WITH the holiday season fast approaching, warm memories
of Christmases past linger in our thoughts. The Sounds and smells of this joyous time of year fill our hearts and our
homes as each of us joins together with family and friends to celebrate traditions handed down from generation to generation,
but also to begin new traditions with our own children and grandchildren. This webpage is created to both inspire and
to delight us as we begin this most blessed season of love, friendship, decorating, and feasting. The luscious tastes,
scents, and colors that herald the change of seasons and usher in the holidays are celebrated here with just a small sample
of breathtaking seasonal recipes and decorating ideas that our families and friends can share as we welcome Christmas into
our homes.
Spiced Apple Cider
Apple cider, simmering on the stove with spices and filling the kitchen with an enticing aroma,
is just the right beginning to a party. Keep it warm and ladle it out over the evening.
1 quart apple cider
2 star anise pods
1 cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
1 whole nutmeg
2 black peppercorns
Put the apple cider in a large, nonreactive saucepan. Using a small muslin bag or a
square made of double layers of cheesecloth, tie the remaining ingredients in a sachet. Put it in the cider and bring to a
simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove and discard the spice sachet.
To serve, ladle into cups with handles. Makes four 8 oz. servings
Fruit, Herb, and Spice Potpourri
Potpourri is not difficult to make and can be personalized to reflect your taste and sensibilities
by adding more of one ingredient than another.
You will need:
Dried-fruit peels, herbs, and spices (available from a grocery or floral supply store),such
as:
Orange and lemon peels
Star Anise pods
Cinnamon chips or sticks
Bay Leaves
Whole Nutmeg
Hibiscus Flowers
Rose Hips
Freeze-dried Orange Slices
Cedar Needles
Lavender Florets
A shallow, decorative bowl or box
To Make:
Combine the ingredients in the holiday bowl or box and set in any room of your home for a
wonderful holiday scent.
Fruit and Pinecone Garland
Garlands are among the most festive of decorations and can be hung above mirrors, paintings,
mantles, or doors to welcome the holiday season.
Your will need:
Electric drill and 1/16 inch drill bit
Small pinecones
Wire cutters
20-gauge florist's wire
Fresh Cranberries
To Make:
Using the electric drill, make a small hole at the base of each pinecone. Using the wire cutters,
cut a piece of wire to the length that you wish your garland to be.
Twist a small loop in one end of the wire, then begin threading the pinecones and berries
onto the wire from the other end. Alternate a pinecone, then 3 to 5 berries, repeating until the wire is full. Leave 2
inches of bare wire at the end of the garland and twist into another loop.
Hang the garland from the loop ends or around a mirror, a painting, a mantle, or a doorway.
These are absolutely beautiful for Christmas time and the lovely red color of the cranberries makes for a truly festive holiday
decoration.
EACH of these Christmas ideas will bring a smile to the face of all who come visiting,
especially on Christmas Eve as everyone sits around the fire reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas." All eyes will
be bright with anticipation no matter what the age.
