TT #9, 13 things I love about November 1st to January 1st




Thirteen Things Mary loves about November 1st to January 1st 1. Sweaters, sweaters, sweatshirts and sweaters! I am a fall person, but I love the comfort that sweaters bring- not to mention all the stuff that sweaters can hide. 2. Making John's Aunt Issy's famous *PB&J Coffee cake*. OK, it's really a Bisquick recipe... but it's a tradition. I always put extra pb, and everyone raves. :O) See below for recipe 3. Putting up the tree on Thanksgiving. We have a 3 day cycle: the tree goes up (along with our door wreath and misc. Christmas decorations), the next day lights, and the day after ornaments. 4. Making gifts. I love crafts and making something with my hands really relaxes me. 5. Making cookies with Anna. October officially marks the beginning of cookie season for us, and lasts until about Valentines Day. 6. Christmas shopping. I know most people hate it, but I love to Christmas shop, especially at night. I don't know why, but coming out of store with my arms full of crinkly bags on a cold night always brings me joy. 7. Sharing the anticipation with my kids. Emma isn't really into it yet, but I love the itchy, squirmy, can't sit still moments that Christmas brings. Anna is flying by the seat of her pants with giddiness and excitement. 8. Guessing what's under the tree. This is a new game Anna likes to play, but obviously we never tell her if she is right. 9. Sitting with the top button of my jeans undone with the ones I love. There is nothing like the satisfaction of a well made and eaten meal. 10. Left overs! need I say more? 11. Making Gingerbread houses. Last year we started a new family tradition, and we all had a lot of fun coming up with creative ideas for candy decorations. 12. Taking time out of the a busy holiday to watch the parade with Anna and John. 13. The uncertainty and promise of the New Year. Every year I am alive is like winning the lottery. :O)




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*** Aunt Issy's PB & Jam Coffee Cake***

2c Bisquick
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c creamy pb (I usually use 1/2 c and it comes out more moist)
3/4 c milk
1 egg
1/2c jam (I use apricot, but you can use your favorite)

• Preheat oven to 400
• Grease round or square pan.
  
• Mix Bisquick and sugar.
• Cut in PB.
• Beat together in separate bowl milk and and egg.
  
• Stir milk/egg it into the Bisquick PB mixture, dont over mix. You still want to have clumps of PB.
• Pour into pan, and spoon jam in rows over top of mixture
• Bake at 400 for 25 minutes, or until browned.
• Drizzle the top with glaze.

Glaze:
1c sifted confectioners sugar (I am too lazy to sift, I never do)
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp water (1 at a time to thin, repeat until you get the desired coconsistency)

Remember that the glaze will melt and run on the warm/hot coffee cake. I usually make it about the consistencyf honey. I usually double the glaze recipe and leave a bowl out as extra glaze for whoever wants it. This helps in case it comes out a little dryer than expected.