Christmas card preview

Yes. I know. Christmas is in just a few days.

But we just got around to taking these for the card. Read just a few posts below this to find out some of why that's happening...and then add a couple of cakes for friends on top!


I'm having a hard time deciding what will go on the card.


But I'm sure the girls will tell me.

Christmas Fun

The girls are enjoying these sites today...

Make-A-Flake

The Weepies

The Elves' Game Chest

Have fun!

(Yes, Mom...I will get you that list...really...and the lemon cheesecake recipe!)

Why blogging is hard this week...

1. Cassie's home...being a senior means no finals...which means that the computer is constantly occupied as she practices what this generation thinks of as community. Who knew that sitting alone in a room, staring at a screen would ever count as building relationships??
   
2. Teacher's gifts...if like me you sort of forgot for a while that you hoped to bless your kids' teachers, this recipe placed in a colorful bag is always a huge hit...and as mentioned we will, of course, always share the recipe...for a bit of a curve on that last test...
3. Bren is under the weather again...and is still young enough to want Mama to hover.
4. Choir practice with Bren, choir concerts with the other girls, basketball games, finals to help Aisley study for, Christmas buying, gift wrapping, something to do each night from 8 days ago until 4 days from now!
5. Time must be made to be in His Word so that all this stays fun and exciting and blessed instead of one more chore to deal with.

Sound like your house?

Recipe Swap

I've had several requests for this recipe after it was served this past weekend at the Brindley's Christmas party. I got it from a friend who got it from a friend who got it...I actually have no idea where it started, but I remember where I first had it. Our senior pastor's wife hosted a Christmas gather of women who led Bible studies at TBC and she served it for dessert. I'm not even a fan of chocolate (yes...I know, but try to get past it and love me anyway.) and even I thought it was delicious. Enjoy in small portions...so rich...so good...and yeah, a little bit complicated, but well worth the effort, right ladies??

Brownie Bottom Cheesecake with Praline Sauce

1 cup butter, divided
4 squares semi-sweet chocolate
2 1/4 cup sugar, divided
5 eggs, divided
1/4 cup milk
3 tsp. vanilla, divided
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
3 pkgs. (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 cup pecans (or more, to taste)

Preheat oven to 325. In a large bowl, slowly heat 1/2 cup butter & chocolate in microwave until just melted. Stir often. Let stand until cool. Blend in 1 1/2 cup sugar. Add 2 eggs, 1 at a time on low speed until blended well. Stir in milk and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix flour and salt together and add to chocolate mixture and combine until well blended. Pour into a greased and floured 9" springform pan. Bake for 25 minutes.

While that's cooking...mix cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla. Scrape down sides of bowl and mix slightly. Add 3 eggs, 1 at a time until well blended. Mix in sour cream.

When brownie has cooked 25 minutes, pour cream cheese mix over the top of it and continue baking 50-55 minutes or until almost set...edges should be just slightly browned, if at all. Remove from oven and run a knife around the edges of cake then let cool for a couple of hours at room temperature. Place in refrigerator 4 hours or overnight (best).

Before serving, melt 1/2 cup butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan on low. Stir often until sugar is melted and it reaches the boiling point. Add 1/2 cup whipping cream and 1 tsp vanilla and stir. Mix in pecans and cook on low about 5 minutes. Serve warm. (If making the day before, place in refrigerator and reheat in microwave, stirring often.)