The baking has begun..The first snowfall does that to me:)
And feet fell overnight...
Butter Tarts..always..recipes are as many as choco chip cookies or banana bread or shortbread;)
Shortbreads in many variations as they are my favorites. And my husband's..
The new kind since last yr..are the Mary Macleods.. I received a commercial boxed package from Susan..In Ontario. Her name on IG is susans_journal ..I was happy to find a close enough recipe..
I also tried a fun..bredelé recipe.. it means sugared around the edges..these are choco chip/pistachio..crunchy..:)The recipe was found on IG. at Casseroleetchocolat.
The gingerbread..faux..just tree decor:)
A little off this Xmas..my cards were painted.. my ornaments stitched for gifts far and wide..and money for a relative.
This will be my last yr.
Because its heartbreaking when your postal service strikes at this time of yr.
These will not go out this yr..no hope in the future for a resolution..
This will be my last bath of gifts and cards..
I was holding out..
No more.
Another new favorite..
Weekend at the cottage shortbread..perfect for stamping.I have a file folder..all shortbread;)
I glazed some following a method I found on IG by https://www.latortadijulia.de/
Have fun doing whatever you do at this time of year:)
I realize I am lucky to be able to buy ingredients and gifts..
I never take one thing for granted.
Our world is changing headed rapidly towards AI.
I see warped politics..wars.. sorrow..illness..in so many places.
I sit quietly and do what I like to stay in a zone.
Soon 71.. It's my fave place.
Had to add yesterday:)For memory..
A boatload of pure white arrived..:)
Oh Monique, your baked goods are so beautiful! It looks like Mrs. Santa's kitchen has gone full on with such an array of treats! I love shortbreads too, and those butter tarts look wonderful. I have to get on the baking stick here. I haven't even started. And I love your Christmas paintings. They're magical and they just carry me away. You have such a gift. I'm terribly sorry about your postal strike. My friend from Canada is visiting and mailing all her overseas and US Christmas gifts and cards from here, but we've heard the US Post Office won't even accept mail going to Canada until the strike is over. This means that your holiday card from me will more likely come at Epiphany or Valentine's Day or whenever things straighten out. But hopefully, things will resolve soon and talks/negotiations will begin in earnest. It is so disheartening, though. We see so much of the same things in our world right now, but what gives me hope is people like you, like me, like so many of our blog and real-life friends who carry hope and beauty and love and compassion in their hearts. Sending you a bit of joy this day. (And now, off to finish some Christmas cards. I'm only painting a few this year.)
ReplyDeleteI have decided to save everything until next yr..And that will be my last yr:( It's too nerve wracking lol..So next yr will be the last yr..And I'll mail Nov 20th....
DeleteIts too late to mail to parts of Canada and the US of course.Im weird that way..Has to be before..birthdays Christmas..not after..But we know Im a bit weird anyway.So many people had stopped cards..I will be one of them now.Im not a big fan of them picking Christmas.. a strategy I know but a sad one..Oy..My husband is sick of me complaining about this:). Lots of snow here overnight...Have a good day!
I have no words for all this LARGESSE!! You never cease to amaze and delight, and a longer span of luxuriating in these riches is in order, after oven timers and ready-bells have called, and we've had our lunch. Such a wealth of TRUE Eye-Candy in its purest, most definitive form. Girl, you just WON'T do!!! (look it up---it's a Southern compliment of the First Order).
ReplyDeleteAwwwwww..Rachel! Thank you:) Very very much.I am blushing;)
DeleteTen p.m. postscript as I wait for bathroom heat for bedtime shower: I DID look it up, and UNNH-UNH---that definition on reddit certainly IS NOT what it means. On Star Trek, there was a program which featured a planet whose entire populace spoke in literary or historical metaphors, and I felt such a warm kinship to those inscrutable folks---Southern folk speak "around" a subject, or put some flowery topping on it, or just have for centuries and decades used such arcane--- not vocabularies, but arrangements of sometimes unrelated words to convey an idea or feeling.
DeleteSo there it is: the whole sentence with its possible non sequitur and metaphorical nothings is just what it is---a long-used phrasing to mean admiration and a great compliment on one's achievements and talents and gifts. And to follow with the aphorisms: "Girl, you got 'em---in SPADES. "
Now I get it Rachel..I had Googled and I could not find what it could mean.You have it is spades..Literally.Your vocabulary is unparalleled:). !!
DeleteI just scroll and re-scroll through all your photos. Eye candy, Monique! You know how to create and capture beauty, that's for sure. When I read of your mail strike, it just made me sad. There are many who are truly in need of an uplifting card or gift. My husband has an older uncle and aunt. They never had children and their older years have been tough. A few days ago, we received a Christmas card from them. Every year, the handwriting becomes a bit more shaky and difficult to read, but it's their way of reaching out to family. I sat down and sent them a card and wrote a letter, knowing they would appreciate finding something in their mailbox. It really is a travesty that your postal system is unable to deliver--especially at this time of the year. I guess it causes us to remember that the best place to carry Christmas is in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you:) The lady who would come to make my needlepoints into my stockings..Every yr we send cards..her handwriting is more and more tremulous as the years go by.My niece expects her gift.. I find it so sad and I have found that due to the circumstances..Christmnas..I am not standing in solidariry.I find their timing lacking care and consideration for others.A strategic tactic..pressure.:(. It is my heart re family etc..:). It's a shame...
DeleteHi Monique, I would like to try the recipe for the bredele. On her website, the baker shows the dough all rolled out with the nuts and choco sprinkled on top. Not sure where to go from there. Do you roll it - as a jelly roll? Or do you press the topping into the dough and cut them out? Can you tell me how you made yours? They look wonderful. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI saw instructions for bredele on Pinterest. It includes step by step directions, with photos and big print for people who have trouble with easy stuff.
DeleteShe rolled it out..flat.. spread the nuts and chips then rolled up like a cylinder.I erred ..I often do ..Thinking I know it all (I don't lol)and had just added every
Deleteing to the dough then rolled.. Refrigerate..then roll in sugar and cut..I feel you could roll in sugar(Once rolled) before refrigeration..as the sugar would adhere better to a dough that is not brick hard;)
PS some brush with an egg yolk to make sugar stick more.. I hope Anonymous has been of help and my little add ons Kathy.Happy Holidays.
DeleteYour baking is always fabulous. You always seem to find wonderful new recipes to try. So sorry about the mail strike. It is a terrible time of year to strike when people are reaching out to family and friends. The snow is magical to look at. Love your sweet tree ornaments. Merry December.❄️🎄
ReplyDeletethe same to you.I am sure it will be filled with joy:)
DeleteI love the photos of your pristine white snow❄️. We don't have any yet and I am not sorry. Going to Chicago to spend the weekend with daughter and grandsons. The city is magical during the holidays.Don't go there as much these days...too much gun violence. I wish you a beautiful Christmas with your family with lot of peace and love.🎄🕊️❤️
ReplyDeleteHave a grand time GA:) A Gran time:)The big cities.. do it well!!
Deletegood one
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI love your blog so much though it’s been years since I commented. Years ago you inspired me to try and watercolor. It took me years to pick up the paintbrush, I’m proud to have completed 26 cards. I pray they arrive safely but I’m sad yours won’t make it. Now that the cards are done, I’ll be moving on to the baking. Thank you for all the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYou just made my day:) Thank you so much for your kindness:)
DeleteI love your baking, your art, your gratitude. Christmas is a time of sharing and giving and, even though we may not be able to share with each other this year, our friendship is a gift in itself. One I cherish very much. ♥
ReplyDeleteMy exact sentiments.Sadly I am putting your box.. away:( It's too late.. I would rather you get it ahead of time next Christmas..LOL Ill mail in Nov!..What a fiasco.Hohoho.
DeleteI will do the same ♥ Yes, not a jolly Christmas for packages and cards :(
Deletexoxo
DeleteMonique, your baked goodies, the artful cards, the joy your share every post inspires me. I wish I could say It inspires me to bake and paint, but that would be a stretch. It inspires me to embrace gratitude for our friendship across the miles. My own little pieces of your art sit out and about bringing constant joy. You have been kind and generous to me. It does not go unappreciated!
ReplyDeleteI finally got the tree decorated yesterday, with the final touches added this morning. I let it sit for a week. No motivation to get up and get it done, but once finished I gaze at it and relieve memories of long ago Christmas celebrations. Our world is changing. It is sad and frightening. Thank you for brightening my little corner!
I am saving your treat until next yr..:( And then sadly..I will end all mail :( Jacques cannot understand why the strike has bothered me so much ...looking at everything I have prepared..Only I can feel the disappointment.And I don't want to feel this way again at any future Christmas..He never writes snail mail..Never buys a gift..lol that's him after 51 yrs..I get it..;) His qualities outweigh his non gift giving.And he has been very generous over the yrs for his grandsons education.Yes the world is changing..Sarah I like d it better before..Take care..so happy you got the tree up..memories abound in our trees:) I remember Monnie gifting you with many Xmas treasures..:)
DeleteSo happy you can share your joy despite too many realities... Wishing you glorious family moments to relish forever.
ReplyDeleteI wish the same for you.Forever grateful for the past.The time you spent showing me how to needlepoint my Christmas treasures..The canvases you painted.OH MY.Forever grateful.Here's to a healthy new year for all.
DeleteLovely lovely pictures and so much Christmas inspiration!! (I just love the card with hairy hand of The Grinch!) He is my favourite :)
ReplyDeleteLove from Titti
Thank you..It will be for her next yr:). Canada post is on strike for Christmas:(
Delete