Have A Blessed Christmas!

The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyre'ni-us was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David,)

5 to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Tasty Tuesday: Two-tone Fudge!

(Photo courtesy of Taste of Home)

Fudge is one of my favorite candies to eat and it is so easy to make. I think I could eat a whole pan in one sitting if I let myself! I like to try out different flavors and I came across this recipe quite a few years ago and have made it every year since. It has become one of my favorites!

Ingredients
1-1/2 teaspoons plus 1/2 cup butter, softened, divided
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup butterscotch chips

Directions
Line a 9-in. square pan with foil and grease the foil with 1-1/2 teaspoons butter; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugars, milk and remaining butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a rapid boil; boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; stir in the marshmallow creme until melted and blended.
Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Pour 2-1/2 cups into ab owl; stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts until chips are melted. Pour into prepared pan. Add the butterscotch chips to the remaining marshmallow mixture; stir until chips are melted. Pour over the chocolate layer and gently spread to cover. Refrigerate overnight or until firm.
Using foil, remove fudge from pan; carefully peel off foil. Cut into 1-in. squares. Store in the refrigerator.

Linked to Raising Olives

Tasty Tuesday: Butter Mints

I just started my holiday baking today and made Butter Mints with the kids. It is a really easy recipe and fun for the kids to make! They are so good and melt in your mouth!


Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon Twin Brook Creamery half-and-half cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Red and green paste or liquid food coloring, optional

Directions
In a large bowl, beat the butter, confectioners' sugar, cream and extracts. If desired, divide dough into portions and knead in food coloring.
Form into balls by teaspoonfuls; flatten into patties, or roll between two pieces of waxed paper to 1/8-in. thickness and cut into desired shapes. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Store in the refrigerator.

Tasty Tuesday! Toffee!

Toffee is another one of my favorites to bake for Christmas. It is so good and you can never eat just one piece! It is also really easy to make, so give it a try! Enjoy!

1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

Heat the sugar, butter, and water to boiling in a heavy 2-quart sauce pan, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Cook about 13 minutes, stirring constantly, to 300 degrees on a candy thermometer. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn! Immediately pour the toffee onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Spread it to 1/4 inch thickness and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let it stand about 1 minute or until chips are softened. Spread the chips evenly over the toffee and sprinkle with pecans. Let stand at room temp for 1 hour or refrigerate until firm. Break into bite-size pieces.

Linked to Raising Olives