Monday, December 3, 2012

Making a list....and deleting it twice!



I am not a big list maker, but since I have had an iPhone, the Notes app has become my best friend...gone are all the lists of groceries and to do's of holidays gone by...instead everything I need to do is hidden away and available at a touch of the screen...thank you Mr. Jobs...

Food takes top priority at my house, after decorating....first priority at my sister's house...before decorating! It is always a source of friendly discussion between the two of us!
Today, I did just that...made lists....gifts to buy, baking supplies to buy, stocking stuffers, etc. and I actually
managed to DELETE a few off the list...and it is only Dec. 3rd!

Last year was the first time I decided to make a trifle, not really Italian, but we do have husbands who are of English and Scottish descent....so I made a Black Forest Trifle last Christmas...you can see it pictured above...it was lovely, but not really a big seller...

What is requested, however, every year by our husbands, is mincemeat pie or tarts....you can see it below.  I bake it in a fluted flan pan, add more rum and brandy, a grated pear or two... since it is so rich, it makes a thin piece just perfect for a serving....again, not a big seller, except for two special men in the family!
 


I found these cute chocolate mice to embellish it with...
 


Another tradition on the " to do " list is egg nog which I make from scratch...I have made this every year since my sons were very young....with and without spirits....
I use Southern Comfort for my recipe...tastes like a milk shake!
 


I like to gift this to friends, and it makes a wonderful hostess gift...
 


My sister Micki makes most of our Christmas goodies, above are her beautifully wrapped Maria Bruno bars, loaded with candied fruit, spices, nuts and chocolate...the recipe is an old family recipe from our Mother.

She own's M.A.M. Gourmet and is in "production" everyday till Christmas!!!
 


Shortbread stars, dipped in white chocolate, are a favourite with our family, as well as her many clients...they just melt in your mouth!
 


Ricotta cookies, frosted with cream cheese frosting are one of my favourites!!!
 


Here is an assortment of treats for Christmas Eve at our house... along with the traditional Italian pizzelle, dusted with icing sugar, are the decadent butter tarts, my boy's favourites!!
As well as our husband's!
 


Here you can see that a few are missing from the front row!!!

This is prior to dessert being served!

 
 


Because there will be no decorations for me to consider this year....have I said that before? :(  I will have to do some baking I suppose...

Last year's family room window sill....
It is quite different now, it is boxed in with a new window and painted white.  We were able to retain the stone insert as it was, and the panelling is painted in Benjamin Moore, Fresh Cream..

Back to baking... :-\

 


I love that we mix up our traditions, both our husband's and our's, that is what creates such a rich tapestry for our children and families to embrace, cherish and remember from year to year.. Scottish shortbread, English trifle and mince pie, egg nog, Italian pizzelle and biscotti...

How fortunate we are....

I hope that your list is getting shorter, and the preparations for the month ahead coming to fruition....

Remember, to take time to reflect on the true meaning of this beautiful season....

N.xo

 
 
 
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14 comments:

  1. it all looks glorious and boy would I love some eggnog tonight! LOTS of eggnog lol

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  2. Oh yes please, I will have one (or maybe 2) of everything! What a feast, all home-made and gorgeous. I love your sister's simple wrapping on her gifts, so very tasteful.Last year I made egg-nog for the first time, it was a big seller! None of my family had ever had it, including me, but we loved it.I love your post, it is so cosy and Christmassey and full of love! God Bless, Linda xx

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  3. Good morning Nella! I am a list person, but this year, it is very short! I have no time! It seems as if now I am learning that when I worked FULL-TIME, I had more time!

    My home will be graced with some eggnog, that is for sure! I have never had minced meat pie, but rather, we make chocolate gingerbread cookies! I just hope I can muster up the time to do it.

    Everything looks lovely here my dear; I wish you a FUN WEEK of preparation!! Anita

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  4. Ciao Nella.. Your baked goods look so beautiful and delicious, and the presentation is exquisite It is so nice to have traditions that family looks forwards to each year. The entire post is so , so pretty. Hope you are well.
    Baci, Mary

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  5. How fortunate are any guests to be invited to this delectable spread. Everything looks so yummy and beautiful. How wonderful to have a sister that is such a talented baker.
    I agree with you, a little Southern Comfort Egg Nog is a scrumptious Christmas treat. :)
    Good for you that you are crossing things off that list. Have a great week.
    Terri

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  6. I'm hungry! The trifle, tarts, and cookies look wonderful, and who can resist a little egg nog (southern comfort style!)? You sound organized and like you are enjoying the festivities! leslie

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  7. I love your window sill with the stained glass & fresh greens ♥
    Its all about tradition in our home too ~ everyone has their favourite Christmas treats & now that I have a grandbaby, its been even more fun baking with little hands "helping" out again :-)
    Beautiful post Nella.

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  8. I can attest first-hand the goodies are as yummy and delightful as they look!!
    See you soon.
    Susan x

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  9. oh my goodness..send it all over here!!! it looks amazing!xx

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  10. Please say that you will adopt me...the cooking and baking that goes on in your family is certainly beautiful to behold and no doubt absolutely scrumptious! Even though you can't decorate your home this year, I know your eye for beauty will be well exercised "photo styling" the tables with flowers and all sorts of pretty things and also arranging the trays and pedestals of desserts. Trifle is tradition in our family and we all get in on the act...mom makes the pound cake, sister makes the pudding and I do the whipped cream, raspberries, and strawberries and then we all assemble the layers in our family heirloom trifle bowl. Nothing like family and good food at holiday time!

    x's & o's J

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  11. Nella they are amazing! What a spread! You do it all don't you! Wow! That's a lot of work. Love it!
    Happy Christmas.
    xoxo
    Lisa
    Leeshideaway.blogspot.com

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  12. Dear Nella, Wishing you and your family a beautiful Christmas...
    Love , Mary

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  13. HOLA NELLA,MUY LINDO TU BLOG,Q RICAS COSAS Q HACEN ,A MI ME ENCANTA COCINAR Y LA REPOSTERIA,SERIA POSIBLE ,TENER LAS RECETAS,DE LAS ESTRELLAS CON CHOCOLATE,LAS PIZZELLES Y LAS TARTAS DE CREMA?Q DIOS TE BENDIGA A TI Y TU FAMILIA,UN SALUDO DE ARGENTINA.LUCIA

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  14. HOLA NELLA,MUY LINDO TU BLOG,Q RICAS COSAS Q HACEN ,A MI ME ENCANTA COCINAR Y LA REPOSTERIA,SERIA POSIBLE ,TENER LAS RECETAS,DE LAS ESTRELLAS CON CHOCOLATE,LAS PIZZELLES Y LAS TARTAS DE CREMA?Q DIOS TE BENDIGA A TI Y TU FAMILIA,UN SALUDO DE ARGENTINA.LUCIA

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Thank you for visiting my blog..... I love to hear from you and appreciate every comment received! N.xo