Decorating, Family.

So, OK, I’m exhausted. Why you ask? Christmas decorations, I am definitely into the Bah Humbug state of mind at the moment and Matt has sworn he will throw the Christmas tree away so we can’t have one next year. Honestly, I often wonder if it’s worth it. On the other hand, I do love Christmas although it’s never been the same without my mother, she was a kid at Christmas right to the end and I feel the same but don’t really have anyone to share it with. Matt is more like the Grinch. If someone offers us any more tree decorations I will definitely refuse. I have enough trouble as it is because we have so many. A friend just popped in and said she was making her husband do it on his own this year as being unable to play golf at the moment, he had nothing to do and was driving her nuts. Fairly soon after Christmas they will be off to the sunny south where he can golf to his heart’s content.  I still have to buy a small poinsettia for the dining table and then it will be done for this year. Yesterday someone mentioned that people were using themes for their decorations nowadays but, she said, all hers had memories attached. I said there you are, memories is your theme. Most of mine are the same, many to do with my mother.

I have my turkey breast, I have my Christmas pud and mince meat tarts, I still have to make rum butter sauce for the pud though. Guess I am ready for Christmas. All my cards have been mailed too.

I asked a cyber friend in England to look up the name of Matt’s brother in her area; lo and behold she found him, or at least a picture of him and some information as he is a leading light in the local Rotary club. I had to get the picture id’d by Matt’s ex wife as we hadn’t seen him in years. It’s so sad the brothers have no real relationship. Partly as Matt built up resentment because his mother expected him to take his brother along all the time and held him responsible for any problems even though he wasn’t anywhere around; he apparently should have been around, no matter what. What a shame. Matt also said his brother was the favourite and could do no wrong. Parents can do a lot of damage if they are not careful.

Here’s a nice easy recipe from Kraft.

Hot Mushroom Turnovers

 
18 servings, 2 turnovers each

What You Need

 

1/2 cup  (1/2 of 8-oz. tub) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread
1/2 cup  plus 1 Tbsp. butter, softened, divided
1-1/2 cups  plus 2 Tbsp. flour, divided
1/2 lb.  fresh mushrooms, finely chopped
1 small  onion, finely chopped
1/4 tsp.  dried thyme leaves
1/4 cup  BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1 egg, beaten

Make It

BEAT cream cheese spread and 1/2 cup butter in large bowl with mixer until blended. Gradually beat in 1-1/2 cups flour; shape into ball. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour.
MEANWHILE, melt remaining butter in medium skillet on medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onions; cook 5 to 7 min. or until mushroom liquid is cooked off. Add thyme and remaining flour; mix well. Stir in sour cream. Remove from heat.
HEAT oven to 400ºF. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 15-inch square. Use 2-1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut dough into 36 rounds, rerolling scraps as necessary.
SPOON 1 tsp. mushroom mixture onto center of each round; brush edge with egg. Fold in half; seal edges with fork. Place on baking sheets sprayed with cooking spray. Cut small slits in tops to allow steam to escape; brush with remaining egg.
BAKE 18 to 20 min. or until golden brown.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Size Wise
These warm mushroom appetizers are sure to be a hit when you share them with friends and family at your next gathering.
Make Ahead
This is a great make-ahead recipe. Assemble turnovers as directed; place on parchment-covered baking sheet. Brush with egg. Freeze, uncovered, until firm, then transfer to a freezerweight resealable plastic bag or freezer container; freeze up to 3 months. When ready to serve, place desired number of turnovers on baking sheets sprayed with cooking spray. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour, then bake as directed.
Note
For best results, let the refrigerated dough stand at room temperature 5 to 10 min. to soften slightly before rolling out.

Have a great day