The Tree Trimming

May you be surrounded by warmth and

love this holiday!

".....when Christmas time approached, quite young trees were felled, sometimes trees which were neither so old nor so large as this fir tree, that never rested, but always wanted to go away. These young trees, which were always the most beautiful, kept all their branches; they were put upon wagons, and the horses dragged them away out of the wood." ~Hans Christian Andersen. Danish, 1805-1875 (Excerpt from The Fir Tree, pub. 1845)

 Let the party begin with these tantalizing appetizers and beverages. You know how we Moms are! The excitement of putting up the tree is felt from each family member. We always made this a family affair with a few holiday snack foods gracing the dining table, while we listened to joyful Christmas music and carefully unpacked both family heirloom ornaments and added newly purchased ones. Make your special tree trimming gathering merry and bright!

Hot Candy Cane Nog

6 cups whole milk

8 (1.5 oz) peppermint patties (these are Darling's favorites)

1 cup white creme de cacao

French vanilla ice cream

6 peppermint sticks

Pour milk into a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes, careful to simmer and not boil. Pour 2 cups of hot milk into a blender. Add the peppermint patties, Cover and process on low speed until smooth. Add peppermint milk mixture to remaining milk in the saucepan. Add the creme de cacao. Cook until heated through and pour into your Santa mugs Top with a scoop of ice cream and insert a peppermint stick. For the kiddos, just omit the creme de cacao and add a tiny bit of melted white chocolate! Merry, Merry Christmas!!!

 

Estelle's Spiced Pecans

1 Cup sugar

2 t. cinnamon

1 t. salt

1/2 t. nutmeg

1/4. ground cloves

1/4 cup water

3 cups pecan halves, toasted

Combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, cloves and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium to low heat, stirring constantly. Make sure sugar dissolves completely. Cook 9-10 more minutes stirring constantly until candy thermometer reads 236 degree or a soft ball stage. Do not stir. Place pecans in a large bowl and pour hot mixture over pecans. Stir until the pecans start to lose their gloss. Spread pecans on wax paper and separate quickly with a fork. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 3 cups and they will disappear quickly. This was Daddy's #1 request every year! Miss Helen made the best!

The Maine House Tree