December 7: The Wreath

i havent had a real tree for years.  not since we had the incident where we all woke up to the house alarm, set off by the falling christmas tree.

but I love the fresh smell of a real tree.  and so we bought a wreath.

and we hung it inside so WE could enjoy it.

New Meal Monday: Sweet and Sour Chicken

for weeks I've been craving chinese food.  Apparently Nick was on the same page.

last time camping we made FANTASTIC sweet and sour foil dinners.  this week we decided to try our hand at the real stuff.

Nick said he'd make the batter if I'd do the frying.  He mixed, i fried, we did and we did good.

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Sweet and Sour Chicken
Servings: 8
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
2 1/4 cups self-rising flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 egg
1 1/2 cups water
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
2 green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces

Combine flour, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, white pepper, and egg. Add 1 1/2 cups water gradually to make a thick batter. Stir to blend thoroughly. Add chicken pieces, and stir until chicken is well coated.
Heat oil in skillet or wok to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Fry chicken pieces in hot oil 10 minutes, or until golden. Remove chicken, and drain on paper towels.
When ready to serve, layer green peppers, pineapple chunks, and cooked chicken pieces on a platter. Pour hot sweet and sour sauce over top.

december 3: the penguin cake

when I want ridiculous baking accouterments, my mom and I have a system, she gives them to me as a gift...Nick can't complain when its a gift after all.  (and of course our cover is now blow...since nick will be reading this)

a few birthday's back, I received a pull apart penguin cake pan.  12 "cupcakes" that piece together to be a penguin.  I had big plans that year to rearrange the penguin parts to be a bunny for my birthday and later a turtle for nicks. on my b-day the cake got stuck in the pan, we had pen-gunny carcass for my bday, i didnt even try with nicks.

since they i have successfully made two penguins.  the first made me infamous with my teacher friend, the second was this year.  12 pieces 12 advisees.  PERFECT. i made the penguin, filling to the top like it suggested. it turned into the stay puff cake penguin man.  but then eventually because super cute. complete with magical rainbow snowflakes.

december 1: the mitten garland

While I am a true believer in Thanksgiving, and outright refuse to do anything christmas-y till after I do due justice to the turkey, cranberries, and pumpkin pie.  The day after t-giving I swing into full blown christmas mode.  last thanksgiving we moved.  our first trip....our bed.  our second trip...the christmas decoration.  we were sitting on couch cushions on the floor, ordering pizza because we had no dishes, but our tree was up and decorated. 

its is december 1st.  my trees (yes all 5) have been up for days. it takes me an extra 5 min to leave work (or go to bed at home) by the time I unplug all my light strands.  Christmas movie number 1 was been watched.  Christmas is in full swing. And so I give you a daily dose

Since august I have been a slave to the mittens.  I decided I was making an advent mitten garland.  this meant 24 knitted mittens.  I had 4 months. translation: a 6 mitten a month quota.  school was out for summer.  I thought I can do this.

Augusts were finished early,  and I started in on september's.  September 30 I put the last stitch in on mitten 5 for the month.  I got caught back up in october, then spent all of thanksgiving frantically knitting. completing the last stick of mitten number 24 at 11:30 pm on November 30th. 

but it is done.  and has been filled with our christmas treats. 12 for nick. 12 for me. 24 days of christmas joys.