DATE BALLS AND TOFFEE: IT'S BEGINNING TO TASTE A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

I have a big long to-do list for today. I've already made three batches of Date Balls and two batches of English Toffee. Want to include some goodies in my packages to those who won't be home for Christmas, and I really have to get those in the mail tomorrow. 
Did not get off to a great start this morning, however. I didn't sleep very well so I was not sharp as a tack when I came in from the barn and poured my morning cup of tea, adding a good slug of what I thought was coconut milk.

I really can't recommend chicken broth in your PG Tips. 

You have to admit, the cartons are diabolically similar.
Things can only go up from there, right? I make these date balls every year, and it is apparently impossible to make too many. 

The toffee is cooling so I can break it into pieces. The hard part is finding a good place to let it cool where it will be safe from counter surfers.

The Christmas crackers arrived a few minutes ago! A nice British tradition to go with our Mexican feast on Christmas Eve.  I think food tastes better when you're wearing a funny hat.

Date Balls
8 oz. chopped dates
1 stick margarine
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped nuts (I use pecans)
Pinch salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups crisped rice cereal
Cook first five ingredients over low heat for 8 minutes, stirring constantly. Add cereal and vanilla. Shape and roll in 10X sugar.
I usually make them about the size of a truffle.

What's cooking at your house?

Treat Ride

Had some good Christmas-y (but very chilly) fun with the ladies today. We delivered homemade treats, on horseback, to all the neighbors who so kindly allow us to ride across their property. Mr. C. came along on foot to take pics and assist with the logistics (we hadn't really thought about how we were going to knock on doors without dismounting). Sandy, from down the road, loaned us her parade bells, so we jingled merrily as we went...
Made some tags for my bags of Date Balls...

Dressed Zoey up a bit.  Mr. C. thought she looked like a slightly demented superhero in her red Sleazy.

Waited for the ladies to arrive, added Christmas bows, posed for a photo and off we went...

My Barn

Hope you found time to have a little bit of Christmas-y fun today!

Date Balls and Decorating

Still a little miffed with my Christmas tree for flinging itself onto the hardwood three days ago (see 12-12 post), smashing so many of my favorite ornaments. So I turned my attention outdoors and finished this garland for the front door. Started with a fake garland and added fresh greens until I was satisfied with its fullness. I think it looks pretty good!

Ran  Christmas-y errands. Then a quick ride where Zoey tried to dump me, yet again!  She's determined to buck me off me and I'm equally committed to not hitting the ground. Hitting the ground is a young girl's game, 50-somethings don't bounce. We just lie there. 
Now here's a treat for you, Date Balls. I remember my mother-in-law making these when my husband and I were dating, then we sort of forgot about them for awhile. Other treats took their place. We started making them again a few years back and they're a favorite with my kids. Very easy! So tasty!

Date Balls
8 oz. chopped dates
1 stick margarine
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped nuts (I use pecans)
Pinch salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups crisped rice cereal
Cook first five ingredients over low heat for 8 minutes, stirring constantly. Add cereal and vanilla. Shape and roll in 10X sugar.
I usually make them about the size of a truffle.


Now I've no choice but to finish that wretched tree. 
Hope you're taking a little time to be merry amidst all your Holiday racing around.