A Fast & Organic Christmas Breakfast

Christmas at my house usually goes something like this – kids up early, stockings, BREAKFAST, then gifts. My son is not so into sweets so it’s not like I’m worried about him binging on Christmas candy, but a fast and casual breakfast is just sort of a tradition on Christmas for my family. You get to chill and be together before gifts which is nice. If you do have a kid who will binge on candy early in the day though, breakfast is also extra useful to keep them grounded.

Following is an idea for a quick and fun organic holiday breakfast menu.

Homemade organic cinnamon rolls with orange icing – any old cinnamon roll recipe will work, below is the one I use though… Start the mix on Christmas eve day, then bake the next day.

• 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose organic flour
• 1 package dry yeast
• 1 cup organic milk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup organic butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 organic eggs

In a mixing bowl combine 2 cups flour + yeast. In a saucepan heat your milk gently with the sugar, butter, and salt til just warm. Add the milk mix plus eggs to the flour and yeast and mix well. I usually beat the mix about three minutes.

Grab a big wooden spoon and mix in as much of the rest of the flour as you can. Knead the dough til it’s smooth and elastic-like. Shape dough into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, then let it sit for about an hour til it doubles in size.

Punch dough down, divide in half, cover and let it rest 10 minutes.

While it rests make your cinnamon mix. Mix 1/2 cup sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon.

Roll the dough portions into two 12×8 rectangle, brush 3 tablespoons melted butter over the two rectangles, then sprinkle half the cinnamon mix onto each portion. Roll up your rectangles like a jelly roll. Seal the end seams of the rolls then cut each roll into 12 equal pieces. Place into 2 greased 9 inch baking pans, cover loosely with plastic wrap (I use a cloth because I don’t own plastic wrap) and pop them into the fridge.

On Christmas morning take the rolls out of the fridge and let them sit for 30 minutes then bake for 20-25 minutes in a 375 oven. Cool, remove from pans and drizzle with icing.

For icing just mix 1 cup sifted powdered sugar with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and 1 tablespoon orange juice. If it’s not drizzly enough add more juice (one tablespoon at a time).

Quick organic fruit salad

Really I just tend to use whatever organic fruit I see that looks good at my local grocer. I usually do grab some organic frozen blueberries and raspberries plus a can of organic mandarin oranges too though because my son likes them.  Also if I use organic apples, I drizzle some lemon juice over the entire fruit salad so it doesn’t look all brown.

We have the rolls, fruit salad and some fair trade hot chocolate and we’re good to go. The rolls aren’t too sweet either, which is nice. Oh and if you don’t like, or can’t have orange juice, use organic milk for the icing instead.

[image via stock.xchng]

Bake an Organic Gingerbread Lotus House

I used to write a blog called Offbeat Homes, which was awesome fun, especially at Christmas because I’d highlight kooky crazy gingerbread homes. I sort of miss that so I thought I’d post one of the coolest organic homes I featured in years past – the gorgeous organic GingerLotus by one of my old school favorite architects Michelle Kaufmann.

If you’ve got some free time today or tomorrow then this is a special and fun project made with organic goods, and beautiful lines, much like Kaufmann’s real homes were.

If you don’t have quite so much free time on your hands than some good, and still gingery cooking projects include…

• Organic ginger snap cookies
• Vegan Honeypot Ginger Cookie
• Organic Gingerbread
• Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Gingerbread
• Apple and Ginger Cake – use organic apples!

PS – if you’re interested in seeing those kooky gingerbread homes I mentioned, then no worries, because I’ve gathered them up below. You will be blown away by these tiny structures so take a look!

• The World’s Best Offbeat Gingerbread Homes
• Offbeat Gingerbread Homes 2008 – Part One
• Offbeat Gingerbread Homes 2008 – Part Two

French Christmas Traditions

For those Francophiles out there, you may be looking for some fun new ways to celebrate your favorite culture while celebrating Christmas. Here are a few of the traditions people in France have to make their holiday a little brighter. Try incorporating one or more of these traditions into your Christmas to give it a French feel.

Feast

According to About.com, a big meal is eaten after people get back from church. The meal, called Le Réveillon, is a “symbolic awakening to the meaning of Christ’s birth” and is either eaten at home or in an all night café after a midnight church service. Proteins like turkey, goose, and chicken are often served. The meal is lavish and enjoyed with family and friends.

Decorations

Nativity scenes, like in the U.S., are big in France as well. The French nativity scene is called crèche. The site Santas.net says that the nativities in France have clay figurines called “santons,” which means “little saints.” These figures have much sentimental value and are often passed along from one generation to the next.

Dessert

Dessert may be one of the easiest things to incorporate into your Christmas, and there is none more delicious than the French Yule log, or “La bûche de Noël.” According to About.com, the Yule log is made from chocolate and chestnuts. It’s light and fluffy and the perfect cap to a big meal. Many grocery stores sell Yule logs this time of year, with Trader Joe’s carrying a particularly realistic version.

Presents

French children put their shoes out the night of Christmas Eve with the hopes that they will receive presents from “Pere Noel.” This tradition is duplicated by some families in the rest of the world with stockings hung by the fireplace. Even the smallest French additions can make you feel as if you’re in the heart of Paris. Enjoy your Christmas.

Image: sxc.hu.

January Date Ideas

If the cold, dark, months of January seem to put a damper on your love life, how about a few date ideas to brighten things up? Depending on where you are, January can bring tons of snow of just some cooler weather. The following ideas should give you some thoughts for what to do no matter where you’re located.

Fun Outside
January is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the weather. If you’re in a colder climate, try ice skating, sledding, and cross country skiing. For warmer areas, a nice hike or bike ride followed by some time chatting over a hot chocolate or juice drink. Outside dates are great because they get your blood pumping and allow you to “people watch” as you get to know your date.

Cultural Dates
The winter months tend to be slower for museums and art galleries, so it’s a perfect time to bring your date and enjoy the day. Check out community plays, art exhibits, and local museums to see if there are any deals. Opt for some coffee and conversation afterward.

Movies
The time right around Christmas is one of the peak times for new movies. Take advantage of an early daytime matinee followed by a light dinner. Or, head to the movies at night followed by a drink or two. Don’t forget time for conversation after the flick.

The key to a great date isn’t so much what you do but that you both enjoy yourself. These ideas should give you a few of your own. Do what pleases you and your date and you won’t go wrong.

Image: sxc.hu.

Last Minute Holiday Recipe Ideas

So your family decided to surprise you by arriving a few days earlier. The only problem is that you haven’t prepared a menu yet. Don’t fret because here are three easy recipes that will have your stress levels in check and your family mouth watering.

You have already done so much planning for the big Turkey Dinner and the last thing you want to do is plan anything major prior to this. However, as much as ordering Pizza is appealing your family are all under one roof a few times a year. Make it special with a menu that they’ll never forget.

– Appetizer –

Fruit and Caramel Brie

Warmed Brie is always a crowd pleaser. It will keep everyone busy while you are preparing the main course. It is also something that is quick and easy to make.

Ingredients:

1 round (8 ounces) Brie cheese, rind removed

1/3 cup caramel ice cream topping

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup chopped  dried apples

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1 loaf French Bread baguette, sliced and toasted

Directions:

1. Place Brie in a microwave-safe bowl. In a small bowl, combine the caramel topping, cranberries, apples and walnuts. Spread over Brie. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 60-90 seconds or until cheese is heated through and slightly melted. Serve with toasted baguette.

– Main Course –

Veal Chops with Mustard-Sage Crust

The best part about this dish is that it sounds fancier then it really is. In fact it only takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to cook. You’ll also be impressed with the small list of ingredients.

Ingredients:

4 veal chops (8 ounces each)

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup soft bread crumbs

3 tablespoons stone-ground mustard

2 tabelspoons minced fresh sage

2 garlic cloves, minced

Directions:

1. Sprinkle veal chops on both sides with pepper and salt. Place bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Combine mustard, sage and garlic; spread over one side of each chop, then coat with crumbs.

2. Place chops coated side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake at 450 for 25-30 minutes or until meat thermometer reads 160.

– Dessert –

Chocolate Fondue

You’re probably dreading the idea of coming up with a dessert recipe last minute. Again, there is a really tasty (and easy) solution: fondue! This is also a great opportunity to ask a young one to help (and take some of the weight off of you). It’s also a fun dessert idea that everyone will remember.

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups sugar

1-1/4 cups water

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1 cup baking cocoa

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

5 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate, chopped

Strawberries, banana chunks, apple slices or angel food cake cubes

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, water and corn syrup to a boil. Reduce the heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. In a bowl, combine the cocoa, cream and half of the syrup  mixture until smooth; return to the pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped chocolate until melted.

3. Serve fondue warm with fruit or cake for dipping.

***

Although it’s not as easy as ordering delivery it’s a fairly easy menu that your family will love and remember. The Holidays after all are about family and creating memories!

Happy Holidays!

Follow me on Twitter @missbrittanydow or @Blisstree for recipe ideas!

Image Credits: iStockPhoto

Recipe Sources:

Fruit and Caramel Brie by Tracy Schuhmacher

Veal Chops with Mustard-Sage Crust by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Chocolate Fondue by Jane Shapton

All from The Taste of Home Cookbook

Cinnamon Sugar Sticks

If you like Red Hots candy, you’ll love these Cinnamon Sugar Sticks. This recipe is just one of the many Christmas cookie recipes that you can find at BHG.com. These cookies are a bit dry but very tasty. They go great with a big mug of hot chocolate or cold milk.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-3/4 cups slivered almonds, toasted and ground (about 7 oz.)
• 3 oz. white chocolate, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. shortening
• 1/3 cup red cinnamon candies, crushed
• 1/3 cup coarse decorating sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

2. In mixing bowl beat butter on high 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until combined. Beat in baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

3. In medium bowl combine flour and almonds. Beat as much flour mixture as you can into butter mixture. Stir in remaining flour mixture.

4. On lightly floured surface roll or pat dough to 14×7-inch rectangle, about 1/2-inch thick. Cut in half, making two, 14×3 1/2-inch rectangles. Cut crosswise into 1/2-inch wide sticks. Use a metal spatula to transfer to baking sheets, placing 1 inch apart. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until firm and edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Transfer cookies to rack to cool completely.

5. In small heavy saucepan melt chocolate and shortening over low heat, stirring constantly. In wide shallow bowl combine crushed candies and sugar. Dip sticks in chocolate then in candy mixture. Place on waxed paper to set. Makes 56 sticks.

6. To store: Place cookies, separated between waxed paper, in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 83, Total Fat (g) 4, Saturated Fat (g) 1, Monounsaturated Fat (g), Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 11, Sodium (mg) 37, Carbohydrate (g) 11, Total Sugar (g) 5, Fiber (g) 1, Protein (g) 2, Vitamin C (DV%) 0, Calcium (DV%) 1, Iron (DV%) 2, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ten Household Chores for Snow Days

For some reason, an unexpected snow day doesn’t fill people with a burning desire to rehab their family rooms. They do tend to wish they had the fireplace sleeve put it, but they don’t actually do something about it. No, they tend to go play in the snow with their kids, drink tons of cocoa and then go off four wheeling with their friends. Two snow days in a row? That starts people thinking. You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew, though. When there are two feet of snow on the ground, you don’t want to have to call in reinforcements. Here are ten snow day activities you can do around your home that won’t have you calling for the plumber if you mess up the repair:

• Check for drafts. A blustery snow day is the perfect time to find out whether windows are well caulked and to discover if the doors need weatherstripping.
• Test how much energy different appliances are guzzling with a watt checker.
• Change out your old light bulbs for energy efficient bulbs.
• Organize your pantry and box up any items that you aren’t going to use that are getting near their expiration date to give to someone else.
• Fix every squeaky door in the house.
• Wax the edges of old fashioned drawers that don’t slide well. Tighten screws on drawers that use drawer slides.
• Mend that pile of broken things you’ve been meaning to super glue together.
• Repair chips in wooden furniture with wood putty or stain crayons.
• Install that  safety bolt and a sensor on the door leading to your pool that didn’t get put up last summer. Then, hop online and buy a surface sensor to put in your pool when spring rolls around.
• Sort out your linen closet and give old linens you don’t want anymore but are in good shape to a local charity. Put the ones that are in bad shape in your rag bin.

Still need something to do? Pull out your bread machine if you’re running low on bread and make your own. We made some chocolate bread and are waiting for it to finish up so we can taste it. Hopefully, it tastes as good as it smells.

Photo: K. Thomas

Recipe Gift Idea: Terrific Toffee

It’s sometimes a real chore figuring out what gifts to buy for your friends and family over the holidays. If you’re really stumped then why not try baking something. Everyone loves getting food (especially dessert and candies) as gifts. They may not last very long but you’ll surely be the most popular person who gave the best gift.

A recipe that is easy and sure to please everyone’s taste buds is Terrific Toffee topped with almonds. You don’t need very many ingredients and there are seriously only three steps. So even if you are not much of a baker this recipe is a no-brainer.

Terrific Toffee

Ingredients:

1-1/2 teaspoons plus 1 cup butter, softend, divided

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup milk chocolate chips

1 cup sugar

3 tablespoons water

2 cups coarsely chopped almonds, toasted, divided

Directions:

1. Butter a large baking sheet with 1-1/2 teaspoons butter; set aside. In a small bowl, combine semisweet and milk chocolate chips; set aside.

2. In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, water and remaining butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until a candy  thermometer reaches 290 degrees (soft-cracked stage). Remove from the heat; stir in 1 cup almonds. Immediately pour onto prepared baking sheets.

3. Sprinkle with chocolate chips; spread with a knife when melted. Sprinkle with remaining almonds. Let stand until set, above 1 hour. Break into 2-in. pieces.

Yield: about 2 pounds.

***

Grab some cute ribbon and boxes and voila you have yourself some simple, tasty, and amazing gifts.What are you waiting for? Get baking!

Follow me on Twitter for recipe ideas @missbrittanydow or @blisstree !

Recipe Source: Terrific Toffee by Carol Gillespie from The Taste of Home Cookbook

Image Credit: iStockPhoto

Personalized Pet Sofa Protectors

Let the dog have his sofa and keep it clean too. Sure Fit is now offering new pet sofa throws that can be personalized with your pet’s name. The pet sofa cover is made of quilted soft suede and is machine washable.

The new covers present a budget-friendly way to extend the life of your pet-friendly furniture. Sure Fit’s sofa throws can help protect furniture from drool stains, smells and hair – not to mention the ocassional human soda spill or other mishap! Sure Fit also offers pet throws for chairs and loveseats.

The Sure Fit pet throws are offered in chocolate or taupe with monogramming (up to 15 letters) available in block or script.

Prices for the new pet covers start at $37.49 for the chair throw. If you’re not into personalization, Sure Fit doesn’t force that on you. They have  non-personalized pet throws as well.

How do you feel about personalized pet throws for your furniture?

(Image via Sure Fit)

Eggnog Truffles

Instead of eggnog in your mug this holiday season, make these delicious Eggnog Truffles. These rich truffles are easy to make, using white baking chocolate, cream cheese and spices from McCormick.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Refrigerate: 5 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 pound white baking chocolate, divided
• 4 ounces (1/2 package) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Ground Nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Imitation Rum Extract
• McCormick Ground Nutmeg (for sprinkling)

Directions:

1. Melt 8 ounces of the chocolate as directed on package. Beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, nutmeg and extract in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended and smooth. Add melted chocolate; beat until well mixed. Cover. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.
2. Shape into 24 (about 3/4-inch) balls. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Refrigerate until ready to dip.
3. Coat only 12 truffles at a time. Melt 4 ounces of the remaining chocolate in small microwavable bowl on MEDIUM, 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. Using a fork, dip 1 truffle at a time into the chocolate. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Sprinkle truffles with nutmeg. Repeat with remaining 4 ounces chocolate and remaining truffles.
4. Refrigerate 1 hour or until chocolate is set. Store truffles in refrigerator up to 1 week.

Makes 2 dozen.

Test Kitchen Tip: When dipping the truffles, do so in 2 batches (as directed above in Step 3) as the coldness of the truffles may cause the melted chocolate to harden.  For more holiday recipes, visit McCormick.com.

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