Christmas Ambience • Easiest Christmas Cookie House • Anti Stress Smoothie •
Parmesan Cheese Straws
by Mary Canovas
Before we start with our recipes, let´s get in the mood. Christmas is not only material things, it´s also a feeling of warmth, home, loved ones, togetherness and tradition.
Entertaining is also about setting the mood or ambiance of our home. One of the best ways I know, aside from the decorations, is TV and computer screens filled with Christmas scenes, fireplaces, with or without music. These videos, which can last from 1 to 8 hours, project your view of a perfect setting for the holidays: A cabin in the woods with snow falling – Christmas tree and fireplace included, a Harry Potter Christmas, a palace, library or coffee house setting with soothing jazz, Treehouses or New York lofts even Christmas fireplaces with dogs or cats. There are dozens of these videos you can find on YouTube. Try them out and pick your favorites to accompany you during the holiday. Here are a few:
• Christmas Fireplace Tree & Snow Daytime – No Music
• Harry Potter Ambience – No Music
EASIEST CHRISTMAS COOKIE HOUSE
Ever tried making a gingerbread cookie house? Even for experienced bakers, it´s not that easy. After getting the recipe just right, all the measuring, cutting (when you are lucky enough not to wind up with a cookie crumble instead of a roof) etc. you can finally get on to the fun part – decorating.
Our cookie houses eliminate all the preliminaries and get to the fun part by using store bought cookies. You can make incredible houses and decorations so easily and just enjoy decorating your own version of a Christmas cookie house or village. Make it a family affair and create memories for future generations.
The recipe is about the icing. Our video will show you how to assemble everything. Make sure to have plenty of candies and cookies and lots of paper towels for a massive cleanup after the kids.
You will need:
Royal Icing: Traditional and Recommended
Ingredients:
Directions:
NOTE: Royal icing shouldn´t drip down from the spoon. If it is too thick, add a few drops of water. If it is too liquid add more icing sugar.
Easy Icing
Directions: Stir until reaching desired consistency.
Directions for Cookie Houses: Follow the video.
ANTI-STRESS SMOOTHIE
Most of us look forward to these holidays, full of light, traditions, get-togethers – wonderful and at times hectic and stressful. There are many ways to combat holiday stress: meditation (if you have the time), exercise (unless you´re too maxed out with cooking, shopping, wrapping and decorating) or leaving for a Christmas vacation to Hawaii. One simple help is our Anti – Stress smoothie. Just one a day should keep the shrink away (hopefully). Okay, that was a joke, but this smoothie actually does help. It is also so delicious that it will put a smile on your face and tummy and more importantly on your frazzled nerves.
Our Anti-Stress Smoothie is chock full of natural ingredients that help fight the effects of stress and anxiety both physically and mentally. Our smoothie integrates a wide range of natural ingredients that have many beneficial effects including helping with stress and anxiety.
Ingredients
Directions
PARMESAN CHEESE STRAWS
Parmesan Cheese Straws are a must on every table, holidays or daily. And you can´t find them in any store. With only 2 basic ingredients, they are tasty, inexpensive and not difficult to make. Great to accompany any meal, as appetizers or for dipping into your favorite marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Directions:
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Images from Pixabay
Featured image/Jill Wellington
Frog/Hans Braxmeier
Holly/OpenClipArt-Vectors
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