Tuesday's Tip: Maybe a wives' tale

Leftover champagne will keep its bubbles if you put a spoon upside down in the bottles neck.

Tuesday's Tip: An easy hostess/host gift, for next year's New Year's Eve party....

Fresh herbs and citrus zest can be steeped in small bottles of olive oil for 2-3 weeks to flavor it (I buy small bottles of olive oil for this purpose).

In the kitchen on Thursday: Sugar cookies to go with that Champagne

Easy Sugar Cookies

1 stick butter
2/3 C. sugar
2 Tbsp. ground almonds
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. milk
2 eggs

Pre heat oven to 325. Cream the butter and the sugar. Add the milk and eggs and beat well. Add all dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. You may want to use an electric mixer (I do). Place by teaspoonful on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are golden brown. Make 2-3 dozen.

Teachable moments

Last night as a I put my daughter to bed, she was still reveling in the HGTV Star episode and said to me, " It seems like you like the show too." and I replied, "I don't care for it much or TV for that matter, but I see you like it and I encourage you the same way I see that you like and are good at gymnastics which I encourage too." and in that moment my daughter learned what it takes to maintain a relationship (and be a parent).

(P.S. We are planning a family party to watch the last episode of this seasons HGTV Star show complete with popcorn and sparking apple cider to toast the winner.)

Celebration and a cold

Yesterday, I had a tea party  with family and close friends to celebrate my birthday (Thanks, mom for hosting at your place) and now my cold has attacked with a vengeance and so today, I will be sipping more tea and more tea and more tea.

Wednesday's Words: Dessert first or second?

"Life is short, eat dessert first." -- Jaque Torres (master chocolatier)

Jaque Torres Chocolates

In the Kitchen on Thursday: Festive Punch

1/2 Gallon Orange Juice
1/2 Gallon Cranberry Juice
2 liters ginger ale or champagne

Mix all liquids together and place in a punch bowl or pitcher. The non-alcoholic version is great at party for recovering alcoholics or designated drivers (or those like me who do not like alcohol).