A message from Santa, an electric eel and holiday shortbread

Have you seen the site Portable North Pole?  You can create a personalized message from Santa for your kids, your colleagues, or the love of your life.  We made one for Hadley, which she was in awe of.  Santa told her to use the potty, and she ran to the bathroom right after watching the video.  Hmm... Santa might need to leave a few more messages for her.  It's a fun site, however I think they ask for a little too much info- I didn't put in my full name or our zip code.

What does an electric eel have to do with Christmas?  Watch this video to see- this aquarium is taking alternative energy to a whole new level.


We had a big potluck at work yesterday.  I ate way too much food- I love potlucks!  I made an ice cream cake with a brownie base layer, peppermint ice cream and a ganache topping.  I didn't love it, but it was easy.  I might play with the recipe a bit and try again sometime.  I also made a shortbread cookie with chocolate and peppermint candies on top.  It wasn't the greatest thing I've ever made, but it was pretty, festive and really simple to make.  It would make a good addition to a holiday cookie party.  You can find the recipe here.

One more picture, just because it makes me laugh: 

Blueberry mouth and macaroni hair.  You should have seen the floor...

Also, Hadley and I made marshmallows today.  I topped them with crushed candy canes and I'll dip them in chocolate when they're dry.  Pictures and recipe to follow...

Asian Noodle Salad

image from www.thepioneerwoman.com

I made this salad for dinner tonight.  Although it did take some time to chop all of the vegetables, it was a really easy meal.  I loved it, Tyler and Hadley liked it, and Blake threw his on the floor.  You can't please everyone, right?  I used whole wheat pasta, which gave it some nice texture, almost like Soba-esque.  I left out the bean sprouts and didn't add the jalapeño pepper to the dressing (I'm a major wimp with spicy food).  This made a TON of food, so be prepared to share our eat leftovers for several days if you make it.  Here's the recipe, from www.thepioneerwoman.com. 

Asian Noodle Salad

• SALAD INGREDIENTS:
• 1 package Linguine Noodles, Cooked, Rinsed, And Cooled
• ½ heads Sliced Napa Cabbage, Or More To Taste
• ½ heads Sliced Purple Cabbage, Or More To Taste
• ½ bags Baby Spinach, Or More To Taste
• 1 whole Red Bell Pepper, Sliced Thin
• 1 whole Yellow Bell Pepper, Sliced Thin
• 1 whole Orange Bell Pepper, Thinly Sliced
• 1 bag Bean Sprouts (also Called Mung Bean Sprouts)
• Chopped Cilantro, Up To 1 Bunch, To Taste
• 3 whole Scallions, Sliced
• 3 whole Cucumbers Peeled And Sliced
• 1 can (about 10 Oz.) Whole Cashews, Lightly Toasted In Skillet
• _____
• FOR THE DRESSING:
• 1 whole Lime, Juiced
• 8 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 8 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons (up To 3 Tablespoons) Sesame Oil
• ⅓ cups Brown Sugar
• 3 Tablespoons Fresh Ginger Chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic Chopped
• 2 whole Hot Peppers Or Jalapenos, Chopped
• Chopped Cilantro

Preparation Instructions

Mix salad ingredients together. Whisk dressing ingredients together and pour over salad. Mix with tongs or hands and serve on a platter.

Note: dressing keeps for up to three days before serving, without cilantro.

Does your house need some extra Christmas cheer?  How about a wreath made from toilet paper rolls? 

Here Comes Santa Claus

I was feeling proud of myself for getting Christmas cards ordered and (partially) sent out.  That is, until I saw this Christmas video greeting that's been floating around the web.  This family is super creative and must be amazingly patient.  Seriously, check it out.  And while you're there, take a peek at their videos from 2009 and 2008.

While we didn't make a family video greeting, the kids and I did make gingerbread men, snowmen, dinosaurs and trains.  They turned out really yummy; soft and just slightly spicy.
 

Blake's handiwork

 I couldn't get a clear shot of him because he kept running at me saying "cheese!"

After the last gingerbread semi truck was cut-out and baked, we headed out to look at Christmas lights.  The kids were absolutely mesmerized; I think Tyler and I spent far more time staring at them than at the lights.  If you are in Boise, make sure you check out the house on Parapet Court; the light show is set to music and it's amazing!

Here's the gingerbread cookie recipe, from allrecipes.com.  My changes are in parentheses.

Eileen's Spicy Gingerbread Men

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup margarine (butter)
• 1/2 cup sugar (brown sugar)
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (this seemed to be just slightly too much)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until smooth. Stir in molasses and egg yolk. Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg; blend into the molasses mixture until smooth. Cover, and chill for at least one hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 8 (mine took 8.5 minutes)to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks. Frost or decorate when cool.