King of the jungle

We were packing up Christmas decorations this morning, including the Adorenaments (ornaments representing different names of Jesus). I thought it'd be a good time to review some of the names. When we got to "Lion of the tribe of Judah," Benji said, "Lion of the tribe of jungle."

A good cookie recipe to try

The boys and I made these cookies last Friday and we have all really enjoyed them. I needed to type up the recipe for a friend, so I thought I'd share with everyone.

Chewy Chocolate-Raisin cookies

1 c. golden raisins, coarsely chopped
1/2 c. brandy (I didn't have any on hand so I just used water)
1 1/2 c. flour (I used whole wheat pastry flour but all-purpose would be fine too)
3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp. gr. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. coarse salt
4 oz. (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup light-brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
6 oz. white chocolate chips
1/2 c. fine sanding or granulated sugar

Bring raisins and brandy to boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, and let stand for 20 min. Meanwhile, whisk together flour, cocoa, 1 tsp. cinnamon, the baking soda, and salt. Preheat oven to 325. Beat butter and brown sugar with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy and bout 2 min. Add honey, and beat until creamy. Reduce speed to low, add flour mixture, and beat until combined. Drain raisins, discard liquid. Add raisin and chocolate to dough. Mix to combine. Whisk together sanding sugar and remaining 1/ tsp. cinnamon. Scoop 2 Tbsp. dough. Roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture, and shape into a ball. Roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture again to coat completely. Repeat with remaining dough. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart, as you work. Bake until just set and starting to crack, 18 to 20 min. Let cool on sheet. (Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.)

My beautiful new quilt

I mentioned on Facebook a few weeks ago that I like this quilt but was unqualified to make it. To my utter surprise, my friend Ruth presented it to me this evening for my Christmas gift. I am so grateful for her hard work and her sweet gift. It just might be the sweetest gift I've ever received. Here are two photos of her handiwork.

one word tag

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your hair? curly
3. Your mother? down-to-earth
4. Your father? handy
5. Your favorite food? sugar
6. Your dream last night? unknown
7. Your favorite drink? coffee
8. Your dream/goal? shine
9. What room are you in? living
10. Your hobby? knitting
11. Your fear? failure
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? clueless
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something that you aren’t? tall
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. Wish list item? clothes
17. Where did you grow up? Arkansas
18. Last thing you did? read
19. What are you wearing? pajamas
20. Your TV? non-existent
21. Your pets? none
22. Friends? lovely
23. Your life? busy
24. Your mood? tired
25. Missing someone? Chihiro
26. Vehicle? Civic
27. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
28. Your favorite store? Banana
29. Your favorite color? green
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? months
32. Your best friend? several
33. One place that I go to over and over? Wal-mart
34. One person who emails me regularly? Bekah
35. Favorite place to eat? Amelia's