Christmas Martini

This is my favorite mixed drink to make at home. I love how it tastes, how easy it is to make, and how versatile it is. It takes you through the holidays, straight to Valentines Day, and through the 4th of July! Just change out that sugar rim to match whatever season you will be serving it. I took these to my sister-in-laws this weekend. She had these very interesting martini glasses which hold ice underneath to keep them cold. I'm more of a traditional martini glass girl, but these were kinda fun too. I originally got this recipe of All Recipes, I added the sugar rim and if I don't have the same ingredients I tweak it a bit and it is just as good.

Ingredients:

2 fluid ounces citron or regular vodka

1 fluid ounce Cointreau or other orange liqueur

2 fluid ounces pomegranate juice

1/2 fluid ounce lemon juice or orange juice if you don't have a lemon, but lemon is best

2 Tbs. Sugar, I used green sugar, found in the cookie and cake decorating section

Pour sugar onto a small plate. Use a lemon wedge to wet the rim of the glass and then dip into the sugar. Pour the vodka, Cointreau, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker over ice. Cover, and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted.  Strain into a chilled martini glass to serve.

Emergency Snack Kit For The Car

I have started keeping this container full of snacks and mini waters stored in the back of the car. Inevitably we will be somewhere waiting for someone or something and the kids will be "starving" or "dying of thirst." Keeping the snacks in this covered container keeps them from getting all smashed and mushed. I may have to rethink this a little more come summertime, but for now its worked out perfect. I have lied down a large sheet of rubber cupboard matting or shelf liner if you will. It keeps this box from sliding around as well as groceries, milk, and especially my cakes!

 Pistachios, Macadamia nuts, squeezable applesauce, Cheez Its and Nutrigrain bars have been included this time. The nuts are a great snack for me in case I'm starving! And of course, don't forget the wet wipes for easy clean-up.

Days 9-3 of The 12 Days Of Christmas For Teacher Gift

On the 9th day, my student gave to me...Granola!

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Shortbread Cookies

On the 7th day, my student gave to me...A giftcard of music money! ($10 Itunes giftcard)

On the 6th day, my student gave to me...Pistachios!

On the 5th day, my student gave to me...A Notebook!

On the 4th day, my student gave to me...Many, many cups of tea!

10th Day of Christmas Gift For Teacher

This is a cute little wooden tree, about 6" tall adorned with glitter and sparkles. These pictures are about all I have time for except to tell you that I made an amazing braised beef stew (ish) tonight. Unfortunately, I was too busy eating it to snap a picture, but I may post the recipe later. It was loved by all and as usual, the hubby complained, "Mom is such a good cook, only she never makes enough!" I heard a whole show on braising this week on Martha Stewart XM Radio. So, I didn't have a recipe, I just went off their general instructions. They mentioned you could go to MarthaStewart.com and type in the keyword "Braising" for more information. There was lots of information there and a helpful video, but it was not the same info from the radio show. Good luck!

11th Day of Christmas For Teacher and A Gift For Lil

Well, well, well. Santa sent Lil a sweet bundle of gifts today. I was expecting, perfectly content, and overjoyed even, after opening that first box of cookie day cookies. As I carefully unpacked them I imagined all the kids back home at my aunts making the cookies, each with their own specific task. I could only hope that BioSus made them all keep washing their hands. The picture in my head is telling me she definitely did. A rush of sadness swept through me for missing that day.

Then, I opened the second box. I was expecting to find the ingredients to make a pumpkin pie, but it was so much better. To me anyway. It was beautiful, the most beautiful I have seen in quite some time. Home grown California produce. There were just picked avocados, lemons, peppers, and gigantic beautiful pomegranates. I pulled out the lemons and avocados and literally hugged them. I pulled them in right to my heart then right up to my nose. It was the best present, the best surprise. It was a little piece of home, I once took for granted. The sight of them left me feeling connected and happy. Thank you Santa :).

As promised here is the 11th day gift. Nothing fancy, just some extra cute gift tags...