It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Today I began my Christmas baking, and yes I know it's only November 30th ;) I wanted to try and create a goodie we would be giving away as a gift this year. Every year Ron and I throw a big Christmas dinner party for the leaders in our church and this year we will be doing the same. We plan on giving these treats away at the party as favors. So I decided to try and make a spoof off a gourmet popcorn we have had several times.

I made sweet and salty kettle corn and then melted milk chocolate and drizzled it over the popcorn. It turned out quite delicious. Ron thinks it needs peanuts so we'll see for next time.

My little family will enjoy this tester version tonight while we watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer :)

Thoughtfulness

One night last week I was sitting on the couch next to Ron and said..."man I could go for some chocolate chip cookies!" Ron said "why don't you make some?" I was too tired to go there that evening.

The next day he and Addy called me at work and told me they had a surprise for me. When I came home from work Ron ran into the kitchen and hid a bag behind his back. He then whipped it out and said "surprise!" He had made me homemade cookies! And let me tell you...he HATES to cook or bake. He totally steers clear of the kitchen when at all possible. So this was SO very special to me.

I am so blessed to have an amazing guy. So blessed. God truly has such an amazing plan for each of our lives.

A Good Reminder

Sometimes when I look at my dining room chairs I think "ugh! They are all stained up and such a mess, I need to re-upholster them to make them look new and fresh." But today I had a different thought process when I looked at my stained and well used chairs. I thought...a lot of ministry has been had here. A lot of love has been given and shared at this table. Yes, the chair has stains and looks pretty pathetic now (8 years after purchasing it). We've had many foster children sit at these seats. Many a conversation was had about "the best part of our day" (a family tradition we share at dinnertime). Many a meeting was held at this table regarding the future of teenagers...many a game was played at this table, and many a memory was made.

So today I say. I love the stains, tears, scrapes along the wood all because it means we were loving others with the Grace of God. I am so very thankful that our home has been a safe haven for those who need a special time away from the pain of this world.

I feel blessed to be used by God in this capacity.

Oreo Truffles

With the holiday season fast approaching I decided to try a few new recipes of goodies I was going to give away as gifts this year. Ron and I have decided to make more handmade gifts this year. So after some thought, I decided to make truffles for my colleagues. I will nestle them in fluted mini cups tucked away in little boxes I made with cardstock.

I found this recipe on allrecipes.com, but was kind hesitant about it-yet intrigued at the same time. They actually turned out wonderfully delicious! My whole family loves them. So I decided to add them to my holiday repertoire!

I plan on wrapping the boxes with red satin ribbon. I can't wait to give these sweet little goodies away for Christmas!! This is the BEST time of year.

Oreo Truffles

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted
Directions
Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.
Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

Enjoy!!