…And On The Seventh Day…

Today is my crash day. Yesterday would have been but an English breakfast with kippers awaited us in Pasadena with my brother’s family and their new in-law additions from the marital acquisitions this past summer. It is nice having 2 permanent additions to the Mac clan. A lovely sight for our family. The day after Christmas was delightful, the kippers, even the water retention from the sodium overload and the riveting game of Cranium. Nothing like seeing my eldest very… [Read More]

Hot “Hoochy” Coffee

This is the best recipe for a special occasion coffee to serve either with dessert or in place of. I have been making this delicious concoction for years. It’s very simple and parts can be mixed and made ahead of time. Then just add coffee and top with whipped cream and the garnish of your choice and serve.Makes 2 servings. Almond Mocha Coffee1/4 c. amaretto3 T. Kahlua or other *coffee-flavored liqueur1/4 c. plus 2 T. half & half, scalded1 T…. [Read More]

December Cocktails Of The Month The Santa Hat

Santa Hat Cocktail

  This month’s cocktail is all about this…   No, not my attempt of an artsy shot by putting my antique duck decoy in our evergreen pear tree pretending it’s a partridge but “The Santa Hat.”   This is the cocktail we are going to make.   The cocktail needs to be a deep pink or red. I have chosen 3. 2 rum based and 1 vodka based. “Oh, yum!”   Let’s make the Santa’s Hat part first since it… [Read More]

On Tap This Week…

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. The Spirit of Christmas Present will be very busy this week in the PM&P’s household as I’m sure it will be in yours. For my posts this week I’ll have 4 delicious recipes with one being a hot coffee libation for the December Cocktails of The Month to serve on Christmas Eve and day and a preview of my New Year’s Eve Decorated Cookies if I can get my act together and… [Read More]

Christmas Around The Casa

2009 Snowflakes I adore silver dragees. The Eastern sun was shining through our banner reminding me of a stained glass window.   Silver dragees for each of my red doors. Pearls lights surround my entry mirror, pink and silver balls nestle in a bowl, crystal drips from frosty branches and candles warm my entry. Starting to set up my bar.  Very retro. HoHoHo…

Snowmen Pops!

snowman marshmallow pops

A fun project to do with kids of any age. Last year I had son2 bring over a bunch of his buddies with their girlfriends and make these out of marshmallows. I just had to get my hands on a holiday project and have kids over. Even big ones! Stick 3 marshmallows on a long lollipop stick. Spoon melted white candy coating. Decorate with royal icing embellishments (hat, nose, eyes and buttons) Cake decorating stores usually sell these already made…. [Read More]

Hunks of Gingerbread

  My version of a gingerbread man… And for my close friends with whom I share pink martinis, gossip and a good laugh… Original designs. 🙂

I Love Bing, Andy and Perry BUT…

I might decorate to Handel’s Massiah… but when the doorbell rings it’s cool yule all the way! Jazz it up! The Three Wise (crackin’) Men of Vegas, baby…Sammy, Dino and Frankincense. Baring gifts of smoke, scotch and mirth. Tickling the ivories.Rasmey Lewis& Beegie AdairShe has others that are great too. My Girl ~ Diana KrallLove the dress, Di.I know, holiday shopping takes so much out of you.Next time leave the heals at home. Ultra Lounge.Ultra Cool. Sexy and smoothWhen sparks… [Read More]

The 12 Days Of Christmas On Your Doorstep

A couple years ago nightly elves brought to our doorstep something every day for the 12 Days of Christmas. I quickly caught on by the second night what the theme was and looked forward to every morning with absolute delight. I can’t remember every gift but I do recall a bowl of seven goldfish for the seven swans-a-swimming and the three Frenches hens were frozen Cornish game hens. It was all very creative. Of course, I had to stay up… [Read More]

Life Over The Last Week

3 big dinners two of which I hosted. The Mad About Plaid Family Lowland Games Day After Thanksgiving Extravaganza were a smashing success.Why didn’t I take pictures?? Hearing from son2 before he left yesterday to go back to school… “Thanks mom for making my first trip back home so wonderful. The food was so good and you made the house look so cozy with all the decorations. It makes it hard to leave.” I sent with him 4 sandwiches and… [Read More]