I got my snow! And it was in the most unlikely location...

I was telling Madison how sad I was that I may not see snow before Christmas - which would be the first time in my life I think that I wouldn't see snow around Christmas. I decided it wasn't going to be a big deal and I was over it, but then while I was in Brookhaven to play for the Climbers Club at the Taylors' house, it snowed! It was so beautiful. Margaret & I had a great time walking around in the snow, building a snowman, and throwing a few snowballs. This is very unusual for that area to get that much snow and for it to stick for as long as it did. I feel completely ready for Christmas now that I have seen snow!
Margaret took some great pictures, here are a few: (I edited the words & such at a fun site called picnik.com that I very much recommend)











Now on to my recipies "of the day" - even though I obviously don't put one up very often!

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (great for gifts, etc.!) You can put it in a jar or cellophane bag, or just in a ziplock. You can omit the small taste of spice by omitting the cinnamon & chili powder - I have made it both ways & it's yummy either way!



To print this out, just right-click and save, print it on cardstock, and you have
a recipe card! :-)



Mom's Sugar Cookies & Icing

Mix:
3/4 cup shortening/part butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Mix:
2 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt

Combine and refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll out 1/8". Cut with cookie cutters and place on cookie sheet.

400*F for 6-8 mins.

Icing:
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup shortening or butter (I used smart balance butter because that's what was in the fridge and it turned out really well)
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
food coloring

In a large bowl, cream together the confectioners' sugar and shortening until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes. Color with food coloring if desired.

Well that's it for now!