Puzzle is Done!

It is our family tradition to get a puzzle from "Santa" on Christmas Day and try to complete it before New Year's Day! This years puzzle was a unique one! It was a 400 piece puzzle made especially for us -- featuring an extract from the US Geological Survey map base centered on our home. The puzzle covers an area of 4 miles north-to south & 6 miles east-to-west, the middle piece of the puzzle is in the shape of a home (ours).

I must admit (I only found one piece) my husband really gets all the credit for this puzzle!!

Don't forget to Leave Milk and Cookies for Santa!

Wishing you all a

Very Merry Christmas!

Christmas At My House

Over the next few days I will share some of my holiday decorations. Above is my Byers' Choice "The Carolers" family (representing our family) I need to add a new one for my son-in-law!!

Behind the "family" is our Advent Calendar which holds a "sweet" surprise for each day!

See you tomorrow for more decorations!

Fresh Fruit Centerpiece

Here is a easy centerpiece for the holidays! Use a glass hurricane or vase to create your arrangement that will last throughout the season. I filled the bottom with fresh cranberries, then fresh limes, more cranberries, fresh clementines, then a small branch of magnolia leaves.

I love having a magnolia tree in my yard, the leaves are great to decorate with! If you don't have magnolia leaves any fresh greenery looks great.

Make sure to visit www.designsbygollum.blogspot.com for other Foodie Friday recipes!

Whole Grain Challah with Cranberries and Orange Zest

I have joined the group Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day. We officially start baking our way through the book Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day by Jeff Hertzberg, M.D. and Zoe Francois in January. The authors gave us 2 bonus recipes to get us started. I was not able to make the first one, but was happy that I was able to make this Challah! I have always admired the braided breads and was pleased with my first attempt at braiding. I did half the recipe that was provided. The bread was easy to make and I love the cranberry orange taste!



I am really looking forward to baking more recipes with the HBinFive group!

Homemade Granola Bars

Homemade granola is nothing like the granola you buy in the stores! This is so good and healthy too! These are great for a fast breakfast with a cup of tea or coffee. Homemade Granola Bars make a great gift to give a friend.
Best of all these are EASY to make, and we all need easy and fast this time of year. Hope you are enjoying the Season!

Homemade Granola Bars

• 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
• 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup chopped dates
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8 x 12 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.

Warm-Spiced Pecans with Rum Glaze

Spiced nuts are great at holiday parties! These nuts have great flavor and are very easy to make. The rum glaze has just the right amount to hold the spice mix. These also make great gifts or hostess gifts!

Warm-Spiced Pecans with Rum Glaze

• 2 cups raw pecan halves

Warm Spice Mix

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

Rum Glaze

• 1 tablespoon rum, preferably dark
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper and spread pecans in even layer; toast 4 minutes, rotate pan, and continue to toast until fragrant and color deepens slightly, about 4 minutes longer. Transfer cookie sheet with nuts to wire rack.

For the Spice Mix

While nuts are toasting, stir together sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice in medium bowl; set aside.

For the Glaze

Bring rum, vanilla, brown sugar, and butter to a boil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Stir in toasted pecans and cook, stirring constantly with wooden spoon, until nuts are shiny and almost all liquid has evaporated, about 1 1/2 minutes.

Transfer glazed pecans to bowl with spice mix; toss well to coat. Return glazed and spiced pecans to parchment-lined cookie sheet to cool.

Foodie Friday is hosted by Michael at"Designs by Gollum"visit her blog for great recipes and inspiration!