Christmas Crack

Today I am making Christmas Crack (otherwise known as Saltine Cracker Candy.)

 

To begin you will need  at least 1 sleeve of saltines, enough to cover a half sheet jellyroll pan.  (I used one plus part of another sleeve.)  One cup (yep, two sticks of butter!) and one cup of light brown sugar.

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a half sheet baking pan with foil, turn up the edges to form a tray and spray foil with non-stick cooking spray.

Arrange saltines with the salty side up in the jellyroll pan.

 

  In a saucepan, bring the butter and brown sugar up to a boil and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Carefully pour mixture over the crackers and spread it out, evenly coating each cracker.

 

 

Bake for about 5 minutes until the top is bubbly.

 

While the crackers are baking in the oven, break up the Hershey bars.  When you remove the crackers quickly top with the pieces of chocolate bars. As the chocolate begins to soften and melt, use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly all across the top of the crackers.

 

 

At this point you can be as creative as you wish.  I sprinkled half of mine with chopped pecans (the half that had chocolate on it.)  I also used white chocolate chips on the other half and sprinkled pecans and toffee pieces on top of that side.

 

 Set aside to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then very carefully slide the foil off onto a cooling rack to cool completely.  I like to transfer my baking sheet into the refrigerator to speed up cooling. Cut into squares.

 

No one is currently home...so look now!  Who knows how much will be left at the end of the day!

Enjoy!!!

Till tomorrow,

debi

 

 

Here is the full recipe.

Ingredients

• More or less 1 sleeve of saltines, enough to cover a half sheet jellyroll pan
• 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter
• 1 cup of light or dark brown sugar, well packed
• Multi pack of full size Hershey’s milk chocolate bars, or one (16 ounce) bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
• Crushed pecans, optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a jellyroll pan with foil and spray foil with non-stick cooking spray.

Arrange saltines with the salty side up in the jellyroll pan. In a saucepan, bring the butter and brown sugar up to a boil and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Carefully pour mixture over the crackers and spread it out, evenly coating each cracker. Bake for about 5 minutes until bubbly.

While that is baking, break up the Hershey bars a bit. Remove the crackers and quickly top with the chocolate bars. As they begin to soften and melt, use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly all across the top. Sprinkle top with chopped nuts, if desired. Set aside to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then very carefully slide the foil off onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Can also transfer to a cool baking sheet and refrigerate to speed up cooling. Cut into squares.

Optional Toppings: Sprinkle the tops of crackers with coconut while the chocolate is still warm. Hershey's Bits 'O Brickle Toffee Bits sprinkled over the warm chocolate. You could also top with any finely chopped nut - pecans, walnuts, peanuts, whatever you like. I've also heard of them served with  cooked, crumbled bacon sprinkled on top!

Cook's Note: You may substitute graham crackers for the saltines. Add a pinch of salt to the caramel. I prefer using the Hershey's bars because they have such a smooth, creamy texture and they spread so fast and so well. You could also just as easily use chocolate chips and stick the tray back into the oven for a minute to soften before spreading, or melt them on the stovetop and then pour them over the top.

Merry Christmas

“The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”” Luke 2:11-14 NLT

Christmas Party Appetizers

Another party...another appetizer!  Since this one was a breakfast "brunch" I thought I'd bring a "breakfast appetizers...is there such a thing?)  Oh well...there is NOW!

I checked my pantry first to see whether I had some dates on hand and found a package of Dole dates that I had purchased earlier.  However, when I went to purchase some more, it took me forever before I found them...different brand, different packaging and different grocery store!  How complicated can purchasing some dried fruit be?

For this recipe you will need about 1.5 packages of dates...so be sure and purchase two!

You will also need a package of Maple-flavored bacon (which gives a great flavor.)

That's it!  Two ingredients!

I begin by cutingt the bacon into thirds.  There are usually about 15 slicess of bacon in a package, so this will give you about 45 individual appetizers.

Wrap a piece of bacon around the date and secure with a toothpick. (If you don't have toothpicks, not to worry.  When the bacon cooks it adheres to itself, the toothpick is only helpful when someone wants to pick up one and place it on their plate.  No toothpicks also means no trash or need of plates!) 

I place the wrapped dates in a jelly-roll pan so that the grease is contained. (We all know...bacon makes grease! YUM!)

For SOME reason...I don't have a picture of the finished product.  I took them out of the oven and we ran to the party...and they were "ate up" instantly!!!

Now...a small word about this appetizer.  Most people will eat bacon wrapped "anything!"  Bacon makes everything taste good.  BUT...there is a mental block with "some" that says "I HATE DATES!"   Once they've made that statement out loud...they won't even take a bite!
SOOOOO...until they've tasted them, don't tell them what's in the middle of the bacon!!!  They'll be happy you kept it a secret.

Ingredients:

• Maple Flavored Bacon
• 2 packages of dates
• Toothpicks - if so desired

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Wrap each date with 1 bacon piece; secure with toothpick.
3. Arrange on a jelly-roll pans.  Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bacon is crisp, turning once.  

 When the dates are properly crisp enough, I place them on  a paper-towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease.  Transfer them to your pretty serving platter; serve immediately. (Now if you are transporting them to another place...you can re-heat them for about 30+ seconds in the microwave. However, I can eat them cold and they are still delicious!)

Till tomorrow...and another appetizer (tis the season)!

debi

Christmas Baking

I love working in an old house.  Work always seems more fun!  But...more importantly...I love the ladies I work with day to day!

Having a kitchen in our old house also seems to be an advantage...so we declared a "baking day" at work! The kitchen is not huge, but all the important appliances are there, and we brought in whatever was lacking in the cupboards and got to work!

I also have to state here that I love the ladies I work with in our little house! The ladies of

Seed Sowers occupy the lower floor and 3e McKinney is upstairs.(Larry, Beth and I...poor Larry and all his ladies!)

Miss Stephanie works with Seed Sowers...and she's going to show us all how to make Truffles.

She prepared her ingredients early in the day so the chocolate would have time to harden before she began the process.

Stephanie and her little "elf" helper began rolling the truffles in powdered sugar and cocoa right after lunch.

I think our little 'elf' liked the process...

But, I think she's wearing most of the powdered ingredients. (You can't really see all the powdered sugar and cocoa on her sweater!)

As we worked...the Mounted Police kept busy right outside our window!  I stopped counting after the 6th car was pulled over...

Inside we were busy...some items we made that morning

and some items were prepared early (Larry insists he made these all by himself...thanks Ginny!)

Next, Wendy and our little elf helper made sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies.  I didn't catch a picture of the finished product, but our little elf iced the sugar cookies and decorated them with sprinkles.

We kept her busy all afternoon! 

We all agreed at the start that we didn't need the extra calories, so we packaged up our goodies and shared them with others who serve with us throughout the year.

We took a break for lunch, and all of us headed over to Sauce to eat and visit.  I took a picture of the ladies of Seed Sowers, but I think Wendy took a picture of our side of the table (Larry, Beth and I.)

Elaine, Stephanie and Wendy are the heart and soul of Seed Sowers.

While we were busy baking downstairs...Beth (the heart and soul of 3e) was immersed in putting together the last minute items for the Christmas angels from our local schools.  

Only two angels (from the thousand plus that were picked up) were left over that we needed to provide Christmas for this year. 

The churches, high school student councils and individuals of McKinney all pulled together to cover the many angels in need this year!

Beth has such faith...and to only have two left over...what a miracle!

Thinking of each of the ladies I work with, the Lord gave me a "word" that perfectly describes who they are and what they mean to their ministries...and to me.

Faith, Hope, Joy and Strength!  Each woman brings her gift to the job they do everyday!  Without the ladies these ministries would be lacking!

I made each of them a pillow with their "word" printed on the front.

Each pillow had a pocket to hold the scripture I used to describe each of them and their gift.  I printed the scripture onto fabric and tucked it into their pocket so it would be a reminder of their God-given "gift"...and to remind them, when they feel discouraged, of what they mean to others.

Elaine with her inner Strength,

 Wendy bringing Hope to others,

Stephanie so full of Joy

Beth filled with Faith!

I am so blessed and count it a privilege to work with these women...and know they are "Jesus" to so many in our community! 

If you know these women...hug them and give them a big thank you for what they do to make McKinney a better place to live!!!

Till tomorrow...
debi

Christmas Thoughts

Oh Holy Night

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
     Fall on your knees! O hear the angels' voices!
     O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
     O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
     He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
     Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
     Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
     Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
     His power and glory evermore proclaim.
     His power and glory evermore proclaim.

Luke 2:13-14

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I've been sick for more than a week, so decorating had to be put on the back burner...but I finally felt well enough to get some things done around the house.

I bought this sled several years ago...not an easy task to find one in Texas.  I painted the Santa on it, knowing we NEVER use the sled.  I placed it on the front porch to welcome visitors.

I purchased this great German tree stand at the Tattered Bliss sale last year.  I have a very small tree where I hang my smaller glass and German ornaments. 

The tree is in an out of the way place so the ornaments stay safe.

I made this scratch board picture a couple of years ago...it almost looks like a Santa house!

A small winter village...this will be all the snow we'll probably see this year!

My Mom gave me these Santa's many, many years ago.  It's officially Christmas when they are unpacked.

I made a few Christmas bottles this year...

I like to swap out my wall pocket with this winter one.  I love the little bird!

My Christmas plates and Woodland Santa's.

I finished this Santa project last year right before Christmas (here). 

My husband found this cute little truck and my grandmother crocheted this Santa 25 years ago!

These are some of my favorite ornaments.  My mom gave me these...the fridge doors open

(there's a snowman in the freezer) and the oven has cookies baking.

Tree is completed.

Merry Christmas to all!

Till tomorrow...

debi

Christmas Thoughts

O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL

O come, all ye faithful,

Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Sing, alleluia,
All ye choirs of angels;
O sing, all ye blissful ones of heav'n above.
Glory to God -
In the highest glory!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv'n;
Word of the Father,
Now in the flesh appearing,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth

peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:14

Christmas Journey

"Christmas Journey" is the dramatized story of the life of Christ and is put on by First Baptist Church-McKinney.

The entire "drama" can be experienced from your car (you are given a CD at the entrance that will narrate each scene) or you can take a hayride through the event.

It was a wonderful evening...so we chose the hayride. 

As we entered the parking lot we were greeted by Roman Soldiers out on patrol.

 

We had to wait in line for the next hay wagon (there were 11 wagons.)  While waiting, hot chocolate is offered to those who might be chilly.

It wasn't long before the next hay wagon arrived.  There is seating on both sides and we were offered blankets and more hot chocolate.

Austin was so excited to find "baby Jesus".

 The first scene opens with Gabriel announcing the birth of Jesus to Mary. 

(I'll use scripture to tell the story...)

...God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1-26-33

 
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.  Luke 2:1-3

We were greeted by a Roman soldier as we entered the town of Bethlehem.

 ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  Luke 2:4-5

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:8-18

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” ...11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:1-2; 11-12

⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.  Luke 2:6-7

Austin was soooo excited to find baby Jesus!

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. Luke 2:39-40

 ¹ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.   Matthew 4:1

 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. John 6:2

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Luke 24.30

17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18 For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.  19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”  20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.   Luke 27:17-20

³⁵ When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. ³⁶ And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. ³⁷ Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS  Matthew 27:35-37

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”   Matthew 28:5-8

   
¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”   Matthew 28:16-28

And that was our Christmas Journey...hope you enjoyed riding along with us.

Till tomorrow...

debi