The Christmas Tree

This is a book I want to read each Christmas season. It is The Christmas Tree by Julie Salamon. I first found out about this book after having seen the movie years ago while visiting my mother. My aunt had taped it for me to see. I just had to read the book and found it at a bargain price at the bookshop. This little hardback book is charming not only for its story but also for the little illustrations.

Sister Anthony and Tree have been friends since she was a little girl so when she is approached about giving the tree to be used in New York City at Rockefeller Center, she has much to consider. The chief gardener of the Center befriends Sister Anthony and learns what is so special about Tree but also finds his life changed by the nun's stories in a way he had never expected.

Happy reading!
Heidi

Mary's Son: A Tale of Christmas

Today I finished a really wonderful tale called Mary's Son: A Tale of Christmas by Darryl Nyznyk. When I first downloaded this to my Kindle (yes...I finally got a Kindle), I was not sure I was going to like this book. What a surprise. This was again a book who's description on Amazon does not do it justice!

Sarah Stone is a spoiled little rich girl. Jared Roberts is surviving in the slums. Both of their lives are effected by the arrival of Nicholas who takes them on adventure which will change their lives forever.

This is a short review but I would not like to reveal too much of this book. If you enjoy the reason for the Christmas season, this is a must read. It is book that will touch your heart and make you want to read it again each year.

Happy reading!
Heidi

I Saw Three Ships

The Christmas carol I Saw Three Ships has always been a favorite of mine. When I found the book of the same name by Elizabeth Goudge, I ordered it having just read Linnets and Valerians. I was not disappointed and am glad I saved this short read for December!



It is a sweet story about Polly Flowerdew who lives with her two aunts Dorcas and Constantia. Against their wishes, Polly leaves a window open on Christmas Eve in the event that the Three Wise men decide to visit. The words to the carol come to life on a magical Christmas morning...

This book will become a classic that I read over and over during the Christmas season.

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I love looking up the story behind Christmas carols. This one is very old finding its origins back in the 1600s. Here is a little information from whychristmas.com:

The tune of this carol is a traditional English folk song and the words of this carol (of which there are several versions) were written by wandering minstrels as they travelled through the country. In the original version of the carol, the Three Ships were the ones taking the supposed skulls of the wise men to Cologne cathedral in Germany. However, since the Middle Ages when it was first written, there have been many different lyrics with different Bible characters being on the ships. The most common lyrics used today are about Mary and Jesus travelling to Bethlehem.

Happy reading!

Heidi

3 Harvest style appetizers

These are three of the harvest table appetizers I used when guests came over. These are also a great idea for around the holidays if you have people coming over for drinks or before dinner.

Fallen log celery sticks
Celery
Peanut butter
Dried cranberries

Clean and cut up celery sticks. Cut each stick into 3 sections. Fill with peanut butter and add some dried cranberries on top. I tried this combination and it turned out so well that I will line the entire top with the dried cranberries next time.

Stuffed mushrooms
Fresh button mushrooms
Herb cream cheese

Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems with care. Fill each mushroom with herb cream cheese. Back on a cookie sheet in a 400F/200C oven for about 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

Pesto-ham rolls
Frozen puff pastry
Raw ham
Green pesto
Parmasan cheese

Thaw a sheet of frozen puff pastry. (We are able to get it in little square sheets about 6 inches square. If you need to do so, roll out to a square of 6 inch.) Make pesto from a dry herb mix or use ready made from a pot. Spread a thin layer on the dough. Lay raw ham over the pesto. Sprinkle with some parmasan cheese. Roll tightly into a long spiral roll. Using a serrated knife, cut into 8 slices and lay onto a piece of wax paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in a 350F/175C oven.

Bon appitit or eet smakelijk!
Heidi

The Sacrifice

The Sacrifice by Beverly Lewis is the third in a series called Abram's Daughters. I had read the first two books a number of years ago. It is a good series but I will not read the next book for the time being as the story has not grabbed me enough. In this part, we find Hannah becoming baptized into the Amish church while her twin Mary Ruth has chosen her way in the Mennonite faith. Leah goes through life changes finding herself wanting to keep a promise made on her mother's death bed. Sadie contacts the bishop but will she start making a path back home to her family?
Beverly Lewis' description of the surrounding countryside and wooded areas were well done but I found the story less griping as the first two books in the series. It became too predictable for me.

Happy reading!
Heidi

Butternut-Apple Harvest soup

I have been adding recipes under the theme of 'Taste of Autumn' and will continue this throughout the month of November. These are recipes that really give us the taste of an autumn day. You can find them all by using the side bar catagory 'Taste of Autumn'.

Butternut-Apple Harvest soup

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 quart chicken stock
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup light cream
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in leeks and onions, and cook until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Add potato, squash, carrots, apple, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes.
2. Carefully puree the soup in batches in a blender, or use a stick blender to puree the soup right in the pot. Once the soup has been pureed, return it to the pot and stir in wine and cream. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper; simmer gently for 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped chives.

Recipe found on Allrecipes.com

I had some friends over recently and made an autumn harvest buffet. It was snacks and soup for our afternoon coffee and drinks. It was fun putting together things with an autumn theme. I included small diced olive cheese which is a special cheese from the north of Holland which contains Italian spices and olives. A basket of fresh and warm ciabatta with Tuscan cream cheese which again is a fresh product from the north of Holland. The first of the recipes I want to share from my buffet is the butternut-apple harvest soup. It is the most delicious soup. I served it in small mugs to start off our buffet.

Bon appitit or eet smakelijk!
Heidi

Mistletoe Murder

I have finished reading my first seasonal themed book for the coming holiday season. I was in the mood for something with talk of Christmas so grabbed this book which is in my stack of books to read before the end of 2011....Mistletoe Murder by Leslie Meier.

Lucy Stone is a busy wife and mother who works evenings at a mail order company called Country Cousins in Tinker's Cove, Maine. While taking a break, she discovers her boss dead in his car. She works to create a perfect Christmas for her family while also working with local police officer Barney Culpepper to find the killer before the killer finds them.

This books was building up excitement and suddenly it was ending. I think it must be a sign of being good although I would have liked more. I enjoyed meeting Lucy Stone in this first book of the series. I want to spend time this year making space for new books but the next in the series will be on my list for 2012.

Happy reading!
Heidi