'Tis the season to be jolly...fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.. My sister and I would start singing Christmas carols, and driving people mad of course, just after Hallowe'en. Even as a kid I would start planning early.Once Christmas Day is over it is really quite a let down for me. My entire joy( besides being together with family and friends) that I get from Christmas is the months of planning and finding the perfect gift for each and every person on my list way before Christmas. The joy of gift giving is ingrained in my soul!!! For those of you who don't start shopping until Christmas Eve...you're missing the point!!!! At least my vision of what Christmas is all about (besides the obvious).
I have been shopping and collecting recipes for at least a month now. The carefully chosen gifts are even neatly wrapped or in gift bags in my closet as we speak. There are two reasons behind my madness. One is so that if nosy little cherubs peak into the closet before Christmas they will see pretty little wrapped gifts and not what is inside. The other reason I am a big fan of the "wrap as you go" philosophy is because then I can spend more time with my family (and in my favourite pass time of cooking wonderful Christmas delights) rather than spending hours wrapping gifts all at once. I am not done yet because that would spoil my joy. I am still seeking the perfect gifts for others. I am sifting through the recipes and trying to decide whether I will do something different or stick to the "tried and true"...maybe with a little twist....that is the joy for me.
December 1st I will be hanging decorations in anticipation of Tree Trimming Parties and other get togethers over the holiday season. I have always loved Starbuck's Eggnog Latte, so, this is my version..perfect for house decorating day. Crack open the Christmas CD's with Michael Buble belting out his version of Christmas songs and I will be in heaven!!!
The photo of the little fairy is part of my Christmas collection which I started when I was 15. She is a new addition.
**Pseudo Starbucks Eggnog Latte**
½ cup eggnog
¼ cup whole milk
Espresso coffee
Pinch of ground nutmeg
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1. Combine cold eggnog with cold milk. Cold non-fat milk can be substituted for the whole milk.
2. Heat eggnog and milk in microwave for approximately 30 seconds. Eggnog heats more quickly than milk so watch the temperature.
3. Put a shot of espresso in cup.
4. Using aeorator whip milks till frothy and triple in volume.
5. Add to coffee in cup.
6. Sprinkle with nutmeg if desired. Add whipped cream if desired.
