Christmas Advent Calendar - December 25th

Only Begotten

Jesus was born in the meridian of time, thus giving an ideal vantage point from which to look both backward and forward.

For the last 24 days you have stood, as it were, in Bethlehem, gazing in both directions.

You have heard the Master's voice in premortal councils. You have seen him suffer, die and rise again. You have watched him return triumphant in the clouds of heaven.

Now you are ready to focus with greater joy on that moment when heaven came down to earth.

"And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel come down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou? "And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins... "And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

"And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!

And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

"And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!" (1 Ne. 11:14-15, 18-21)

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:...

"Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. ...

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to the work" (Luke 1:30-32. 34-35, 38).

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ...

"And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

"To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for , behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hat made known unto us.

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger" (Luke 2:1, 3-16).

* Consider what gift you could give the Savior and determine to give it all year long.

* "Joy to the World," Hymns, no. 201.


The Light

We hope you've enjoyed this Christmas pilgrimage through the life of the Savior. If you have, there is still one last gift to open. Open your scriptures to the Topical Guide and look under "Jesus Christ" You will find 18 1/2 pages of references!

Christmas may be past, but you can go right on reading about the Savior's mission.

In fact, what you received here was only a small taste of the scriptural feast available.

The suggested activity for this day and the rest of your life is to read and enjoy the word of God as found in the holy scriptures. Give yourself a gift that fills every day of your life with the real spirit of Christmas.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 24th

Jesus came to Bethlehem a humble babe, born in poverty. But he has promised to return to earth in majesty.

Then heaven and earth will be reconciled, and the King of Kings will reign.

"For as the lightning cometh our of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. ..."And then shall also the coming of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. ..."But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. ..."Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Matt. 24:27, 29-30, 36, 42).

* Try to live this day as if it were the day of Christ's second coming.

* "When He Comes Again," Children's Songbook, p. 82.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 23rd

Jesus is no mere figure from the past, captive in the pages of scripture. He lives today! He holds the universe to its course, and guides the work of his servants on the earth.

"And now. after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! "For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father - "That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God" (D&C 76:19 - 20, 22 - 24).

* Go out with friends singing Christmas carols, but add some hymns about other aspects of Christ's ministry.

* "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," Hymns, no. 136.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 22nd

As the holidays get busier and busier, we become involved in so may things - running errands, attending parties, buying presents, choosing wrapping paper and ribbons. It's easy to become focused on material things. Instead, let's remember where our lives ought to be centered.

"I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger: and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine" (John 10 - 14). I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, through he were dead, yet shall he live" (John 11:25). "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness" (John 8:12).

* Go look at Christmas lights and think about where all light really comes from.

* "The Lord is My Shepherd," Hymns, no. 108

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 21st

The morning of Christ's resurrection was the brightest morning in all history - a time of transcendent joy following the gloom of the crucifixion. The words of the angel still echo down the centuries undiminished. He is risen! Those words signaled more than the triumph of a god. They proclaimed the supremacy of life over death. As we celebrate Christmas, we also celebrate the free gift of immortality for all mankind.

"In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. "And, behold, there was a great earthquake; for the angel of the lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. "His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow; "And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. "And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay" (Matt 28:1-6). "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces" (Isa. 25:8).

* Read the accounts of the Resurrection in the four Gospels and 3 Nephi, and them record your feelings in your journal (see Matt. 28; Matk 16; Luke 24; John 20; 3 Nephi 11).

* "He is Risen!" Hymns, no. 199.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 20th

Some things are almost too painful to think about. To see our Savior mocked and murdered is one such thing. And yet, throughout the scriptures, we should visit Calvary from time to time. We must never forget Jesus died so that we might live, and live more abundantly. "They stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. "And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and the bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!" And they spit upon him, and took the reed and smote him on the head" (Matt. 27:28-30).

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him. ..."Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots" (Luke 23:33-34) "And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads and saying, ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, "save thyself and come down from the cross. "Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he can not save. "Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe" (Mark 15:29-32).

* Read the accounts of the crucifixion in the four Gospels, and then write your feelings in your journal.

* "There is a Green Hill Far Away," Hymns, no. 194.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 19

The greatest victory of all time was not won on a battlefield but in a quiet hillside garden.

We cannot fully understand the cost of that triumph, but as Christmas draws near we should at least try.

"O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matt. 26:39). "For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent, "But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; "Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink - "Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men" (D & C 19: 16 - 19).

* Accept the gift of forgiveness. Pray to Heavenly Father about some weakness and ask for help in repenting of it.

* "How Great Thou Art," Hymns, no. 86

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 18th

We all have storms in our lives - storms of fear and anger and regret - storms at home, work and school. The Master's hand can calm all our tempests.

"And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him, "And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. " And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. "And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm" (Matt. 8:23-26).

* Be a calming influence today. Try extra hard to control your temper.

* "Master, the Tempest Is Raging," Hymns, no. 105.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 17th

Have you ever wished you could be baptized again and start over fresh? When we repent of our sins and partake of the sacrament worthily, we renew our covenants and are clean.

"Jesus commanded his disciples that they should bring forth some bread and wine,..."And ...he took of the bread and brake and blessed it..."And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said..."This shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me, And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you...(3 Ne. 18:1,3,5,7,9-11).

* As you partake of the sacrament, make a special effort to think about the Savior.

* "While of These Emblems We Partake," Hymns, no. 173.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 16th

Jesus came to lift our burdens. One of the heaviest burdens we carry is that of hate. In teaching us to forgive, the Lord set us free.

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven" (Matt. 18:21-22). "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matt. 6:14-15). "Behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who dispitefully use you" (3 Ne. 12:44)

* Try to forgive someone who has wronged you. If appropriate, go to him today and be reconciled.

* "Did You Think to Pray?" Hymns, no.140

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 15th

Turmoil and strife, combat and competition - our world is full of the consequences of man dealing with man. But the Savior told us how to truly succeed, through peace on earth and good will toward men.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them" (Matt. 7:12) "Whosoever will be great among you...shall be servant of all" (Mark 10:43-44). "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34-35).

* Today tell someone that you love them. Express love for the Lord in your prayers.

* Love One Another," Hymns, no. 308.

Holiday Eating Tips

My dear friend sent this to me in an email today. I laughed until I cried it was so funny! So now I lovingly send it along to you, my faithful readers...Merry Christmas!

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies - Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

The Ultimate Question...

My husband sent me this in an email and I thought it was hilarious and sooooo true!

The question is to get a dog...



or... to have children...

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 14th

Christmas would hardly be Christmas without children. They are so much of the magic in the season. The Savior also loved children. In both the New World and the old, he called the little ones to him.

"They brought their little children and set them down upon the ground round about him,..."...and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them..."And...they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, ...and the angels did minister unto them (3 Ne. 17:12,21,24).

* Do Something fun with a little brother, sister, son, daughter or other child.

*"I Think When I Read That Sweet Story," Children's Songbook, p. 56.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 13th

We don't like to think of illness or death at Christmastime, but these shadows can fall on any season. Jesus taught us an unforgettable lesson in empathy when he shared the grief of his friends aFter the death of Lazarus.

"Jesus wept. "Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!..."Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus...cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. "And he that was dead came forth" (John 11:35,36,41,43,44)

* Do something to bring cheer to someone who has a reason to feel sad.

* "Abide with Me!" Hymns, no 166

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 12 (sorry it's late)

The Master taught that it isn't what you have that counts; it's what you give. Giving of yourself can fill your world with joy, not only at Christmas, but all year long.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal; "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (3 Ne, 13:19-20).

* You'll treasure the time you spend helping others. Do volunteer work for some worthy cause.

* "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", Hymns, no. 214.

Christmas Survey

I got tagged in the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

Okay, here's what you're supposed to do. Just copy and paste into a new e-mail that you can send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tis the Season to be jolly!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Definitely wrapping paper and lots of ribbons and bows
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. I put my tree up the day after Thanksgiving and a real tree doesn’t last that long.
3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? 1st day of the New Year
5. Do you like eggnog? YES! Absolutely!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Madame Alexander Bride doll
7. Hardest person to buy for? Scott, he buys what he wants all year so when Christmas gets here there is nothing left to get him.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Elliot and Evie, they like everything
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes – several of them
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I totally prefer mail it is much more personal but I would take an email one, print it and put it on my door with the others.
11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don’t think that is possible
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Christmas Vacation, Elf and the Santa Clause Movies
13. When do you start shopping? The last minute
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Do I have to answer this?
16. Lights on the tree? White and lots of them…the more the better.
17. Favorite Christmas song? The Messiah
18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? At home is the best with my own little family
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of course! Who can’t…is that possible?
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We open new jammies on Christmas Eve and the rest in the morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? It is too short!
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? My Christmas village, The North Pole from Department 56
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham from Honeybaked Hams
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Food storage and 72 hour kits
26. What do you do for Christmas Eve? Open new jammies, load everyone up in the car with blankets and pillows and go look at Christmas light and sing Christmas carols. This year I am making prime rib for dinner.
27. Best Christmas tradition? Making hand dipped chocolates.

What Do the LDS Leaders Really Teach?

The world is adrift in ignorance about what Mormon leaders really teach, but this YouTube video gets right to the heart of it.Comment on and rate this video on YouTube by clicking here. Be sure to vote and rate the video because viewings are only counted if the viewers give them a rating.

I am interested in getting this video out to as many people as possible: send it to your friends and family, post it on your blog, facebook and message boards. Help spread the word about the church...why?

Because recently Gary Lawrence of Lawrence Research, a well respected research firm did a poll of what people in America think of the LDS Church. Here is what he found:

The results were pretty much what he expected.

"We're not as popular as we think we are," he says.

He found that 84 percent of Americans have been exposed to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in one form or another -- via missionaries, members, the media or all three. That translates to a very healthy awareness penetration.

But of that 84 percent, just 14 percent could correctly answer the main claim of Mormonism: that it is Christ's original gospel re-arranged on the Earth.

Even when those polled were prodded with facts they may have forgotten -- a polling technique known as aided recall -- just 29 percent could accurately state the church's position.

The result is poll data that report 49 percent of Americans have an unfavorable impression of Mormons, compared with 39 percent who have a favorable impression. The remaining 12 percent are uninformed or undecided.

"As Mormons, we think we're effectively communicating our message, but we're not," says Lawrence. "Our image is lousy largely because of so many falsehoods and distortions out there about who we are."


We are never going to be "popular" by the world's standards. But we CAN do a better job of getting the message out there. If you are interested in reading the whole article go here. We can and should be better about getting the message out. This video is a good start!

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 11th

We could labor every day of our lives and still not repay the kindness of our Lord. But he has shown us that there is a way to serve him.

"Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? "When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? "Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? "And the King shall answer... inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matt. 25:37-40).

* Visit someone who is sick or lonely.

* "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief," Hymns, no. 29.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 10th

We take the agency of man for granted, but it was seriously challenged before our mortal lives even began. This Christmas let's give thanks for the one who defended our freedom.

"Satan... came before me saying - Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. "But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me - Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. "Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him...; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down" (Moses 4:1-3)

* Use your agency to set some goals for yourself. Seal a copy in an envelope to be opened in a year.

* "How Great the Wisdom and the Love," Hymns, no. 195

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 9th

In a world divided by national, religious, political, and racial hatreds, it's time everyone reviewed Jesus' answer to the question, "Who is my neighbor?"

"A certain man went down form Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell amonng thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead." And by chance there came down a certain priest that way and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side," And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. "And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him..."Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among thieves?" (Luke 10:30-34,36).

* Do a good deed anonymously.

* "Because I Have Been Given Much," Hymns, no. 219

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 8th

The greatest blessings aren't those of getting but those of becoming. Jesus taught:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. " And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. " And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God." And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of god" (3 Ne. 12:3-9).

* Foster peace on earth by not quarreling with your brothers, sisters and other family members.

* "More Holiness Give Me," Hymns, no. 131

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 7th

The Savior knows the weight of our suffering and the depth of our pain. He has suffered for us, and he loves us without reservation. There is no problem so hard or despair so dark that he can't help us if we let him.

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we eseemed him not. "Surely he hath borne out griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. "But he was wouneded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isa. 53:3-5). "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28).

* Go out of your way to befriend someone who nees a friend. Follow through in the days and weeks to come.

* "Come unto Jusus," Hymns, no. 117.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 6th

Jesus was a healer. He touched away blindness and filled withered limbs with new life. He restored the mind and soul. Surrounded by much hurt and sorrow we can, in our own way, be healers also. Sometimes a kind word and a helping hand are all that is needed.

"And...Jesus...cast his eyes...on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them. "And he said until them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you...."And ...all the multitude...did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one "(3 Ne. 17:5, 6, 9).

* Try to be as kind as possible to others today.

* "I Need Thee Every Hour," Hymns, no. 98.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 5th

Christmas shines with lights - on trees and houses and city streets. As we recall the bright star over Bethlehem, do we remember the source of all light?

"He...ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; "Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As Also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by wich it was made. "As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made; " as also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made; "And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand. " And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings; " Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space - " The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed" (D & C 88: 6 - 13)

* Look up at the heavens and think about who made the sun, moon, and stars. Record your feelings in your journal.

* "The Lord Is My Light," Hymns, no. 89.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 4th

Many people are hungry - not just for food but for love, for acceptance, for support. Some are starving spiritually. Jesus knew how to feed every kind of hunger, In our small way we can do the same.

"(Jesus') disiples came to him, saying...send the multitude away, that they may...buy themselves victuals. "But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. "And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. "He said, Bring them hither to me. "...and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples, to the multitude" (Matt. 14:15-19).

* Feed someone spiritually. Write your testimony in a Book of Mormon and give it away.

* "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus," Children's Songbook, 1989, p. 57.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 1-3

A friend of mine has been sending me the most wonderful emails about a special advent calendar to help us remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. I don't know where she got it but I thought it would be great to post it here. This is perfect to do during family scripture study and prayers each night...Enjoy!

Christmas Advent Calendar

This is no ordinary advent calendar with little windows to open or snowmen to paste on. You are the only moving part. This calendar reviews the Savior's entire mission from pre-mortal councils on through his future return as Lord of Lord and King of Kings.

December 1st
Each day between now and Christmas you'll read one or more passages of scripture, moving from epoch to epoch across the vast span of the Redeemer's work. Each day there will be a suggestion* of something you can do to grow closer to the Savior. There will also be a hymn or carol** to sing. Here are today's suggestions:

* Invite your family to join you in each day's reading and singing.

Remember the Savior's promise. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20)

** "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful" Hymns, 1985, no. 202


December 2nd
At Christmas we celebrate much more than the birth of a baby - we celebrate who that child already was, and what he would yet become. Christmas is a time of looking - to the past, with its glimpses of pre-mortal glory, and to the future, with its promise of eternity.

"For behold, the time....is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles,,," And lo, he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary, "And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name, and even after all this they shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge him, and shall crucify him." And he shall rise the third day from the dead; and behold, he standeth to judge the world" (Mosiah 3:5, 8-10)

* As you decorate for Christmas, choose or make a decoration that will remind you of the Savior and his mission.

*"I Believe in Christ," Hymns, no. 134

December 3rd
All that we have - the air we breathe, the light by which we see - are gifts from a loving Father and his Son. In this season of giving, let us give one of the greatest gifts we can offer - a grateful, humble heart.

"As (Jesus) entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers..."And ...he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. "And one of them turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God," And Jesus answereing said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" (Luke 17:12,14,15,17).

* In one of your prayers today, give thanks for every blessing you can name, without asking anything.

** Count Your Blessings," Hymns, no 241

Recipe of the Week

Dark Chocolate & Pumpkin Cheesecake

This is the time of year for lots of parties and sometimes it is hard to come up with something new or special. So if you are looking for something impressive and yummy to take to your next get-together? This recipe is a bit of work, but it is guaranteed to be the hit of any party! Be sure to read through the whole recipe before starting so you know what your game plan is before you start, i.e. you will need two springform pans for this one!




Ingredients

CHOCOLATE PECAN COOKIE CRUST
1 c pecan pieces
6 deep dark chocolate fudge cookies (Peppperidge Farms or other type)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
8 oz semisweet chocolate, broken into 2-oz pieces
1/4 Chocolate syrup
3/4 lb cream cheese, softened
3/4 c granulated sugar
1/2 ts salt
3 eggs
1 ts pure vanilla extract

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE
2 ts unsalted butter, melted
1 lb cream cheese, softened
3/4 c granulated sugar
2 tb all-purpose flower
1/2 ts salt
3 eggs
1 ts pure vanilla extract
1 c pumpkin puree
1/4 ts ground cinnamon

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Toast the pecan pieces on a baking sheet in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Lower the oven temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, chop the cookies and the pecans until they are in crumbs (to yield 2 cups) about 20-30 seconds. Add in 2 tbls melted butter and blend well. Set aside until needed.

Coat the bottom of a 9-by 3-inch springform pan with melted butter. Use your hands to press l cup of crumbs to a uniform and level thickness on the buttered bottom of the pan. Set aside.
To prepare the chocolate cheesecake, heat l inch of water in the bottom half of a double boiler over medium-high heat. Place the semi-sweet chocolate in the top half of the double boiler.

Tightly cover the top with film wrap and allow to heat for 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir until smooth. Place 3/4 pound softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle. Beat on low for l minute and on medium for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat on medium for 2 more minutes and on high for 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl. Add 3 eggs , one at a time, beating on high for 20 seconds and scraping down the bowl after each addition. Then beat the mixture for 1 minute more on high. Add l teaspoon vanilla extract and beat on medium for l5 seconds. Add the melted chocolate mixture, chocolate syrup and then beat on medium for 30 seconds.

Pour the cheese cake mixture into the prepared springform pan, spreading evenly. Keep at room temperature while preparing the pumpkin cheesecake batter.

To prepare the pumpkin cheesecake, coat the inside of a springform pan with l tsp butter. Line the pan with parchment paper. Coat the parchment paper with the remaining tsp butter. Set aside until needed.

Place l pound softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, the flour, and 1/2 tsp salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle . Beat on low for l minute and on medium for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat on medium for 2 more minutes and on high for 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl. Add 3 eggs one at a time, beating on high for 20 seconds and scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add l tsp vanilla extract and beat on medium for l5 seconds, then beat for 2 more minutes on high. Add the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, allspice and cloves, then beat on medium for 30 seconds. Remove the bowl for the mixer. Use a rubber spatula to finish mixing the batter until it is smooth and thoroughly combined. Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture into the prepared springform pan, spreading evenly.

Place a 9 by 1 1/2 inch cake pan partially filled with 4 cups of hot water on the bottom rack of the 300 degree oven (the bottom rack should be at least 3 inches below the center rack). Place both cheesecakes on the center rack of the oven and bake for l hour and l0 minutes, until the internal temperature of the cheesecake fillings reaches l70 degrees. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecakes to remain in the oven for an additional 20 minutes. (Do not open the door - it will let out all the moisture and cause your cheesecakes to crack.)

Remove from the oven and cool at room temperature for 20 minutes. Refrigerate the chocolate cheescake for l hour, but keep the pumpkin cheesecake at room temperature (do not remove either cake from the pan).

Pour l cup of Semisweet Chocolate Ganache over the top of the chilled chocolate cheesecake. Spread the ganache evenly over the top of the chocolate cheesecake. Remove the pumpkin cheesecake from the springform pan, leaving the bottom on - invert the pumpkin cheesecake onto the layer of ganache. Gently press down on the cake to set in place. Wrap the entire cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours to set.

The cheesecake can now be released from the springform pan. Remove the plastic wrap and insert a knife vertically around the outside edge of the cheesecake. Carefully release and remove the springform pan. Place the cheesecake on a wire rack and pour remaining ganache over the top and smooth it over the sides. Press the remaining cookie/pecan crumbs into the sides of the cake, coating evenly. Remove the bottom of the springform pan and place on serving dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting and serving.

To cut and serve heat the blade of the serrated knife under hot water before cutting, and run it under hot water after making each slice. Place a piece of cheesecake in the center of each plate and serve. Yield: 12 Servings

Thankful Thursday

Since today is Thanksgiving and there are SO MANY things to be thankful for so I won't make a big long list but I want to just name a few:

• I am thankful for Scott; for his constant love and support, for his sense of humor, for his help around the house - doing dishes, laundry and helping out with whatever he can. I am thankful he has a job during this time of economic uncertainty.
• I am thankful for my wonderful, beautiful children: For Brooke's unfailing loyalty and help. She works hard everyday, many times without pay. She is a joy to be around, she is my best friend, a good little mother and hard worker. Brent is so awesome! I am so glad to have him home with us so we can love him and help him heal. He is such a gentle soul and so easy to please. I am thankful he is filling our home with his music again. Ashley is a joy and is sweet in every way (most of the time). She has a good heart and lots of love. It makes me sad that they are so grown up. But I am thankful that they have grown up better than I could have ever imagined.
  
• I am thankful for my sweet little grandchildren who love unconditionally. These little sweeties bring love, laughter and true joy into my life. It is so fun to watch them grow up and love everything they do (good or bad) and be able to laugh at their antics and spoil them rotten.
• I am thankful that our family is so close. Moving a lot has made us closer than most families. For many years all we had was each other. And because we are so close I always know who I can count on...who will be there...and who keeps their promises. Where other fail, we are ALWAYS there for each other.
• I am thankful for Craig and Cyndy and our long standing holiday tradition with them. It has been truely relaxing, fun and enjoyable!
• I am thankful for Elliot's Preemie Tees and the opportunity we have to touch and bless so many lives.
  

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for the March of Dimes...

Because this month is Prematurity Awareness Month I have been thinking a lot about the March of Dimes and all the ways they were helpful and instrumental in helping to save Elliot's life. I know that they sometimes get a bad wrap because of their research on birth defects and the results being used by abortion groups to terminate pregnancies. But that was not the intent of the research. Their mission has always been about saving babies. So now I want to tell you that EVERYONE who has EVER had a baby in America should thank the March of Dimes for their work! If you have had a baby then look over the list of what they have done for you too! I highlighted all the ones that affected Elliot...tell me how they have helped you?

March of Dimes Milestones and Timeline

January 1938
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt establishes the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis - a unique partnership of scientists and volunteers - to conquer polio.

Eddie Cantor creates the first grassroots fund-raiser for the National Foundation, asking the public to send dimes to President Roosevelt at the White House. The effort was called the March of Dimes, which later became part of the official name of the foundation.

March of Dimes first research grant goes to Yale University.

1939
March of Dimes first chapter is established in Coshocton, Ohio.

1941
March of Dimes provides first iron lung to assist polio victims.

1949
March of Dimes selects Dr. Jonas Salk to lead research on classifying polio viruses.

1950
First Mothers March launched in Phoenix, Arizona., to raise emergency funding during a serious polio outbreak.

1952
Virginia Apgar, M.D., develops the Apgar Score, a clinical system for evaluating an infant's physical condition at birth. By the end of the decade, it becomes the standard practice in obstetrical care throughout the world, and remains so today. Her scoring system was the crucial first step in the evolution of medical subspecialties focused on newborns. Dr. Apgar worked from 1959 until her death in 1974 for the March of Dimes.

1953
Dr. Salk confirms the feasibility of a killed-virus vaccine for polio.

1954
March of Dimes runs field trials of Salk vaccine with 1,830,000 schoolchildren participating. The test is the largest peacetime mobilization of volunteers in history.

April 12, 1955
Salk vaccine is declared "safe, effective and potent."

1958
March of Dimes initiates the first concerted efforts to save babies from birth defects.

1960
March of Dimes establishes The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, Calif.

1961
Earlier March of Dimes work pays off in the development of the PKU test. This allows some forms of mental retardation to be prevented.

1962
Oral polio vaccine, developed by Dr. Albert Sabin with funding from the March of Dimes is licensed.

1968
March of Dimes funds the first successful bone marrow transplant to correct a birth defect.

1970
First WalkAmerica events take place in San Antonio, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio.

1973
March of Dimes researchers discover that alcohol consumption during pregnancy causes birth defects.

March of Dimes funds first in utero treatment for a birth defect.

April Murphy is first baby to be successfully treated in the womb for birth defects

1976
March of Dimes calls for creation of a regional system of newborn intensive care units to save sick babies.

1978
March of Dimes funds first prenatal diagnosis of sickle cell anemia.

1981
March of Dimes funds first successful surgery to correct a urinary blockage in an unborn baby.

1982
March of Dimes launches "Babies & You" program to bring prenatal education to the workplace.

1984
March of Dimes funds development of a newborn screening test for biotinidase deficiency, which can cause mental retardation and death unless treated promptly.

1985
March of Dimes funds research leading to the use of surfactant to treat respiratory distress syndrome(RDS). Danielle Cofey is one of first infants to be treated with life-saving surfactant therapy.

1989
March of Dimes grantee performs the first in utero surgery to repair a diaphragmatic hernia in an unborn baby.

Blake Schultz is first baby to undergo lifesaving fetal surgery to correct a diaphragmatic hernia.

1991
March of Dimes funds research showing that delivering babies with spina bifida by cesarean section may save them from paralysis.

March of Dimes grantees identify genes responsible for Marfan syndrome -- an inherited disorder of connective tissue, and fragile X syndrome -- the most common known familial cause of mental retardation.

1992
March of Dimes grantee locates a gene connected with 70 to 80 percent of cases of acute leukemia in infants.

1993
March of Dimes grantees clone gene responsible for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy — a rare and often fatal hereditary disease characterized by adrenal failure and paralysis.

Ashanthi DeSilva and Cynthia Cutshall become first Americans to undergo gene therapy.

1994
March of Dimes launches nationwide campaign urging women to take the B vitamin folic acid to help prevent neural tube birth defects.

1995
March of Dimes grantees share Nobel Prize for research on fruit flies that identified master genes that control the early structural development of the body.

March of Dimes funds research showing that treating certain infections with antibiotics reduces the risk of preterm delivery.

1996
March of Dimes-supported research on nitric oxide leads to a new treatment to save premature babies from persistent pulmonary hypertension, a deadly lung disorder.

March of Dimes volunteers help secure passage of the Mothers' and Newborns' Health Protection Act, guaranteeing a minimum hospital stay of 48 hours following delivery.

With March of Dimes support, the FDA approves fortification of grain products with folic acid.

1997
March of Dimes grantee successfully uses deactivated HIV viruses as delivery systems for healthy genes in gene therapy.

March of Dimes grantee finds that gene abnormalities in the development of certain enzymes involved in folic acid metabolism may contribute to susceptibility to neural tube defects.

March of Dimes grantee identifies a gene for Alagille syndrome, a rare inherited disorder that causes abnormalities in different parts of the body.

March of Dimes volunteers help secure passage of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP), to provide health care coverage for up to 5 million children.

1998
March of Dimes volunteers help secure passage of the Birth Defects Prevention Act, establishing a nationwide network of birth defects monitoring and research programs.

March of Dimes research leads to one of the first successful surgeries to treat spina bifida before birth. Noah Kipfmiller is one of the first babies to undergo this pioneering open-womb surgical procedure.

1999
March of Dimes grantees successfully use gene therapy to treat hemophilia and retinitis pigmentosa in the lab.

2000
March of Dimes volunteers developed key provisions and worked to enact The Children's Health Act of 2000. The law creates a National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and helps states to expand newborn screening.

2001
March of Dimes launches a partnership with the Dutch-based de Waal Foundation to provide prenatal care and birth defects prevention information to women in Ecuador, Honduras and Nicaragua.

2002
March of Dimes grantees win the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology for their discoveries on genetic regulation of organ development and programmed cell death (apoptosis).

The March of Dimes promotion of folic acid fortification and awareness contributed to a 21 percent decline in the occurrence of neural tube birth defects between 1995 - 2000.

2003
March of Dimes launches a multimillion dollar, multiyear campaign to prevent premature birth and raise awareness of its serious consequences.

2005
The North Building at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is dedicated to March of Dimes volunteers, as part of the 50th anniversary of the polio vaccine.

2006
Nobel Prizes are awarded to March of Dimes grantees Drs. Roger D. Kornberg and Craig Mello for groundbreaking discoveries on RNA and its role in human development.

March of Dimes advocacy leads to passage of the PREEMIE Act to bring together experts from the private and public sectors to speed development of prevention strategies for preterm labor and delivery.

2007
March of Dimes volunteer efforts lead to increase in newborn screening. Nearly 90 percent of all babies born in the U.S. – more than double the percentage in 2005 – live in states that require screening for at least 21 of 29 life-threatening but treatable disorders.

During November, Prematurity Awareness Month, the Every Baby Has a Story campaign and bus tour enable families everywhere to tell their baby's special story and become part of the March of Dimes online story community.

Three recipients of the March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology are awarded Nobel Prizes: Mario R. Capecchi, PhD; Sir Martin I. Evans, PhD, DSc, FRS; and Oliver Smithies, D.Phil. FRS

Recipe of the Week

ALL THINGS HOT CHOCOLATE



It is no secret that I love Chocolate! So I decided that sharing my passion with you is the best gift I can give to you this Christmas. Chocolate is a very diverse and multifaceted epicurean delight. It would be impossible to share all there is to know about chocolate here…I would have to write a book!

So during the season of snow and cold what better way to warm the body and soul than a wonderful cup of hot chocolate or hot cocoa…Yes! There is a difference between the two! Hot cocoa is made of dry ingredients like dry milk and cocoa powder. Hot Chocolate is the real deal…milk and real chocolate. Most people prefer one of the other and it just depends on your taste as to which one you think is better.

I have included here some of my favorite recipes. The first one is my own concoction… the others I have found over the years. I consider them the “best of the best.” All of them are wonderful and worth the effort to try them. I say worth the effort because fine chocolate, like fine wine, is sometimes hard to find and takes a little bit of effort to find really GOOD chocolate. When you find it – it makes all the difference! Today with the use of the internet it is not as hard as it once was. Also, fine chocolate has recently become fashionable; most grocery stores are starting to carry quite an array of them. Every chocolate is different. How it tastes depends on where it is grown. Valrhona (from France) is considered one “the best” chocolates in the world. It is grown exclusively on one cocoa plantation and picked and prepared by hand. If you get your hands on some you will know you have died and gone to chocolate heaven. But if you can’t find this one near you then you might opt for some of the more easily available variety. Scharffen Berger is excellent and available at William-Sonoma. Some others are Amedei, Domori, Pralus and Valrhona to name a few. Try some of them out or find others not mentioned here and you will see what I mean. And for heaven sakes, DO NOT use Hershey’s chocolate unless you just really like it! Be adventurous and try something new! Break out of your comfort zone and you might be amazed at what you find! Enjoy!

Debbie’s Spicy Hot Cocoa Mix
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup high quality cocoa powder*
2 cups powdered milk
1 cup non-dairy creamer
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Allspice
1 Teaspoon Nutmeg
Hot water
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly. In a small pot, heat 4 to 6 cups of water.
Fill your mug half full with the mixture and pour in hot water. Stir to combine. Seal the rest in an airtight container, keeps indefinitely in the pantry. This also works great with warm milk for a richer treat.
* Use Ghirardelli at the least (trust me it makes a difference!) and for an extra treat William-Sonoma carries Valrhona cocoa.


Serendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate
It's famous, it's infamous, it's notorious. It has destroyed diets and led to love affairs. Marriages have been proposed over it, couples have been wed in it, princes have been made from it. People have traveled from all corners of the world for just one sip of our creamy, dreamy, icy blend of chocolaty goodness. It'll make you want to blow bubbles through your straw. It makes everyone a child again.

For years, fans begged and plead and offered firstborn sons for the recipe, but we three princes guarded the formula with our lives. It was such a closely kept secret that not even the White House could gain access to it. Jackie Kennedy once requested the recipe so that it could be served at a gala evening at the While House. I offered to travel to Washington to make it myself, but when my security clearance didn't come through in time, I refused to hand over the secret formula — not even to the First Lady herself!

When customers asked how it was made, we would respond that we had a Rube Goldberg machine churning it out in the back — a hodgepodge of arms, wheels, gears, handles, paddles, and even canaries in cages working in concert to concoct the magic elixir. We would never let on that it was as simple as a blender and some magnificent chocolate.

And now, to thank our customers for fifty great years, we've finally decided to share the secret recipe with the world. For truly authentic Serendipity taste, throw a sprinkle of magic in the mix. For this and all the frozen drinks that follow, the recipe yields one gigantic Serendipity-sized serving, which is perfect for sharing. Enjoy.

6 half-ounce pieces of a variety of your favorite chocolates
2 teaspoons store bought hot chocolate mix
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups milk
3 cups ice
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings

Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place it in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted. Add the cocoa and sugar, stirring constantly until thoroughly blended. Remove from heat and slowly add 1/2 cup of the milk and stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature.

In a blender place the remaining cup of milk, the room temperature chocolate mixture, and the ice. Blend on high speed until smooth and the consistency of a frozen daiquiri. Pour into a giant goblet and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Enjoy with a spoon or a straw. . . .or both!


White House Hot Cocoa
This was gleaned from whitehouse.gov, "from Mrs. Bush's kitchen"

Ingredients:
6 T. Unsweetened cocoa
6 T. Sugar
Pinch of Salt
2 1/2 cup Milk
2 1/2 cup Light Cream
1/2 t. Vanilla (or more)
Pinch of Cinnamon Powder (optional)
Whipped Cream
Orange Zest

Mix cocoa, salt, and sugar.
Add milk. Heat to dissolve.
Add light cream, cinnamon, vanilla. Heat to just under boiling.
Mix very well and pour into warm mug.
Top with whipped cream, cocoa powder, and fine orange zest.


Chocolat Chaud
(From It Must've Been Something I Ate by Jeffrey Steingarten — adapted from Pierre Hermé)

Ingredients:
• 2-1/4 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup bottled still water
• 1/4 cup (generous) superfine granulated sugar
• 1 100-gm bar (3-1/2 ounces) dark bittersweet chocolate, Scharffen Berger, Valrhona, or Lindt (see note, below), finely sliced with a serrated bread knife
• 1/4 cup (1 ounce or 28 gm) cocoa powder, loosely packed, preferably Valrhona
Instructions:

In a 2-quart saucepan, stir together the milk, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the chopped chocolate and the cocoa and bring to a boil again, whisking until the chocolate and cocoa are dissolved and the mixture has thickened. Reduce the heat to very low.
Blend for 5 minutes with an immersion mixer or whirl the hot chocolate in a standard blender for half a minute, until thick and foamy.
Yield: Four 6-ounce cups of hot chocolate.

Note: I [Steingarten] use a dark chocolate containing close to 70 percent cocoa, though Lindt bittersweet also works just fine. The Mayans and the Aztecs considered the froth the best part. Today, five minutes with an immersion mixer or a blender accomplishes what a half hour of beating did long ago.


White Hot Chocolate
Recipe created by Martha Stewart for Oprah Winfrey

Ingredients:
2 cups of heavy cream
6 cups whole milk
12 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 block of dark chocolate

Using a vegetable peeler, shave chocolate into curls; set aside.

Place white chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl; set aside. Place milk and cream in a medium saucepan set over medium heat until bubbles begin to form around edges of pan (about 4 minutes). Do not boil.

Remove mixture from the flame. Immediately pour over white chocolate. When chocolate begins to melt, gently stir to combine.

Whisk in vanilla. Continue whisking until light foam forms.

Serve immediately. Garnish with chocolate shavings or Homemade Marshmallows. Serves 8


Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows
For an extra wonderful treat make your own marshmallows! Yes!...I am serious...just try it!

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 4 packages (1/4 ounce each) unflavored gelatin
• 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring
• Vegetable-oil cooking spray
1. Coat an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray; line bottom with parchment paper. Coat the parchment with cooking spray, and set pan aside. Put sugar, corn syrup, and 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Stop stirring; let mixture come to a boil. Raise heat to medium-high; cook until mixture registers 260 degrees on a candy thermometer.
2. Meanwhile, sprinkle gelatin over 3/4 cup water in a heatproof bowl; let stand 5 minutes to soften. Set the bowl with the gelatin mixture over a pan of simmering water; whisk constantly until gelatin is dissolved. Remove from heat, and stir in extract; set aside.
3. Beat egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until stiff (but not dry) peaks form. Whisk gelatin mixture into sugar mixture; with mixer running, gradually add to egg whites. Mix on high speed until very thick, 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Pour mixture into lined pan. Working quickly, drop dots of red food coloring across surface of marshmallow. Using a toothpick, swirl food coloring into marshmallow to create a marbleized effect. Let marshmallow stand, uncovered, at room temperature until firm, at least 3 hours or overnight. Cut into squares.

Little Harper Grace - A New Book for Preemies

Little Harper Grace is a shy, pint-sized girl who meets an unlikely friend in her backyard. It takes a little birdie to show her that being different is okay and that each of us has our own unique talents--we just have to believe in ourselves.

Explore the story of Little Harper Grace and make sure to share this site with friends, download free screen savers and don't forget to buy the book! Five percent of the purchase price of each book sold will be donated to the March of Dimes.

Little Harper Grace

written by Jessie Preza
illustrations by Meghan Daly

I Can't Stand it Any More!!!

I just have to decorate for Christmas!! I don't know what is wrong with me, but I need a little Christmas...right this very minute! Scott always makes me wait until after Thanksgiving, but it is driving me crazy to wait...so I guess I will just have to decorate my blog for Christmas...

So here we gooooo!!!!

Recipe of the Week

Thanksgiving Turkey Brine

This is just about the BEST turkey you will ever make! It comes out so moist and flavorful. The gravy is fabulous (it can be on the salty side). Directions for brining is at the bottom of the recipe. Be sure to read the entire recipe days before you plan to cook the turkey so you understand all the steps involved, have all the ingredients and have enough time! This takes some work...but it is sooooo worth it!!!

1 (14 to 16 pound) frozen young turkey
For the brine:
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 gallon vegetable stock
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1/2 tablespoon allspice berries

1/2 tablespoon juniper berries
1/2 tablespoon candied ginger
1 gallon iced water
1 red apple, sliced
1/2 onion, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
For roasting:

3-4 cloves garlic cut in half

1 onion cut in half
4 sprigs rosemary

8-10 sprigs of thyme
6 leaves sage

Whole lemon, cut in half

Salt

Pepper
Olive oil

Combine all brine ingredients, except ice water, in a stockpot, and bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve solids, then remove from heat, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Early on the day of cooking, (or late the night before) combine the brine and ice water in a clean 5-gallon bucket. Place thawed turkey breast side down in brine, cover, and refrigerate or set in cool area (like a basement) for 6 -10 hours. Turn turkey over once, half way through brining.

A few minutes before roasting, heat oven to 500 degrees. Remove bird from brine and rinse inside and out with cold water. Discard brine.

Place bird on roasting rack inside wide, low pan and pat dry with paper towels. Rub bird skin with garlic cloves and onion, toss inside the cavity. Rub skin with lemon juice and toss the rind into cavity. Chop ½ of the remaining herbs. Loosen skin around the breasts and spread chopped herbs over the breast pieces under the skin. Stuff remaining herbs into bird cavity. Tuck back wings and tie legs together, coat whole bird liberally with olive (or other neutral) oil. Salt and pepper to taste.

Roast on lowest level of the oven at 500 degrees F. for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cover breast with double layer of aluminum foil, insert probe thermometer into thickest part of the breast and return to oven, reducing temperature to 350 degrees F. Set thermometer alarm (if available) to 161 degrees. A 14 to 16 pound bird should require a total of 2 to 2 1/2 hours of roasting. (Roast 15 minutes per pound) Let turkey rest, loosely covered for 15 minutes before carving.

Make gravy from drippings. Carve turkey just before serving.

Poultry Brining 101

The best way to get flavorful poultry, regardless of how it is prepared, is to start with a brine. Brining adds moisture and flavor to poultry and helps to keep it from drying out. A turkey can be a serious investment in time so you want to make sure it is perfect, especially if you're entertaining. Whether you grill, smoke, fry, or roast your turkey, you should use a brined bird.

To properly brine a turkey you need to start the night before you plan to cook. You will need 10 to 12 hours (or more), a container large enough to hold your turkey and enough brine to cover it. You'll also need salt, water, sugar, seasonings, and enough room to refrigerate it. A large stainless steel stock pot or even a 5 gallon clean plastic bucket Whatever container you choose the turkey needs to have enough room to be turned so it should be big. Both Reynolds (Oven Roasting Bag for Turkeys) and Ziploc (XL Storage Bag) make very large food safe sealable bags that are great for brining.

Now let's get to the turkey. The turkey should be cleaned out, completely thawed, and should not be a self-basting or Kosher turkey. Self-basting and Kosher turkeys have a salty stock added that will make your brined turkey too salty. A fresh turkey works best, but a completely thawed, frozen turkey will work just as well.

To make the brine, mix 1 cup of salt in 1 gallon of water. You will need more than 1 gallon of water but that’s the ratio to aim for. One way of telling if you have enough salt in your brine is that a raw egg will float in it. Make sure that the salt is completely dissolved before adding the seasonings you like, making sure not to add anything that contains salt.

Sugar is optional to any brine, but works to counteract the flavor of the salt. While you may choose a brine without sugar, I do recommend that you add sugar (any kind of "sweet" will do) to maintain the flavor of the turkey. Add up to 1 cup of sugar per gallon of brine. Like the salt you need to make sure that the sugar is completely dissolved.

Place the turkey in a container and pour in enough brine to completely cover the turkey with an inch or two to spare. You do not want any part of the turkey above the surface of the brine. Now you put the whole thing in the refrigerator. If you are like me, making enough room in the fridge is the hardest part of this project. The turkey should sit in the brine for at least 1 hour per pound of turkey. You can leave the bird in the brine for as much as 24 hours but the amount of moisture the turkey will absorb decreases over time. 10 hours should be the minimum for brining a large turkey. Brining for too long can ruin the flavor and make the turkey too salty. 24 hours should be the maximum amount of time you brine. If you are using a smaller turkey use the hour per pound rule.

Don't have room in the refrigerator? Try a cooler. A cooler big enough to hold your turkey makes a good container for your turkey and brine. The cooler will help keep it cool and allow you to brine your turkey without taking up precious refrigerator space. If the weather is cool, but not freezing you can put the whole thing outside until you need the turkey. If the weather is warm fill a half gallon milk carton with water and freeze it. Place this in the cooler with the turkey and brine and it will hold down the temperature during the brining process.

When you are ready to start cooking your turkey, remove it from the brine and rinse it off thoroughly in the sink with cold water until all traces of salt are off the surface inside and out. Safely discard the brine and cook your turkey as normal. You will notice the second you start to carve your turkey that the brining has helped it retain moisture. The first bite will sell you on brining turkeys forever, and after you've tried this you will want to brine all your poultry.