Christmas Tree

Not to brag, but mum happens to be very talented. She used to make an assortment of painted Christmas ornaments every year for friends & family. We have quite the collection of them on my parents tree. 

Here is a small sampling.

She didn't make that lovely vintage bell, but the angel behind it. 

It really is lovely to see how personalized the S family Christmas tree is. Ornaments from my first Christmas still grace it's bows. Along with this lovely treat, made in elementary school.

Czech Dumplings - Knedliky and Zeli

A staple of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner at the S Grandparent's has been Czech dumplings and sauerkraut or 'Knedliky and Zeli'. While I did not make it down for Christmas eve dinner the folks were kind enough to bring plenty back. The dumplings were quickly devoured...it will take M a while to get through the container of zeli (which we have always pronounced zella).

This is M's plate - I had a mere smidgen of zeli on mine.

Here is a generic recipe if you are feeling brave, or happen to like sauerkraut
http://www.hersutah.com/columnstory/knedliky-and-zeli-czech-dumplings-sauerkraut-and-cabbage

Christmas Cookies

Last week (before Christmas) C, K & A came over for some cookie making fun. There were naturally some recipe mistakes, but overall success. It got late. But we did manage to finish a few cookies. Rather than simply frosting them, we rolled out fondant and cut it into circles which we proceeded to paint on with gel food coloring. It was more difficult than I anticipated. 

K's abstract design - perhaps influenced by the wild west ninja movie he was watching between forays to the kitchen for cookie quality checks.

Painted goodness. 

Stars

Last night C and I went out to visit a friend in Placerville. At the end of the evening we were sitting outside by the fire pit and I happened to look up. My breath caught slightly looking up at the stars. I forget sometimes how much more you can see away from any city lights. I thought of this video.

One of my goals for 2012 is to spend more time outside - not just on my balcony in the tree tops, but outside away from everything.