Wednesday, December 13, 2023

My Favorite Things Party - 2023

This is the 10th year I've been documenting what is exchanged at the My Favorite Things parties I attend each Christmas season. It never gets old! (You can search this blog for previous seasons.) I've attended two of these parties so far this year. 

If you're not familiar with this party theme, check out the details here. Here is what I brought to past parties that still remain as some of my favorites:

For one of my parties this year, I brought these amazing kitchen scissors that I use almost daily. I got them at the Le Creuset outlet at the beach this summer, and they were half the price that I'm seeing now. For my second party, I talked about how espresso martinis are currently one of my most favorite things. . . specifically the one served at Stable Reserve, a new bar in downtown Franklin. Since I couldn't wrap a martini, I gave $15 gift cards to Stable Reserve.

Although I'm certain I may have overlooked some items, here are some of the other favorite things shared from both parties (in no particular order):


May your shopping days for stocking stuffers now be merry and bright!
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Thursday, December 15, 2022

9th Annual Westhaven Cookie Swap

Although the crowd was smaller than usual, 9 of us enjoyed exchanging cookies at the Ninth Annual Westhaven Cookie Swap this past Sunday. We each brought 6 dozen cookies of one kind to share. Even with a small group, each of us ended up with a wonderful variety! During the pandemic, each participant individually wrapped each cookie for a responsible and safe event. We continued that process change given its popularity. Such a great way to build community and simplify my holiday baking!

9 Different Varieties!

Ninth Annual Westhaven Cookie Swap (2022)

I made something new this year. Years ago, I had saved a recipe for Orange Coconut Snowballs. Since "my blood runneth orange," I made these in honor of UT's great football season this year. They're super easy to make, and there is no baking involved. I loved them!

Orange Coconut Snowballs

Here are the other wonderful varieties (in no particular order):


Small Batch Almond Joy Cookies
(Leave out the almonds for a delicious Mounds cookie!)

Italian Lemon Ricotta Christmas Cookie



Unfussy Sugar Cookies

Raspberry Chocolate Meringues


Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookie

Iced Butter Cookies


Triple Chocolate Cookie

Lemon White Chocolate Cake Mix Cookie
Have the sweetest Christmas ever!
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Sunday, December 11, 2022

My Favorite Things Party - 2022

One of my favorite things this time of year is a My Favorite Things party. I've already attended several this season! If you're not familiar with this party theme, check out the details here. This year, the limit for each gift was typically $10-15. Here is what I brought to past parties that still remain as some of my favorites:

This year, I brought:
Christmas Tree Book Case


Although I'm certain I may have overlooked some items, here are some of the other favorite things shared from all three parties (in no particular order):

Hopefully this will help give you ideas for last minute stocking stuffers!
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Sunday, December 19, 2021

My Favorite Things Party 2021

A My Favorite Things party is starting to catch on with so many of my friend groups, and I love it! I just finished attending my 4th party of this kind for this Christmas season, and it never gets old. In fact, after last night's party, one newbie exclaimed, "Let's do this again next week!" Haha

If you're not familiar with this party theme, check out the details here. Like last year, the limit for each gift was $15-20. Here is what I brought to past parties that still remain as some of my favorites:


The gifts that I brought to the various parties this year include:
Although I'm certain I may have overlooked some items, here are some of the other favorite things shared from all four parties (in no particular order):

I know Christmas is right around the corner, but hopefully this will help give you ideas for last minute stocking stuffers!



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Friday, August 13, 2021

Cowboy Candy

I found a hidden gem in the Leiper's Fork community over the weekend: Red Thread Farm. The guy's mission is to essentially have an online farmer's market. Such a great concept! My conversation to the owner went something like:

"I need to buy a bunch of jalapeños because I'm going to teach a group of ladies how to make Cowboy Candy."

"I've never heard of that."

"They're pickled peppers, but in a sweeter sauce."

"Oh, I've made those before."

"Well, what do you call them?"

"Sweet pickled peppers."

"My name's better."

"I agree! LOL"

Cowboy Candy

My brother Scott and Tina were the ones to first share their recipe with me several years ago. I think it's the perfect condiment if you're looking for something both sweet and spicy. My favorite way to use them is to top deviled eggs; however, they're also great on hamburgers, crackers with hummus or pimento cheese, pizzas, nachos, etc. 

The only drawback to this recipe is the wait. Once canned, you are supposed to wait a month before eating so that the flavors can mellow. It's a real test of one's patience, which is normally not my best virtue. But you know the old adage: some things really are worth the wait.

Cowboy Candy

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs sliced fresh jalapeños (10 cups of sliced)
  • 2 cups cider vinegar
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp celery seed
  • 3 tsp minced garlic in a jar
  • 2 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper

Directions:

Place clean canning jars on a cookie sheet in the oven at 250 degrees. (The recipe will fill six 1/2 pint jars.) Bring canning lids and rims to a boil. (Always use new jar lids, but the rings and jars are reusable.)

Slice the peppers into uniform 1/4 inch rounds. Set aside.

In a large pot, bring all ingredients except peppers to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the pepper slices and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Fill one jar at a time. (Leave the rest in the oven.) Use a slotted spoon to transfer the peppers into a clean, sterile, hot canning jar, leaving about 1/4 inch head space. Use a ladle to pour the boiling syrup into the jar over the jalapeño slices. Insert a case knife to the bottom of the jar to release any trapped pockets of air. Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean, damp towel and place on the two-piece lid and rim to fingertip tightness. Repeat for all jars.

Once cooled, you should hear the jars seal with a popping sound. If the lid pops back when you press it, then the jar is not properly sealed. This should be rare. If this happens, simply refrigerate the jar. Allow to mellow for 1 month before eating. 

If you have leftover syrup, don't throw it out! It is delicious as a marinade on chicken or pork.

In the beginning . . . 

. . . the middle . . .

The end! Such a wonderful afternoon with a few of my neighbors!
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