Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa

Merry Christmas everyone.

I hope you are enjoying your day whether your visiting family, friends, or just staying in alone and getting some rest. That actually sounds great right now. Christmas always seem so busy and hectic. We say every year that we are not going to do so much the next Christmas, but then we do. It’s all fun though. 

My daughter will still come over and spend a few day at home during Christmas. We laugh, cook and shop and get on each others nerves at times but I love it. 

Christmas eve day we walked around and gave out some home made Cranberry Salsa to my sweet neighbors. 

We are so blessed to have nice, friendly and helpful neighbors on our street. Every time we are out at the same time, we end up talking forever about things going on in life. I just like to share some Christmas cheer.

Christmas eve we headed out over to mom and dads for a nice family gathering. We had all kinds of foods and sweets. My daddy read some scripture and sang us a little song. My mom stayed busy working in the kitchen despite she was not feeling well. Sometimes I don’t know how she pulls it all together, but she does. 

Now its Christmas day. I got up early and enjoyed a nice quiet breakfast. As I was sipping my coffee, I gazed at the Christmas tree with presents underneath. I smiled and said to my husband, “we did it”. We never think we can pull it off with our small income but we do. My daughter was happy to wake up for the 32nd year with presents under the tree. 

Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries,
• 1 Jalapeño
• 1/2 Cup Cilantro
• Lime juice
• 4 Green onions
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup sugar ( see instructions)

Chop all the above ingredients together, then mix in 1/2 cup sugar.

Let it set in the fridge for a few hours and enjoy.

It’s great poured over a block of cream cheese with your favorite crackers.

Or use for a sweet n spicy salsa for your tortilla chips.

It’s getting later now and Nick is making lasagna to take over to his brothers tonight for our Christmas dinner. Everyone will bring a dish. There are some small kids that we get to watch play and open gifts. 

Tomorrow I will rest. 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. 

Old Fashion Nougat Candy

 Who remembers the Braches Jelly Nougat candy? 

I remember seeing them in the candy baskets at the candy stores or in restaurant lobbies. They were never one of my favorites. I would always lean more toward the powdered candy or those little waxy drink filled molds. 

Well, for those that enjoyed this kind of candy, I am going to share the recipe that’s quick and easy. I made a batch for the first time. I think I actually like it now. Ready? Ok. Get out a mixing bowl.

Old Fashion Nougat Candy

• 1 bag of mini marshmallows.
• 1 bag of white chocolate chips.
• 2 tablespoons of butter.
• 1 box of Dots candy -Cut each piece in half. 

1. Place butter and white chocolate chips in a microwavable bowl and microwave 30 seconds at a time until melted. Put in the marshmallows and microwave 30 seconds at a time until you can mix it all smooth together. 
2. Fold in the Dots candy and pour into a square dish lined with parchment paper (this will help get it out).
3. Place in fridge for 2 hours or best overnight. 
4. Once cooled, take it out of the pan and cut into pieces. 

Can be left out but best stored in the fridge.

Just look at how pretty they are.

These little candies have the consistency of taffy. People will be surprised at how good they actually are. I took some into the office to share and they disappeared in no time.