Joy to the World

 
This is the story we read every year and never tire of hearing.
Every Christmas Eve we gather and read
Luke 2 from the New Testament in the Holy Bible
 
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the  inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
 
I wish you a very merry Christmas and a year filled with rich blessings.

Nutcrackers

 
The world lately seems to have gone nuts.
Well, not everyone, but nutty things are happening.
 
This is one of the good guys.

Nutty Toffee – ohhh so good!

    

The delicious toffee is fairly simple to make – be sure to cook it when the weather is dry – too much moisture in the air will keep it from forming properly (and always use REAL butter.)

NUTTY TOFFEE

             Chop and toast in a 350°oven 5 – 7 minutes
1 C raw almonds

            Set aside.  Place in an 11 x 17″ jelly roll pan

3 C deluxe mixed nuts (no peanuts)

            Rub the inside of a large heavy pan with butter, then melt over low heat

1 1/2 C salted butter

            add

1 1/2 C sugar

3 TBSP water
           

Cook over low heat until sugar is dissolved; avoid getting sugar on the sides of the pan while cooking. Wipe sides down with a wet pastry brush if necessary. When sugar is dissolved, turn heat to medium high and continue cooking to 290° or hard crack stage. Remove from heat, add


1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

            Pour over mixed nuts in baking pan. Immediately spread with

12 oz. milk chocolate chips

            Place an inverted 11 x 17″ pan over the toffee mixture. Allow chocolate chips to melt for   
            about 5 minutes, then using a knife or spatula, spread the chocolate chips evenly over the
            surface of the toffee. Sprinkle with toasted chopped almonds. Place in the freezer for a few 
            minutes to quickly cool toffee. Break apart into chunks with a knife. Store in an airtight       
            container.