IT’S FRIDAY!! Only 2 more sleeps till the elf on the damn shelf is out of my life. Oh, and Jolly ol Saint Nick makes his 2016 appearance. Not sure which one I’m more excited for….I’d say it’s a tie. I stayed up wayyyy too late finishing up stuffed mushrooms for the holidays. 8lbs of mushrooms to be exact. I’ll be sharing the recipe next week. But, until then…here’s 5 things on my mind this Friday afternoon!
ONE – Baklava
Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together with syrup or honey. It is characteristic of the cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire, and is also found in Central and West Asia
I have a new-found respect for this delicacy. Last night I was taught how to make Baklava. Hands down THE best baklava I’ve ever tasted. My Mom, a baklava lover, also agreed! It’s not an easy task. Layers upon layers of filo. The secret to this recipe was a mixture of walnuts + almonds. Yumm.
Georgie + Me + Norm + Nikki
{photo cred: Jim Corbett}
Big thanks to Georgia for teaching us her ways. The dinner. The wine. The Baklava. Everything. I’ll be your sous chef any day. I can’t wait to do it again next year. Yes, I just started a tradition…and invited myself 🙂
TWO – Brain teaser // This one features lines and lines of St. Nicks with sacks of goodies draped over their shoulders, each holding a lovely green wrapped present.
Which Santa is not like the others?
They all appear to be the same. Except for one! He’s carrying cash.
When you do find it, be sure to yell out, “Show me the money, Santa!”
If you can’t find it, kinda like me and want to cheat….scroll down to Links I ♥ and I’ll show you.
THREE – Snowballs // If you need to whip up a quick batch of cookies for Santa, I got you’re back. I had all the ingredients on hand, which you probably do too. It makes a small batch and they are key word: EASY!!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 stick Kerrygold unsalted butter (no need to soften, this butter is naturally soft)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, divided
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Here’s what you do:
Preheat over to 325. Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.
In a mixer, cream together butter + 1/4 cup powdered sugar until creamy. About 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, stir together flour + walnuts + salt in a small bowl.
Slowly add flour mixture to butter mixture. Then add vanilla. Mix on medium until everything is combined. The dough will look really dry.
Roll dough in 1 tablespoon sized balls.
Bake 12 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack immediately. Allow to cool
Place remaining powdered sugar in a bowl. Roll cooled cookies on powdered sugar.
Store in an airtight container to keep them extra fresh for Santa on Christmas Eve.
FOUR – Links I ♥
Merry Christmas to me, from me!
Show me the money, Santa. Cheater!
CREAMY HAVARTI PASTA WITH MUSHROOMS AND CAULIFLOWER
I find this article to be so interesting – The Last Meals Of Prisoners Executed In 2016
I want Alex’s top
Speaking of Alex, she got me hooked on SNL skits….I DIE!
I’m with Erika, underwear are so over-rated.
Bitch stole my look…well, kinda. lol!
FIVE – We wish you all the most wonderful of holidays, however or wherever you are celebrating. May it be full of lots of family and friends, memorable moments and lots of delicious food + wine!
xoxo stacyb
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