Our Good Life: December 2017

Posted by Terri Steffes / 20 December 2017 / drinks

My Mother's Egg Nog

When my mother was a little girl, her grandmother, Lula Belle Wilson, made egg nog that had a little "kick" to it. Mom said it looked so good, with creamy goodness and a splash of fresh nutmeg on top. She wasn't allowed to have any, due to the alcohol, so she vowed to never add spirits to her eggnog, so that everyone could enjoy it.<br />
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She kept that promise, and made eggnog for all. I cannot remember a Christmas without my mom's frothy, creamy eggnog.  This year was no exception, thank goodness!  While the homemade sugar cookies, and the crispy peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate are no longer, eggnog still is made for our family Christmas.<br />
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Egg Nog, according to Shirley Oliver<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGL-LKMvQ5M/WjpnqU_BAzI/AAAAAAAApRk/eUNdD3KaCLgp1aoSWrkAyZiQBT7LdMZEwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="eggnog" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGL-LKMvQ5M/WjpnqU_BAzI/AAAAAAAApRk/eUNdD3KaCLgp1aoSWrkAyZiQBT7LdMZEwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6885.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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4 whole eggs, pasturized<br />
1 gal whole milk<br />
1 T vanilla<br />
1 c sugar, add more to taste<br />
6 scoops of ice cream, vanilla (or eggnog if you can find it)<br />
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Crack eggs into a mixing bowl.  Add 1 c milk and beat until well incorporated.  Add the rest of the milk, vanilla and sugar.  Beat until frothy.  Pour into punch bowl.  Grate nutmeg on top.  Add scoops of ice cream, grate more nutmeg.<br />
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This is our family's recipe. It is simple but so delicious. As the kids got older, we started adding a little spirit to our glasses.  This year Rumchata was the choice.  Merry Christmas in a glass!<br />
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My Mother's Egg Nog

When my mother was a little girl, her grandmother, Lula Belle Wilson, made egg nog that had a little "kick" to it. Mom said it loo...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 18 December 2017 /

You are the Beloved #ourgoodlifebooklist

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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I was given this book in exchange for my honest review.</i></span></div>
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Author Henri J. M. Nouwen is a well known writer of spiritual things, so when I saw this daily meditations book by him I knew I wanted it by my bedside. Nouwen was a catholic priest, professor and pastor whose books have been translated in more than 30 languages. He taught at Notre Dame, Yale and Harvard.<div>
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His personal philosophies were that by revealing your most intimate thoughts, you built relationships and communed with God.  He called this "theology of the heart."  </div>
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You are the Beloved is designed to remind you of that you are beloved of God, therefore you should live out your truth in your day to day life.  This book is a collection of the best of Nouwen's insights from previously published books and some never-seen-before writings.  </div>
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You are the Beloved is a year long study in self worth. I read a few of this month's offerings and found them inspirational for the day's wonderings and thinking.  Some of the themes are God is a God of the Present, and Pointers to Everlasting Peace.  I enjoyed reading a few but I closed the book so that I could start on January 1 with a fresh start.  </div>
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Other common themes: You are not what you do, have, what people say about you.  You ARE the beloved son and daughter of God.  When you love God, loving others is easy and natural. This would be a great gift for someone who is struggling with their place in the world today.  I give it FIVE STARS!</div>

You are the Beloved #ourgoodlifebooklist

I was given this book in exchange for my honest review. Author Henri J. M. Nouwen is a well known writer of spiritual things, so when I ...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 17 December 2017 / drinks

Pomegranate and Orange Champagne Punch #SundaySupper

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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you looking for a fun and festive punch to serve at Christmas? This delicious punch can be made with sparkling cider if you prefer a non-alcoholic drink.  Delicious and so pretty!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">1 c pomegranate seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">mint leaves, about 10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4 c pomegranate juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 c orange juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 c Grand Marnier</span><br />
2 bottles of Prosecco<br />
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Mix the liquids together in a pitcher and store in the refrigerator until time to serve.  In the meantime, make ice cubes with the seeds and mint leaves for garnish for the punch.<br />
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I used a rosemary branch for my garnish as it looks like a mini Christmas tree, but feel free to garnish with orange slices and mint.</div>
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Make Ahead Dinner Party Recipes</h2>
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Ahead of Schedule Starters</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cindysrecipesandwritings.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beefy Au Gratin Potato Skins</a> by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefreshmancook.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chocolate Strawberry Brie Bites</a> by The Freshman Cook</li>
<li><a href="https://palatablepastime.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Easy Chicken Liver Pâté</a> by Palatable Pastime</li>
<li><a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pomegranate and Orange Champagne Punch</a> by Our Good Life</li>
<li><a href="http://wholisticwoman.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rainbow Hummus</a> by Wholistic Woman</li>
<li><a href="https://www.soulfullymade.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip</a> by Soulfully Made</li>
</ul>
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Earlier the Better Entrees</h4>
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<li><a href="https://aprilgolightly.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cauliflower Mash Potatoes</a> by April Golightly</li>
<li><a href="https://bitesofwellness.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Easy Grain-Free Whole30 Cauliflower Dirty Rice</a> by Bites of Wellness</li>
<li><a href="https://sundaysuppermovement.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Easy Slow Cooker Roast Beef Recipe</a> by Sunday Supper Movement</li>
<li><a href="http://cookingchatfood.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Avocado</a> by Cooking Chat</li>
</ul>
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Prepared Ahead Postre</h4>
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<li><a href="https://www.carolinescooking.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Banoffee Pie</a> by Caroline’s Cooking</li>
<li><a href="https://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Candy Bar Cheesecake</a> by That Skinny Chick Can Bake</li>
<li><a href="http://www.akitchenhoorsadventures.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding</a> by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures</li>
<li><a href="https://gourmeteveryday.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fireball Cupcakes</a> by Gourmet Everyday</li>
<li><a href="http://www.piesandplots.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gluten Free Almond Ginger Cookies</a> by Pies and Plots</li>
<li><a href="http://positivelystacey.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pear Upside-Down Spice Cake</a> by Positively Stacey</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-90266" height="150" src="https://sundaysuppermovement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cropped-SSM100x100logo-1.png" width="150" />The Sunday Supper Movement is committed to bringing our readers delicious recipes that encourage them to gather and eat together around the family table. Search for your favorite ingredients on our <a href="https://sundaysuppermovement.com/?s=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday Supper website.</a> Also check out the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/thesundaysupper/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday Supper Pinterest boards</a> for plenty more ideas and inspiration.

Pomegranate and Orange Champagne Punch #SundaySupper

Are you looking for a fun and festive punch to serve at Christmas? This delicious punch can be made with sparkling cider if you prefer a no...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 15 December 2017 / gifts

Show Me Adventure Kids!

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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I was given this doll and book in exchange for my honest review.</i></span></div>
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Are you interested in something different for your kids?  Do you have a love of all things Missouri, or do you have a sense of adventure? <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VXDgNBgTNY/WjNa4So6eiI/AAAAAAAApQA/07RlRjCBS6o_klXv-KDu7YCbWJKzhn0bQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VXDgNBgTNY/WjNa4So6eiI/AAAAAAAApQA/07RlRjCBS6o_klXv-KDu7YCbWJKzhn0bQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6222.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then you will love this new series of books and dolls called<a href="http://showmeadventurekids.com/index.html"> Show Me Adventure Kids.</a>  Designed for kids 7-10 years old, the books talk about life experiences as well as adventures in Missouri.  One of the Show Me Adventure Kids, Olivia, came to my house and I shared her with one of my neighborhood girls, and here is what she had to say:<br />
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<i>The doll is cute. Her hair and and outfit is cute. The story that goes along with the doll would be great for kids going through the same experience as Olivia.  Another neighborhood girl said that after she read the book, a new girl enrolled at her school and that it gave her the opportunity to introduce the new girl to her friends and to eat lunch with her and her friends.  She felt that reading this book gave her some insight to how the new girl must be feeling.  </i><br />
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Olivia has her adventure at the St. Louis Zoo.  The St. Louis Zoo was voted as the best zoo in the nation and the nation's Best Free Attraction, the Zoo is one of St. Louis' greatest assets. Children who read the book, no matter where they live, will get a great insight to the Zoo and what makes it so special. <br />
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What I love is that these dolls are each individually made by artist Nikki Leeper.  Your child would receive a one-of-a-kind doll lovingly designed to bring out the adventure in each doll!  The books are written by Deborah Reinhardt.  The books encourage young readers to explore and learn all about the Show Me State, Missouri.  The Saint Louis Zoo is the setting and themes include learning about climate change and social relationships between children. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eI0PtgKrplw/WjNb8-rBN7I/AAAAAAAApQU/AWUkvZwa5akPcxFJmV0k3tCKG8V5cUEDwCLcBGAs/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eI0PtgKrplw/WjNb8-rBN7I/AAAAAAAApQU/AWUkvZwa5akPcxFJmV0k3tCKG8V5cUEDwCLcBGAs/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I highly recommend this unique gift and story for your child.  Learn more by <a href="http://showmeadventurekids.com/index.html">checking out the Show Me Adventure Kids website!</a><br />
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Show Me Adventure Kids!

I was given this doll and book in exchange for my honest review. Are you interested in something different for your kids? Do you have a ...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 14 December 2017 / Christmas tree

Show Me Your Christmas Tree 2017

If you are new to my blog, I am Terri, a Missouri native, who loves loves loves Christmas!  No commas for me, I love Christmas so much!  Last year I invited friends from all Missouri to add a photo of their Christmas tree to my blog post.  This year, in partnership with Penny from <a href="http://pennyspassion.blogspot.com/">Penny's Passions,</a> we are giving you a chance to join us!  Click in the link below, and you can add a photo of your tree.  All I ask is that you add your town, like I did, below.<br />
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This year I am sharing my daughter's tree in her room in our house.  The theme is a coastal one, which is appropriate, as we are going to spend our Christmas in Cabo San Lucas!<br />
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My daughter actually did the decorating of this tree and she did a beautiful job!  I can see that she may have picked up a tip or two from me after all these years!<br />
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This tree also is visible from the street, which is so lovely at night! I love seeing trees peeking through the windows!  let's take a little close up of this tree.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A collection of ornaments from our beach travels!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starfish from a local craft store. These add continuity to the tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who could resist this shell tree?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKBXUpDhUK8/WiVpl5zOGLI/AAAAAAAApJg/nu8M7wp-qjgmZvy8RZD7yLsf5AgVvyQ_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKBXUpDhUK8/WiVpl5zOGLI/AAAAAAAApJg/nu8M7wp-qjgmZvy8RZD7yLsf5AgVvyQ_wCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6252.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This ornament was gifted to me in an ornament exchange!<br />
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This tree has been in our home for four years and we continue to love it.  It expresses our love of the beach, our neighborhood, which is called The Beach District, and reminds of all the wonderful times we have had traveling together.</div>
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Join us by sharing your Christmas tree!  Click the "Add a Link" button and follow the directions!  Feel free to email me at terri@terristeffes.com if you need help!</div>
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Show Me Your Christmas Tree 2017

If you are new to my blog, I am Terri, a Missouri native, who loves loves loves Christmas! No commas for me, I love Christmas so much! Las...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 12 December 2017 / #chewy

Blue Buffalo Holiday Santa Snacks #chewyinfluencer

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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>I received this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion.</i></span></h2>
It's Christmas time and I am all about the gifts for the dogs. When I spied these holiday themed treats by Blue Buffalo, I knew I needed to get them for Truman and Wilson.  I placed my order but I forgot one thing.<br />
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My two smarties know what the Chewy.com box looks like. So when they arrived in the mail and I set them on my table, they were going crazy over the box!  There was no going back, so I opened the box and showed them the treats. </div>
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Their first reaction was cautious and I couldn't figure out why.  Then Truman made it quite clear when he took it in his mouth and then carried it to the bowl and dropped it in.  These are hefty sized treats!  He did eat and enjoyed it. Just one was satisfactory for Truman.</div>
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Wilson, on the other hand, my westie/I-think-he's-also-bulldog dog, gobbled it right up and asked for another.  Two were enough for Wilson!</div>
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I do love that these are bigger than normal, as it is less trips to the snack jar. They both obviously enjoy the treats and that is the ultimate test!</div>
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From Blue Buffalo:  As all dog-lovers know, the most excited family members on Christmas morning are the furry ones. And it’s this special canine connection with the season that inspired Blue Buffalo to create Santa Snacks. Santa Snacks are oven-baked for a crunch that will send Santa shooting up the chimney. Made from an original recipe, Santa Snacks feature some of nature’s most delicious and nutritious ingredients including oatmeal, cinnamon, barley, pumpkin, flaxseed and carrots.<br />
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<li>Oven-baked holiday biscuits with oatmeal, cinnamon, barley, pumpkin, flaxseed and carrots</li>
<li>Natural treats with added vitamins & minerals</li>
<li>Made with wholesome whole grains, fruits & vegetables</li>
<li>No chicken/poultry by-product meals</li>
<li>No corn, wheat, or soy. A perfect holiday treat for pups prone to food allergies!</li>
</ul>
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Remember, service at chewy.com is fast!! I'm ordering their second bag closer to the actual holidays. Also, I found these two wonderful blogs <a href="https://chewy.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d8154912e0d2089362e415b05&id=ef94640dc9&e=3c01881cbb">Golden Woofs</a> and <a href="https://chewy.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d8154912e0d2089362e415b05&id=a975ae6659&e=3c01881cbb">Oz the Terrier</a> and thought you all would like them, too!!

Blue Buffalo Holiday Santa Snacks #chewyinfluencer

I received this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion. It's Christmas time and I am all about the gifts for the dogs. Whe...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 10 December 2017 / Dessert

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies #SundaySupper

I host an annual cookie exchange for neighbors and friends and I love looking for cookies that I think will please my guests.  This year I made a Shortbread Cookie with Clove that I have already shared the recipe for, but I wanted to share this cookie, too, as it is so easy and delicious, fast enough for every day but delicious enough for a special treat!<br />
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Did you know that Queen Elizabeth I was the first to make gingerbread men?  She had the dough cut to look like her own courtiers.  Wasn't that clever?<br />
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Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies<br />
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1 c peanut butter<br />
3/4 c sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 t vanilla<br />
1/4 t salt<br />
6 oz chocolate chips<br />
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Preheat oven to 350.  Place a sheet of parchment paper on a cookie sheet.  Beat peanut butter and sugar together until well blended.  Add egg, vanilla and salt and beat until well incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips.<br />
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Place one rounded tablespoonful on the cookie sheet, leaving about 2" around the cookie.  Bake 12 minutes, or until cookie has flattened and the edges are brown. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes before removing. Finish cooling on a cookie rack.<br />
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Makes 2 dz.<br />
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<h2>
Sunday Supper's Best Cookie Exchange Recipes</h2>
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Traditional and Tasty Cookies to Share</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.soulfullymade.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Candied Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies</a> by Soulfully Made</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cindysrecipesandwritings.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cherry Chocolate Pistachio Cookies</a> by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings</li>
<li><a href="http://www.piesandplots.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies</a> by Pies and Plots</li>
<li><a href="http://gourmeteveryday.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coconut-Key Lime Thumbprint Cookies</a> by Gourmet Everyday</li>
<li><a href="http://www.jerseygirlcooks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies</a> by Jersey Girl Cooks</li>
<li><a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies</a> by Our Good Life</li>
<li><a href="http://www.carolinescooking.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">German Ginger Cookies (Ingwerplätchen)</a> by Caroline’s Cooking</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hot Cocoa Cookies</a> by That Skinny Chick Can Bake</li>
<li><a href="http://aprilgolightly.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Italian Rainbow Cookies</a> by April Golightly</li>
<li><a href="http://sundaysuppermovement.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Orange Cardamom Cookies</a> by Sunday Supper Movement</li>
<li><a href="http://www.foodlustpeoplelove.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies</a> by Food Lust People Love</li>
<li><a href="http://thewimpyvegetarian.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Persimmon Cookies with Figs</a> by The Wimpy Vegetarian</li>
<li><a href="http://www.fantasticalsharing.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pumpkin Molasses Cookies</a> by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes</li>
<li><a href="http://www.hezzi-dsbooksandcooks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toffee Cookies</a> by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks</li>
</ul>
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Fun and Festive Cookie Alternatives</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://bitesofwellness.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Ever No Bake Eggnog Truffles</a> by Bites of Wellness</li>
<li><a href="http://www.alittlefishinthekitchen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cappuccino Crinkles</a> by A Little Fish in the Kitchen</li>
<li><a href="http://positivelystacey.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chocolate Coated Krispy Peanut Butter Balls</a> by Positively Stacey</li>
<li><a href="http://palatablepastime.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cranberry Date Bars</a> by Palatable Pastime</li>
<li><a href="http://www.simpleandsavory.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Healthy Magic Cookie Bars</a> by Simple and Savory</li>
<li><a href="http://eatdrinkandbetracy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peppermint Pizzelle</a> by Eat, Drink & Be Tracy</li>
<li><a href="http://www.yummysmells.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rainbow Biscotti Cubes</a> by What Smells So Good?</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-90266" height="150" src="https://sundaysuppermovement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cropped-SSM100x100logo-1.png" width="150" />The Sunday Supper Movement is committed to bringing our readers delicious recipes that encourage them to gather and eat together around the family table. Search for your favorite ingredients on our <a href="https://sundaysuppermovement.com/?s=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday Supper website.</a> Also check out the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/thesundaysupper/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday Supper Pinterest boards</a> for plenty more ideas and inspiration.<br />
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Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies #SundaySupper

I host an annual cookie exchange for neighbors and friends and I love looking for cookies that I think will please my guests. This year I m...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 06 December 2017 / christmas

Christmas Angel Ornament

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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I was given the Ziploc<span style="color: #69656e; font-family: "pt sans"; font-weight: 700;">® </span><span style="font-family: "pt sans";">Brand bags to use in my craft.</span></i></span></div>
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When I was a little girl, I grew up attending the Baptist Church in my hometown.  My favorite time of the year was when we celebrated the Christmas season. Each week at Sunday School I would look forward to hearing the Bible verses that related to Jesus' birth and to making the weekly Christmas craft that our teachers would have read for us.<br />
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The inspiration for this craft comes from those nostalgic memories of making ornaments in church. My parents would hang our ornaments on the tree and I would be so proud!  I want to share those feelings with today's kids, so I created this Ziploc<span style="color: #69656e; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700;">®</span> Brand products Christmas Angel ornament. I always have Ziploc<span style="color: #69656e; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700;">® </span><span style="font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px;">bags in my house, or a quick run to Walmart is always so easy!  Don't you love products that are so versatile?  I sure do! Plus, the holiday design is perfect for this craft!</span></div>
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Here's what you need to make this adorable angel:  </div>
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1 Ziploc<span style="color: #69656e; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700;">® </span>brand sandwich bag (I love the holiday one for this project!)</div>
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1 12" piece of twine</div>
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1 dollhead clothespin</div>
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1 Christmas tree sticker</div>
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1 thin line marker</div>
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1 pink marker</div>
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1 6" gold or silver pipecleaner</div>
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some kind of fill for the wings (I used "snow" glitter)</div>
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hot glue gun or strong, quick drying glue</div>
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1.  Turn the clothespin so that the slit creates two legs. Draw the hair, eyes, cheeks, and shoes on the clothes pin body.  </div>
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2. Cut off the zipper from the bag.</div>
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3.  Add the fill for the wings.  Use fingers to smooth out the glitter over the entire surface.  Run a bead of hot glue across the opening and then use a clothespin to seal the top of the bag.</div>
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4.  Bunch the bag in the center and use the twine to tie the bag to make wings.  Tie off in a bow, then hot glue the wings to the top of the clothespin, opposite of the face.  </div>
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5.  Cut pipe cleaner in half and twist 1/2 into the halo and hot glue behind the head.  Hot glue the second half of the pipe cleaner to the back of the angel, under the wings. Bring arms to the front and fold into hands.</div>
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6.  Place the Christmas tree sticker under the hands.</div>
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This sweet angel is so adorable on the tree, and the filling for the wings will catch the light and sparkle.  When you finish with the angels, have the children come to the rug to hear the story The Little Angels Christmas Story.  Sing Angels Watching Over Me and then have angel food cake for snack!</div>
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If you are a teacher and you decide to make this adorable angel, please let me know!  I would love to feature angels on my Instagram and Facebook feeds! </div>
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Christmas Angel Ornament

I was given the Ziploc ® Brand bags to use in my craft. When I was a little girl, I grew up attending the Baptist Church in my hometown....

Posted by Terri Steffes / 04 December 2017 / Dessert

2017 Blogger Cookie Exchange Shortbread Cookies

I am participating for the very first time in The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap hosted by Sarah at <a href="http://www.fantasticalsharing.com/">Fantastical Sharing of Recipes</a> and Allison from <a href="http://thepinterestkitchen.com/nutty-florentine-cookies">Pintertest Kitchen. </a>The cookie swap has been a blogger favorite and I heard about it last year. I made sure that I kept informed about this year's swap and I was so lucky to be paired with some amazing bloggers!<br />
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 I am so excited that in order to participate, we each had to send $5 to No Kid Hungry!  As you might remember, that is the same organization I had as my birthday fundraiser!<br />
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>No Kid Hungry</b> is an organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger. They believe no child should go to bed hungry. <b> If you'd like to help, too, <a href="http://join.nokidhungry.org/site/TR?team_id=171493&fr_id=1421&pg=team">go here.</a></b></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>RescuesForJoJo</b> is an all-volunteer non-profit that helps “undesirable” shelter dogs find new homes. So far, they have saved over 70 dogs!  <b>If your thing is dogs, and you want to contribute, <a href="http://rescuesforjojo.org/index.html">click here</a> </b>or send your donation via PayPal to rescuesforjojo@yahoo.com</span></li>
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The idea is that we sent one dozen cookies to three different food bloggers. They in turn send YOU a dozen cookies.  So you send out three dozen cookies, all of one kind, and get three dozen cookies, all of a different kind!<br />
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That sounds like a win for everyone, doesn't it!<br />
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I love making shortbread for the holidays and I thought a shortbread cookie with a holiday sugar design might be a fun cookie to share.  So I am making one of my favorite shortbread recipes using butter that is whipped nearly to white.  When creating a simple cookie, it is imperative for the ingredients to be top notch. I purchased all my ingredients carefully with an eye toward quality.<br />
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Shortbread Cookies<br />
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1 c unsalted butter, softened<br />
1/2 c powdered sugar<br />
1 3/4 c all purpose flour<br />
1/4 c cornstarch<br />
1/2 t vanilla<br />
Gold sugar for dusting<br />
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Preheat oven to 325.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Whip the butter on high speed of your mixer until the butter turns a very pale yellow and is super smooth.  Add powered sugar and combine well.  Mix flour and cornstarch, then add to the butter until all is incorporated. Add vanilla and mix well.  Beat for 5 minutes until light and airy.  Drop by teaspoonsful onto the parchment. Sprinkle gold sugar on top of the cookie.  Press in slightly.  Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies lose the glossy look. Remove them from the oven before the bottoms begin to brown.  Cool to room temperature.<br />
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Packing cookies for mailing is an art.  First, choose a sturdy box.  Second, place bubble wrap or crumpled paper in the bottom.  Pack cookies in a tin, box or other sturdy material. Place on top of bubble wrap. Stuff paper around the container so it doesn't move.  Lay a piece of bubble wrap on top. Secure the outer box with tape and mark FRAGILE.<br />
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I sent these delicious morsels to Sara at <a href="http://cookwith5kids.com/">Cook for 5 Kids,</a> Elizabeth from <a href="https://www.thereciperevival.com/">The Recipe Revival</a>, and Starr at <a href="http://www.chicagofoodiegirl.com/">chicago foodie girl.</a><br />
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I got some delicious cookie winners from Camille at <a href="https://culinary-adventures-with-cam.blogspot.com/">Culinary Adventures with Cam</a>, who send Hallongrottor, which I call Thumbprint Cookies, some fabulous Coffee and Chocolate Shortbread Cookies from Rebekah at <a href="http://rebekahrose.blogspot.com/">Making Miracles</a>, and Gingerbread Spritz Cookies from Jess at <a href="http://thepintertestkitchen.com/">The PinterTest Kitchen.</a>  All were so delicious and came right in time for Thanksgiving!<br />
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Posted by Terri Steffes / 03 December 2017 / breakfast

Savory Waffles with Pork Verde #TasteCreations

This Christmas season we are headed to Cabo San Lucas to spend the holidays by the sand and surf.  We've never done such a thing before and I have to admit, it has made the whole holiday a little, well, off.  I chose not to decorate as much and that seems weird, too.<br />
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However, I am looking forward to spending quality time with my children and relaxing under the warm breezes of Mexico.  This is whale migration season and I plan to go and do some whale watching.<br />
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This month for Taste Creations we are sharing Christmas Breakfast ideas.  I chose to work with one that will help us anticipate the upcoming trip.  We are doing Christmas at home on the Friday before Christmas. We will do all our favorite traditions, including Christmas breakfast and this may be the very thing that we eat!<br />
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Savory Waffles with Pork Verde<br />
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In the crock pot goes:<br />
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2 lb pork roast<br />
1 1/2 c salsa verde<br />
1 t chili powder<br />
a dash of cayenne pepper<br />
1/2 yellow onion, sliced<br />
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Cook on low for six hours.  Shred the pork and let it steep in its own juices<br />
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Heat the waffle iron.  While the waffle iron is heating, mix two boxes of Jiffy cornbread with 3/4 milk and 2 eggs.  Grease the waffle iron  and pour battle into the waffle iron. Cook until crispy edges appear.  Remove and cook until all the batter is gone.<br />
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Plate in this order:  Plate, waffle, shredded pork, and then top with your favorites such as avocado, cojita cheese and cilantro.<br />
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For additional goodness, top with a perfectly cooked egg.<br />
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Check out the other yummy breakfast ideas we have for you!<br />
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From Rosemary at An Italian in my Kitchen<a href="https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/french-toast-casserole/"> Easy Panettone French Toast Casserole.</a><br />
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From Nikki at Tikkido <a href="https://tikkido.com/blog/poppyseed-kolaches-recipe">Kolaches</a><br />
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From Lauren at Mom Home Guide <a href="http://momhomeguide.com/Christmas-cinnamon-rolls-recipe">Christmas Cinnamon Rolls  </a></div>
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Savory Waffles with Pork Verde #TasteCreations

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Savory Waffles with Pork Verde #TasteCreations

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