As I sit looking out my window, watching the snow fall ever so gently on the trees, sipping a cup of Godiva hot chocolate, the scene is peaceful and serene.  Soft music playing on Pandora and all is right with the world.  Then, out of no where I see the rare glimpse of a child (mine) racing past the front of the house on a mini ATV doing donuts at 10 mph while chasing the other children up and down the snowy road!  One moment, winter peace- the next, winter fun and chaos!  It couldn’t be more perfect!

That brings me to my post, the chaos in my kitchen!  Have you ever felt the desire to make something so good that everyone who tries it wants an endless supply? It seems that is my quest every day but it has gotten even worse since I was introduced to the Gerbet Macaron!  I don’t want to make them just so everyone will want them…no, I want to make them because I don’t think anyone should be without them.  They are THAT good!

So far I have made about 6 batches and each one is a little different from the last.  Not yet perfected, but definately yummy to eat.  My kitchen becomes my laboratory of errors and fills with what seems to be endless dishes.  

And so I march on with purpose (that would be with you in mind) and conviction to bring to you the perfect macaron.  With the many different flavors to tantalize the tongue, my quest is only to perfect the plain vanilla and work my way to the endless number of other flavors. Thus my task even greater to make a simple vanilla! 

to be continued…

Aside from all the homemade treats and goodies we get from friends in our community, there are always some neighbor gifts that very creative and clever.  Here are a few of our favorites from this holiday season!

From left to right, the first one is the “Peace” block (8″ x 8″ glass block).  A little bit of ribbon and some well-placed vinyl stickers…talk about creative!

Next is the Snowman mug attached to a bag of mini marshmallows and hot chocolate with a note that reads:

       “We heard you’ve been naughty,
        So here is the scoop.
        All you get for Christmas,
        Is some snowman POOP!”

The 7-up bottle was delivered with a note that highlights the “7-Up’s of Christmas” which include:

Cheer Up and be happy

Help Up the ones who are down

Make Up with those you’ve hurt

Clean Up the junk in your life

Never give Up

Live it Up and enjoy all you’ve been given

Look Up and acknowledge He who gave all

Last is the roll of toilet paper that I thought was so clever…probably my favorite neighbor gift yet!!
Wrapped in a cellophane gift bag, the note says:

        “Money is scarce and times are hard,
        So we’re giving you this instead of a card.
        Something to use, something to share,
        So bottoms up, just because we care!”

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from the “staff” at MyFavoriteKitchen.com… HO HO HO

Wendy is the lucky winner of my Godiva Hot Chocolate 2009 Holiday Giveaway…Congratulations!

Thanks to all for your participation and please watch for another giveaway in the future.