Saturday, November 6, 2010

Christmas Sweets and a Couple New Purchases

Okay…..I’m going to try to participate in Colleen’s (andbabymakesfive) recipe swap again.  I haven’t been very faithful in posting on my blog lately, so I’m hoping that this will keep me inspired to make a weekly post!!  Sorry, but I tend to get caught up with life and don’t always remember to take photos, let alone, take the time to post about the things that keep me busy!  And I HAVE been busy doing A LOT of tweaking.  But I’m not quite done, so I’m not posting any pictures until I am!  lol

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I love to go antique shopping and part of the fun is finding the right piece at a great priceI’ve had my eye on this little dresser at an antique store near by me for quite some time.  I’ve been looking for something to replace a table that is in my entryway.  I was kind of hesitant paying the price that was marked on it, not sure if it was what I really wanted  I panicked one day when I went in and found it was gone!!  The woman working in the store said that the dealer had taken it to an antique show, so I figured it was gone for good.  I was so happy to see it the next time I went in.  The price was not marked on it any more, so I wasn’t sure if it had changed or not.   After waiting a couple weeks of trying to get a price from the dealer, I was really surprised to find out that the price was only HALF of what he was asking for before!  SOLD!!  The waiting was worth it!  The only thing, though, was that when I got it home, I didn’t care for it in my entryway at all, but in my Living Room instead!

 So here’s my new little dresser!

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I love the handles on it!

 

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Here are a couple of sweet treat recipes that have been  favorites of ours from past Christmases.  I used to make the Peanut Brittle along with hard tack candy and caramels every year for the holidays, but have cut down on the amount of goodies that I make because I tend to make way too much!  lol   I’ll share the recipes for the hard tack candy and caramels at a later date.

Peanut Brittle

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. water

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 c. water

1 c. light corn syrup

3 T. butter

1 lb. unroasted peanuts

Butter 2 cookie sheets; keep warm.

Mix baking soda, 1 tsp. water and vanilla; set aside.  Mix sugar, 1 c. water and corn syrup in saucepan.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to 240° on a candy thermometer.

Stir in margarine & peanuts.  Cook, stirring constantly, to 300°.  Immediately remove from heat and stir in baking soda mixture.

Pour half of the mixture onto each cookie sheet and quickly spread about 1/4” thick.  Cool; break into pieces.

Kahlua Fudge

1 1/3 c. sugar

7 oz. marshmallow creme

2/3c. evaporated milk

1/4 c. butter

1/4 c. Kahlua

1/4 tsp. salt

2 c. semisweet chocolate pieces

1 c. milk chocolate pieces

2/3 c. chopped nut

1 tsp. vanilla

Line 8” square baking pan with foil.

In 2 qt. saucepan, combine sugar, marshmallow creme, milk, butter, Kahlua and salt.  Bring to a rapid boil, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat; add all chocolate.  Stir until melted.  Add nuts and vanilla.  Turn into prepared pan.  Refrigerate until firm.  Cut into squares.

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If you’d like to participate or see other recipes in Colleen’s Homemade Holiday Recipe Swap, click on the picture below.

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This morning, Chuck and I had the fun opportunity of going to the Simple Goods Show in Mt. Vernon.  It was about an hour and a half drive and the temperature went from 35° down to 24° by the time we got there!  We had to wait about 1/2 hour until the doors opened and let me tell you, it was freezing!!   There were a few unfortunate souls that had booths set up outside, so while Chuck stood in line, I went and checked them out.  I also ran into the hotel right next door to use the restroom (and to get warm!) and ran into Karen (my colonial home) and her husband, who were staying at the hotel.IMG_3110

I also ran into Lisa (prims from above)who was there with her hubby, son and mom, as well as Stacey (farm wife prims).  We didn’t get to talk very long due to the fact that the place was VERY crowded and I kind of felt like I was in people’s way.  It would have been extremely difficult trying to get any pictures because you could hardly even get into some of the booths!  It was still a wonderful show, but I seriously hope that they move it to a larger place.  There wasn’t much space between the booths and, at times, you couldn’t move anywhere if someone stopped to look at something in front of you. . . .you had to wait until they were done looking.  And you know how we women like to check out our prims!  lol  We were all done in about 1 1/2 hours and by the time we left, it had cleared out quite a bit (along with a lot of prim goodies!)  These were the only purchases I made, due to the fact that  I couldn’t get into some of the booths and by the time I could, things were picked over.

The lamp is from Carriage House Lighting.  I saw this at Country Gatherings the last time I was in Berlin (amish country) and really liked it, but wasn’t sure were I would put it.  I’m glad I waited, because it was $20 less than what CG wanted for it.  The santa came from Arnett’s Country Store.  I’ve always tried to win one of their infamous santas when they would hold online sales, but was never quick enough to email my response. . . .then I found out that CG carries them pretty much all of the time!  lol   I have never bought one due to the fact that I’ve usually spent my money on other prim goodies that CG offered.   I forgot that Arnetts were going to be at the show and by the time I got over to their booth, most of the santas were already gone.  I was lucky to get this one and then I had to wait in a LONG line to pay for him!  It was a very popular booth!  The candle came from Old Mother Hubbards.  That was Chuck’s purchase.  The man LOVES candles and is always picking up different ones and smelling them.  This one smells wonderful!!  Kind of a caramel/hazelnut scent.  It’s been burning since we’ve been home!  lol

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Well,  that’s all for me this week!

Until Next Time. . . .Kris

16 comments:

  1. That little bureau is wonderful - those pulls are works of art!!

    So nice to see you with Karen and I love all your goodies from the show.

    Yummy recipes too... now I anxiously await pics of your tweaking!!! Hurry up - pretty please!!

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  2. love the chest of drawers!...dontcha wish we had more room so we could have more antiques?...I know I do! LOL...that kahlua fudge recipe has my mouth watering, yum!...and although you made some great purchases at the show, it sounds like a nightmare to me because I totally cannot stand crowds like that!...yikes!

    Janet

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  3. Hi Kris! It's so nice to have you blogging regularly again. I really r-e-a-l-l-y enjoy your posts and all the wonderful recipes you share.What a great little chest and those drawer pulls are just beautiful. I'm loving your new Santa too. Oh how I'd love to own one! What a shame the show was so crowded. I'd probably be one of those women that takes forever looking over something and holding you up. hehe

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  4. Kris,

    Enjoyed this post. The small chest is beautiful and looks right at home.

    Sounds like you had fun despite the cold and crowds. Love your purchases, too.

    Pamela

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  5. Kris, Love that little piece you picked up! The handles are especially lovely! I wanted to tell you also that I recently stayed at the Berlin Grande as well! The first week they opened, I was in Ohio for a convention and went up to Amish Country and stayed there. It was a terrific place to stay, and the pastrys from the Amish Kitchen in the morning were great too! Join my blog if you will, and can't wait to see your tweaking photos!

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  6. Kris, I LOVE all of your finds! You have such a knack for decorating! How fun that you ran into Karen and Lisa there at the show!
    Thanks for sharing with us!

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  7. Kris,
    Oh it is so nice to know you plan to blog regularly again. I miss you. That little dresser is sweet, and now you can still shop for that special something in your entry! I have fond memories of peanut brittle at the holidays. Think I'll try that one. Too bad you couldn't spend more time with Karen. She's a honey.

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  8. Love your new dresser and your new goodies from the show. Can't wait to see your tweaking results.

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  9. I love your new purchase - and getting it for half price - awesome!
    I enjoy your posts, and I can totally relate to the busy-ness of life. Thanks for making the time when you can. :)

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  10. Hi Kris...I didn't make it up to Simple Goods this year and now I am really sorry because I might have been able to meet up with you and Karen and Lisa! I do know what you mean about the crowds.
    Your recipes are always the best and I have made a lot of yours that you have posted.
    Linda

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  11. Brittle and fudge...good old standbys for Christmas. I work with Better Recipes and am always reviewing and experimenting with new recipes. Right now I'm focusing on Christmas candy and my kids love it! Check out these great recipes for Christmas candy. They make great gifts! Christmas Candy Recipes

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  12. Kris, One of these years I'm going to make it to that show! It's just such a busy weekend - there's so much going on - everywhere! Thanks for the blanket crane tutorial way back when, finally DH had time to make one - he made 3 actually and Karen (my colonial home) is the proud owner of one. I posted how mine turned out on my blog. ~Ann

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  13. Hi, Kris,
    I went to the show also, agree with you they need a bigger space & the poor vendors outside Burr! come over & check out what I purchased!
    The vendors were great!
    I love your dresser!Great find!
    have a nice day,
    Teresa

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  14. Oh darn! Another of my favorite bloggers that was at the Simple Goods show that I missed out on meeting! Darn it! I was there and got to meet Karen but I see quite of few ladies I went that I missed. :( Wasn't the show beautiful though. I agree... WAY to crowded! Geesh! It was insane. Hope we get to cross paths some other time though!

    Carmen and the Primcats

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  15. Hi Kris...well first off I LOOK PREGNANT IN THAT PHOTO...lol
    I had my purse under my coat - REALLY I DID...lol

    Your lamp is adorable. Just before we left the show we bought one of their Whaler Lamps...love it!!!!
    Actually had a hard time picking because they are all gorgeous.

    Your Santa is adorable...and my husband stood in line for at least 1/2 hour for our one little sheep but it's so worth it...her work is awesome.

    Glad you hubby got something...lol

    How fun to meet you Kris - you are as cute as can be!

    Karen

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  16. Kris I LOVE your new dresser!!! Those handles are beautiful!
    Love all of you goodie you found! Santa is adorable.
    Can't wait to see the tweaking you've been doin' :)

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