Foodie Friday- Fruit Cake

I have a confession...I actually like fruitcake! Well, some fruitcakes, but definitely not those that are made commercially, as black as pitch and come in tins. I like the lighter variety.

I haven't made a fruitcake in a few years, but this year I had a hankerin' for one after I stumbled upon a recipe in one of my old cookbooks. The craving was lingering, so yesterday I cranked up the oven and started baking. This cake sent the most heavenly aroma through the house. It contains mincemeat, (which my husband and I both love), as well as candied fruit, and is flavored with vanilla. We did sample the few crumbs that were left in the bundt pan, and predict that it's going to be a winner. Of course we won't know for a week or two, because this little beauty is currently nestled in cheese cloth that has been doused with Grand Marnier. One more reason to love it! Oh, and once it's ripened it gets a drizzle of icing flavored with more brandy. I can't wait!

I'm not posting the recipe, because we haven't tasted this cake yet, but I bet if you go to Designs by Gollum, there will be many holiday recipes posted for Foodie Friday.

Deck the Halls-Week 2

Sometimes mother nature is the best decorator. This past weekend, she dumped just enough snow to enhance our simple outdoor decorations.
The lights from the candles in the windows and the front door warmed up the crisp, white blanket at night...and some strong sun made everything sparkle during the day.

It's been lovely, except for the fact that I took the night shots in 24 degree weather. I had to defrost the camera when I came indoors.

Now please visit Susan at Thoughts from Over the Rainbow for some truly lovely Christmas decorations.

Deck the Halls - Week 1

My home is still under 'Christmas construction' and we're not even close to being finished, so I thought I would share 2 photos from our trip to Bethlehem, PA in December of 2008.

One of the historic buildings in town had a simple yet elegant garland and wreath decoration. It was just charming in its simplicity. See the object over the door? It's a Moravian Star. In a post later this month, I hope to explain the Moravian-Bethlehem connection.
Below is a photo of one of the buildings in the downtown area. Oh how I wish I could tie my house in ribbon!
Now just to prove that we really are working, here are a few shots of my house. See those boxes? All of them contain our Christmas village houses and accessories, and that's only a few of them! There were dozens more...in the living room...

on the couch...

and in the kitchen and the master bedroom.

I am happy to report that all of those boxes are now empty, and 95 houses and several sets of street lights have been unpacked, wired and placed in position. Now we really start to decorate!

Hopefully by next week, I'll have tons of pictures...

Please visit Susan at Thoughts from over the Rainbow. She's hosting Deck the Halls, and if you stop by to visit her you can see her wonderful decorations and the decorations of other participants.

Foodie Friday-Turkey Tired?

It's time to face the awful truth. As much as you might have anticipated Thanksgiving dinner with all of the trimmings, within the next 24 to 48 hours you will be sick of turkey. Another mouthful of dressing will put you over the edge, and the simmering carcass that you feel obliged to use for turkey soup will have lost it's appeal.

If you're feeling like I am, why not just dump that carcass??? (I finally 'fessed up last year and admitted that I don't even like turkey soup all that much!) Now may be a good time to think Italian and whip up a nice batch of broccoli rabe, laced with hot Italian sausage, garlic and sun dried tomatoes. Toss it with your favorite pasta, sprinkle with freshly grated pecorino-romano, enjoy, and be thankful all over again.
Please visit our Foodie Friday hostess, Michael Lee, to see who else may be suffering from turkey overload. Mr. Linky is up and running to help you on your way!