Month: December 2008

The New Year is almost upon us and I’m just not ready for it. Christmas was lovely so it’s probably that I’m not willing to let it go. In Latin countries Christmas lasts until Epiphany ( Three Kings Day) and is much more festive. In P.R. the Americanization of the island has made Christmas the gift giving day, but Three Kings is still celebrated. I mean it gives us an other reason for a party after all.

Looking out my window I see the small stand of red oaks that I love. One of them does not let its leaves fall until Spring. The leaves are a red/brown color and stand out against the Arbor Vitae trees in the background. If it snows the contrast is stunning.

This tree is stubborn, it will not lose all its leaves until it can replace them in the spring. It endures. I like that, I hope I can endure as stubbornly as it does.

Well the big day is tomorrow and for once all our shopping is done. All that’s left is to wrap the gifts and put them under the tree.

For many years I have wanted to make the traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink of Coquito. Think of a simplified eggnog with coconut cream. My aunts would make gallons for the holidays so that everyone could take some home. Thanks to the Internet I found a recipe that works. Just a few minor tweaks and it was just like my aunts made.  This is for you Titi Nelly and Titi Lydia.

Now I have egg whites left over so I’m making meringues out of them.  Cooking for the Holidays is so much more fun that shopping.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year

This is the second weekend that the snow has made the trees look like picture postcards. The property is ringed by evergreens and they seem to catch most of the snow flakes.  It looks as we will be snowed in although four- wheel drive most probably will get us in & out.  Whatever, the fridge & pantry are stocked, the fireplace has logs in it and we have more  firewood handy. Anyway we have gas heat and will stay warm no matter what.

The kids are chomping at the bit to get outside and play. We have a good slope on the property and sledding is major fun for everyone. Very little traffic comes on our street so it is super safe for the kids to play. Snowmen get built snowballs are thrown and a good time is had by all.

Mulled apple juice is a perfect drink for days like this. For grown-ups wine or  cider can be drunk.    Sounds like an old fashioned way to spend the day I know, but old fashioned is also another way of saying tried and true. Family and good times sounds perfect!