Be Jolly by Golly Blogfest!!
The wondeful Jen Daiker at Unedited and the lovely Melissa at Through the Looking Glass are hosting the Be Jolly by Golly Blogfest! Love it :) Check out their links for the guidelines and a list of all the participants!
I thought I'd share a few photos of our tree and a few favourite ornaments first...
after all, we are Canadian, eh? :)
I've been looking for a really good recipe for chocolate fudge and haven't found one I love yet. Until yesterday. I found this one online for Mackinac Island fudge. Delicious! And easy too.
There are tons of recipes out there for Nanaimo bars, but this is the one I like the best. I have to make 3 batches at least - and that doesn't last too long once family and friends come to visit.
Base: In a heavy sauce pot, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add in 5 tbsp cocoa, 1 slighly beaten egg, 1/4 cup sugar & 1 tsp vanilla. Take off heat and mix in 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs. Press into an 8" square baking pan.
Filling: Cream together 1/4 cup butter (softened), 2 tbsp custard powder, 3 tbsp milk. (I use a mixer for this whole step.) Add in 2 cups icing sugar and mix until smooth. Spread over the base.
Let it sit for at least an hour.
Topping: Melt 4 squares of semi-sweet chocolate or 4 oz of chocolate chips. I use the microwave. Add in enough butter and stir until it melts and is pourable. :) Spread this over the filling and refrigerate for a bit until it's easy to cut. Probably an hour or so.
So, there you go! A couple of my favourites. Maybe next year I'll be able to get permission to share our favourite family recipe for Scottish toffee - but for now I'm afraid I'm sworn to secrecy!
I hope to visit a lot of the other posts, but it will take me a few days - between school and family and hockey games to attend it's going to be a busy couple of days!
I hope everyone enjoys the very best of the holiday season. Take care of you and yours. If you don't celebrate Christmas, I hope this time of year brings you peace and joy. Take time to enjoy your families, friends and yourselves! Merry Christmas everyone!
154 comments:
Merry Christmas Jemi!
Your tree is lovely and those bars look amazing!
Looks festive, Jemi!
Alexa - thank you! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!! :)
Alex - thanks! I love the Christmas season! :)
Love the trees and those delicious bars looks wonderful.
Yvonne.
Kickass tree, and nommy treats! YAY!
I need to visit more often. ;)
Adam
Yum! A tasty treat and the chocolate fudge biscuits aren't bad either ;)
Such a pretty tree! I love the swirly ribbon running down the sides. So pretty! Merry Christmas!
What Kim said! That was the first thing I noticed--so pretty!
Tigger is so cute. And your squares look delicious! The Leafs were just in my town. I was surrounded at the game by blue and white jersey's! And we lost (meaning my Edmonton Oilers). :(
Mmm! Mackinac Island fudge is the best! I love your tree. It is so pretty!
Mmmm fudge. *drools*
Your tree is gorgeous. :)
Merry Christmas, Jemi.
Love,
Lola
Beautiful beautiful tree!! I love Tigger hanging down like that - yay!!! Ooooh these Nanaimo bars are so naughty but ever so nice!! Thank you! Take care
x
I love how the curly ribbons dangle vertically on your tree--very creative!
I'm really, really craving fudge right now for some reason! Thanks for the recipes!
Oh, look at Tigger!!!
Your tree is amazing!! I loves me some Tigger!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! :)
Your tree is beautiful, Jemi!
Your tree is gorgeous, Jemi! And I can't wait to try Nanaimo bars. :-)
Wow that fudge looks so good. *licks computer screen* hmm... but it tastes like plastic and dust.
Oh wait, I see what I did wrong now.
Merry Christmas
Beautiful tree. I use ribbon too.
OMG! Mackinac Island fudge is the BEST. Have you ever been there? It was one of my favorite places as a kid. No cars allowed on the island. Just horses and bikes. And lots and lots of delicious fudge... Ah the memories.
It was so fun to see your tree, Jemi. Beautiful! The candy looks wonderful, too. Merry Christmas!
No wonder we haven't heard from you -- Look at that tree. Outstanding!
Fudge, fudge, and more fudge!!!!!
Merry Christmas!
Your tree looks amazing! My mouth is drooling over the fudge. Yummy.
Happy Christmas to you and your family!
Be Jolly By Golly
Your tree is so pretty, and tiger rocks!
Beautiful tree! The fudge looks so yummy! Have a wonderful Christmas.
Lisa ~ YA Literature Lover
Absolutely love the tendriled ribbons on that tree - Merry Christmas!
Ooo Mackinac Island fudge is the best (although my friends from New York always get confused by the pronunciation of Mackinaw). Gorgeous tree! Have a great holiday!
Tigger! How can anyone go wrong with Tigger. He's adorable. Loooove that fudge--looks great, tastes great, oh boy. Merry Christmas!
The wonderful thing about Tiggers, is Tiggers are wonderful things! :)
Merry Christmas! :)
Merry Christmas! The treats look amazing! :)
OMG, my teeth are aching just reading the ingredients. Have a wonderful Christmas, Jemi!
I love the tree! Thanks for the recipe!
Merry Christmas!
Yay for Tigger decorations. I love the pics of your tree.
That fudge *strokes screen* I want it. :)
Happy Christmas!
Beautiful tree! I love those ribbony things on it! Lovely! Thanks for the amazing sounding recipe! Nomm!
Merry Christmas!!
Jemi - Love the curly ribbons on the tree. The chocolate treats - Oh my!!! Yum.
Yvonne - thanks! The bars realy are tasty if you want to give them a try!!
Adam - thanks! I need to visit more often too - this time of year is hard!!!
Elaine - thanks! They are good! :)
Kimberly - thanks! My daughter is super creative and it looks really pretty in real life! :)
Summer - thanks! I'll let my daughter know her tree is a hit! :)
Lynn - sorry to cheer against your Oilers, but we're Leafs all the way here!
Emily - the Mackinac Island fudge is totally addictive - so good. This version isn't quite the same, but it's good! :)
Lola - mmm fudge is right! I love the stuff! I hope you have a totally amazing Christmas too! :)
Old Kitty - Tigger is one of my all time faves! And the Nanaimo bars are always a hit!
Notes from Nadir - thanks! The ribbons make it look sparkly and festive! Enjoy the fudge!
Diane - I love Tigger! :)
DL - thanks! I'm a huge tigger fan too! :)
Laura - thank you! I've got to admit that my daughter is responsible for all the prettiness!
Shannon - thank you!! I hope you enjoy them - they really are yummy!
Erinn - thanks! I think once you figure out the problem you'll probably enjoy them more :)
Jennifer - thanks! The ribbon is something my daughter thought of! :)
Lisa - We don't live too far from Mackinac Island - and I've been there a few times. The fudge is out of this world!!
Your tree is lovely and your recipes have been copied and will be added to the ever bulging recipe book. I have been looking for a good fudge recipe. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Roxy - thanks! The candy is very tasty! I hope you have a wonderful holiday as well :)
Mary - it's been so busy here! I've barely had time to breathe! I hope to pop around to everyone over the next few days :)
Ellie - the fudge is very tasty! Hope you enjoy it if you have time to make it :)
Summer - thanks! It can't be the holidays without Tigger! :)
Lisa - thanks! The kudos actually go to my daughter for the decorating touch :)
Anne - thanks - my daughter is a creative soul! :) Enjoy your holiday!
Sondrae - you're right - unless you're a local or have visited it's not the easiest to pronounce!! :)
Carol - agreed - Tigger is always a hit! Thanks :)
Susan - Tiggers are indeed wonderful things :)
Nicole - thanks! They really are delicious! :)
Kathryn - lol - you're right - a little of these goes a looooooong way!
Golden Eagle - thanks! I think my duaghter did a great job! :)
Lindsay - thanks! I feel the same about tigger and fudge! :)
Colene - thanks - although the credit goes to my daughter! :)
RaShelle - thanks - they sparkle in the lights just enough to be magical :)
Ann - thanks! The fudge is the best I've tried so far - although I'm going to keep checking! :)
Your tree and decorations look absolutely gorgeous, Jemi!
And, it appears you're a goddess in the kitchen as well no less!
Merry Christmas sweetheart!
Look forward to seeing you back again next year :)
This blogfest is going to add 10 more pounds to lose on top of the 20 I am aiming for next year!
Happy Holidays!
Oh! I love the ribbons your your tree. That works so well!
Wishing you a very merry Christmas,
Lyn
W.I.P. It: A Writer's Journey
Mmmmm..fudge.
Stopping by for the blogfest...
I love the ribbons in your tree and TIGGER! LOVE it! =)
Happy Holidays!
-Shannon
You have a tigger decoration? Aw, I love that little fella! ;) Merry Christmas!
Thanks Wendy! I'm glad it comes across that way - although I didn't think goddesses worked this hard! :)
Tara - I know exactly what you mean! There are so many good recipes out there!! :)
Lynda - thanks so much - although the credit goes to my daughter - she's got the flair in the family! :)
Valerie - lol - I feel the exact same way! :)
Shannon - thanks! My daughter does a great job! Tigger's one of my faves :)
Talei - You can't go wrong with Tigger at any time! :)
Your tree is stunning. I have a Tigger ornament too!
Gorgeous tree. I need to be more creative with mine. :)
And I'm so trying that fudge. Yum.
Merry Christmas!
Holly - yay! Another Tigger fan! I adore Tigger :)
Julie - thanks! my daughter is definitely the creative one in the family :)
I hope you like the fudge!
Your tree is beautiful! its looks professionally done! The ornaments are adorable, Happy Holidays!
~Kelley
Thanks Kelley! My daughter is the best! The house always looks great when she's done with it :)
Your tree is lovely! And I've tried Mackinac fudge...soooo good!
Kelly - thanks! I love the fudge from the island - this isn't quite the same, but it's good! :)
Your tree is so beautiful! I like how all the ribbons spiral down.
That is such a beautiful tree, Jemi. I am trying to copy that next year!
And I love that Tigger ornament- one of my favourite characters.
Your tree is gorgeous- I might have to borrow that ribbon look next year!
And I'm drooling over those yummy bars- they look heavenly!
I love your tree! The colors are so beautiful :-)
Your Christmas tree is really cool! I love the ribbon things. And when I've been to gym enough I'll try that recipe!
Tigger is my FAVORITE!! Oh the wonderful thing about Tigger...that song will be in my head the rest of the night. How fun! Those bars look amazing. I think I'm gaining weight visiting everyone's blogs without even eating anything! Have a Merry Christmas, Jemi! Thanks for visiting my blog. I always feel special when I get a visit from you!!
Merry Christmas, Jemi. That tree is a show stopper (and the fudge looks amazing, too!)
Wishing you peace and joy.
Susanne - thanks so much! All thecredit goes to my daughter :)
Thanks Rayna! I came home one day and my daughter had it all set up! Tigger's one of my faves too :)
Stephanie - thank you! I love the ribbons too :) And the bars are pretty popular around here!
Kelly - thanks!! I'm a sucker for the multi-coloured lights :)
Rachel - thanks! And you're right - the gym gets a lot of visits from our family and friends :)
Jennie - thanks so much - you're such a sweetie!! :)
Tigger is one of my absolute faves as well - he's such a great character :)
VR - thank you! I hope you have lots of peace and joy this season this season as well!! :)
I have some serious tree envy, Jemi! Beautiful.
Looks like you have some wonderful Christmas traditions. :) And those Nanaimo bars sound yummy! I've never heard of them.
Love, love love Tigger. The tree and treats are amazing.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
The treats look great. Merry Xmas!
Awww, I've always had a soft spot for Tigger. The recipes look fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
Merry Christmas, my friend! Your tree is gorgeous and those recipes look perfect. Thank you for sharing!
Have a lovely holiday!
Thanks Talli! All the kudos go to my daughter! :) She rocks!
Janet - really? I thought they were pretty common - but apparently not! And they really are yummy :)
Nancy - thanks! The bars really are delicious - they get gobbled up in no time - AND you can eat them frozen! :)
Chris - thanks so much - hope you have a great Christmas :)
Lisa - thanks!! These are a couple of my favourite seasonal recipes! :)
Jackee - thanks!! I hop you and your family have a fantastic Christmas holiday - enjoy!! :)
Yum, Scottish toffee! I hope you get permission to share that one. Thanks for the recipes, they sound so delicious!
May you and your family have a very blessed Christmas!
Susan - thank you! I hope yours is the same!!
If I get permission, I'll definitely share - it's the treat most people request around here! :)
You tree is amazing and I love the Tigger ornament!
Hope you have a Merry Christmas!!
Renae - thanks! Tigger is one of my all-time faves! Hope you and your family have a terrific Christmas as well :)
Love the curling ribbon on your tree and those nanaimo bars look delicious! Thanks for sharing - happy holidays to you!
Donea Lee - Thanks so much! I hope you like the bars if you try them :) Have a terrifc holiday :)
HI, Jemi,
Your tree is fierce! I love the Tigger in the santa hat. Mackinac Island fudger.... YUMMMMM!
Happy Christmas to you and your family.
Michael
Hi Michael - nice to meet you! :) Thanks! My daughter is the decorating queen in my opinion - and Tigger is always my fave :)
Jemi, your tree looks beautiful and your treats look delish! If I were with you, I'd devour them.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Julie - thanks! :) I tend to do it all in a few days, and I'm always so sick of baking that by the time I'm done I don't want to eat any for at least a few days! Helps me avoid them :) Have a wonderful Christmas!!
I love the spiraling ribbons on your tree! It looks absolutely amazing. Your decorations are awesome.
Thank you so much for participating in our blog fest!
Merry Christmas!
Melissa - thank you! I do love Tigger & the Leafs :)
Thanks for hosting the blogfest - it's been lots of fun to see how so many people celebrate!
hi miss jemi! wow you got a really pretty tree! i love all those neat ornaments. i could see your a fan for the maple leafs. i like watching hockey but i dont have a favorite team so maybe cause of you im gonna be a maple leafs fan. :)
i could really like a big piece of that candy right now. maybe you could email some. ha ha.
i hope you have a really happy christmas.
...hugs from lenny
wunderbra... thx jemi!
holiday blessings to you and yours :D
Lenny - thanks! My daughter did the tree decorating - she's pretty creative!
The Maple Leafs could use some more fans - we'd be thrilled to have you!! :) We're all hockey nuts in our family - our favourite sport to watch!
Enjoy a wonderful Christmas Lenny!
Laughing Wolf - lol :) Thanks! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family - enjoy those special moments!!
Oh, MYYYY! I scrolled for AN HOUR to get to the comments. You are one popular girl!
Merry Christmas, dear Jemi!
Patti
Patti - you're such a sweetie!! Thanks so much. I hope you have a most wonderful Christmas!!! :)
Merry Christmas, Jemi! I love the tree and ornaments. Stay warm!
Elizabeth - thanks!! :) I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family :)
What a beautiful tree and special ornaments!
Thanks for the fudge recipe, to boot:)
Merry Christmas!
Terry - thanks! We like it - and all the credit for the tree goes to my daughter! :)
Have a terrific Christmas!! :)
Your tree is beautiful! Hope you'll have a wonderful Christmas, Jemi!
I would make those, but I gained ten pounds reading the recipe.
Your tree is beautiful. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Thanks Emy! I hope you and your family have a terrific Christmas!! :)
Helen - I know! They are delicious, but a little goes a long way! :)
Enjoy a wonderful Christmas with your family Helen!! :)
That's a beautiful tree, Jemi. Merry Christmas, and big wishes for a wonderful 2011.
Pat - thanks so much!! I hope you also enjoy a wonderful Christmas and new year - all the best!! :)
Ooh I love fudge!
Our poor tree sits alone 2500 miles away as we traipse about visiting other people's trees. We are having a very nice time so far.
All the best to you and your family!
Lee
Lee - I'm so glad you're getting a chance to visit all of your family - an exhausting, but fun trip. Enjoy it all! Merry Christmas to you :)
Lovely tree and food. :)
Happy holidays!
Thanks Medeia! I hope you and your family have an incredible holiday season!
I thought that read "NanoWriMo bars"!!!
I love how you use the spiral gold ribbon on the tree. It's gorgeous!
So pretty, Jemi! Love the Mapleleaves ornament! It's just right for you. And that recipe? Yum! I've never made fudge, but that looks like one to get me to try it!
have a wonderful Christmas.
oh - a question for you. Have you ever been to a bar in Nanaimo? I have but they didn't serve nanaimo bars. weird huh?
Lydia - thanks!! And NaNoWriMo bars would be awesome - we're going to have to create some for next year :)
Carol - thanks! We're pretty big Leafs fans around here! :) Enjoy the fudge and have a wonderful Christmast :)
Jan - lol - nope never been to Nanaimo - although I'd love to get out there one day! Such pretty country :) Have a terrific Christmas :)
Your Christmas decorations are gorgeous! Have a wonderful Christmas!!!
Ann - thanks so much! I hope you and Jen have a fabulous Christmas as well - enjoy!! :)
Love the tree, love Tigger (he's a favorite of mine!) and can't wait to try the fudge recipe. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Good lord, that fudge recipe looks outrageously good. I love the tree--I hadn't realised how much fun it would be to see everybody's trees!
All the best for 2011--thanks for great posts during 2010.
Kathy - thanks! Tigger's one of my faves too! I hope you enjoy the fudge and have a wonderful Christmas :)
Amie - I agree! It's so fun and interesting to see all of the different kinds of trees and decorations - so much fun! :) Have a wonderful Christmas and new year! :)
The tree is beautiful. I'd love to know your family toffee recipe, but I'm thankful you don't share it. Definitely set back any healthy eating attempts I might make. I love toffee and definitely overindulged today. Have a bright and blessed season!
Lovely tree. Hope your Christmas was merry. Your fudge recipe made me hungry, so now I have to go raid my kitchen.
Buttercup - thank you! You're so right - the toffee is incredible and not good for the waistline! :)
Jane - thank you! We had a wondeful Christmas!!! Hope you find something good to munch on! :)
Those bars look AMAZING and they're making me so hungry right now! Thanks for sharing the recipe.. I'm going to have to go back to the baking bans for this one! Hope you had a merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to you!
Julie - they really are good! Hope you enjoy! Thanks - I hope 2011 brings you all the best! :)
1) I love hockey! One of the student employees in our office, her father works for the Maple Leaves. Makes me jealous how often she gets to go to games when she gets home to visit.
2) Thanks for the recipe. Sounds pretty tasty :)
If we'd had that Toronto Maple Leaf ornament, I swear it would have been front and centre on the tree.....NO, it probably would have been the only ornament on the tree! My husband has a love/hate relationship with the team.
Rosie - we're huge hockey fans in our house. I'm envious of the girl in your office! That would be awesome!!! :)
Sandra - lol :) I totally understand! The Leafs have been struggling for the past few years and its frustrating for many of the fans! But Leaf fans are loyal above all else! :)
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Jemi! I love the pictures! :)
Thanks Shelley - it's been wonderful so far!! Hope yours is/was too! :)
Jemi, I love your tree! It's lovely...That Canadian ornament is awesome!
Have a Happy New Year!
Sharon - thanks! We do love our hockey and our hockey teams up here! :)
Happy New Year to you as well!
Post a Comment