Homemade Mint Patties 2011

I love this recipe. Yes, it has been described as delicious diabetes, but there is something magical about how they melt in your mouth, and how that delicious mint flavor is beautifully coloured! Honestly, of all the things I make at Christmas, this one has to be my weakness!

GO TO TUTORIAL HERE

This year, I was asked to make these treats as a tutorial for our local newspaper. While the issue has yet to come out, I just could not stand but to post them up. Since the majority of my readers actually live outside of my small town, I figured a sneak-peak was in order. The newspaper found me through the blog some years back and did a little article on me. They saw the tutorial I made last year for this and decided to ask if I would not do one for them. Since my focus has been on photography, I am trying to make my shots a little more interesting. I also added more colour to my mints by adding a third layer (red, white and green).

Now, I had put up my tree on the weekend, but I've been dragging my heels on taking photos. I am missing some of my ornaments, and really want to wait until I have them up.

To me. the tree is the most exciting part of Chirtmas. Everyone has their traditions. For hubbie and I, the traditions for us are putting up the tree star together (me decorating because everyone knows that wives have some magical tree-decorating powers), taking a photo of me sleeping under the tree (It always happens after the tree goes up! I can't help myself, the ligthts are so twinkly), and having X-Mas Eve breakfast together (because The EVE is the best part of the season). SO far, we've hit two out of the three traditions... It did not take long before a lazy and sick wife found her way under a tree. Either way, I welcome the traditions. As I move through my life, I find myself making more and more of them. And the funny thing is that I look forward to the silly little things.

Looking back at my life, I find there are many things I wish I could change growing up. The truth is, looking at where I am now gives me perspective; I'm a lot further in my life than I thought. Seeing my tree, and looking at my house, I feel blessed to have come this far, especially knowing there were two times when I was not sure I'd make it. My treasured traditions will go on, and so will I. I guess at this time of the year, I am reflective. I apologize. I just really feel happy looking at my tree - which I will post!

Valentine Icicle Candy

This idea has been on my list of to-bake for a while now. I love swizzle sticks, or icicle candy. I think it is so elegant to add to any table. I've never tried to make my own candy, and learned a lot from it! It is not as hard as one might think either. This icicle candy is perfect for valentine's day. A nice raspberry hard candy that you can make in under 1/2 an hour.

Wanna make some for your own table?

Icicle Candy
Recipe courtesy of Sprinkle Bakes
Makes 12-15 pieces

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 dram flavoring oil (Rasberry, cherry, blueberry) USE THE WHOLE DRAM!
Any Colour food coloring
White food coloring *optional (I would recommend)
Disco dust *optional

Directions:

Preheat oven to 185 degrees.

Spray a cookie sheet and large knife or pizza cutter with cooking spray.

In a large, 4 cup measuring class, mix sugar and corn syrup until it forms a thick paste. Cover with plastic wrap (top only) and microwave on high for 3 min 15 seconds.

Quickly stir mixture and cover with new plastic wrap. Microwave for another 3 min and 15 seconds.

Remove from microwave and with a clean spoon, stir mix.

When the mix stops boiling, add the colour and the flavor.

Spread onto baking sheet and spread by tilting the sheet. As the sugar starts to set, (very quickly) cut candy into strips (1/2 inch).Take cut strips and twist gently. Cool on a wire rack or clean paper towel.

I worked out of my oven, cutting on the wire tray while the oven kept the candy warm. If you take it out, it could harden quick.

*This recipe is meant to be prepared in a standard household microwave (600-700 watts). Mini microwaves and commercial microwaves are not recommended.

*Please use caution when making this recipe. Candy mixture is extremely hot when in liquid state.


Not a bad first try. I'm going to do this again once I get my white food gel. White food gel will stop the clear look and give it a nicer look I think. The kids loved these... tasted like cotton-candy! YUM!