Friday, December 27, 2013

melting moments .....

I found this log cabin Santa pattern before Christmas and had to try it out.  You'll find the tutorial here.  The block makes 2 Santas and I made mine smaller than the pattern called for.

Christmas was a quiet one for us this year since our family is scattered far and wide.  However, we still had a Tourtière

 for dinner on the 24th and turkey on Christmas Day; and, of course  Christmas Crackers to pull.   Shortbread and fruitcake are always on hand during the season.  Here is a really easy faux shortbread recipe that I often make year round:

MELTING MOMENTS
2 cups flour
1 cup butter (or margarine)
4 tablespoons icing sugar
Mix well and roll into balls.  Place on an ungreased cookie sheet
and flatten with a fork dipped in flour - I used a glass with a design on the bottom for these ones.
Garnish with a nut or cherry if you like.  Bake in a 350 F oven for about 15 minutes.
The edges should be a bit brown but the tops still white.



In our neck of the woods December has been unusually cold and extremely windy but with little snow.  Some days it was even too cold for Little Dog to have a run. But I am pleased to report that it warmed up considerably for Christmas and there was some fresh snow ... here's Little Dog helping move snow.


Before Christmas I did some sewing for myself.  In the fall I'd made a note to self that I needed to make some shorts for this coming summer and so I did.  Using the serger they sewed up really fast and that makes me wonder why I was avoiding making them.

I came across this scarflet at a link party  - I love it and the instructions were excellent. 

I couldn't resist making a prim heart from red ticking ....
and the little owl turned out smaller than I expected but he's a nice addition to the wee tree.
 

10 comments:

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

How beautiful Kate! You've been so busy and each project is very special. Thank you for sharing with us. Happy New Year!

Linda said...

Great ornaments and I must try your cookie recipe. I had a huge fail with shortbread cookies this year. I do love that there is no rolling out the dough involved in your recipe. Happy New Year!

Timi said...

I like the little log cabin Santa! Thank you for the tuto web site! :o)
Your dog looks so lovely! I think he/she loves the snow very much! :o)))

SewCalGal said...

What a wonderful holiday post. Of course your cookies MELTING MOMENTS definitely caught my attention. Thanks for sharing your recipe. I'm in love with butter cookies to enjoy with a cup of hot tea.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

debbie said...

Those cookies look delicious. I saw a comment you left on another blog so I had to stop by and see your cute dog photo. xx debbie

Carol said...

Love that Log Cabin Santa, Kate! A quiet Christmas sounds delightful to me :)

Wishing you all the best in 2014!

Valma said...

ho my ! shortbread...this is definitely my favourite biscuit
Hubby's one too, obviously we are really found of Scotland =D
last year you gave me the recipe but didn't have a try at it ! I really have to try it next year =)
(2014 hasn't started yet and I'm already in a hurry =D)
this Santa you made is lovely =)
I dreamt of a white Christmas but only had a very windy one ! anyway, it has been a very special day =)
let's go for another year of fun now =D
big hugs
xxx

Lorna McMahon said...

Happy New Year! What sweet decorations you have made for the tree. Your dog is very sweet too!

Anonymous said...

Love your last-minute log cabin santa decoration and your other small ornaments and your baking! Your tourtière is our meat pie ;)...in Saguenay, Quebec, our tourtières are a little different! So many chritstmas customs!

legato1958 said...

Cute decorations! I especially love that Log Cabin Santa! Thanks for the link!
Happy New Year! (Your dog is so cute!)

Susie