Digtial Nativity Story

Suppose Christ had been born in the digital age....the Nativity Story would have changed.  View a very well-done story HERE

Missing the One Thing

When my girl's were smaller, each was allowed to ask Santa for a single item.  On Christmas morning, she would receive this gift plus surprises under the tree.  I chuckle as I watch old Christmas home videos because one daughter always seemed to dig through her small pile to open her most anticipated gift first while the other seemed to save this special present to open last. 

Of course I could never forget the year the asked for gift wasn't under the tree.  Oh, we had bought it, wrapped it and tucked it away for the big day.  On Christmas morning the girls were taking turns opening gifts while our infant son watched.  My husband video taped and I sat holding my eyes open, trying to participate in the way that only a mom who hasn't slept in more than a year can understand. 

Suddenly our nearly three-year-old daughter declared, "I don't think Santa brought my locket."  There were a couple of gifts under the tree, yet even a preschooler could tell no locket would be as big as any of those boxes.  Immediately, I was WIDE AWAKE.  I knew she was right, so I scooted upstairs for a quick search of all the hiding places in my bedroom and adjacent attic.  Five minutes later, my husband entered the room to find me sitting on the bed in tears. 

Thankfully, he was able to help me calm down.  I resumed the search, which I am certain included a lot of prayer, and soon slipped my hand into the pocket of a bathrobe that was hanging among my clothes in the closet.  I have NO idea why I ever put it there!  We secretly dropped the small, hinged, velvet covered box into a socking where our daughter found it.  Her Christmas was complete.

This year, may each of you have the one thing that will make your Christmas complete.  It's not under the tree or in a stocking or even in a bathrobe pocket.  Christ came to earth, died on the cross and rose again so that you could have eternal life.  This is the greatest gift you could ever receive.  The only thing you have to do is accept it.

If you have questions, please visit this LINK

It is not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.  1 John 4:10 NLT

Merry Christmas!

Updated Lists

Click on links above (in green lettering) for updated

"Holiday Food Stock Up" List and

"Christmas Gift Round Up" List

NOTE:  Last week's "Christmas Gift Round Up" List was incorrect, although I updated this, my computer may have shut down prior to publishing so the new information was not saved.  I apologize if this caused problems for anyone.  Sorry!

Diced Ham

Once you've sliced your Christmas ham, you'll have small portions on the bone that may not seem appealing.  Instead of tossing these, remove them from the bone and chop into small pieces.  Transfer to a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and lay in your freezer.  Once frozen transfer to a zipper-type bag.

To use, remove from bag, defrost and:

• Stir into scalloped potatoes prior to baking for a quick casserole
• Stir into macaroni and cheese 
• Use in an omelet 
• Etc. 

"Ham Steaks"

If you Christmas dinner ends and the ham you've prepared is only half-carved, you may wonder what to do with all the leftovers.  One simple solution is to cut thick (1/2 inch) slices.  Although store-bought varieties will be an entire circle, you're semi-circle slices will taste just as great.  Place slices in zipper-type bag and freeze.  To serve, defrost then heat and brown on each side in a hot frying pan.  Serve with biscuits, eggs, fresh fruit, pancakes or other "breakfast" foods.

Bread Bowl

Whether you're short on serving bowls or just want to make your table more festive, consider placing dip in a bread bowl.  Instead of spend $3 - $4, make this quick, inexpensive alternative.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups flour
• 2 packages yeast (2 T)
• 2 T Sugar
• 1 T Salt
• 2 cups hot water
• Sesame Seeds or Poppy Seeds (if desired)

Blend 4 cups flour, yeast, salt and sugar in mixing bowl.  Add hot water.  Blend.  Add remaining flour.  Blend.  Knead for 8 minutes.  Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.  Knead on a floured surface.  Divide in half.  Shape each half into a round loaf.  Place on baking sheet and cut an "X" into the top.  If desired, brush with water and top with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.  Place on top rack of a cold oven.  Place baking pan with boiling water on lower rack.  Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Bake 40 - 50 minutes.

Allow to cool.  Cut top from loaf.  Scoop out bread.  Cut into chunks for dipping (or use to make croutons).  Fill will desired dip just prior to guests arrival.

NOTE:  Divide dough into 6 - 8 sections to create soup bowls.  Adjust baking time to avoid overcooking.

Recipe adapted from The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczn.

Potato Soup

Mashed potatoes are so time consuming to prepare, I really hate to see any go to waste.  One way to use them up is to create Potato Soup.  Follow this simple recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 6 cups milk (fresh, canned or reconstituted powder)
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Toppings (if desired)

• shredded cheese
• bacon
• salt and pepper

Melt margarine in large pot over medium heat.  Add onion and saute until clear.  Add flour and whisk until well-blended.  Add 2 cups milk.  Whisk, until blended.  Add mashed potatoes and remaining milk.  Stir.  Cook over low - medium heat for 30 minutes (or more), stirring occasionally.

Ladle into bowls and add toppings, if desired.

NOTE:  This soup goes great with ham biscuits.