Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Open House

Well I wanted to end the year with our Open House.  We had a little holiday open house last Saturday. There were times I thought we would not be finished with the house in time.  And we didn't have everything we would have liked done but it was close enough. We were working up until time hanging pictures and emptying boxes.  Now to take a break for a few days and enjoy things before it is time to take the tree down.
Last time I did not show the dining room.  I am not sure why I just didn't take any pictures.  Not a lot changed in here except it did get painted and we moved some furniture.  This is our buffet and it use to be on the other wall.
We put the china cabinet on the opposite wall this time.  I think it might take a little getting use to.  New curtains and light as well.
We have also hung pictures since the last time I shared with you.
My pretty poinsettia that I buy every year from Rainbow Omega.  They grow some of the prettiest flowers.
This carousel picture use to be over our sofa, now it is over our bed.   A local artist, Ann Taylor, created this print.  It is Cinderella's Carousel from Magic Kingdom.  She created several prints for Disney.
We have had several drawing made a Disney.  This one is mine, Tink.
This one is Joe's, May the Force be with you.  We need to get Olaf framed.
We have several other Disney prints in our room as well.
Our den now has our Bama prints.  Most are Daniel Moore from one time or another. We are waiting for the new National Championship one to go over the fireplace.
Local artist Daniel Hess.
Remember when I showed you that wall, I said it would be perfect for our prints and it is.
Some of my cross stitch pictures.
One of the last ones I finished.
Dining room print.
Now for the open house.  The food has been laid out.

Frosty was outside to greet the guest.
The lights are on.
Trees decorated.

And they they came.
We want to thank all our family and friends that came out Saturday to spend the afternoon with us.  Now on to 2015.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Pioneer Woman's Cow Patties

Who better than the Pioneer Woman to make cow patties on a cattle ranch.  Well they are not those cow patties.  A couple of weeks ago on her show she was having an open house at their new building and made these.  For the last couple years I have made the crock pot chocolate and while that is great I wanted something different.  These were perfect.
A plateful of cow patties.
These are very easy to put together and easy to double.
Chop up the chocolate.
Place in the microwave until it is melted.  Stir well.
I chopped the dried cherries a little because they were pretty big.  Add 1 cup of either raisins, dried cranberries, or dried cherries.  Whatever is your favorite, or try something different.
The cherries are so pretty.  It is a shame to cover them with chocolate, not really.
Add 1/2  cup whole peanuts.  These were also raw.  I guess you could use the dry roasted.
Add 1/2 cup slivered almonds.
Mix well.
Then dip up on wax paper and let sit until it is firm.
And serve.


Pioneer Woman Cow Patties Recipe

20 oz melting chocolate such as almond bark
1 cup raisins, dried cranberries or dried cherries
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup whole peanuts.