December 22, 2023

I found my Christmas mouse the day after we put up the tree. The only time I heard it sing was when I took it out of the shed and brought it upstairs. I changed its position this year thinking it would get more sun but until today it had been quiet as … well as a mouse! But today the sun shone enough in the afternoon for me to hear a chorus of Christmas songs.

I’ve been ready for Christmas for a week and I started my holidays about the time I got Kathryn’s birthday package sent off. I’ve spent long afternoons playing on my iPad and doing a bit of stitching. I’ve also been baking.

I had three recipes to try but so far I’ve only managed one of them. In my 12-Days package from Elizabeth I got a scone mix (I love scones). Pat was on Texada so I didn’t want to start any baking until he was home. I’ve tried scones before that didn’t turn out all that good but this mix worked really well. I think I’ll be more confident to try an original recipe; I think my mistake in the past was mixing them too much.

Also on my list were Squamish Bars (in competition with Nanaimo Bars). The recipe came from Connie Kaldor and they sounded good. They are every bit as sweet as Nanaimo Bars; they are mainly sugar, butter and peanut butter. I had to have Pat help cut them; the crust is quite chewy. I’m not sure I’d make them again.

I picked a recipe for Ted Lasso shortbread but Dave’s Mum sent us a package of her shortbread. The first year Dave spent Christmas with us he brought some shortbread and it is still talked about whenever shortbread is mentioned. And nothing has ever tasted as good. I doubt there will be any left for Christmas but we will enjoy every crumb. Perhaps when the memory of Mary’s shortbread has passed I’ll try my recipe.

I plan to make a Citrus Panna Cotta for dessert for Christmas dinner. Pat picked up the turkey today and I’ll make one more trip to the store for a few things.