Posts Tagged ‘make it do’

Here are two treats that are so quick and easy you are going to love making them for your New Year’s Celebration… or game night or any other party.  They are also so yummy your family and guests will love them too.  They might even think you were slaving in the kitchen for hours!  And what they don’t know won’t hurt them.

The first is made from Fillo (Phyllo) Cups.  You can buy them just as you see them, pre-formed and pre-baked.

Fill them with a small amount of raspberry jam (less is better.)  Or any other preserves that you love.

Cut small squares of Brie cheese.  I remove the white rind, even though it’s edible, as the kids get a bit worried about the “mold.”   Lay the cheese on top of the preserves in the cups.

Put them into a 350 degree oven for about 8 minutes.  Allow to cool to room temperature and serve.  They taste as good as they look.

This next treat came from a friend of my mom’s.  She brought them to her quilt group this month and they were a big hit.

Start with Pretzel Snaps and Rolos candies (chocolate covered caramel candies).  Place the Rolo in the center of the Pretzel Snaps and place in a 350 degree oven for 3 minutes.

When they come out of the oven, allow to cool for a few minutes then press a pecan (or nut of choice) into the center.  Now allow to set up until firm.  I needed to use a spatula to loosen them from the tray and place them on my serving plate.

They taste like a cross between a chocolate covered pretzel and a chocolate turtle and will disappear faster than you can make them… and that’s fast.

Happy New Year’s Eve to you all!

Last year I was inspired by Ali Edwards to choose One Little Word for 2009.

My word was “Do.”

I chose the word by instinct more than anything else.  But it somehow felt like the right word.

The time was right to roll up my sleeves.  The time was right to create.  Time was right for elbow grease and putting ideas into action.  It was time to “Do.”  And as the year progressed the word “Do” took on new meaning and fulfillment.  I created “Make it Do” and have loved putting into action my thoughts and ideas.  2009 has been a year for doing.

As I pondered my new word for 2010, I went back to Ali Edwards blog.  I reread what she had written back in January 2007.  Here is what she says about One Little Word:

A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow.

It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother’s word or your spouse’s word or your child’s word – this is YOUR word.

One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here’s one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren’t ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.

Choosing my One Little Word is different from setting a goal or making resolutions.  Somehow “Do” was more powerful for me than those resolutions that started strong and fizzled when life got too busy.  My one little word stayed with me throughout the year.  It continued to inspire me, even when I felt tired or overwhelmed.  “Do” acted like a beacon to guide me on my way.

So choosing my one little word was important this year…. knowing how important it was last year.  And as I pondered what the word should be, again and again one word kept coming back:

GROW

I know the full meaning of my word will only be revealed as the year unfolds… but for now Grow means developing my talents and endeavors.  Grow means becoming a better writer and photographer.  Grow means pushing myself toward my dreams and goals.

Grow means working to become a wiser, better mother and wife.  It means helping my children become the best they can be.  A wise friend once told me “As a mother, you will never make a daisy into a rose… or a rose into a daisy.  Discover what kind of flower your child is, and help them grow into the best daisy or rose they can be.”

Grow also means supporting my husband as he strives to grow his business and career.

It also means growing spiritually.  It means finding the ways I can help make the world around me a better place.

Grow means becoming a better daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

I can’t wait to see what Grow becomes this year, even if it means growing pains… I hope it Grows into something beautiful.