A little bit of {Christmas} Heaven on Earth.

 

“If I mess up raising my kids,

nothing else I accomplish in life will really matter …”

 

 

It’s been a really big adjustment having my oldest daughter, Lacey, in school this year. I really miss her when she’s gone – and I miss our adventures together! But the one benefit is I get to have some one-on-one time with Lyla, my middle daughter, in the mornings while Lucia naps. Lyla, now three, was only nine months old when I found out I was pregnant with Lucia and then between pregnancy, moving to another house, a newborn and the craziness of three little kids underfoot, well, let’s just say it’s time for some Lyla-time. 

 

So the other day, we made Christmas Wreath Cookies together. She loves to help out in the kitchen, stir, crack an egg, throw sugar all over the floor and make a horrible mess … but hey, we’re bonding. I can always clean it up later. 

 

(For those of you who are thinking “WHAT?!?! She’s at the stove without an adult!!!?!??!” please note,  I just stood back to take the pic and the heat wasn’t even on yet – :D)

 

She takes her cooking role very, very, very seriously.

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So to make these cookies – which were super cute and fun and EASY for my three year old …. take a stash of mini marshmallows and butter and melt them together on the stove …

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Mix in some rice krispies and some green food colouring.

Remove from heat and stir together. Then form the rice krispies mix into circle shapes (like a Christmas wreath).

And then add some red sprinkles and red Smarties to adorn your little edible wreath. 

 

And the – Enjoy! Or rather, let your kids enjoy because these are definitely a kids’ cookie (unless you are very fond of marshmallows!).

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But on to the ADULT treat of the week … 

 

Are you ready for it??????

 

 

Homemade, deliciously-Christmas-Candycane Latte …

 

Mmmmmmmm ….. 

 

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This year, for Christmas, we, as a family, are attempting to give homemade gifts, wooden gifts, gifts from Etsy, etc. as opposed to plastic or things that just pile up in your house and seem to collect dust. 

 

So I was looking for a recipe for teachers’ gifts, etc. and I found Candycane Syrup.
Yes, folks …. this might have topped my Mr. Hot Steamy and Delicious Gingerbead Latte love affair …

 

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So I thought I’d share this fabulous recipe with you guys to try out at your home for the holidays because I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make!

 

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Christmasy-Fabulous-Candy Cane Syrup

1 cup sugar

1 cup water 

3 candy canes, broken into pieces

Add all three ingredients to a saucepan. Simmer on medium heat until the sugar and candy canes have melted. Let cool and store in fridge in a glass jar. Pour into decorative jars and voila, the perfect teachers’/grandma/neighbour/yourself gift!

 

Add a little bit to your favorite hot chocolate or steamy coffee and you have …. a little bit of Christams Heaven on earth. 

 

I found these cute little bottles at a local warehouse, but I’m 90% sure you can find some at the dollar store (although I couldn’t find any when I went). 

 

 

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Okay, can you tell my mind is seriously in Christmas gear right now? And tonight is the Santa Claus parade in Orangeville! See you all there!!

November 25, 2009 - 11:21 am

Carry Hey Gillian, The Dollarama beside Zehrs has these cool glass jars (mini with a flap lid, and metal closure) Also wondering how long the syrup lasts for, like could I make it now and give it in the middle of December? Beautiful photos as always.

November 23, 2009 - 10:30 am

pammelah Gillian, when my family goes hungry this year, but has some fabu christmas prezzies we will all blame you!! Etsy is my new favorite place to shop, I did 100% of my Christmas shopping in my pj’s there! and the gifts are soooo original! thank you. P.s Lyla looks a little like Terry!

November 22, 2009 - 12:27 pm

Mom Awh, these are such cute pictures! How sweet and precious for Lyla, having these “love” moments with Mommy <3 Gillian, you are turning into a “Martha Stewart”. Proud of you, xo

November 22, 2009 - 7:14 am

vanda This is so cute! I’m going to try this…..what a great idea. Thanks.

November 22, 2009 - 5:11 am

Petra Lyla looks fabulous & the first picture could have come out of a 1950’s book on how to be a [mini] domestic goddess – I love it!
Will have to catch you up on the candy cane syrup drink as only last night I bought a bottle of Starbucks Gingerbread syrup!

November 21, 2009 - 4:56 pm

Mary MJ I am SOOOO trying this

November 21, 2009 - 3:43 pm

Patty Thanks for the recipe!! I saw some caramel candy canes at Walmart yesterday, maybe those would work too! We are also trying to go more of the homemade route this year, so I’m definitely making some!

November 21, 2009 - 3:23 pm

Jennifer All I can say is YUM! Thanks for sharing!

November 21, 2009 - 3:23 pm

Jenn Oooohhhh! This looks just delicious….what a great gift for the teachers. Thanks, you are awesome 🙂

November 21, 2009 - 3:20 pm

Kari my 3 year old LOVES to bake and cook.. and I’m okay with her at the stove stirring marshmallows for rice krispies… provided I’m in the same room! 🙂 but I love your recipe book! it looks interesting! and what a nice gift to give the teacher…. I’m definitely gonna try that too! 🙂