Edible Gifts

What is your opinion on edible gifts? Personally, I think they are great. They are fun to make, somewhat personalized, and you can wrap them all pretty! I have to do a Santa Buddy thing for work- something secret- and something Monday thru Friday until the big reveal. That is 5 days of surprising the same person.

I was of course hoping for a woman, but I got a man. But, if I had to get assigned a man, I can't think of a nicer one. He is a volunteer fireman, a hardworker at school, a "work shop/tech. ed" teacher -so same interests as my dad- and he is a giving, Christian man who always thinks of other people before himself. He arranged a fundraiser at work for socks to hand out clean, new socks to low-income families in the area. He also dropped off bags of food at one of MY student's houses because he heard the tough time they were having. What a nice guy! So, I am excited to do something nice for him everyday next week.

Back to edible gifts--I am thinking this is one way to go because he has a family that he could share them with. I always worry if they won't like a certain food, or if they have allergies, but I think he enjoys most anything (he is built like my daddy!) ;-)

My mom was super crafty and productive yesterday and was telling me over the phone that she made homemade fudge for all of her co-workers and they tied a homemade "Cinnamon Stick Santa" ornament to each fudge box. She used a Food Network recipe, so I was impressed. I wish I were at their house to taste it!

Here is the recipe: 

Chocolate Fudge Melt 1/2 stick butter, 4 cups marshmallows, 1 cup cream, 2 cups sugar and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Simmer, stirring, 5 minutes. Off the heat, stir in 3 cups chocolate chips until smooth. Spread in a foil-lined 9-by-13-inch pan. Let cool and cut into squares.

Sounds pretty simple! And yummy. Who wouldn't want chocolate melted with butter and marshmallows.

Did I ever tell you that I think marshmallow should be spelled MarshmEllows because that is how you say it? Well, Merriam Webster never consulted me.

What edible gift ideas do you guys have to share? 

The Wonder of the Golden Arches

Friday night I spent a few hours with my 8th grade students. I helped start a new club this year-World Language Club- and our first excursion was Friday night to 10,000 Villages. 10,000 Villages sells beautiful artisan crafted items at fair trade prices.
 
We have a huge store near us --about 15 minutes from the school- so a group of teachers took the WLC members. It was "provide your own transportation" so that meant I would need to drive the kids there. My parents were in town anyway, so they took their big car and drove all 6 of us! Our plan was to eat at the cafe there. However, when I asked my students which menu item they wanted (quiche, fruit, cheese, bean soup, salads) they all turned up their noses. So....we went to the golden arches after exploring the store. This boy below-- maybe one of the funniest people I have ever met in my.entire.life. He wanted a "large cheeburger with french fries and a 'big' soda from the 'machines'."

Can I just say how adorable it was to take them there? One girl had never seen a fountain soda machine before and was trying to fill the cup by hitting the picture and not the lever. Then she was just standing there waiting. THEN she would hold it all the way to the top and tilt her head to watch. She was so funny and it was adorable. She is brilliant though, and I actually don't teach her anymore because in just THREE school years she caught up to all her native speaking peers with little/no prior education in Thailand!! Amazing. She is now nominated (only one in the school) for a 1,000 scholarship. I am SOOO proud of this girl!

One of my boys (right below) ordered 2 McDoubles a large fry and a Reese's McFlurry and asked if I was proud of him. He is such a sweet Christian boy and is so wonderful at being a friend to the other boys in ESL.

We had a great night laughing and it was surprisingly a fun way to spend my Friday night. I have been so blessed with my Middle School class this year. :) It has been my best Middle School class so far. Note: I only said best MIDDLE school class. ;-) We aren't talking about the High School this year, k?

This chica below is my gal pal in class- she is the only girl! (well we are getting a new student soon!) but she keeps me company and we love to chat about the latest fashion and nail products.


It made for a VERY long day- "working" for about 14 hours then grad. class at night...maybe that is why I came home today from work and slept for 3 hours. My weekends have been more busy than my work weeks. Who has time to relax?
But, I would spend every Friday night at McD's with these wonderful, beautiful kids! :)

Appetizing, Eh?

Here is a good quote from my 3rd period class:

(2 Asian boys are talking at a table working on a COMMA worksheet, so I am not sure how this came up)

Boy 1: Miss Palmer, Have you ever eaten dog?
Me: No. I would get sick.
Boy 2: It's so good. But, you have to take a shower after you eat it.
Boy 1: Yes it's true.
Boy 2: And...it makes you crazy in the head.
Boy 1: But it's so good!
Me: Why do you have to shower after?
Boys together: Because the dog taste like hot.


.....and there goes my breakfast.

Cookie Day Featuring Peppermint Patty Cookies

This past weekend after Thanksgiving, we had the 3rd annual Christmas Cookie Day. We made about 11 or 12 different varieties. As you know, I am ALWAYS trying NEW recipes. Last year my cookie was a PB cup wrapped in dough with chocolate drizzled on it. YUM. It turned out to be popular because this year many people brought that kind.
So, let me share the recipe for Peppermint Patty Surprise cookies. I will try a new recipe next year, but you can bet I'll bring this kind to the 4th annual Cookie day, too!

30 15 45

Peppermint Patty Surprise Cookies:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 1/2 sticks (6 oz.) unsalted butter, slightly softened
• 1 egg
• 24 miniature (about 1 1/2-inch) York patties, unwrapped and chilled
• 6 oz. white chocolate (not chips), chopped- I used Baker's chocolate
• Peppermint candy canes or candies, crushed or finely chopped- I used red course sugar sprinkles

How-To:

1. Using an electric mixer, beat the flour, cocoa powder, both sugars, salt and baking soda on low speed. Beat in the butter, then the egg. Turn out the dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disk; seal. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment. Working with 1 tbsp. of dough at a time, use your fingers to evenly encase each peppermint patty with dough. Place on the prepared pans and smooth the dough with your fingers. Bake, switching the pans halfway through, until just firm to the touch, about 15 minutes. Remove the pans from the oven and let cool slightly. Transfer the cookies on the parchment to a rack to cool completely.
3. Meanwhile, in a double boiler or small, heatproof bowl set over a small saucepan of simmering water, melt half of the white chocolate, stirring until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining white chocolate until smooth. Using a large spoon, drizzle the white chocolate over the cookies. Sprinkle immediately with the crushed peppermint candies. Let set completely before serving or storing.

 

According to my dad, they are best with a cup of hot coffee. Enjoy!! What are your favorite kinds of cookies to make for the season?