Darlene's Doll Quilt

There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. It is the time to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and our neighbors as ourselves. It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much; he who gives time gives more; but he who gives of himself gives all. Let us make Christmas real. It isn’t just tinsel and ribbon, unless we have made it so in our lives. Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others. – Thomas S. Monson

Dutchman's Wheel

I didn't find a lot of movies worth my time in 2013, though I’ll have to admit there were even fewer in 2012. The ones that stand out in my mind are Now You See Me, Star Trek into Darkness, Monsters University, Despicable Me 2, The Hobbit; the Desolation of Smaug, Saving Mr. Banks, Iron Man 3, and Disney’s Frozen.  I didn’t catch The Great Gatsby, Mud, Man of Steel, Captain Phillips, or Gravity. I guess that gives me a list of films to watch on DVD next year. If you decide to visit the cinema during this last week of the year, I’d suggest The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. I haven’t seen it yet, but the previews look terrific. The Hobbit sequel, Frozen and Saving Mr. Banks are all still in the theaters. I can heartily recommend all three.

Red Sails

One of the things I miss most about England at this time of year is the chestnut vendors. Their tantalizing aroma can tempt you from a block away. For a few pounds a street vendor hands you a paper sack full of nuts that will warm your hands and your heart. I’ve never seen hot chestnuts on street corners here in the US, but you can sometimes find fresh chestnuts in the grocery store. Carefully cut an X in the flat side of each nut with a sharp knife. Spread the nuts in a jelly roll pan and sprinkle lightly with water. Roast 15 to 20 minutes at 400F, shuffling occasionally to prevent burning, until the shells are tender. Dump into a towel on your kitchen counter. Use the towel to gently crush the nuts. Peel while still warm and enjoy.

Blue Sails

Maybe soufflé isn't the best word to describe this dish. It’s nowhere near as light and fluffy as a real soufflé. Nor is it as tricky to achieve. It’s not as creamy as a spoon bread, and it’s not really johnnycake, either. If you’ve got a better name, I’d love to hear it.

Easy Corn Soufflé

2 tablespoons butter, melted

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

1 can cream-style corn

1 (8.5 ounce) package corn muffin mix

2 eggs

1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Heat oven to 350F. Mix butter and cream cheese in large bowl until blended. Add next 4 ingredients; mix well. Pour into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; top with cheese. Bake about 50 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. For an added kick, you can substitute jalapeno cream cheese spread for the softened cream cheese, or stir in sliced green onions to batter before topping with cheese. Makes 16 servings.

Diamond Star

For Vanessa, who loves Hot Chocolate:

In a 2-quart glass pitcher, mix 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened baking cocoa (I like the Dutch processed kind best). Using a wire whisk, gradually stir in 2 1/2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup cream or half-and-half. Microwave until thoroughly heated, but not boiling. Microwave ovens vary, so you’ll have to check every minute or two to make sure you don’t overdo it. Add 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips and whisk until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla (not imitation) and serve while hot. It’s delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of tiny marshmallows.

The Comforts of Home

I actually enjoy being a homemaker. There; I’ve said it. I get a great deal of pleasure out of stacks of freshly laundered, neatly folded sheets and towels. I love the way a pot of homemade marinara or a sheet of gingerbread cookies can make my whole house smell wonderful. When I’ve just swept and mopped the kitchen floor or polished the countertop, the shine can captivate me for hours. Edgar Guest was wrong. It doesn’t take “a heap o’ livin’ in a house t’ make it home.” It takes a heap of work; the kind of work that no one ever notices unless it hasn’t been done. I don’t get a paycheck for this, and there’s no Christmas bonus coming. The only satisfaction I’m ever likely to receive from being chief cook and bottle washer is the joy of having done something well. Luckily for me and for my family, that’s enough.

Bear Tracks

Welcome to Bear Day: my own personal holiday. It’s the day I invented as a break from the burden of shopping, gift wrapping, cookie baking, etc. that I tend to impose on myself at this time of year. Do you have a teddy bear at your house that’s old enough to vote? Here are a few simple steps you can take to give him a new outlook on life. First, look for a straight seam you can carefully open to access his stuffing. Remove the stuffing and discard. Gently wash the empty fur with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse and repeat if necessary. Blot on a towel (don’t wring!) and air dry. Repair any holes and re-stuff with fresh fiberfill (I took mine to Build-a-Bear, and he looks great) and re-sew the original seam. Now dress your bear in a new waistcoat, scarf or hat and let him sit where everyone can admire his makeover.