Merry!

" What do you get when you swallow a Christmas ornament?  ---Tinselitis"  ~ joke told by a 10 year old at our Church Christmas party



     This quilt will be wrapped up today and sent on it's way to a wonderful family in Pennsylvania tomorrow.  The Cox family let us stay with them for a few days back in May when we were on vacation.  It has been on my bucket list to see a cardinal and I finally got to see one in their backyard.  So when I found this pattern, I knew it was the one I needed to make and send to the Cox family.  They were such wonderful hosts!  I also got a free pattern from Deonn Stott of Quiltscape Quilting for a bird pin cushion.  I turned it into a Christmas ornament and made four of them along with a fabric box that I found on Google.  I hope they will like them. 

Everyone is so busy this time of the year so when it comes to putting dinner on the table we want something quick, easy and delicious  This recipe for Salsa Chicken is just right.

Salsa Chicken

(recipe from allrecipes.com)

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 Tbsp. taco seasoning mix

1 ½ cups salsa

1 ½ cups shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Put chicken in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with taco seasoning mix on both sides of chicken breasts and pour salsa over all of it.  Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes or until chicken is tender and juices run clear.  Sprinkle chicken evenly with cheese and continue baking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.  Top with sour cream if desired and serve.

     Are you looking for that perfect Christmas cookie to take to your neighbors?  I found this recipe a few months ago and thought it looked just right for the holidays.

Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies

2  cups flour

1 (3.4 oz.) package instant pistachio flavor pudding mix

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup butter

¼  cup brown sugar

¾  cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

½ cup shelled and chopped pistachios

1 cup white chocolate chips

½ cup dried cranberries

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Mix flour, dry pudding mix and baking soda until blended.  Beat butter, sugars and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy.  Blend in eggs.  Gradually add flour mixture, beating well after each addition.  Stir in remaining ingredients.

Drop by rounded tablespoons of dough onto cookie sheets.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes or just before edges are lightly browned.  Cool on baking sheet 1 minute.  Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

 

     Carla Kelly is such a gifted writer.  I just know you will love this collection of Christmas stories she has written.