hang them, out of reverence, and tradition.
Kurt Adler Glass Reflector Ornament, 60mm, Multi-Colored, Set of 5Festive Season Vintage Style Christmas Tree Ornament Balls (Set of 12, 60mm)Merck Family’s Old World Christmas Bride’s Tree Ornaments & Metal Display TreeKurt Adler Early Years Mini Glass Ornament, Set of 24
