Joy!

Honestly, where does time go? I must be getting old (wink, wink)! It only seems like last week I posted, but the date says August 31! Oh well, I could give you tons of excuses, like building a garage, having a new grandbaby, participating in a couple of craft fairs, putting a daughter in college and running a business, but I won't go there.

Instead, I wanted to tell you I broke out my joy earrings! Now I got these earrings about 20 years ago, from avon, and I love them. They are gold and have a big bow, and 3 bell shapes hanging below it with the letters, J, O, Y! They make me happy when I wear them! Little kids love them too! So yesterday I wore them to church! It must be holiday time!

This year we are drawing names to do for Christmas! Seems strange, because I basically have my 7 grandkids and Gene and my drawn name to buy for. Chelsea is heading to Pocatello after Christmas, so hers will be moving her down there for school.

Instead, I am going to concentrate on Christmas goodies! I have been searching for yummy recipes all over and I have found quite a few. Today I am going to a couple from my cousin's daughter, Rebecca Olsen Vest. She shared these recipes on her blog http://barryandrebecca.blogspot.com/ (which is a really cute blog, by the way)! I hope she doesn't mind me sharing! The pictures alone made my mouth water and I must admit that I am stopping at the store on the way home to pick up rolos and pretzels to try those out! So enjoy!



Oreo Balls

1 package Oreos
1 pkg cream cheese, warm or room temp
Semi-sweet chocolate (baking bar or chips)
White chocolate (baking bar or chips)
1 large ziplock bag
1 small ziplock bag

Place wax paper on jelly roll pan (baking sheet with sides).

In a large bag, crush most of the oreos. Pour into large mixing bowl. Mix in cream cheese.

Melt chocolate in separate bowls, using the microwave or double boilera technique. For microwave, place chocoalte into bowl, microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave for 15 seconds. Stir, Repeat 15 seconds and stir until chocolate is smooth and melted.

Form a small ball and dip in semi-sweet chocolate, using a spoon, and set on wax paper. You can also dip in the white chocolate and then drizzle with the semi-sweet chocolate.

Pour white chocolate in small ziplock bag to be used as drizzle. Cut small hole in one corner of bag and drizzle the white chocolate over dipped balls.

Let cool. To speed up cooling time, place in refrigerator to set chocolate.




Rolo Turtles

Pretzels, mini or square
Rolos
Pecans, Whole (almonds or Cashews work too_

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a cookie sheet with tin foil. Place the pretzels on the cookie sheet and top with one Rolo each. Bake for three minutes (not any longer or you'll have a mess). Let cool!

Off to find more recipes! Wait til you see what I have for tomorrow!

Chris