December 10 – Wisdom

What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? 2010 has been mostly a “more of the same” kind of year. I’ve made no major decisions. I think the biggest decision I’ve made this year is the purchase of a new car. I’m very attached to my old car and am unsure how this decision will play out.

Brown Sugar Whipped Cream

8 ounces softened cream cheese or mascarpone
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a medium bowl, combine creamy cream cheese, brown sugar and vanilla.
Using a hand mixer, beat on low speed until the ingredients are combined.
Increase the speed to medium high and beat until the cream is thick and holds a firm peak. (Approximately 1-2 minutes).

December 09 – Party

What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. I was blessed with the opportunity to host the Groenke family reunion in July. Most of my paternal relatives were there. We had German drinking songs playing on the iPod. Everyone brought a dish to share. Margaritas! Folks were dressed for an outdoor/lakeside party. Our guests enjoyed a wide assortment of water and land toys/games.

December 07 – Community

Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? In 2010 I have become more committed to the community of women at my church. Remember my skydive in August? That was an attempt to find a place within the “Aging but Dangerous” community. It wasn’t a good fit. Nor was my short lived association with an OLLIE group. I’ve recently discovered the “Classy Sassy Broads” group on Meetup, Rebecca, I and our Boys will be doing a holiday lights tour with them later this month. I would love to create a group of half a dozen couples who get together on a regular basis to cook dinner.

December 06 – Make

What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? I recently finished, and started another, “Wonderful Wallaby” sweater. For many years I knit socks. 2010 has been the year of the “Wonderful Wallaby” sweaters. They are made of hand dyed wool that’s been in my stash for years. I doubt I’ll have an interest in making anything else until I’ve used up all this yarn.

My Mom’s Bon-Bons

2# Powdered Sugar
1/2# Butter
1/2 tsp Vanilla
Dash of Salt
1 large package of Angel Flake Coconut
1 can Eagle Brand Sweetened Milk
Cherries
1 large package Chocolate Chips

Combine powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, coconut and sweetened milk. Mix well. Note: This is too heavy for a mixer. Roll into ball formation with a cherry in the middle and chill.

Melt Chocolate Chips. Dip chilled balls into mixture and refrigerate.

My notes: I used frozen sweet cherries. The next time I make this I will cut the cherries in quarters and mix the cherry pieces into the coconut mixture. It is just too labor intensive to wrap the coconut mixture around a cherry and the resulting cookie is just too large.