almost ready...

Whew! All the presents have been sought, conquered, and wrapped.

This one is my favorite gift ensemble. I used what began as the ragamuffin garland project and then realized it would take me until the Fourth of July to finish it and quit. So, I just cut the twine and used the tiny segment of garland I had made to adorn this gift!

The other gifts graciously accepted much simpler approaches.



Before I begin, this is not my photo. A friend sent me this recipe, saying she has had chronic success with it and it's the easiest cheesecake she's ever made. Once this is posted, I will be in the kitchen making one to contribute to Christmas dinner. Find the recipe and photo here.

This weekend, we had company....

and asparagus with:

(SHHH! Don't tell Julia Child!)

I use McCormick's Hollandaise Mix because I have yet to master homemade Hollandaise. It's always lumpy or too tangy. With this mix you just melt a whole stick of butter and whisk in the contents of the packet with some water.

Then, add to your sauce:

A couple of tablespoons drained pimientos

A couple of tablespoons grated Parmesan

About 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

OR

diced and seeded fresh jalapeno, lightly sauteed until tender

Then, pour it over roasted or steamed asparagus.

I forgot to get a picture of it... and then it was too late.

I hope all your holiday pieces are wrapping up nicely so you can kick back and enjoy the gifts of the season!