Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 16
December 9, 2022
Weekend Edition
If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected. **(All winners' emails will receive a response within a week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, we may not have received it. Please leave a comment in the following Weekend Edition.)
Monday: Mary Connealy
Wednesday: Mindy shared her thoughts on The Wonder of Christmas, as well as her favorite recipe that even the worst of cooks can use to make their house smell like Christmas. The winner of a signed copy of Mindy's latest release, A Christmas Bargain is... Jcp!
Thursday: Carrie Schmidt
Monday: Jaime Wright
Tuesday: Dana Lynn
Wednesday: Ruth Logan Herne
Thursday: Winnie Griggs will be up with info on a favorite hymn and one of her most requested holiday recipes.
Get into the holiday spirit with a great Christmas read!
Book two in award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus's Hope Crossing series.Can a property dispute… Turn into a holiday blessing?When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal? Available at local retailers or order your copy today!Amazon, ChristianBook.com, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target
Debby Giusti will be at Book Love The Book Shop in Senoia, GA Sat, Dec 10, 11-1 PM If you're in the area, stop by to get your autographed copy of IN A SNIPER'S CROSSHAIRS. Proceeds benefit Tunnels to Towers Foundation Supporting the families of American Heroes--Fallen First Responders and Wounded Veterans.
Trivia: Senoia, GA is where THE WALKING DEAD was filmed.
IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS
By Debby Giusti
An assassin’s loose in Amish country…
and she’s not the only target.
When a radio broadcast describes taxi driver Lily Hudson’s passenger as an armed criminal, she becomes his immediate target. Narrowly escaping, Lily accepts Matthias Overholt’s offer to hide at his Amish family farm for Christmas—until evidence reveals the gunman’s plan is tied to Lily’s past. Now to prevent an assassination, Lily and Matthias must unravel a years-old conspiracy…and evade a sniper who has them in his sights.
Order HERE!
Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )
Celebrate Christmas with .99 Sweet/Christian Holiday Romance from bestselling authors - ends 12.11.22
On Endings and Non-Endings by Greer Macallister at Writer UnBoxed
When Setting Doubles as a Character by Peggy Sue Wells at The Write Conversation
Running and Writing - The Finish Line by Kay DiBianca at Kill Zone blog
Why We Write by Terry Overton at ACFW blog
TTS (Text-To-Speech) Before You Hit Send by Patricia Bradley at Learn How To Write A Novel
How to Use a Long-Form Synopsis to Plan Your Novel by Julie Artz at Jane Friedman
Introducing Reader Magnets by Nick Stephenson at Your First 10,000 Readers
Creating Bonus Content to Double Your Reader Engagement by Penny C. Sansevieri at Writers In The Storm
3 Natural Ways to Welcome Your Muse at Write To Done
Forming Your Strategic Vision for Your Writing Career by CS Lakin at Live Write Thrive
BONUS - The Ukrainian Choir Bringing New Meaning to a Classic Holiday Song on YouTube
December 8, 2022
Comfort and Joy
If we happened to be playing a word association game, and I said 'Christmas' you would undoubtedly reply with something cheerful. Words like 'merry' or 'carol' or 'cookie' (yum!) or even 'cheer' itself. And yet, for some people Christmas isn't quite as merry this year as it has been. Because, let's face it, life is hard lately.
For me personally, the approach of Christmas also means the approach of the one-year mark (Dec 13th) since my precious Daddy met Jesus face-to-face. I know I'm not alone in this struggle, as I have over 30 friends who have lost a parent in 2021 or 2022 - including a few of the other Seekers, too. And while Christmas is still my favorite holiday, my enthusiasm is tempered a bit again this year with grief.
This co-existence of sorrow and joy is something I've been pondering this year, and so it's no surprise that the words of the English carol God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen jumped out at me this year like never before:
TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY
The word 'comfort' implies that there is some sort of sorrow present, doesn't it? The need to be comforted rarely comes without pain or loss or grief. But we sing about those tidings of comfort alongside the tidings of joy without really stopping to realize what we're singing, don't we? Comfort... and the need for it... and joy co-existing? How is that possible?
I love these lyrics from 'Comfort and Joy' by Tasha Layton:
There's no need to keep your tears from falling
Sometimes what's most painful are those holidays
But Christmas shows that God cares for us deeply
The same boy in the manger holds you still today
Because yes, in a few days, it will be one year since my dad left this earthly life and saw Jesus face-to-face. And yet... in 17 days, we will celebrate that same Jesus who was "born that man no more may die". It's the reason i love Christmas so much - it changed everything. And this juxtaposition of 'comfort and joy' MEANS everything. It means that I can laugh with my nephews' infectious giggles when they're trying to keep me from 'memorizing' them with selfies. It means I can smile at the Christmas songs & the decor & the goodies & the presents & the happy memories of past holidays. It means that I can do a happy dance when I *finally* win a game of Munchkin with our older nieces & nephews. And... it means I can have a grief meltdown without being consumed by hopelessness. God knew we would need both comfort and joy in this life, so He sent His Son to make a way for them to co-exist with an assured HOPE that death is not the end. I am so so grateful for a Savior who enters into our grief with us and says “you’re right, it’s not supposed to be like this and I’ve come to make a way - THE way - for all the sad things to one day be untrue.” Yes, we grieve. We cry. We ache for one more hug, one more conversation. Sometimes we even stay curled up in our car, sobbing, instead of going into the Christmas party we planned to attend. (Ask me how I know this.) But we do not grieve without HOPE. He binds up the broken-hearted and He knows every tear we cry. But He’s also told us the end of the story - the happily ever after made possible because of the Light of the world.
Another song I've come to love lately is Francesca Battistelli's Behold Him:
In your silent nightWhen you're not alright
Lift your eyes and behold him
Feel the thrill of hope
You are not alone
In this moment, behold him Christmas changed everything, y'all. When grief threatens to consume you this season, lift your eyes and behold Him, the Son of God who was 'born that man no more may die'. Can sorrow and joy coexist? Yes! Because Christmas changes everything!! The moment Jesus was born in that long-ago stable, death ultimately lost its power for all of us who accept the gift of His death & resurrection.
One of the things that also brings me joy each Christmas season are the banana drop cookies my grandmother made every year - and that my husband now makes in her stead. These are everything lovely and comforting about banana bread... in a cookie!!!
Ingredients
1 & 1/4 cups sugar
2/3 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, unbeaten
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
2 & 1/4 cups sifted, all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
plus (for topping)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Cream sugar, shortening, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Stir in mashed bananas. Sift flour with baking powder, baking soda, and salt; add and mix well. Chill 30 minutes (the dough, not you…. although you can chill too if you’d like lol). Drop by teaspoonfuls 2″ apart on greased baking sheets. Mix the extra sugar & cinnamon; sprinkle over unbaked cookies. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
Enjoy!
Praying you experience His comfort and His joy this Christmas season,
Carrie
December 6, 2022
The Wonder of Christmas
by Mindy ObenhausHave you ever seen the look in child's eyes when they stare at a Christmas tree? It's an expression filled with awe and anticipation. And that is exactly how we should feel during this season of Advent. In awe of the fact that Jesus stepped down from heaven and came to earth as a helpless baby--not in splendor, but in the squaller of stable--to save the world. And in anticipation of His second coming and the joy of the holiday season.
Some people say Christmas has become too commercial. And while that may be true, Who else do you know whose birthday is a month-long event filled with special songs heralding their birth, twinkling lights...
And treats that make an appearance only this time of year?
I understand that Christmas can be overwhelming for many. I mean, we already have a gazillion demands weighing us down. And then along comes Christmas adding to that ever-growing to-do list. If that's where you are, then stop and take a deep breath. If Christmas is about those things you have to do, then don't do them. Jesus said, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." He is the reason for the season, so it only seems right that He should be the driving force behind whatever you do during it.
The wonder of Christmas should live inside us all year long. But come December, it can no longer be contained and spills over into this most wonderful time of the year. A season filled with sights, sounds and smells that bring us comfort and joy.
Here's one of my favorite holiday recipes. One that even those who don't cook can appreciate.
Christmas Scent is comprised of an orange, a lemon, four cinnamon sticks, three bay leaves, and a good handful (approximately ¼ cup) of whole cloves. For gift giving, the ingredients can be placed in a cellophane bag and tied with a pretty ribbon adorned with the Christmas Scent label with instructions on the other side. The instructions read:
Cut lemon and orange into quarters; combine fruit, spices, and one quart of water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer as long as desired. (Add more water, as needed.) Any leftover mixture can be covered and refrigerated for several days to be reused.
Oh, and did I happen to mention I have a new book on store shelves now?
Can a property dispute… Turn into a holiday blessing?
When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal?
HOWEVER, in the spirit of the season, I'm giving away a signed copy to one commenter (US mailing addresses only, please). Simply leave a comment to be entered!
December 4, 2022
Breath of Heaven
My very favorite Christmas song.
Combined with my favorite Christmas Candy recipe
Connealy Crunch
2 pound package Almond Bark (melted)
Melt in microwave 1 ½ minutes. Stir. Melt 1 ½ minutes. That should be enough. You might need slightly longer. Almond bark doesn’t lose its shape when it melts so you have to stir it to see if it’s enough. Add:
3 C. Captain Crunch Peanut Butter Cereal
3 C. miniature marshmallows
3 C. Rice Krispies
3 C. mixed nuts
Spread out on waxed paper. Let cool. Break into bite sized pieces.
But........because I know I've posted this before, here's another one that's pretty, easy and deliciousHoliday wreaths
They're just modified Rice Krispy Bars
1/3 C. butter
10 ounces marshmallows
Microwave 1 ½ minutes. Stir. Microwave again 1 ½ minutes. Continue until smooth. Add:
1 t. green food coloring
Add:
6 C. cornflakes (crushed)
Wet hands work as well as buttered hands to prevent sticking. Roll into balls. Poke thumb through center or make snakes and form a circle. (Balls work better) Decorate with red hots.
December 3, 2022
Sunday Scipture & Prayer Requests
SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
The Baptism of Christ by Andrea del Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1475,
Uffizi Gallery. [PD-US]
John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea
and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:
A voice of one crying out in the desert,
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.
John wore clothing made of camel's hair
and had a leather belt around his waist.
His food was locusts and wild honey.
At that time Jerusalem, all Judea,
and the whole region around the Jordan
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins.
When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees
coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers!
Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.
And do not presume to say to yourselves,
'We have Abraham as our father.'
For I tell you,
God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees.
Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit
will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
I am baptizing you with water, for repentance,
but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.
I am not worthy to carry his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fan is in his hand.
He will clear his threshing floor
and gather his wheat into his barn,
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Matthew 3:1-12
WISHING YOU A JOYFUL AND PRAYERFUL ADVENT
AS YOU JOIN US IN PREPARING FOR THE BIRTH OF THE CHRIST CHILD!
The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below.
Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.
Also, please join us in praying for the protection of our military and for law enforcement officers and border agents.We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support!
May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.
December 2, 2022
Weekend Edition
If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected.
Monday: Erica Vetsch brought us a recipe and movie recommendation to open our Advent Season
Tuesday: Pam Hillman offered a funny Thanksgiving story and shared a very yummy recipe!
Wednesday: Ruthy and Mindy talked about the Season of Waiting. The winners of a copy of the 2-in- 1, Her Holiday Lawman are... Kathy Bailey and Angeline!
Thursday: Audra Harders dipped her finger into the Yuletide baking game.
Monday: Mary Connealy is our hostess
Wednesday: Mindy Obenhaus will be sharing some of her favorite things about the season of Advent.
Thursday: Carrie Schmidt is our hostess
Debby Giusti will be at Book Love The Book Shop in Senoia, GA Sat, Dec 10, 11-1 PM If you're in the area, stop by to get your autographed copy of IN A SNIPER'S CROSSHAIRS. Proceeds benefit Tunnels to Towers Foundation Supporting the families of American Heroes--Fallen First Responders and Wounded Veterans.
IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS
By Debby Giusti
An assassin’s loose in Amish country…
and she’s not the only target.
When a radio broadcast describes taxi driver Lily Hudson’s passenger as an armed criminal, she becomes his immediate target. Narrowly escaping, Lily accepts Matthias Overholt’s offer to hide at his Amish family farm for Christmas—until evidence reveals the gunman’s plan is tied to Lily’s past. Now to prevent an assassination, Lily and Matthias must unravel a years-old conspiracy…and evade a sniper who has them in his sights.
Order HERE!
Debby Giusti was on Tracy Fredrychowski's Podcast
BUGGY TALK, Episode #65.
Click the link below to listen to the interview!
https://tracyfredrychowski.com/podcast/debby-giusti-in-a-snipers-crosshairs/
Winnie Griggs is rereleasing The Holiday Courtship with a spiffy new cover and a new title - His Christmas Matchmaker.
A guilty secret…
Vowing to put her past behind her, schoolteacher Janell Whitman has resigned herself to spinsterhood and she's erected walls to guard her heart from all but her pupils. A solitary heart… Hank Chandler is quite comfortable with his uncomplicated bachelor life. But when he suddenly finds himself the guardian of his orphaned niece and nephew he knows all that that will have to change. Not only do the children need a mother’s love, but he’s not fit to be a single parent. So he’ll need to marry quickly, whether he wants to or not.
A Christmas bargain… Seeing their need, Janell impulsively reaches out to help the hurting Chandler family. But when Hank proposes a businesslike marriage she draws the line at becoming his wife. She softens her refusal, however, with a counteroffer – she’ll take care of the children after school and help him find an appropriate wife in time for Christmas. After all, how hard can it be?
But as the holiday grows closer, it seems increasingly difficult to find a suitable candidate––not to mention even harder to deny their growing feelings for each other. It might take a miracle for these two hearts to become one, but Christmas is the season of miracles––and love.
Order HERE
(NOTE: This book was previously published under the title The Holiday Courtship)
Now Available...
Book two in award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus's Hope Crossing series.Can a property dispute… Turn into a holiday blessing?When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal? Available at local retailers or order your copy today!Amazon, ChristianBook.com, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target
Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )
Excellent Reasons an Author Would Write a Novella by Lynn H. Blackburn at The Write Conversation
The Anatomy of Genre by John Truby at The Creative Penn
Have You Crafted a Character or a Caricature? by Kristen Kieffer at Well-Storied
4 Things You Need for Writing Success by CS Lakin at Live Write Thrive
Our Favorite Gifts for Writers by Angela Ackerman at Writers Helping Writers
How to Get Back To Writing by Matthew Duffus at Jane Friedman
Writing Through the Holidays by Jaime Jo Wright at Learn How To Write A Novel
A Quick Tip for Getting to Know Your Characters and Your Plot by Janice Hardy at Fiction University
The Smell, Taste, Sound, and Feel of Christmas by Lisa Schnedler at ACFW blog
5 Ways to Grow Your Author Profits by Mark Dawson at Self Publishing Formula
November 30, 2022
Loving the Advent Season
Merry Christmas, all. Audra Harders here!
First of all, I have to ask, where did the year go? Last time I looked, I was complaining about the hot summer, and then loving our long, beautiful fall...
We celebrated Thanksgiving on so many levels. My daughter had moved to South Dakota in April for a job. We were delighted she made it back for Thanksgiving after a bout with COVID had put that plan in jeopardy. My sweet aunt celebrated her 90th birthday while we were all gathered for Thanksgiving dinner, complete with a golden tiara and sash. I only had to re-bake the cheesecake I was bringing to the dinner once. It was all so good!!
And now, we're at the beginning of the most celebrated season by all.
I love the Christmas season with all its shiny ornaments, holiday giving, beautiful caroling. I love that the radio stations I listen to in the car are playing Christmas music. I love saying "Merry Christmas" to all I meet, whether they respond in kind or not.
With my whole heart, I love celebrating the birth of our dear Saviour. In addition to reading full books and studies, I tend to play a lot of Bible and devotional bingo. In my mind, when I ask the Lord to lead me in my studies, I don't want to follow my own preconceived path. So I pull out books and let them fall open on my lap. There are times I almost cry when I read the message for the day and realize how opportune it is for my life at that very moment.
Lately, my readings have centered around God's great mercy and grace for us. How much He loves us. How relevant His Word is for us today as it was 2000 years ago.
This season, I'm dusting off some of my very rusty talents in baking and will be assembling goody trays for neighbors and friends - That I Have Baked Myself! Goodness, I hope we still remain friends after they've tasted my efforts!! LOL!
I ventured online for some ideas and I really want to share this quick bread with you. I found it on the Martha Stewart site, but the recipe was submitted by Jane Kraemer. Jane, I can't tell you enough how this bread came off delicious for me on my very first try! I say that because living at 5600 ft, baking gets a little wonky until you adjust the flour and timing to suit.
Anyway, I offer you my - by way of Jane - new favorite quick bread!
Cranberry-Walnut Bread
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan (I spray the loaf pans)
2 cuts all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 large egg (room temp)
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325F. Butter and flour and 8 1/2-by-4 1/2 inch loaf pan*; set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until combined. Add egg and beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until combined (dough will appear very dry). Reduce speed to low; beat in orange zest and juice. Fold in cranberries and walnuts.
Spread batter in prepared pan(s), smoothing top. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 50 minutes to 1 hour (tent with foil if top is browning too quickly). Cool in pan 10 minutes; run a knife around edges of loaf, and invert onto a wire rack. Turn top side up; cool completely before slicing.
*I use 3-4 mini loaf pans so I can slice and create trays. Watch the time as they bake a tad faster.
This recipe also doubles very well. I've baked many of these mini loaves over the past week - letting them cool, wrapping them in plastic wrap and then sealing them in freezer bags. I've stacked them in my freezer along side spice loaves and banana bread loaves. If the price of meat gets too high, well, we won't go hungry!!
My favorite movie? A Charlie Brown Christmas is at the top of the list. That's the one we watch as a family every year since my kids first watched it. As for my personal happies, I like to snuggle down in a chair flanked by our Corgies, a mug of decaf peppermint mocha coffee in my hands and the channel tuned to Great American Family. Here's a link to their Christmas movies: https://www.countdownuntilchristmas.com/gac-family/
God bless you all through this beautiful season!!
November 29, 2022
Advent: The season of waiting is here!
Ruthy here, with Mindy and we are so excited for so many reasons!
First, well, it's Christmas time and we love, love, love Christmas... the thought of that baby in the manger, a Savior, a newborn King, a Wonder Counselor, a King of Kings!!! In a manger with hay and fur and woolies... oh my, who would have ever predicted such a thing and yet... it was predicted and foretold and it came to pass... but not without some waiting and that's what Advent is all about.
We get mind and soul ready for the celebrations!
It's not about the food or the gifts, it's about Him. And them... them being people in need, who need help, who are waiting also... So this season isn't about a season of plenty... it's about a season of giving.
MINDY AND I HAVE A TWO-IN-ONE BOOK COMING OUT TODAY!
And Mindy has a single book coming out today! And I had a book come out four weeks ago, so we are blessed to be doing what we love, to be friends, to be together even though she's in Texas and I'm in Western New York.
We are still friends!
Here's our two-in-one:
And I have to say that "The Lawman's Yuletide Baby" is one of my favorite Christmas stories because it has all the feels... you'll laugh and I'm pretty sure you'll cry and if you don't win this book today, you should (and I say this with great humility, mostly!!!) go buy it... Two great stories. One great price. Deal! In Walmart nationwide starting yesterday!
So that's how we're kicking off our season of waiting, of anticipation... With great news and so many blessings and a marvelous recipe, darlings!
Floating Island Punch:
1 12 oz. can frozen orange juice (thawed or softened)
1 12 oz can frozen lemonade (same deal!)
1 quart apple juice
1 2-liter bottle Ginger Ale
Rainbow sherbet
Combine apple juice with frozen lemonade and orange juice, stir thoroughly... pour in Ginger ale and float generous scoops of rainbow sherbet on top. A Herne/Blodgett Family favorite for decades!
Mindy here, and I cannot begin to tell you all how excited I was when I learned one of my books was going to be paired with one of Ruthy's for Christmas. You see, I have always looked up to Ruthy (don't tell her I said that). She is and has always been a cheerleader for up-and-coming authors, published or not. Which is only one of the reasons we love her. So to see my name with hers on a book cover is one of the best gifts ever.
But that's not all! I have a brand-new book that just released yesterday. A Christmas Bargain is the second book in my Hope Crossing series and is set on--wait for it--a Christmas tree farm in Texas! I'm sure that'll have some of you scratching your heads.
Here's a little bit about the story:
Can a property dispute turn into a holiday blessing?
When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal?
Of course, Christmas is filled with traditions and this easy recipe is a favorite in the Obi household. And best of all, it's super easy.
Peanut Clusters:1 pkg vanilla almond bark1 pkg chocolate almond bark12 oz pkg semisweet chocolate chips1 bar Baker's German Chocolate35 oz container dry roasted peanuts Chop barks and chocolate and melt on low in crockpot, stirring occasionally, or melt in the microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring after each minute. Once the chocolate begins to melt, switch to thirty-second intervals until the chocolate is completely melted. Stir in peanuts. Spoon clusters onto waxed paper. Once the chocolate has set, they're ready to serve or you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
November 28, 2022
Ringing in Advent with Apple Dumplings and Family Memories
There's just something magical about the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. In some ways, we rush about in the hustle and bustle of shopping and preparations, but deep down we embrace the peace that the season brings.
As I was thinking about all of these things together, I was reminded how everything really boils down to faith and family. I was reminded of dinners with my grandparents and vacations with them, and then celebrating big Thanksgiving and Christmases at my paternal grandparent's house with all my cousins, then much smaller get-togethers at my other grandparents as my mother was an only child.
Even now, my husband's family get-togethers tend to be larger than my side of the family. His family all live close and mine are more wide-spread. But large or small, all are precious and create lasting memories.
Sometimes it's the tradition of a certain food or a certain time. For instance, my mother-in-law has served a mid-morning breakfast for Christmas for the last several years. The time of day and the break from traditional foods has always been a wonderful respite on Christmas Eve. And who doesn't love biscuits, bacon, and eggs?
In keeping with this month's theme, I'm going to share a recipe, but it might not be one you'd want to serve with breakfast, but then again... lol
We had "Second" Thanksgiving at my house on Sunday since my youngest son had to work on Thanksgiving Day. I invited my in-laws and my mother-in-law came with Apple Dumplings since that's his favorite dessert. She didn't know that I also made Apple Dumplings because... well, it's my son's favorite dessert. So we had 32 apple dumplings between us!
This led to an in-depth discussion of how we made our dumplings, plus another long email discussion among the Seekers of who's made them, how, and what ingredients. I'm not sure if Apple Dumplings has ever has as much air time as they have this week.
So, without further ado, I'm going to share my mother-in-law's version of Apple Dumplings, since it's the easiest thing to remember by far.
Two-fer Apple Dumplings(I'm calling these Two-fer, because you use TWO of everything)
2 apples, peeled, cored and cut into 16 slices2 cans of crescent rolls (8 per pack)2 cups sugar (white or brown, or mixed works)2 sticks of butter10 ounces of either Sprite, orange juice, or Mountain DewOptional: Sprinkle of cinnamon
Spray a 9x16 glass casserole dish with Pam or a smear of butterWrap each apple slice in a crescent rollMelt butter and mix with sugar and pour over the topPour the Sprite or orange juice around the edges
Bake on 340-350 until crescent roll tops are nice and brown. There will still be a good bit of liquid/juice, but this will soak up as the dish cools a bit. Eat warm or cold, and with vanilla ice cream if you like.
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Celebrate TWO New Releases With Me!
Adventures with Cowpaw is my first children's book.
I'm so excited to share it with you!
Buy it Here!
My Calico Trails Romance Collection brings three of my novellas
to PRINT for the very first time.
Buy it HERE!
November 27, 2022
It's the Beginning of Advent Season
Erica here: I'm so thankful that Advent season is here. It's my favorite time of the year. This year, the Seekers wanted to share this special time with our readers, and gift you some of our favorite recipes and a favorite Christmas book or movie.
My recipe is for Microwave Peanut Brittle and here's what you'll need:
1/2 c Corn Syrup
1 c Raw Spanish Peanuts
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 c. Sugar
pinch of salt
1 tsp Butter
1 tsp. Vanilla
Instructions: Mix corn syrup, sugar, and peanuts, and stir well in a microwave safe glass bowl. Cook on high for 3 minutes and 45 seconds. Stir well and cook for 4 minutes. Add butter and vanilla and cook again for 2 minutes. Add baking soda last and stir well. Pour out onto a greased cookie sheet. Allow to cool and break into pieces and serve. Microwave times may vary, and be careful because the mixture gets VERY hot. Hint: Don't try to make a double batch.
As for my favorite Christmas movie, it is hands down the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol called Scrooge starring Alistair Sim. I cannot celebrate Christmas until I have watched it. A close second is The Man who Invented Christmas, another story of A Christmas Carol.
I'm wishing you and yours a blessed Advent season as you prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Erica
