Top Ten Fridays: Ten Holiday Treats

And now (even though there is a winter storm warning and it is going to be freezing outside), another Christmas Top Ten Friday!!

Top Ten Holiday Treats: (Least favorite to Most loved - can't do without - treats)

10) Mincemeat Tarts - I have grown to love these tarts. They are my Dad's favorite so they are always around. They are really good and have a nice spicy taste.

9) Egg Nog - With or without the spiking??

8) Peppermint... - ANYTHING! I love Peppermint teas, hot chocolates, mochas...Yummy!!

7) Shortbread Cookies - Fattening, but delicious! (Especially if they are melt-in-your-mouth, like they should be.

6) Sugar Cookies - It is especially fun decorating these with the kids. Also my recipe is great for dipping into hot drinks.

5) Creme de Menthe bars - I love mint! Mint and chocolate comes second only to peanut butter and chocolate!

4) Nanaimo Bars - My ultimate favorite bar at Christmas. Yummy!

3) Butter Tarts - I can hear my Dad saying that "these can be had anytime of the year", but we never make them unless it is Christmas. I love them.

2) Battenburg Cake - Although I haven't had it for years because we used to buy it from Marks and Spencer, which is now closed down in Canada. I still remember it fondly and my mouth waters...

1) Mom's Home-made Fudge - Sorry! You can't make this one. I've tried, but it just isn't the same unless my Mommy is making it! She has that special touch, which I think runs in her side of the family. (Her uncle was a candy maker and owned a candy store downtown!)
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Ahh the memories that these bring back. My Mom and my aunt would set a day as the "Bake-a-thon" day. We would listen to Christmas music, bake and take short breaks for dancing on the footstool. It was lovely.

What are your baking memories? What will your family be eating this Christmas? Please share! (And pass the egg nog - unspiked!!)

Tuesday Tunes 16: It's True!!

Imagine the wonder of being told that you were going to have a baby, who would be the son of God. And Mary believed. She didn't even have to think about it. She immediately believed. Amazing.

Imagine being told by Mary, that you were going to be the father of the son of God. That Mary was already pregnant, and not with your child. You are not married yet, although you are engaged. Back then that was like being married already. Would you run away? Joseph doesn't, even though it would be a natural reaction.

Imagine angels telling you to come to Bethlehem and see a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. He is the Savior of the World. He has come to save you. Go and see him. And the shepherds left and went. They believed right away. They didn't hesitate.

The story is as old as time, and yet it is still as powerful and fraught with mysteries and complications. It's True! This story. It's True!! That's what this song is about.

It's True - Sara Groves (click here to listen to a clip)

In your heart you
know it’s true
though you hold no expectation
in the deepest part of you
there’s an open hesitation

but it’s true
kingdoms and crowns
a God who came down to find you
it’s true
Angels on high
sing through the night
alleluya

heard it told you
think it’s odd
the whole thing fraught with complication
the play begins with baby God
and all His blessed implications

but it’s true
kingdoms and crowns
a God who came down to find you
it’s trueAngels on high
sing through the night
alleluia

alleluia, alleluia

Oh it’s true
kingdoms and crowns
a God who came down to find you
it’s trueAngels on high
sing through the night
alleluia