It Is What It Is

Happy New Year

A "Novel" Idea

One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year came from my Buddy, B.  She's a sneaky little thing and sent me a handmade gift that went straight to my heart.  I have to admit, I had never seen this craft project, but she tells me it's all over the crafting blogosphere.  I have been a bit remiss in my blog readings of late...so I've missed this adorable idea. 

It's a wreath made from the pages of a book- two different books to be exact.  The poetic justice is that she one of the books she used was from Janet Evanovich.  (If you have been reading this blog or following my podcasts with Beth, you would really see the humor in that.)  The other novel used was from author, Lori Foster.  (Another old favorite of mine...)

I absolutely love this idea!  It is completely adorable and personally meaningful.  I've decided to hang this wreath on the french doors that lead into my office/library.  The perfect place!  This way I wll be reminded regularly of my friend who lives afar, but is never far from my thoughts. 

I love the detail.  I'm such a freak, I was trying to guess the books by reading snippets from the rolls of book pages.  I totally figured out one of the books before she told me the other novel.  (which by the way, she derived great pleasure in tearing out the pages...i.e. Janet E.)

If you would like to make one of your own- type into google, "book page wreath" and you will be overwhelmed with images and how to's!  It looks like a lot of fun....I might try one myself!

Making Pizzelles

This past weekend,  I did my first bit of holiday baking.  I decided to mix up a batch of pizzelle cookies.  I haven't made these cookies in several years and after listening to my sister talk about her baking extravaganza,  I decided I would break out the old pizzelle iron once again.

Years ago,  I would take the first weekend in December and bake up a storm.  My sister and I would drive to my mother's house, ingredients in tow and spend the weekend baking.  Sun up to sun down and more, we would make about a dozen different kind of cookies, along with nut roll (kolachy) and some candies/fudge.  For some reason, we stopped getting together.  I can't remember why, probably because one year we couldn't work the dates out and went out on our own in the baking frenzy.  I eventually cut back on the amount of cookies made and at one time, just made one kind, but a lot of them to give away to friends and neighbors.  It wasn't until I decided to host a cookie party a few years ago that I my family was able to enjoy a variety of cookies on their Christmas Cookie tray once again. 

My sister however, has remained true and has mastered the holiday baking marathon.  She takes two days and pounds out about a dozen varieties of cookies.  (I usually count on her to bring dessert at Christmas.)  She inspired me to bake a little more.  So, in honor of her, my mother who gave me my first pizzelle iron and my Grandma Rosso who gave us the recipe, I am happy to share our pizzelle recipe.

Now, a lot of people don't like pizzelles because they have only tasted ones that are heavy on the anise flavoring.  Anise is a crucial ingredient, but it is not the only flavoring we use.  We have a special blend so to speak, that makes for a milder flavored pizzelle.   A couple of other secrets, we don't store our cookies in an air-tight container.  They get better as they age....we store them in a paper bag covered with a cotton dish towel.  Don't ask me why- it's just the way it's done.  And because the recipe makes so many cookies, you undoubtedly will have leftovers after Christmas.  They are best served in the morning with coffee, for dunking if you prefer.

Grandma Rosso's Pizzelle's

1 1b butter (melted and cooled)

1 dozen eggs (yes...that is correct)

3 1/2 cups sugar

Mix these first three ingredients well, then add-

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tbl. lemon extract

2 tbl. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. anise extract

1/2 tsp salt

12 cups of flour ( I mix in 2 cups at a time)

Mix well with mixer in the largest mixing bowl you have...when done, roll into walnut sized balls and press in pizzelle iron.  This recipe makes 12 dozen or so- and the bad news, you can only make two at a time.  I usually press in iron for 30-45 seconds, until golden- but not brown.  Cool completely before stacking and storing. (They will be soft but harden up as cooling.)

They look adorable package in cellophane bags and you'll be the hit of your neighborhood or office if you share these delights.  I am a bit of a pizzelle snob, in that I won't eat store bought pizzelles, (I scoff!) or other people's pizzelles.  I only like our family recipe.  Which I might add, there was a bit of a family feud regarding the pizzelles.  My grandfather's sisters (all 100% Italian)  thought they made the best. Their cookie was a slightly crispier cookie.  My grandmother's, (100% Hungarian married to a 100% Italian man) who developed her own flavoring (with the addition of the lemon extract) were a little thicker.  although, I liked them both, I still prefer only our family pizzelles and am partial to ours.

Folks who think they don't like pizzelles, haven't tried them enough...or tried ours.

**Special note- you must use a pizzelle iron.  Available online or at any kitchen speciality store or any Italian speciality food store. 

Happy Birthday, Mom

Today marks the anniversary of my mother's birth...(doesn't that sound more dramatic than "her birthday?")  Sometimes, I crack myself up.

Anywho- Happiest of Birthdays, Momzie- love ya!

You taught me most everything I know- and although I don't necessarily practice everything you preach, I'm glad to have that knowledge in my back pocket.  We will miss seeing you this Christmas season...quit spending months at a time in Europe, so Dad will be more amiable about traveling. 

xoxo-

Deb

Happy Thanksgiving!

This holiday has been a balancing act with work, home and my husband convalescing from knee replacement surgery.  I feel like a juggler  with too many balls in the air.  My good friend B and her family were supposed to come for a visit but due to their own work balance juggling act, (not to mention the weather God's not cooperating again)....they elected to stay put in New England. 

I wish I could just roll up in a ball and blink everything done...but alas that's not how it works.  I'm off to bake pies and start my side dishes.  I wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving holiday.  I know I have much to be grateful for this year...I just wish I wasn't so tired. 

 

Happy Halloween!!

Don't let the ghosts and goblins get you! 

Happy Father's Day

To all the dads, husbands, uncles, grandfathers, or any male of influence.....

 
Thank you. 

 

Enjoy your day.  It's well deserved.

Memorial Day Greetings

 

Happy Easter

 

12

 
It's hard to believe that my baby is 12 years old today!  How ever did that happen?  This is the final frontier before the teen years begin. I plan on trying to enjoy every moment of it while I can- because believe me when I say the hormones - they are a raging! 

At this age-she's dying to be a teen and be a part of all that it entails. However, she still enjoys being the young girl she still is- and enjoying the rights and privileges that come with being the youngest. 

We had a simple celebration this year- out to dinner and home to wait for Eldest to get off work to sing and eat cake.

She had a little serenade earlier-

 
Birthdays- so much fun.

Happy Birthday, Youngest Daughter. 

Love, Mom