Really Festive Cookies! White -Chocolate Cherry Shortbread

Really Festive Cookies! I have made these for a Christmas cookie exchange & for cookie platters for gifts. People love them!
White -Chocolate Cherry Shortbread
Prep: 40 min. Bake: 10 min. per batch
Ingredients
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup cold butter
12 ounces white chocolate baking squares with cocoa butter, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
2 teaspoons shortening
White nonpareils and/or red edible glitter (optional)
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spread cherries on paper towels to drain well.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in drained cherries and 4 ounces (2/3 cup) of the chopped chocolate. Stir in almond or vanilla extract and, if desired, food coloring. Knead mixture until it forms a smooth ball.
3. Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in sugar, flatten balls to 1-1/2-inch rounds.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until centers are set. Cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool.
5. In a small saucepan, combine remaining 8 ounces white chocolate and the shortening. Cook and stir over low heat until melted. Dip half of each cookie into chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. If desired, roll dipped edge in nonpareils and/or edible glitter. Place cookies on waxed paper until chocolate is set. Makes about 60.
6. To Store: Layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperaure. You can also freeze for later use.
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Thanksgiving Countdown Preparation and Planning

Thanksgiving Countdown Preparation and Planning

Two Weeks Ahead

• Make sure you have enough tables and chairs for your guests.
  
• Check all serving dishes, flatware, and glassware.
  
• Polish silver. Wrap in tarnish-resistant silvercloth and set aside.
  
• Shop for any paper goods you need for the event.
  
• Take an inventory of your tablecloths and napkins. If any of your items need to be cleaned, do it now.
  
• Clean your refrigerator to make room for your Thanksgiving items.
  
• Shop for nonperishable groceries on your shopping list.
  
• Match up recipes with serving dishes and silverware.
  
• Drop 3x5 cards into each bowl and platter indicating which dish goes in each. Plan and make decorations, place cards, and wreaths.

One Week Ahead

• Plan seating arrangements.
• Review your recipes and prepare a cooking schedule by day for the days ahead, and by the hour for Thanksgiving Day.
• Check thawing time for frozen turkey.
• Prepare guest room with fresh linens and other amenities.
• Do any needed outdoor work like raking leaves or cleaning the glass on your front door.
• Will you need a high chair, crib, or booster seat? Bring them out and clean, or arrange to borrow these items from a friend or the parent.
• If children will be attending, get out games or movies for them. Or ask parents to bring things for the kids to do

Four Days Ahead

• As appropriate, begin defrosting the frozen turkey in your refrigerator.
• Save money on ice -- start making your own ice cubes now. When they're frozen, dump them in a freezer bag.
• Do major housecleaning and organizing.
• Put up wreaths and nonperishable decorations like candles.
• Phone guests regarding menu plans and find out what oven space they may need. Also inquire if they are bringing serving pieces or if you should furnish these.
• Plan ahead for leftovers. Organize containers, bags, and wraps so guests can take home the meal's bounty.

Two Days Ahead

• Chill beverages.
• Have centerpiece delivered or buy flowers for the table.
• Shop for perishable items.
• Clean vegetables and refrigerate.
• Set out bread for homemade stuffing.
• Make cranberry sauce.
• Fill salt and pepper shakers and butter dishes.
• Complete light housecleaning.
• Lay a fire in the fireplace, ready to light later.
• Put up decorations.

One Day Ahead

• Peel potatoes, place in a pot of cold water. Keep in refrigerator.
• Clean vegetables and refrigerate.
• Make all dishes that can be prepared ahead. Don't forget the pies and any chopping, peeling, or toasting that can be done ahead.
• Check your bathrooms. Be sure to have extra paper goods and hand towels available.
• Prepare stuffing
• Do spot cleaning of the rooms that will be used.
• Let your family set the table in the evening.
• Make the side dishes that can be baked ahead of time.
• Make a staging area for coffee, desserts, and drinks. Stock with flatware, sugar and creamer, cups and saucers, etc. This could even be set up on a tray stashed in the pantry until needed.

Thanksgiving Day

• Get out all serving pieces. Set out in order on a counter or buffet table.
• Fill condiment dishes with your choice of pickles, olives, cranberry sauce, etc. Cover each dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Lay serving spoons on top.
• Assign specific family members or relatives to be in charge of tending the fire, pouring drinks, answering the door, hanging up coats, and watching the children.
• Remove turkey from the refrigerator for one to two hours. Add stuffing to the bird or place into casseroles to bake separately.
• Preheat oven.
• Put turkey in oven and baste every half hour or according to your recipe.
• Prepare coffee and brew 20 minutes before serving.
• Remove stuffing from turkey and let it rest, covered, for about 20 minutes before slicing.
• Microwave food to quickly reheat if all the burners of the stove are occupied.
• Make gravy and last-minute vegetables.
  Set out refrigerated dishes including condiments, cranberries, and salads.
• Heat bread or rolls as needed.
• Pour drinks.
• Carve turkey.
• Keep the oven on the lowest setting to keep foods warm until the meal is over.
• Enjoy the dinner! Clear the table and serve dessert.

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Fans Can Speak The Victorian Language of Fans

The Victorian Language of Fans

In Victorian times the ladies had an unspoken "fan" language



If a young lady held her fan to her lips, it begged a kiss

Dropping it meant friendship only

Drawing it across her eyes meant an apology

The fan placed near the heart signaled You have won my love

Did she hide the eyes behind an open fan ~ I love you

Opening and closing the fan several times ~ You are cruel ~

Fanning slowly meant I am married

Fanning quickly meant I am engaged

Twirling the fan in the left hand
~ You are being watched ~



Looking for lace fans Click here






Adorable Victorian Style FAN Gift Cards Click Here

© 2006 Nanalulu

FABULOUS 5 MINUTE FUDGE Great for the Holidays!

Fabulous Five-Minute Fudge

Prep: 5 min. Chill: 30 min.

Ingredients 1 12-ounce package semisweet chocolate pieces (2 cups) 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk (one-half of a 14-ounce can) 1 tablespoon water 3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted if desired 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper; set aside. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate pieces, sweetened condensed milk, and water. Microwave, uncovered, on 100% power (high) for 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 1 minute more, or until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour mixture onto prepared cookie sheet and spread it into a 9x6-inch rectangle, or drop mixture by rounded teaspoons onto prepared cookie sheet. Chill fudge about 30 minutes or until firm. Cut fudge into 1-1/2-inch

ENJOY!!

PLANNING A FAIRY TEA PARTY IDEAS RECIPES

Are You Looking For Ideas on Planning A Fairy Tea Party. For Creative Ideas, Decorating, Games, Recipes, Favors & More Click On The Fairy Below

~ THE FAIRY TEA PARTY ~

Here are some pictures from the Fairy Tea Party I had for my granddaughters.