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Saturday, December 22, 2012

Odds & Ends

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1. Two weeks ago our community group assembled Homeless Kits. We got the idea from Pinterest after some of our conversations the past few weeks (while reading this book) revolved around ways we might be able to reach others in our community. St. Louis unfortunately has its fair share of homeless people often spotting begging at busy intersections. Our group made twenty-four kits full of everything from toothpaste and a toothbrush to Clif bars to cough drops to socks. We're excited to give them out as we see people in need!


2. Ever since making the Chocolate Covered Oreo Cheesecake Pretzel Bites for my Cheesecake Extravaganza, I've been wanting to make them again. As I mentioned in the original post, they're laborious. LOTS of dipping! Last time I roped my friend Maggie into helping me and once again she came through for me [this time we dipped in chocolate and white chocolate and covered in Christmas sprinkles!]. While I made them to go along with a bunch of other Christmas cookies, I think I'm going to have a hard time parting with the stash in my freezer!

3. Speaking of Maggie, during our marathon cookie baking session last weekend, we also made Ina Garten's salted caramels (but added 1/4 cup bourbon!!). Anytime I make caramel, I'm terrified I'm going to burn it. Despite the caramel not getting quite as firm as we had hoped, they were still a success and I now think all caramel should include bourbon!

4. I'm not a huge movie buff (mostly because my attention span is too short. I prefer TV shows!), but there are a slew of them that I'm wanting to see right now. Silver Linings Playbook. Les Miserables (planning to see this on Christmas Day!). Argo. (Saw Lincoln, by the way, and loved it. Highly, highly recommend!) Have you seen any of these? Any others to recommend? (Don't say The Hobbit. Sorry, but not a fan...)

One Year Ago: Gingerbread Espresso Bundt Cake
Two Years Ago: Brownie Bottom Nutella Cheesecake Squares
Three Years Ago: Sugar Cookie Bites