thirds

:: third sunday in advent ::
:: third night of hanukkah ::
:: third annual neighborhood progressive dinner ::

happy holiday.

that's a wrap

presents wrapped with materials around the house.

a holiday mix cd curated by the girls.

santa waiting on the rooftop.



the menorah is polished too.

hanukkah begins tomorrow and 8 nights of celebration. then we will hit the road and drive towards a christmas in the snow. i think we are ready!

(don't worry bubbie! pics of the shiny menorah to come!)

whipped shortbread

the girls are out early every day this week. i thought if we made a cookie a day we'd have a nice selection to take up to the cottage for the holidays. and it's raining, so my initial idea of some hiking during this extra daylight together, has given way to baking.



my mom's whipped shortbread

1 1/2 cups softened butter
3/4 cup icing sugar (sifted)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cornstarch
nonpareils (who knew they had such a history?)

::whip together butter and icing sugar until creamy and light::add flour and cornstarch and mix fully::roll into a smallish ball::dip into red and green nonpareils::place on cookie sheet with silpat or parchment::flatten slightly with a fork (my mom never did this but it is k's favourite cookie making task so we add it in whenever we can)::bake in a 300 degree oven for about 25 minutes (or until just turning golden at the edges::enjoy with a cup of tea::

makes about 3 dozen

progressive dinner 2009

every year a friend and i organize our annual neighborhood progressive holiday dinner. it is a blast. four families host - showing off their mid-century home - and serving one of the four courses (appetizers, soup/salad, main, and dessert). we are at each house for one hour - and have fifteen minutes between courses to walk to the next house. we map it out to devise the best route and take along holiday song-sheets for those in the mood for music. it is a wonderful opportunity to get to know fellow mcm loving neighbors, catch-up, meet new neighbors, trade information on restoring these wonderful houses and of course engage in some holiday cheer! it is our 3rd year, and we are now up to 30 invites! (multiply that out as this is a very kid-friendly family event!) it will be a good one!

(this year's invite was designed and printed by my very talented neighbors!)

ready steady go

lights


nutcracker


tree


holiday portrait (outtake)


it certainly 'tis the season. how was your weekend?

we are morning people.

good morning granola
(based on a recipe from stephanie)

about 8 cups oats
1 cup coconut
1 cup toasted walnuts
1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds
1/4 cup toasted flax seeds
::mix together in a large bowl::in a separate pot heat together 1 cup maple syrup with 1/2 cup canola oil::pour warm liquid into dry ingredients and stir::cook on cookie sheets in a 350degree oven for 30 minutes::stirring every 10 minutes::

good morning

this morning as we were heading to school E looked up at me and said:

"You look pretty today Mama. Like a farmer."

I think it was the finest compliment I have ever received.