Thursday, December 16, 2010

Cures for the Hum Bugs!

Happy, happy holidays...busy, busy, happy days...frantic, frenzied, wired days!  Joy to anyone who can balance the bliss and bedlam of this season.  I know what I do when it's all just too much:  hibernate.

Now, the hibernation may consist of an entire day, or only a stolen hour or two, but if it's intentional and deliberate on your part, with all those things that you love most around you, it goes a long way toward enjoying the rest of the holiday festivities.

Naps are essential. You need the coziest blanket you can find, after you've wrapped up in the coziest sweater you own. Curl up on the couch. Light some candles, turn off the lights, and drift away. Preferably at one o'clock in the afternoon. Most of the free world has this right. Only crazy, work-obsessed Americans push through an entire day ninety-to-nothing and then wonder why we're so cranky. Channel your inner todler, and sleep...

Perfect Hibernation Book: The Long Winter, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It's full of adventure, happy endings, and a description of the most mouth-watering flapjacks. You'll crave pancakes for days. Indulge yourself.

Perfect Hibernation Food: Fudge. There is my Mom's fudge, and all other fudge. This is my Mom's fudge.  
FANTASY FUDGE 

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,189,152182-243194,00.html
Content Copyright © 2010 Cooks.com - All rights reserved.
3 c. sugar
3/4 c. butter
2/3 c. (5 1/3 fl. oz. can) Carnation evaporated milk
1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
2 c. Kraft marshmallow creme
1 c. chopped nuts
1 tsp. vanilla
Combine sugar, butter and milk in heavy 2 1/2 quart saucepan; bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate pieces until melted. Add marshmallow creme, nuts and vanilla; beat until well blended. Pour into greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Cool at room temperature; cut into squares. Makes approximately 3 pounds.Double recipe: Use this full 13 ounce jar of Kraft marshmallow creme, doubling all ingredients. Prepare fudge as directed, using 5-quart Dutch oven. Pour fudge into 2 greased 13 x 9 inch pans. Makes approximately 6 pounds.
 

7 comments:

Pam Kessler said...

I need a hibernation day and the idea of a nap sounds heavenly. Now that I have fudge on my mind, I'll have to make some. Your Mom's recipe sounds yummy!

Donnell Ann Bell said...

Oh, hibernation sounds wonderful Gillian. And so does your mother's fudge! Okay, I may just have to break down and make it ;) Wonderful post and Laura Ingall's book sounds terrific as well!

Kylie Griffin said...

I might pass on the sweater and blanket, Gillian, with 110F heat just around the corner but I'll take some of your mum's fudge (is it melt proof???) and a nanna-nap in the arvo on Christmas Day.

It seems when we actually get to the big day we're almost to exhausted to celebrate it, isn't it?

I know our family like to share a breakfast of cold ham off the bone,hot english or wholegrain mustard, fried or scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes, toast and tea or coffee. That starts our day.

We no longer give presents to each other - we prefer to donate to a charity of our choice - but we spend some time around the Christmas tree talking and catching up, then move on to board or card games, a tradition much loved from when we were kids.

Lunch consists of cold ham, turkey, pork and chicken with heaps of yummy side salads, all homemade, none of this bought stuff. Mum then serves up hot pudding and custard - (crazy in summer but another tradition from way back). It used to have coins in it when we were kids.

By now the heat outside hits in the late 90's to 110 depending on the weather, so it's conducive to an afternoon nap or more games and talking.

Or if one desires time spent doing something by yourself. For me that's usually head in a good book for a few hours.

A pretty lazy day.

Gillian Layne said...

Hi Pam! thanks so much for stopping by.

Donnell, the book is one of those childhood treasures that holds up just as well for adults.

Kylie, how I envy your heat right now! Your time with your family sounds absolutely lovely, thank you so much for sharing it with me. :)

Glynis Peters said...

It is cooler here in Cyprus now, so feels like Christmas.
We have a traditional English style feast with Turkey and trimmings.

I like to hibernate. Mulled wine, chocolate nibbles and a good book are my companions.

Enjoy your fudge, and thanks for the recipe, I will make some for next week. Yummy!

Savannah Granny said...

I'm loving the nap part. Maybe tomorrow, today I am trimming that dang tree. Tomorrow my feelings will change and it will be the best tree ever.
I could do with some Mom's fudge. Looks yummy and when the sugar high sets in you can get back to decorating, moving like a buzz saw.
Thank always for your visits, Ginger

Gillian Layne said...

Glynis, I hope your feast is a day full of family, friends, and treasured memories.

Ginger, how did that tree work out? I'm sure it's gorgeous! ;)