Chaletmomma

Hi Friends as we flip the calendar to December here is a list of some fun activities to enjoy over the next 29 days.

Buy a ticket for a Holiday House Tour - Winding through Warwick is one my late Mother In Law Marge was involved with for years. I have attended it and events hosted by local women’s clubs in my area. If there isn’t one in your area or within a not too far driving distance - why not organize a round robin with neighbors - decide which house will be the last stop and gather there for take away or go onto a local restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Drop by a local Holiday Bazaar - Morris County Farms

Visit a downtown to admire the Windows.

Participate in a Holiday Cookie Exchange.

Enjoy a drive and marvel at the Lights.

Gather family to tackle tasks together: Cards, Gift Wrapping and Baking.

Buy tickets for a theater or school - dress up and enjoy the Show.

Go Skating.

Some additional options are visiting a museum, grab tickets to a musical venue or sports team.

Wishing you the time to enjoy some holiday fun! Spending time together is the most important gift there is - OUR TIME! Til next time friends be well and I will see you over on Instagram!

Friends - I am not what I would call a marvel of culinary genius. My mom Rita - having helped in the kitchen from the time she was 7 yrs old and could stand on a chair by the stove and follow her mother’s instructions (who was in a wheelchair with MS) - was a utilitarian cook - she had a smallish repertoire of dishes she prepared well and after 28 yrs I still dearly miss her roast beef. And that’s the type of cook I am as well - I’m not inventive - I follow recipes unless it’s something I’ve been preparing forever - like my mother’s Hot Crabmeat Dip. I’ve also recently fallen in love with Trader Joe’s many prepared dishes that are simply too tasty! But, with the new calendar I find myself excited to try my hand at a few new recipes.

Here are the three cookbooks whose dishes I feel comfortable to prepare or have prepared and most importantly - dishes I know my family will enjoy.

I received Savor and a fabulous charcuterie board at Christmas and there is nothing I like better than to graze… I love to serve snacks that are hearty enough to become a meal. We own a Fondue Pot I’m excited to use again!

How Easy Is That is a tried and true favorite from my collection. I have served the Tomatoes Roasted with Pesto so many times! They are so delectable!

Scandinavian Gatherings is not only about food from the different countries of this region but, there are wonderful crafts to incorporate into the celebration and use as decorations for the table and room! I keep hanging onto to the sliver of DNA from my Swedish Great Grandmother! Every Christmas Eve we enjoy Swedish meatballs my sister prepares with Felix Lingonberries on them!