Christmas Trees 2012

Like every Black Friday, I do a small amount of shopping. No really just a bit. We always get up too late for the good stuff and vow not to go out, nut the idea that it is the biggest shopping day of the year gets us every time. So this morning the girls and I got up and geared up to go. The good thing we only went for some decoration updates... No rush. No large crowds and it only took 1 1/2 hours to do 4 stores. First we started by decorating the door outside, easy purchased it all from Sam's. Abigail wanted to do her tree next. Finally, I was able to start on my trees.

I always start by fluffing my branches and adding any lights that are missing. Next it's deco mesh time. This year I did both red and green and polka dot ribbon.

Next I add the large ornaments. I do this so I can work around them. Next I add the regular ornaments. Personally I use the shatterproof because we used to have a large husky in the house and now we have the baby. Now there are no worries. The other plus is that they are cheap for a lot of them. The set I use on the this tree comes from Sam's. I put them on in color order because I can be somewhat OCD. I put them in the center of the tree to give depth and to fit it all. I try to cluster the ornaments around the mesh poofs.

Finally I add the picks. These again came as a set from Sam's and like everything else I buy a few things here and there every year to add and spruce it up. This year I added the hat topper and the awesome light bulb picks. The same process goes for our dining room tree. I have several sets of decorations and multiple trees so I try to put them to use. And the blue and white was perfect for my monochromatic dining room. Hope you enjoy. I'm off to enjoy a fire and egg nog. Happy holidays

Aunt Lizzie's Egg Nog

 

Ever since I was a small child, my mom always fixed homemade egg nog. I loved it and could not get enough. Finally it was my turn to take on the task of fixing the egg nog every year. My family can't wait until I fix it now. Tonight was the perfect night to start the holiday season in my house. After supper Matt and I are sharing a cup of egg nog and the movie 2016. Go figure the movie is not very seasonal, but Matt has become very interested in politics since the election. Anyways, on to the simple recipe. Fair warning this is by no means a health food.

 

First you need to gather the necessary ingredients.

3 cans of evaporated or pet milk

1 can of condensed milk

8 cups of water

6 large eggs

& sugar

 

The first thing is to put all the milks, evaporated and pet, along with the water in the pot and let is heat slowly. This is not a very specific recipe either. It is part of the cajun culture. Dishes just happen. 

 

While this is heating, separate the eggs. Add 2 teaspoons to the egg whites and start beating. I will return to this process a bit later. While that is beating, which can be slow, add 1/2 cup of sugar to the egg yolks, stir and set aside.

 

Now back to the egg whites. First I will give you Aunt Lizzie's version and then the way I prefer it. Aunt Lizzie would beat the egg whites until stiff. Once they were stiff put them in the milks and remove them. We will find out what happens to these later. My version is to beat until soft peaks and then wisk into the milks.

 

Once you decide which version you want, you add 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the milks. Then you quickly and gradually wisk in the egg yolks into the milk. Make sure you mix well and quickly as not to scramble the eggs. (Yuck!)

 

If you have chosen to use Aunt Lizzie's version then you would finally fold in the egg whites back into the milk.

 

Now it is ready to enjoy! That is it. The entire process only takes about as much time as it takes to beat the egg whites regardless of which route you choose. I hope you enjoy and let me know if you have any questions.