Peanut Butter Fudge

Although I don't remember it, when I was younger, my Mema would make fudge for all of the grandchildren when we watched the Wizard of Oz.  I've watched it twice in the past few days and decided to make a batch of fudge in honor of her.  I had never made fudge before so this was all new to me.  I was somehow thinking the oven was involved but I was wrong.  Fudge is all about melting sugar, butter and milk and adding all the right ingredients at the right time. 

I found out from my aunt Cynde that Mema used the recipe on the back of the Kraft Marshmellow Fluff jar.  I used this recipe but modified it some since I didn't read the ingredients completely and didn't have enough chocolate.  I added probably 3 heaping tablespoons (maybe more....I love peanut butter) to my batch and once everything was mixed well, I poured it into a pan and waited for it to set.  And waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Apparently, too much peanut butter isn't always a good thing!  Seems my peanut butter obsession made my fudge a little gooey.  No worries though.  I just popped the pan in the fridge and by morning they were set and ready for eating.  For my first try, I think they taste really good.  I just have to figure out how to balance the peanut butter so they won't be too gooey. 

Ready for Santa!

Instead of napping after our Thanksgiving dinner, Michael and I decided to venture out in search of the perfect Christmas tree.  Its been years since either of us have had a live tree and we were both really excited about getting one.  We decided that we wanted a Fraser Fir and after wandering around and looking at different trees, we found one.  $80 bucks later and a Griswold ride home (yes, the tree was roped to the roof of the Honda Accord), we unloaded our tree and started the decorating process!!

Before

I've decided we really need window treatments after seeing this photo.

After

See that angel on top?  It was my Grandma's. 

Please excuse the tree skirt not being centered.

This is our first "married" tree so we put a lot of thought into it.  We both had ornaments that were special to us that we wanted to use.  Michael is very much a traditionalist so we went with red, green, silver and white as far as colors and filler decorations.  We didn't buy too much because we want to add to it each year.  At first, I was dead set on a more modern tree (lime green and red) but eventually was swayed to see it Michael's way.  I'm really glad I listened too!  I think all in all, it turned out well.  

A couple of weeks ago Michael and I went to Hobby Lobby after dinner to look around and see if we were even going to have the same taste in Christmas decorations.  While we were there, I spotted these super cute Christmas trees for my mantle.  Michael turned his nose up at them but I had a plan!  I went back without him, bought 2 of them, and kept them in the trunk until it was time to do the mantle.  When I started decorating, I made him stay out of the living room until I was finished.  Of course, after I called him in and he saw it all put together, he really liked them.  I'm not a very good decorator but I think it turned out pretty well! 

See the trees?  Aren't they cute?

I'd say we are ready for Santa!  What do you think? 

Merry Christmas y'all!!

Our Christmas Card

We love our dog soo much that we decided to put him on our Christmas card this year.  One day, the picture of the dog will be replaced with a picture of our children!  Until then, please enjoy our dog, Tully, aka Santa Paws!!

Holly Frame Christmas 5x7 folded card

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Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!  Its hard to believe another one is upon us already!  Today we eat and tomorrow we shop!!  Its going to be a busy, long weekend!!

This Thanksgiving happens to be my very first married one.  My husband, Michael, and I were married in December of last year so this Thanksgiving is a little more special.  We plan to go to Michael's sister's house for lunch.  My assigned foods were a meat (I am cooking a ham), collard greens, deviled eggs and a dessert.  I made the dessert last night.  It's not a real heavy dessert so you can eat more than one helping! (Thanks again to my co-worker for the recipe).

Doesn't this look yummy?

And who can resist Butterfingers as a topping??

It is really soo simple to make.  The ingredients are brownies, chocolate pudding, 5 Butterfingers and a small container of cool whip.  I haven't named it but I guess Butterfinger Brownie dessert works.  Here is what you do:

• Make the brownies according to the "cake like" instructions.  Let them cool.  Any kind of brownie mix will work.  I usually buy what is on sale at the Pig.
• While brownies are cooling, make the pudding.  Buy 1 large instant chocolate pudding and make according to the box.  Set aside. 
• Crush up 5 regular sized Butterfinger bars.  Set aside.
• Once brownies are cooled, crumble them up and put half of them on the bottom as your first layer.  Next pour half the crushed Butterfingers on top.  Then, pour half of your chocolate pudding.  Finally, put half the container of cool whip on top of the pudding. 
• Now, repeat all layers and voila, the dessert is complete!  I usually try to save a little Butterfinger to put on top for presentation.  To me, taste is only half of what makes something taste great.  It has got to look good too!

Speaking of presentation, I bought a really pretty serving piece for the ham.  Once the ham cooks (its been on all morning), I'm hoping to transfer it to this. 

It is part of my "everyday" pattern and since it was on sale at Belks, I snatched it up.  Its really pretty versatile too.  It can go from the freezer to the oven (so the instructions say).  Remember, half of how something tastes is presentation so this should make my ham taste great!!

Since Thanksgiving isn't just about food, I would like to reflect on what I am thankful for.  I am thankful for a wonderful and caring husband.  Michael is my best friend and I am soo very happy for everyday I spend with him.  He is truly a blessing.  I am thankful for my family.  Even though we don't always see each other as often as we should, I am blessed to have them all.  Besides, what family is without its imperfections anyways?  I am thankful for my friends who help me stay grounded and are always just a phone call away.  I am very grateful to friends who love me as much as I love them.  I am thankful for my job.  I know in these times, everyone is not as fortunate as myself to have a job....much less one they love.  I love my job, my co-workers and am happy to go to work everyday (well....except for the holidays).  Finally, I am thankful for freedom.  I am thankful that I live in a country where I can start and write my own blog without the threat of being persucuted.  I am thankful for the men and women who put their lives on the line so I can enjoy my freedoms at home. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!