It's that time of the year!

Have you noticed that today, there seems to be very little family traditions? I hold dear to my family traditions, as they make the holidays so much more special.

One holiday tradition is making my famous fruit cake!

I like lots of candied fruits, dates and nuts in my cake. No raisins please!

Adding the liquids! Notice all the nuts and candied fruits? Yummy

After they are baked, comes the secret ingredient!

I understand that many do not like fruit cake. Honestly, I've tasted some pretty horrible ones myself. I am very particular about my fruit cake.

My recipe has been a hit with many for the past 20 years. Wow, that's how long I've been baking fruit cake? Impossible!  I'm not that old! ;o)

Catch you all later!

Soups and more soups!

Well, I've been on a cooking spree again! These days, I seem to be addicted to soups and whatnot! It could be due to the cold weather that suddenly fell upon us. No warning ... from gosh it's so nice and warm to Brrrrrrrrr .... I need my winter coat!

I recently bought a cookbook by Domenica Marchetti - The Glorious Soups and Stews of Italy

... And decided to make The Crema Di Porcini. Let me tell you, it's a mushroom soup alright! There are five (5) types of mushrooms in there, Porcini, white button, baby bella, large portobello and shiitake mushrooms! What did I tell you? lol

The soup was delicious .... however not an everyday soup, but more for a special occasions. The recipe also called for a dry white wine and some cognac! I did omit the white wine, it didn't make sense to open a bottle just for myself .... wow, did I just type that?! lol

Thanks for stopping by! Catch you all later! Cheers!

Doing some hand stitching!

I think things are settling a bit for me .... I managed to pick up a needle and do a bit of hand embroidery. I love to stitch towels ... once the design is stitched, it's a done deal ... no further piecing needed.

I've been working on the pattern Chick Towels by Yesterday's Charm. Such a cute pattern!

Here is the second set of patterns, seven towels in all!

They are stitched on flour sack towels (28" x 28"). I much prefer this size of towel, they are perfect for drying my wine glasses! ;)

I took an inventory of the towels I presently have. Not included are the numerous ones I have given as gifts!

On the right are the flour sack towels (28" x 28") and on the left the smaller towels (18" x 28"). Hum ... I think I have a good supply for now! lol Oh well, Christmas is coming!

I'm hoping to actually quilt this week. I FINALLY found the pattern I was looking for ... perhaps motivation to turn my sewing machine on!

Catch you all later! Cheers!