Christmas Morning

Yes, it's beautiful. It's a home-made cinnamon roll, my family tradition for Christmas morning. Made even better by the kind forethought of my mother, who sent me home with a mound of dough all ready to roll out and slather in butter. Somehow it was my husband's first taste of this delicious treat, and he was an instant convert.

Today I'm Thankful For... Peanut Butter Fudge

My mother-in-law has a secret fudge recipe. It's one of the reasons I love Christmas above all other seasons. Yes, she's given the recipe to me, but no, I won't give it to you. I will however describe the perfect piece of peanut butter fudge, a piece of which I just ate.

Creamy but with texture that stands a little tongue-probing. Nutty, yes, but caramelized and creamy, with overtones of marshmallow. Definitely impossible to stop with just one piece. Scary when considered calorically, comforting when considered with a sweet tooth.

Your peanut butter fudge is the best, L.!

Chocolate Oatmeal Pie

Oh, it's good! This pie is a rich,  caramelized, gooey delight, the fun of which is augmented by how easy it is to make! I brought one to our Thanksgiving meal--you could make this for Christmas, or for any special occasion.

Chocolate Oatmeal Pie

Mix together:

• 2 eggs
• 1 c. sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 c corn syrup
• 2 T melted butter
• 1 t vanilla
• ½ c coconut
• ½ c oats (quick or regular)
• ½ c chocolate chips

Pour mixture into unbaked pie shell and bake for ½ hour-45 mins or until surface looks uniformly set and overall color is golden brown

Seasonal Cooking... Collard Greens

3 for $1! Collard greens! The farmer squinted at me as I pursed my lips, uncertain how to cook this (phenomenally nutritious) seasonal green. How could I resist? We handed him a dollar and walked away the dubious owners of a shopping bag full of green leaves.

Fortunately for all of us our friend D. visited the next day and enthusiastically showed us one delightful way to use them, and we've had them every day since!

How do you use collard greens?

Sauteed Collard Greens

• Chopped onion
• Diced Garlic
• Olive oil
• 1 lime
• More greens than you think you need, washed and torn or sliced

Saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until fragrant, then add the greens and the lime, cover, turn down the heat, and let steam until the leaves are wilted but still have great texture.

Serving Suggestion: On whole wheat tortillas with a basil-garlic bean paste and cheese. Outstanding!

Creative Lunches... Peanut Butter & Honey Sandwich

I know, you're thinking, "how can a peanut butter sandwich be creative?" I've wondered the same thing, many times.

But look at this picture! Clear swirls of honey highlighting the rough natural peanut butter. Crusty homemade bread. A glass of clean white milk. And a rose, for contrast.

Try it! You might find yourself surprised.

How do you like to shake up the peanut butter sandwich stereotype?

And, for amusement, I must include this Raffi song--he makes me aspire to play the kazoo.

How to Make Mulled Cider

A fall tradition for the McIntyres, mulled cider fills the house with the scents of apples and spices. I drink it hot or cold and use in recipes for a little autumn kick.

Mulled Cider

1 can apple juice concentrate

1 long cinnamon stick or 2 short

3 pods of cardamom

10 or so dried cloves

dash of allspice

• Put everything in the pot along with the recommended amount of water and simmer on low for an hour or two.
• Enjoy! When you store, take out the pieces of spices, as they make the flavor a bit musky over time.

Today I am Thankful for... Cinnamon and Honey Steamer

For the golden wheat scent of warm milk, the fall-evoking freckles of cinnamon, and the thick cap of perfect foam sliding back to reveal comforting depths of pale milk... For the way it makes my child dance within me... For the way it brings back my first memory, of lying on my back in safety with a bottle of warm vanilla milk... For the joy of knowing the treasured cup traveled all the way home from England in my sister's luggage... For the leisure in which to drink it...

I am thankful.